PRESS RELEASE

A SMALL INTERFAITH INITIATIVE, A GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND

Shanti–Shanti

SANSKRIT ROCK BAND 

7:00 PM ON FRIDAY, JUNE 17TH, 2005

Eisemann Center, Richardson

 Dallas, Texas. The Foundation for Pluralism has taken the initiative to showcase all the religious communities, one at a time. The idea is to bring people of different faiths together, and have the other faith groups join them in sharing the commonalities and expanding the comfort zone of each group. “The event is a tribute to those who have reached out and expressed commonalities. Indeed, it is a tribute to those who think beyond the box.” Says Mike Ghouse, President of the Foundation for Pluralism.

The kick off event begins with "Shanti- Shanti" the only Sanskrit rock band in America.

The program will open with a traditional lighting of the Diya (Lamp), a symbolic  gesture expressing the prayers from the sacred Hindu text Bhagvad Gita “O Lord, lead us from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge”. And carried forward by invoking Lord Ganesha, an iconic attribute of God that removes the obstacles and paves the way for success. Three Bhajans (devotional songs) of Krishn (Lord Krishna), Ram (Lord Ram) and a generic song that has been popular for over 4 decades has been selected to formally initiate the program.

An introduction of Dallas/ Fort Worth Hindu community will be followed by a power point presentation. Years ago, Mike Ghouse had produced and broadcasted a radio show on Dallas Indians and a chunk of it was about Dallas Hindus'. That includes Hindus from all over the world in addition to India. “We hope each representative of the 7 temples will speak for a few minutes to appraise about his/her temple.” Hopes Mr. Ghouse, who has dedicated his life promoting goodwill and understanding between peoples of different affiliations.

Mihir Meghani, President of Hindu American Foundation,  organization a special trip to reach out to the Hindu community of Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex to appraise the role of Hindu Community in America in a powerful presentation.

Monica Sharma, president of Diya Magazine, a leading Entertainment and Fashion Magazine for the South Asian Community will present a unique fashion show fusing the transitioning Indian and American clothing thru multi-racial female and male models. A piece of Fashion America.

The Foundation for Pluralism will present the “7” Commandments of Pluralism followed by Shanti Shanti.

Shanti Shanti is the only Sanskrit rock band in America. The two sisters Andrea and Sara will raise the enthusiasm in all of us for their style and content. “They have been on Jay leno and PBS show and I predict they will be on top very soon. I have read rave reviews about the program.” Mike Ghouse says in an exciting tone.

"Shanti Shanti is the only Sanskrit rock band in America" (www.shantishanti.com): The music of Shanti Shanti layers Sanskrit chanting over a fusion of ancient and modern music -- a combination that provides a powerful tool of transformation and unforgettable

Entertainment!  Two young sisters, Andrea and Sara Forman, are gaining worldwide recognition for their Sanskrit chanting as well as for their unique approach to New Age and pop music. Sanskrit is the ancient language of India and is known for its tranquil and harmonious effects.  Come experience the magic of their new original songs, which are causing such a stir in the World Music community! 

Shanti Shanti is a performing group consisting of two young sisters, Andrea & Sara Forman. They are gaining worldwide recognition for their Sanskrit chanting as well as for their unique approach to New Age music. Sanskrit is the ancient language of India and is known for its tranquil and harmonious effects. The girls have performed Sanskrit nationwide, including appearances on PBS television programs, and on various radio broadcast shows.

Andrea & Sara have just released their fourth album, which steps into a whole new level of enchantment as they chant, in Sanskrit, the traditional Vedas from India, as well as perform ancient Bhajans. You will also enjoy the magic of their new, original songs, which are causing such a stir in the World Music community.

PRESS REVEIWS:

Reno Gazette
Article
Shanti Shanti's CD is "Hippest expression of Sanskrit" "The sisters from Sparks front the band Shanti Shanti, which has carved a niche by blending ancient Sanskrit chants with original, Western music written by their father, Robert Forman" ..Linda Forman published Dreaming in Realtime "It's basically our whole family's spiritual odyssey... Andrea said. Linda was offered a publishing and distribution deal with North Atlantic Books. This fall, the book is supposed to have nationwide distribution including borders and Barnes and Noble."Reno Gazette Journal,  

Hinduism Today
US Religious Publication
Smitten by Sanskrit "The heart of the universe is in Sanskrit. My favorite Veda is the Rig. It's so cool. The Rig Veda chants are so intense. They follow a specific meter and melody. You can physically feel the effect. My second favorite is the Yajur Veda' more melodious and still very intense."  Hinduism Today,  

Nevada Woman

Sanskrit, Connecting With Your Inner Spirit

  "...They have since become chanting partners, known as Shanti Shanti. For years, University scholars and Indian pundits have witnessed the Forman girls' all-consuming passion to absorb, self-teach, translate and chant this language of the Gods- which has earned them the worldwide recognition for their tasteful, respectful precision and lyrical presentation of Sanskrit. Their dad, Robert, a professional musician, provides all instrumental and vocal backup as well as CD production."
 

Sacred Pathways
Music Review "Walkin" with the Devas, "Walkin" with the Devas, by Shanti Shanti features the music of two college-aged sisters, Andrea and Sara Forman, who are gaining worldwide recognition for their chanting of Sanskrit as well as their unique approach to pop music.
Sacred Pathways,  

Light of Consciousness
  

The details of the program can be viewed at www.MikeGhouse.net

PROGRAM (2:45 Hrs)

Devotional Songs

Introduction of Dallas Hindu Community

Hindu American Foundation

Fashion Show by Monica Sharma

Foundation for Pluralism

MAIN EVENT: Shanti-Shanti: The American Rock Band
Friday, June 17, 7:00 p.m.
Eisemann Center, Countrywide Theater
2351 Performance Drive
Richardson, TX 75082

Purchase your tickets $14 and $19 from Eisemann Center in Richardson by calling: (972) 744 -4650 Or Online at: http://eisemanncenter.com

For sponsorship and tickets of $50 and $100, please contact:

Monica: (972) 658-3890 | Rekha: (214) 578-6147 | Mike: (214) 325-1916

The Foundation for Pluralism

The Foundation for Pluralism is committed to promoting goodwill and understanding between peoples of different affiliations, be it religious, regional, ethnic or any other uniqueness. We believe, if we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness to each one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

Over the last 8 years, we have brought the programs like "Festivals"  where in we take a few minutes on the Radio and share the meaning, essence and tradition of each festival of every faith. Likewise, we have been promoting religious pluralism - where in we learn the wisdom of every faith, the essence that is a common thread in all religions.

Last year, we released a book called the "handbook of religion, which is in the hands of most mayors and civic officials including the law enforcement people. Check the book out at: www.foundationforpluralism.com . The book gives equal space and equal value to all the faiths in its representation.

We are initiating - Seers of the world - where in we will learn the wisdom of the life of all spiritual leaders who have changed the lives of millions of people. Mike Ghouse utters his famous statement “If we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness to each one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge”

“Ego is the root cause of all conflicts in the world, in fact all evil emanates from egotistical nature in humans” argues Mr. Ghouse “and that is the reason God has repeatedly prescribed chanting of the words “God is great” and the symbolic prayer gestures of bowing the head in one fashion or the other as an acknowledgement that we are mortal beings. The internalization of the thought among the faithful that all of us are ‘on par’ in the presence of Lord Leads to acceptance of each other as individuals.”  

Pluralism is an attitude of accepting and respecting every beautiful way people have come to worship the divine; including but no limited to the Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian and other systems of beliefs. Mike further challenges the faithful “the moment you believe yours is the only way, the ego takes over and kills the spirituality and the piety in you” and adds, “and riddance of Ego for one’s peace and tranquility is the summation of all religions.”

 Proceeds from the event will fund the development of the website and the necessary literature and information for the Foundation for Pluralism.

Presented by:

The Foundation for Pluralism

Purchase your tickets from: (972) 744 -4650

Or Online at: http://eisemanncenter.com

For Sponsorship & VIP Tickets

Contact Mike/Monica/Rekha

 www.MikeGhouse.Net

A website for the Subcontinetians

PROGRAM

Devotional Songs by Janice Miller

Introduction of Dallas Hindu Community

Hindu American Foundation

Fashion Show by Monica Sharma

Foundation for Pluralism

 Shanti-Shanti : The American Rock Band

CONTACT:

Monica: (972) 658-3890

Rekha: (214) 578-6147

Mike: (214) 325-1916

Shanti Shanti is a performing group consisting of two young sisters, Andrea & Sara Forman. They are gaining worldwide recognition for their Sanskrit chanting as well as for their unique approach to New Age music. Sanskrit is the ancient language of India and is known for its tranquil and harmonious effects. The girls have performed Sanskrit nationwide, including appearances on PBS television programs, and on various radio broadcast shows.

Andrea & Sara have just released their fourth album, which steps into a whole new level of enchantment as they chant, in Sanskrit, the traditional Vedas from India, as well as perform ancient Bhajans. You will also enjoy the magic of their new, original songs, which are causing such a stir in the World Music community.

JANICE MILLER. SINGER/ENTERTAINER

Pluralism is an attitude of accepting and respecting every beautiful way people have come to worship the divine; including but no limited to the Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian and other systems of beliefs.

Our mission is to promote goodwill and understanding between peoples of different affiliations, be it religious, regional, ethnic or any other uniqueness. If we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness to each one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

The Foundation for Pluralism presents the Radio Program "Wisdom of Religion, all Religions" - on AM Radio 1600 KRVA between 6 and 7AM during the weekdays. The "Handbook of Religions” was released last year, and will be re-released in August this year.  Several Programs are on the way.

Proceeds from the event will fund the development of the website and the necessary literature and information for the Foundation for Pluralism.

If we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness to each one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. Mike Ghouse

THE " 7 " COMANDMENTS OF PLURALISM

3. We shall not ridicule anyone that God has created. It amounts to ridiculing the creator.

4. We shall not attempt to undermine the divinity of other faiths; that amounts to arrogance, and that is the first

thing God wants us to rid of.

5. We shall not blame any religion or a group for the acts

of the individuals. We need to separate wrong doers from religion.

6. We shall not forget that spirituality comes from winning over one's greed, anger, haughtiness, ill-will, pettiness, malice, and ignorance. 

The world is a better place today because of religion, without which there would be more chaos. All the religions are on the same side, that of goodness for mankind.

Supporters of Pluralism

Hindu America Foundation - www.hinduamericanfoundation.org

Hare Krishna Temple : www.radhakalachandji.com

DFW Hindu Temple Society - www.dfwhindutemple.org

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW - www.shirdisaidallas.org