(1) The sixth India, Indonesia and Thailand joint dance drama performance will be held on
Saturday, September 18, 2004 in Skokie, Illinois.(2) Northern Illinois University and the International Ramayana Institute of North America are planning to hold the second Ramayana Conference in DeKalb, Illinois from
June 4-5, 2005.
(3) To bring a ten-country "Realizing Rama" dance drama production of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) to different cities in
the United States (tentative).
Ramayana Institute's Mission
To facilitate and promote the exchange of the literary, artistic, cultural and scientific aspects of Ramayana among different countries worldwide
through conferences and performances.
NGO Status
(The Ramayana Institute is a non-religious organization.)
The Ramayana Institute's application for non-government status is in process with the United
Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO).
According to UNESCO, "...the objectives of the Ramayana Institute of North America are compatible with those of UNESCO regarding cultural diversity
and dialogue among cultures..."
Short-Term Activities
To hold, support and encourage worldwide:
(1) Ramayana-related annual conferences
(2) Fine arts Dance Drama programs and art exhibits
(3) Establish and maintain contacts with Ramayana countries and other interested communities
Long-Term Activities
(1) International cultural delegation exchange
(2) Scholar exchange programs
(3) Educational programs and Ramayana-related research in English for the international audience
(4) Ramayana publicity
International Ramayana Institute of North America is Supported By:
- Consulate of Indonesia, Chicago
- Indonesian Students Association in Chicago (Permias)
- Indonesian Women's Association (Dharma Wanita)
- Anila Sinha Foundation (India)
- Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute (Thailand)
- Thai Association of Illinois (Thailand)
- Burmese Buddhist Association, Myanmar (Burma)
- Natya Dance Theatre (India)
Facts
Ramayana has acceptability and a proven track record in several countries worldwide, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar,
Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Surinam, Thailand, Trinidad Tobago and Vietnam (Ramayana Countries).
Moslems, Buddhists and Hindus have voluntarily accepted Ramayana's message. Ramayana promotes good human
values through multinational participants.
Ramayana describes the life story of Rama and has been the basis of classical dances in several countries. It promotes human values and has inspired poets, writers,
sculptors, painters, musicians, dancers, puppeteers and singers worldwide.
Why
There is a universal need to find a unifying factor that brings back the basic values of family life. The assimilation of
Ramayana beliefs in Western culture will achieve this by stressing the commonality of the ideas and values.
(1) It benefits communities in the U.S., Asia and worldwide through the positive family values embedded
in Ramayana.
(2) It forms ties between different Asian communities in the U.S. and around the world.
(3) Activities on a national or regional level in different countries may exist, but an international
effort is missing.
Structure
The institute reports to the Ramayana Committee. The institute's Board of Trustees is selected from the participating Asian countries.
Contact
Vinod Gandhi
799 Roosevelt Rd., Bldg. 6, Ste. 208
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 980-9870
Fax: (305) 946-2410
E-mail: vinogandhi@aol.com
