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CHICAGO, U.S.A., April 6, 2003: A Chicago Indian immigrant is helping area Hindus who cannot get to distant temples by showing “jagrans” on a public access television program. Avi Verma’s program, Jagran TV, is on Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV). Jagran TV is a half-hour show featuring Hindu religious services called jagrans that Verma organizes. The show recently celebrated its first anniversary, and Verma said he plans to continue performing, taping, editing and airing the jagrans as long as the Hindu community and CAN TV want them. “There are too many senior citizens and too many new Indian immigrants. It’s hard for them to go to the temples,” Verma said. “We thought we should do something so people could do their prayers sitting in their living room.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 35,000 Indians in Chicago, and many of them live around Devon Avenue, the heart of Chicago’s Indian community. Yet, the area’s Hindu temples are 30 to 90 minutes away, in Hyde Park or the western suburbs. Verma usually starts the program with puja, or scripture recital. The jagran then focuses on Hindi singing and chanting. Verma invites musicians from the community or sponsors them to come from India to perform.

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