BSNA and GBC were founded to preserve, protect and promote Brahmanic values and Vedic culture and heritage by imparting knowledge to the younger generation and uplifting different sections of the community. 
The three-day convention opened on July 26 with addresses by BSNA President Dr. Gopal Chaturvedi and GBC President Dr. Shri Kant Mishra and Convention Director Dr. Sukrit Mukherjee. It was followed by a children’s talent show featuring young performer Sujash Mukherjee. A ‘members only’ evening followed when all members and their families participated in a multicolored cultural program hosted by Mudita Tiwari. 
All subsequent days the convention opened in the morning with Yoga session by Yogi Ramesh Pandey, Dr. Jayshree Vyas, Lalan Mishra and bhajans by Dr. Laxmi Shankar Dube.
The formal opening ceremony of the convention took place on July 27 with Vedic chanting and lamp lighting. The welcome speech was given by Mukherjee followed by remarks from Shri Kant Mishra along with the presentation of historical perspective of BSNA. He also introduced the keynote speaker Dr. Sen Pathak. 
Pathak, in his presentation, noted the value of embedded knowledge hidden in Brahmanic values and appealed that first generation Indians should impart this knowledge to the younger generation and stressed on the unity of Brahmans globally. 
A presentation on “Vision, Mind, Brain” by Dr. Salil Tiwary followed by a presentation on “Brahmanatva: Disappearance, and Potential Rebirth: Some Reflections” by Dr. Shive Chaturvedi were well received.
The afternoon session of the convention featured the interactive panel discussion with participation of panelists from the audience. The first one “How can Brahmins take a leadership role in the ills of Hindu Society” moderator by Dr. Vinod Mishra helped to shed light on some real issues creeping into the society that the attendees should be aware of.  The second panel discussion on Indian System of Health moderator Mishra helped to address the benefits of alternative medicine in today’s society including Yoga and Ayurveda. A combined panel discussion on whether “Astrology is a valid science and Brahmins role in worship, rituals and as teacher” was moderated by Mukherjee and created some interactive dialogue sessions within the delegates.
A special panel discussion was organized for the youth.
The evening of July 27 saw a unique cultural program initiated by dance performance choreographed by Paulomi Pandit. It was followed by fusion music with live band involving american and indian classics by Maestro Alok Dasgupta and Team accompanied on tabla and drums by Sukrit Mukherjee himself. This was followed by Bollywood Hindi songs by Swati Kanaglekar & Jairam with live band. The evening ended with very colorful DJ music and open dance floor for all delegates.    
On July 28 morning  a Youth Mixer/ Singles Meet took place. A rewards and recognition ceremony also took place. Special plaques were awarded along with Certificates of Recognition for the US Congress and California Senate. 
Sukrit Mukherjee was awarded with the prestigious “The President’s Volunteer Service Award” from the President of the US through Corporation for National and Community Service.

popularly known as Dadashri or Dada Bhagwan. During the Satsang on July 27 that was attended by about 700 seekers, Deepakbhai talked about Akram Vignan, a simple short and easy path to Self Realization or Atma Gnan.  The Satsang was in a Question & Answer format.  Many questions about life’s problems were answered.
On July 28 morning satsang was conducted by Aptaputra Dimplebhai who was awakened by   Deepakbhai  at a young age and became a devotee. He answered many questions put forth by attendees. In the evening a Gnan Vidhi was conducted. Gnan Vidhi is a two- hour ceremony  which was conducted by Deepakbhai. Following this the five Agans were explained on how to live life as a Pure Soul and dissolve all Karmas of the past life. There were 140 seekers who took the Gnan and the ceremony was attended by about 500 who had taken this Gnan before. Earlier, Deepakbhai  interacted with his followers at a three- day Gnan and fun filled retreat at  Lake Arrowhead, from July 23 to26.  This retreat was only open to his followers from the West Coast. Some 300 devotees attended the retreat  from cities such as Los Angeles,  Phoenix, Tuscon, Las Vegas and as far as Oregon and  got a chance to spend quality time with Deepakbhai.

hosted the renowned top Kirtan Jathas and religious speakers to help celebrate the​ 550th Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Parkash Utsav of Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee.
 Headlining the Gurpurab celebrations were Bhai Pinderpal Singh Ji, Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji, Sant Anoop Singh Ji, Bhai Tejinder Singh Ji, Bhai Gurpreet Singh Ji and others, and  KCF resident Ragi Bhai Sahib Varinder Singh Ji. The celebrations kicked off on July 10 and culminated on July 21. The Ragis had a very busy schedule as they were booked by various Gurdwaras all over Southern California and  did not disappoint and took it all in stride.The Sangat on the other hand had their fill of melodious Kirtan and Katha.
Atamras Kirtan was also performed on July 27 at the Sikh Center of Orange County and on July 28 at the Inland Sikh Education Empire. 
Khalsa Care Foundation in Pacoima, was very fortunate to be able to host them on July17, 18,19 and 20 with evening programs starting at 6 pm until 9 pm . The finale was on July 21. The preparations started long before the program schedule dates with tents set up for the comfort of the Sangat. It was a sight to  behold when one walked in to the tents to find plush carpeting on the ground and tables and chairs for some who were physically challenged to sit cross legged on the floor. 
Sardar Manjit Singh Ji of Bhai Kanhaiya Langar Sevadars and his group of dedicated Sevadars made sure there was ample food and drinks for the thousands of devotees that attended.
The Darbar Hall where devotees paid obesience to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, was well decorated.
Every detail was attended to and taken care of by the Sevadars and it was a joy to behold. Every evening program was well attended.On Sunday, KCF resident Ragi Bhai Varinder Singh Ji and his group started the program followed by kirtan by the renowned Raagi Jathas. There was no gap in the presentations and performing of the Shabads and everything flowed smoothly. The Ragis performed favorite Shabads and  Bhai Pinderpal Singh Ji kept the crowd mesmerized with his knowledge and interpretation of Gurbani and how the Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is relevant in this day and age. Noted Ragi Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji sang Sangat’s favorite Shabads and kept the crowd in stitches with funny personal anecdotes in his experience but with a succinct message not to be missed.  Sant Anoop Singh Ji did the honors wth the crowd’s favorite Shabads and his patented rendition of Bole So Nihall with the Sangat responding with Sat Sri Akaal with arms outstretched head high. The security detail was in force and parking was well organized with overflow parking made available in the school parking lot next door to KCF. For devotees it was a great day not to be forgotten.

which is being celebrated by the Sikh community later this year. Sikh children from ages 7-17 traveled from all over the US and Canada to be part of this camp, which was held in a green, wooded facility in Rockville.
Gurmat classes focused on the writings of Guru Nanak, such as Japji Sahib, the first hymn of Sikhism, and history classes discussed in detail Guru Nanak’s Udaasis travels. Guru Nanak traveled for 27 years and covered thousands of miles and went all the way to Mecca westward, up to Bangladesh and Burma in the East, to Sri Lanka in South, and up to Leh and Tibet in the North. Evening discussions were focused on leadership skill development among the youth. In addition to learning philosophy and history, campers also learned kirtan, tabla, and Gatka.
“These camps provide a safe and stimulating environment for Sikh kids to see themselves as change agents.” Said Hargurpreet Singh, chief organizer of the camp.
Rajwant Singh and Gagan Kaur Narang taught history to all the campers. Both researched material to keep the interest of the youth focused on the lessons from Guru Nanak’s interaction in various the South Asian and Middle Eastern societies.
Rajwant Singh said, “Children were inspired by Guru Nanak’s perseverance in dealing with so many challenges and difficulties during his travels. It taught them how one can keep a balance in the face of adversity.”
Herman Singh Basra and Bhai Gurdarshan Singh, Granthi of GGSF, taught Sikh philosophy. Bhai Gurdarshan Singh said, “Japji Sahib is the foundation of the Sikh faith and it is critical that youth growing up in America learn about this invaluable gift of Guru Nanak to the entire humanity.”
Harjot Singh and Jaspreet Singh taught Gatka, to the campers and organized a gatka show. Parents and relatives of the campers flocked to have a glimpse at this high energy event.
Gagan Kaur Narang said, “We were thrilled by the enthusiasm among the youth to meet with new friends and still have the desire to learn more about their own rich heritage.”
A group of 25 college-going and young professionals were the counselors who organized this camp creatively to prompt critical thinking among the attendees, as well to inspire them to take action for the betterment of the community and, ultimately, the world. Jaspreet Singh, Sehejneet Kaur, Priya Kaur Narang and Inderbir Singh coordinated the counselors.

Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra here on July 6 & July 13. The chariots were pulled by Swami Ishwarananda and Swami Muktatmananda. It was symbolic of the homage of the Guru to the Jagadguru, Lord Jagannath. Around 1000 people from the Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial County and all around Orange County turned up to pull the chariots. Throngs of devotees including devotees from other religions sang and danced to the majestic rhythm of kirtans.Throngs of believers seeking Lord Jagannath’s blessings, vied for the divine opportunity to pull the ropes of the chariots along in the procession. First time, aerial videography was introduced by Satya Nayak with drone technology to capture the special moments of the large procession. 
This year, a new chariot was introduced for the next generation which was embraced by the young with great interest and curosity. The deities were adorned and seated on beautiful lotus seats in the chariot with a new prabha especially made to show the various Gods or Devtaas offering homage to the Lords. The Deities looked very colorful and attractive with beautiful Taihas used during Pahandi or the journey from their mandap to the chariots and decorated with garlands made of fresh lotus and jasmine strings. Special Puja and Archana of the Lord took place in the morning followed by Chappan Bhog, 56 different items presented before the Lord in clay pots.The afternoon celebration started around 5pm with a vibrant cultural program of music, dance, drama and folklore. Yearly Bhakti magazine was distributed on Bahuda Yatra filled with very good paintings, articles from renowned writers and poets from the community and India as well. As the cultural program was coming to an end, priests started the Sandhya Arati. At the end, devotees had a great time in chariot pulling amidst a cool breeze, Indian food, music, dance, drama and went home with a rich experience after a delicious dinner.

In an attempt to continuously have devotees  attend every year, a sense of novelty is added to keep the interest. With hopes of having and holding on to the feeling of freshness organizers and volunteers of the Shri Banke Bihari Seva Mandal continuously strive to bring in different aspects to keep things interesting.
Every evening  began with an Aarti  to ensure an auspicious beginning for the worshippers who were then invited to get blessings from Guru Ji. Followed by the Katha or sermon of the day. Beginning the week off with pomp, June 23 focused on Shoba Yatra, Bhagwat Mahima, and Ganesh Pooja. Shiv Jhanki  was brought to the devotees on June 24 and the next day devotees were entertained with Raman Avatar. The décor and decorations in the hall changed every day to match the theme of the Katha. On June 26 worshippers were presented with the subject of Krishna Janam and Nand Utsav. The events began  with an aarti. Then Deepak Hira debriefed all in attendance of the happenings  earlier in the week. Hira then invited Dr. Prakash Narain, past Mayor of Cypress, and his wife to take blessings from Guru Ji and say a few words. “This is my 10th year and I look forward to the Katha every year because Guru Ji brings a freshness every year,” said Narain.
Hira then requested the audience to donate to the Shri Banke Bihari Seva Mandal. Concluding his speech, Hira thanked Anita Advani for being Yajmaan; as well as sponsors, everyone in the organization, and the volunteers for their help in making this event a success. After this  Guru Ji began his Kathas on Krishna’s birth along with various corresponding bhajans .
The classic Govardhan Pooja was the highlight of June 27. Devotees enjoyed Rukhmani Mangal and Holi on June 28. The week-long procession came to a close on June 29 with Sudhama Charitya Jhanki.
On June 26 -28 devotees were presented with something new and different. During Krishna Janam, the birth of Krishna was demonstrated with an actual baby, Yajmaan Anita Advani’s grandson Shivai Govind. The events on June 27 consisted of a Chappan Bhog, a feast of 56 different types of foods which were offered to the Gods,  unlike what has been presented in previous years.  A new bhajan was brought to the audience for the Vivah. Additionally, in the Holi celebrations, gulal  was brought in to celebrate the festival as well as a new mixture of saffron, rose water, and water  mixed into pichkaris (water guns) to bring the holiday to life.
Concluding the week, worshippers were given the opportunity to go on stage to obtain blessings from Guru Ji as well as to be offered prasad.