About Us
True to its motto of Krinvantowishvamaryam – Make the World Noble, the Arya Samaj Greater Houston preaches meaning of Vedas under guidance of the qualified priests. Initially the management committee was called "Panch Pyare" – the five loved ones (Dev Mahajan, Sunil Mehta, Praveen Gulati, Muneesh Gulati, Brij Kathuria and Shekhar Agrawal). They gave their best to establish the Arya Samaj Greater Houston and continued the effort to bring the message of Vedas to all.
Today many key volunteers who believe in serving make up the management committee take responsibility for various tasks. They are supported by teams of dedicated volunteers who successfully undertake regular operations like Sunday Satsang, Adult Classes, DAV Schools and special programs like festivals and hosting scholars.
Pitaji answering a question, "Is education and knowledge of Vedas only for adults?" gave rise to opening of DAV School in 1994. He knew there were a number of excellent schools in the community to offer formal education, but none to teach our children about their heritage and culture. With the continued support of Mehtas, who opened another building space, the school opened its doors with six students. It was run by volunteer Acharya ji, volunteer parents providing instruction in Hindi, Music, Naitik Shiksha, History and Culture.
The Dayanand Arya Vedic Sanskriti School (DAVSS), has continued operation since 1994 on Sundays, where instruction is provided in Yajna, Naitik Shiksha (moral values), Hindi, Indian music, History and Culture of India. Since 2000, the DAV Montessori School has provided pre-school to first grade education for children 2.5 to 7 years olds, enriching traditional Montessori curriculum with a program of instruction in Hindi and Naitik Shiksha, music and dance.
The temple complex also houses a very well stocked library of books in Hindi, English and Sanskrit on all world religions and books of special interest to children.
The yagyashala is a place to hold traditional Vedic ceremonies and celebrations, including weddings. It is also used by the DAVSS for conducting the satsang.
In addition to the year around programs, the Arya Samaj holds special camps and classes during summer, as also the Arya Mahasammelan 2006. The Vedic Culture Center promotes health and spiritual well being of all ages through yoga and meditation classes, seminars, classes on scriptures, health issues, and more. All festivals like Ram Navami, Foundation Day and India’s Independence Day, and Deepawali and Rishi Nirvanostav as celebrated with much fun and frolic (see calendar).
