Hindu Temple DE Volunteers
Get to know the dedicated volunteers!
“It has been a very wonderful experience.”
Mrs. Vidhya Balaji grew up in South India. She came to the United States in 2000 and currently lives in Garnet Valley. She mainly volunteers in the office, helping organize car poojas and archanas, as well as providing information to the devotees. Mrs. Balaji helps out with whatever is needed, which could include preparing the deepam, cleaning the goddesses utensils,ironing dhotis for god Shiva, helping with Kalasam, etc. She has been a volunteer at the temple for 10 years. Mrs. Balaji does it because it is a way to stay in touch with her culture and gives her an opportunity for her kids to be immersed as well. She also enjoys the satisfaction of meeting new people and she loves all aspects of volunteering. Mrs. Balaji loves that there is always a specific task designated for her to do when she volunteers because it makes her feel part of the community.
“Whenever they need me for anything I am there.”
Mr. Bachaspati and Mrs. Rupa Roy grew up in Bengal, India. They came to the United States in 1972 and currently live close to the temple in Hockessin, Delaware. Mr. Roy has been volunteering since before the temple was even built and Mrs. Roy started about 12 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Roy started off volunteering in the office and during special occasions. Mr. Roy gave tours for students and made brochures for the temple. He also arranged musical concerts with classical instruments and singing. In addition, he was involved with making the brass plates with the devotees’ names on them. Mr. Roy now takes care of the insurance for the temple and convened the first Hockessin Business Association general meeting at the temple. He still maintains public relations with the community. Mrs. Roy started a Bengali language school, called Sopan, at the temple about 11 years ago. She also used to stage plays, help at the reception desk, and make pooja plates for special poojas. Mr. Roy volunteers because he likes introducing people to the temple and making them feel at ease. His favorite part is meeting people and making them feel at home so they come back. Mrs. Roy loved working with children and getting them involved with temple activities like dramas and children's shows. In 2014, Mr. Roy organized a celebration for Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary. He got a famous Bengali laser specialist to make a laser show capturing the life of Swami Vivekananda and the hall was completely full! In June 2022, Mr. Roy published a children's book titled “Legendary People of Bengal, India for Children” so kids can learn more about the heritage of Bengal. Mr. & Mrs. Roy are founding members of the Bengali Assoc. Of Delaware Valley (BADV), initiating Bengali festivals and Pujas at the Temple, such as Mahalaya, Durga Puja, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Spring Festival.
“Volunteering is my passion.”
Mr. Sharma Saripalli grew up in India and moved to the US from Barbados, in 2001.Presently he lives in Wilmington, Delaware. He does many things as a volunteer. Mr. Saripalli is a devotional coordinator for Shirdi Sai Datta Sannidhi, so he takes care of the religious activities related to that. He is also a cultural coordinator and the director of the Telugu family network. He organizes cultural programs for events such as Ugadi, Sankranti and Dussara. Mr. Saripalli also assists with the hundi collections. He is always willing to help out with whatever is needed. He has been a volunteer at the temple for around 18 years. Mr. Saripalli’s favorite part about volunteering is the cultural activities because he loves the arts, including dramas and singing. He feels lucky to have this opportunity to be of service to the Mahalakshmi and the community. Throughout his time as a volunteer, Mr. Saripalli has learned that what you give comes back. As Sai devotee, he believes in "LOVE ALL and SERVE ALL." He is also grateful to Dr. Sarma Patibanda and Dr. Balreddy Kamireddy for giving him this opportunity to serve.
“You find inspiring people all around you if you get to know them.”
Mrs. Usha Kuppa was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. She came to the United States in 2001 and now lives in Wilmington, Delaware. Mrs. Kuppa is a volunteer at the office, so she is a bridge between the devotees and the services. At the counter, she takes care of the cash register, helps devotees pay for services, and schedules times for priests to do certain services for the devotees. Mrs. Kuppa also provides information to those who ask about services, payments, or the temple in general. She started volunteering last year but has been coming to the temple for a long time. Volunteering is a good use of Mrs. Kuppa’s time as she likes talking to others and meeting different kinds of people. She also loves seeing her friends at the temple and being able to have a conversation with god. Her favorite part about volunteering is the feeling of satisfaction when she is able to make things easier for the devotees. It is memorable to learn about everyone’s unique stories and meet inspiring people. Mrs. Kuppa always makes sure to be pleasant and have a smile so others feel at ease.
“It gives me a lot of peace and satisfaction.”
Mr. Mahesh Iyengar grew up in Mumbai and came to the United States in 1993. He currently lives in Avondale, Pennsylvania. He does many things as a volunteer, from cooking and distributing food to helping upstairs in the temple premises. Mr. Iyengar has been volunteering since 2003 and has seen the temple evolve over the years. He volunteers because he loves giving back to the community and meeting new people. Through volunteering he has learned how to work as a team and serve as much as possible. His easy going nature allows him to make new friends at the temple. The large increase in the number of people that come to the temple and the amount of food they have to make has been memorable for Mr. Iyengar. He is also grateful for Mr. Sarma Patibanda’s perseverance and goal to keep expanding and improving the temple.