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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                          SEPTEMBER 26, 2025        |  The Indian Eye 16


          John Skillman & Sam Gupta’s Visit to I Love




              Sai Temple Illuminates Community Spirit







































        OUR BUREAU                                    tude. As attendees gathered in the temple’s wel- “step up and take care of people” in challenging
                                                      coming halls, the air was filled with anticipation.  times.
        Chicago, IL
                                                     The program began with a reflection on the tem-  The temple’s commitment to service is deeply
               n a crisp Saturday evening, September 13,   ple’s origins, a story that resonates deeply with   inspired by the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba, who
               2025, the I Love Sai Temple at 30 N Wash-  its mission. “Baba chose this place,” Vijaya Bhat-  preached the importance of charity and communi-
        Oington St, Carpentersville, IL, buzzed with   taram (Director I Love Sai Carpentersville) noted,  ty. This philosophy was evident in every aspect of
        warmth and camaraderie as the community wel-  recalling how the property was acquired in 2018.  the event, from the shared stories of overcoming
        comed special guests: John Skillman, the Village   “We didn’t know much about Carpentersville then,  adversity to the tangible contributions the temple
        President of Carpentersville with Village Trustee   but once we settled here, we found a communi-  has made to Carpentersville.
        Sam Gupta. From 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm, the temple,   ty that embraced us like family.” The speaker’s   Sam Gupta, a key community figure, Village
        a radiant hub of spiritual and charitable endeav-  words painted a vivid picture of a small town with   Trustee and long-time supporter of the temple,
        ors, hosted an event that celebrated not only its   a big heart, likening Carpentersville to a charming   was also honored. Srini Bhattaram (alumni from
        achievements but also the enduring partnership   European village, complete with the serene beau-  Same University as Gupta) added, “Gupta’s con-
        between the temple and the village. The gath-  ty of the Fox River and the warmth of its residents.  tributions extended beyond moral support”. His
        ering was a testament to the power of collective                                           expertise  was  instrumental  in  securing  a  signifi-
        effort, resilience, and the shared vision of giving   John Skillman, who has served as Village   cant property tax exemption for the temple, sav-
        back to the community—a vision deeply rooted in   President for eight years, took the stage   ing thousands of dollars that were redirected to
        the teachings of Sai Baba and embodied by the                                              community initiatives. “Anything we save, we give
        temple’s tireless supporters.                 to a round of applause. His presence was     back,” Srini Bhattaram emphasized, reinforcing
            The I Love Sai Temple, nestled in the heart   more than ceremonial—it was a symbol of   the temple’s commitment to reinvesting in Car-
        of Carpentersville, has become a cornerstone of                                            pentersville.
        the community since its inception. Established   the deep bond between the temple and the     Srini Bhattaram (Director I Love Sai Carpen-
        under the divine guidance of Sai Baba, who chose   village. “I’m honored to be here,” Skillman   tersville) also highlighted a recent collaboration
        this location in January 2018, the temple has                                              with the Rotary Club, facilitated by Sam Gupta’s
        transformed a once-unfamiliar plot into a sacred   began, his voice carrying the sincerity of   (also a Carpentersville Rotary Board Member)
        space that radiates peace, charity, and unity. The   a leader who has witnessed the temple’s   personal support. “John and Sam welcomed us
        journey to its opening was not without challeng-                                           into their meetings,” they shared, “allowing us to
        es—COVID-19 lockdowns, bureaucratic hurdles,   growth from its earliest days.              present our work and connect with the broader
        and unforeseen delays tested the resolve of its                                            community.” This partnership has opened doors
        founders. Yet, through the unwavering leadership   “You’ve been great neighbors, giving back to   for further outreach, ensuring that the temple’s
        of individuals like John Skillman, Village Board   the community in ways that make us all proud.”  charitable efforts continue to grow. The applause
        and the collective spirit of the village, the temple   His words underscored the temple’s impact, from   that followed was a collective acknowledgment of
        opened its doors nearly three years ago, becoming   providing over 100,000 meals to local residents in   Gupta’s impact, a reminder that every individual’s
        a beacon of hope and service.                 recent years to fostering partnerships with organi-  contribution strengthens the whole. “Let’s keep
            The evening’s event was a vibrant celebra-  zations like the Rotary Club. Skillman’s humility   up the good work,” Gupta urged, his words met
        tion of this journey, marked by heartfelt speeches,   shone through as he acknowledged the potential   with enthusiastic applause.
        shared memories, and a palpable sense of grati-  for even greater collaboration, urging everyone to   --Asian Media USA


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