A Story from Palaniswami:

Hinduism Today, Gurudeva’s brilliant creation, continues to amaze. Every single Hindu there knows it and reads it. In the halls and chambers of the Parliament I had a most revealing experience, about four times. It went something like this:

Important swami approaches with impressive retinue, meets us and stops to inquire:

“Namaste, and where are you from?” (Said with the clear sense that we are blessed to meet him)

We’re from Hawaii, swami

Oh. And what is your mission’s name?

Saiva Siddhanta Church

I see. And what do you do there? (awkwardly looking for a way to exit the conversation)

I am the editor of a magazine, swami.

Very good. What magazine would that be?

It’s called Hinduism Today.

(Suddenly there is unrestrained elation in the voice) Hinduism Today! I LOVE Hinduism Today. You’re the editor? I am so glad to meet you. Let’s talk about…

Ah, the power of the press. From no-name minion to BFF in just one sentence. How sweet it is to see everyone’s smile when they know who we are. How wise our Gurudeva was, wise and prescient.