The Commercial Appeal, Inc
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, May 30, 2004: Rajiv Heda was awarded the Dharma Award, a Hindu medal of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), in a ceremony at India Cultural Center and Temple (ICCT) in Eads on May 18. Click here to see the award. Rajiv is a fourth-grader at Chimneyrock Elementary School. Ken Kimble, district director of Chickasaw Council of the BSA, said Rajiv is the first child in the Chickasaw council to receive the Hindu Religion Award. In a congratulatory message, Kimble expressed his happiness over people of many denominations participating in BSA and working toward their religious awards. The requirements for this award include exercises about learning principles of religion, requiring the involvement of two additional adult supervisors. Rajiv’s Dad, Dr. Ghanshyam Heda, a scientist, served as his Dharma-Saati (mentor), and a priest at ICCT, Sri Keshavacharyulu served as his Dharma-Bhakta (counselor). Rajiv had three long sessions with his mentor and counselor to complete a variety of exercises required by North American Hindu Association (NAHA). NAHA is an official appointee of BSA that provides the syllabus, review, and makes the final decision on this award. Pack 365 leader Denton Pearson said, “We were proud to learn Rajiv had completed the requirements for the Hindu Religious Award and thoroughly enjoyed both the ceremony and the tour of the temple.” “The priest was very helpful in explaining the tenants of the Hindu religion and the Weeblo Cub Scouts and their parents were impressed with the intricate details of the temple,” he added.