It started as an idea and a vision in the heart of Swamiji Guruprasad to establish a Sree Narayana Mission in the USA. He discussed this with everyone he met on a visit to the USA in early 2015. I was part of that group, and I promised him my whole hearted support. This idea coalesced into a firm plan with the blessings of Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, and appropriately, the name suggested for such a mission was Sivagiri Ashram of North America (SANA). Many visits and countless meetings with Malayali communities across the country, and abroad, he secured promises of financial support from so many that I was blown away at his success. It was an amazing achievement. Swamiji and our planning was one step ahead of realities. There were some warning signs considering the divisiveness within the Ezava communities across Kerala from the times of Guru himself, that went unheeded. Our premier attempt of the ashram in Dallas, TX, was highly educational. Even with many highly dedicated members in Dallas, our efforts flopped, and many sincere and devoted people got hurt. Many became discouraged and disillusioned. It took through the CORONA pandemic and two years of mourning to slowly heal the hurt. We still have ways to go for our community’s full recovery. 2022 was pivotal year for SANA. The disappointment in the Dallas attempt gave birth to the renewed idea of SANA in Washington, DC, considering the extent of committed families within the Metro DC, and within a 200 Miles radius – a manageable driving distance of four hours. There is the potential for significant local membership for regular foot traffic to the ashram. Sale of SANA’s land in Dallas along with money saved from previous donations were close enough for an outright purchase of a suitable…
