Apparently to counter the worries of Hindus about the upcoming ambitious theater production “Ramayana” staying true to the story and the spirit of their ancient Sanskrit sacred scripture, producer ACT has assured respectful representation of cultures and traditions. 

Becky Lathrop, Director of Marketing and Communications of ACT (A Contemporary Theatre), in an email to distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed on October 16, wrote: “Efforts were taken to make sure that the cultures and traditions are represented respectfully. We hope the production/interpretation will be viewed as a wonderful opportunity to bring the teachings of the Ramayana to a broader audience.” 

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that they were relieved to get the ACT’s assurance on respectful treatment of the highly revered scripture of the Hindus. Zed had earlier urged ACT that the final product should be the true depiction of Ramayana and not a fantasized or a re-imagined version.  

Lathrop, in this email, also wrote: “Accuracy, preparedness and relationship building has been at the forefront of the project for the two years it has been in process.” 

Rajan Zed had earlier stated that Hindus wholeheartedly welcomed theater and film companies to immerse in Hinduism, but taking it seriously and respectfully, as refashioning of Hinduism concepts and symbols for mercantile greed was likely to hurt the sentiments of devotees. Insensitive handling of faith traditions sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols. 

Zed had pointed out that Ramayana was an integral part of Hinduism and was held in such reverence that Hindus believed that simply reading/hearing of it showered blessings upon the reader/listener. Rama, the hero of Ramayana, was incarnation of Vishnu, and was worshipped by Hindus. Zed had earlier expressed concern at the mentioning of “re-imagined environments” in the ACT announcement of the play. 

Ramayana, an ancient Sanskrit scripture that consists of 24,000 stanzas, explores various themes, including human existence, concept of dharma, etc. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal. 

According to reports, opening night of the world premiere of three-hour long multi-discipline “Ramayana” will be held on October 18, and it will continue till November 11. Described by ACT as “eye-popping roller coaster”, its production budget was about $500,000, it took two years in scripting and includes a large ensemble. Rama is played by Rafael Untalan, Sita by Khanh Doan, Ravana by John Farrage, Lakshmana by Tim Gouran and Hanuman by Brandon O'Neill in this play directed by Sheila Daniels and Kurt Beattie and adapted-created by Yussef El Guindi and Stephanie Timm. Tickets cost up to $37.50.  

Located in downtown Seattle and dating back to 1965, ACT defines itself as: “A Theatre of New Ideas…A cultural engine that makes plays, dance, music, and film”; and believes in the “theatre of the moment”. Kurt Beattie, Gian-Carlo Scandiuzzi and Brian Turner are its Artistic Director, Executive Director and Board Chairman respectively.

Hindus welcome celebration of Ganesh-Chaturthi at US Air Force Academy

Hindus have applauded U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) for celebrating Ganesh-Chaturthi at its Colorado Springs (Colorado) campus. 

Commending the Academy for this historic milestone, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, called it a “step in the right direction”. Thus opening-up the cadets to major world religions and non-believers’ viewpoint would make them effective global leaders of tomorrow, Zed added. 

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged other US Military Service Academies like United States Military Academy (West Point), United States Naval Academy, United States Cost Guard Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) also to organize such Hindu religious services and all the five academies to celebrate Diwali festival each year. 

According to USAFA website, cadets and other guests “attended a Hindu service in the Cadet Chapel's multipurpose room Sept. 21 to honor one of the major gods of the Hindu pantheon, marking the first Hindu service in the Cadet Chapel in recent memory”. Besides worship service, it also reportedly included setting-up of an altar with Lord Ganesh image, lamps lighting, incense burning and traditional Indian dance performance. 

Popular festival of Ganesh-Chaturthi is celebrated on fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight of Bhadrapada, which may last for up to ten days.  One of most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism, elephant headed (with a broken tusk) and human bodied Lord Ganesh is regarded as god of wisdom and good luck, patron of learning and remover of obstacles, and invoked at the commencement of all undertakings. Business people and students present their books to Lord Ganesh to ensure good fortune.  

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA. 

Vision of the Academy, US Air Force’s premier institution established in 1954, includes “producing leaders of character”. Its Cadet Chapel, “all-faith house of worship designed to meet the spiritual needs of cadets”, hosts between 500,000 and one million visitors annually. Lt. Gen. Michael C. Gould, Brig. Gen. Gregory J. Lengyel, Brig. Gen. Dana H. Born and Susan C. Schwab are Superintendent, Commandant of Cadets, Dean of the Faculty, and Board of Visitors Chair respectively of the Academy.