By Dr Prayag Narayan Misra
Chandler, Arizona, USA August 5, 2010
During the Eighth Native American Procurement Conference,U S Congressman Harry E Mitchell delivered a keynote address at luncheon held at Wild Horse Pass-Hotel and Casino in Chandler. After his speech, he was offered blessed garlands from Hare Krishna temple which he gracefully accepted and wore it during the photo opps.While departing from the meeting, not only he greeted me with both hands folded in Namaste pose, he repeated Hare Krishna twice- and drove away still wearing the blessed garland.
Congressman is well known for his charity, as he donated the raise in his salary to needy organization. He also donates because he feels he is over paid for the job.
When the invitation to attend forthcoming Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebration on September 1 was extended, Congresman was delighted and asked about the location of the event, since he considered it in Scottsdale. He was informed that ISKCON of Phoenix established in 1996 has inspired opening of other spiritual centers and temples in the valley. Harry – pronounced as Hari in Sanskrit is a name of Krishna- the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and it pleased the Congressman. He was accompanied by Urban Giff, Member of the Board of Directors, NCAIED- who was presented the book “Chanting and Be Happy” earlier, and said that he has glimpsed the contents rightaway. NCAIED is an abbreviation for the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) -the first national non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation, established in 1969 and created and directed by American Indians, solely dedicated to developing American Indian economic self-sufficiency through business ownership.
PHOTO 1; Congressman Harry E Mitchell in center; on left is Urban Giff,Member of the Board of Directors, NCAIED; Dr Prayag Narayan Misra (Right)
PHOTO 2; Miss Gila River Tia Benally (Center) with Urban Giff, on left holding Chant & Be Happy” book. On right Dr Prayag Narayan Misra.
PHOTO 3:From left Eric S.Trevan, President /CEO, NCAID; Congressman Harry Mitchell wearing blessed garland; Urban Giff (Center); John D Harris,President,Raytheon Technican ServicesLLC; and far right Dr Prayag Narayan Misra, Advocate, Minority Business Development in devotee dress in a professional meeting