BROWARD, FLORIDA, September 17, 2006: For Prema Rathinavelu and Prabha Raj, preparing traditional dishes from their Indian homeland is a way to share their culture with their friends, family and community. The two friends grew up in Chennai, south India, but didn’t meet until five years ago through the Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida. Rathinavelu and Raj cook, shop and volunteer at the temple and other civic organizations. Far away from relatives, the families have formed a special bond. The women enjoy making everything from Italian and Chinese dishes to American fare, but it was their interest and skill in preparing their traditional dishes that led them to help with a special project at the temple. Every weekend, worshipers can lunch on homemade south Indian vegetarian dishes, thanks to the efforts of Rathinavelu, Raj and a group of other volunteers who make sure that no one leaves hungry. The volunteers take turns, buying ingredients, preparing the food at home and taking it to the temple. Temple President Ramanuja Iyengar said the women’s efforts are especially important because many out-of-town visitors travel to the Hindu temple. He said in India it is tradition to offer food at the temple or invite visitors home for a meal. He said such sincere and reliable volunteers help ensure Indian traditions don’t fade away as families adapt to life in the United States.
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