VSNA is a democratic organization open to all who subscribe to its goals, objectives,
mission and Bylaws. It is administered by the duly elected Officers along with Board of
Directors and guided by the Board of Trustees. The Veerashaiva-Lingayat International
Center (VIRC) is another service and spiritual arm of the Samaja. Its cherished objective
is to serve as the source of information (Virtual Library) on Veerashaiva-Lingayat
Philosophy and way of life along with responsible to conduct long-term program and
activities for the members (visit www.virc.vsna.org for more information). VIRC will
continue exploring ways to establish a close working relationship with other international
organization around the world including from India.
VSNA was founded in 1978 by our pioneers who wanted their identity, faith, values and
way of life to be preserved for the benefit of their children and future generations in our
adopted land. In other words, they did not wish their children and theirs to lose their
identity along with their cultural values while growing up and adopting to American
Mainstream Values. To this end and to facilitate fellowship and friendship among the
Veerashaiva-Lingayats living in North America, the VSNA along with VIRC organizes the
many common programs and celebrations for all our chapters along with a Convention.
Religious scholars from India and North America along with Swamijis are often invited to
participate in the programs, celebrations and conventions. To motivate our children and
youths, vachana recital and essay writing competitions are also held every year in VSNA
Children Talent Festival and in conventions. During Convention, Anubhava Ghosti,
Community Ishtalinga Pooje, Yoga, Women, Health, Business sessions and workshops
are organized. All these activities along with other programs are captured in the
Convention Souvenir and published on our website www.virc.vsna.org.
First and foremost, the Samaja is our organization dedicated to preserve and propagate
our faith, values and way of life. It is our solemn duty to support our own extended
family. It is the only matha or group in North America along with more than thirty shakha
mathas (our chapters) where we are joining together from nearly five decades to
perform Ishtalinga Pooja and celebrate our way of life.
Let us be honest about it: our strength lies in our unity, particularly in a democracy. Let
us also remember that we a part of the VSNA and the VSNA is a part of us. To begin
with we are a very small minority in our adopted land, and it is very easy for our children
and future generation to lose their identity. We can perpetuate the good work done by
our previous VSNA founders, leaders and life members, by becoming its new life
member. If we do not support our own extended family, our own community, our own
organization, who else will support?
Your life membership dues go a long way. According to the constitution the VSNA cannot
touch the life membership donation. However, it can use the interest it generates to cover
administrative expenses, donate to our members in crisis situations, bring our long-term
programs/activities, update & maintain our websites, etc. The following are additional
reasons to become Life Members of the VSNA:
1. It gives a sense of belonging to an extended family in this adopted land.
2. It provides a sense of sharing and caring as part of community-at-large.
3. It gives our children a feeling of friendship and kinship with our extended network.
4. It comforts us by letting us know that we care for our Veerashaiva brethren
5. You will be motivating and helping to conduct long-term programs for the community.
6. You will be contributing to building a platform for Jnana Dasoha
7. You will be promoting the spread of Basavadi-Sharanas message to the world
8. You will help promoting our faith & values in our children by our International Competitions
9. You will help us to provide financial assistance while celebrating International Dasoha Day
10. You will be helping to build a strong network in North America to the benefit of our families.
11. You will be helping to teach Vachanas to our children by our Vachana Shaale.
12. It provides opportunities for matrimonial relationships (www.sammilana.vsna.org).
13. It inculcates in our children's mind the value of the Dasoha principle.
14. It creates a sense of pride about our way of life, legacy and heritage.
15. It gives our off springs a sense of social identity while getting influenced by mainstream.
16. It gives us the confidence that the VSNA is with us through thick and thin.
17. It provides solace and comfort in times of need and hurting.
18. Its' Conventions give us a feeling of friendship and fellowship.
19. It brings to our doors the news of our brethren spread across the subcontinent.
20. It provides Virtual Library (Veerashaiva-Lingayat publications) to its members.
21. It prepares, publishes and shares convention souvenir though its website
