About Pujari

Pujari is a socio-cultural organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, founded in 1986 as non-profit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Pujari, being the choice of community’s cultural abode, makes every effort to:

• Uphold diversity through participation
• Promote Bengali culture and heritage throughout North America
• Stimulate learning among young generations about the culture and history of India
• Enlighten, excite, and educate children through events and activities
• Provide opportunities to develop or sharpen leadership and decision-making skills
• Enrich people’s lives by helping to enhance their cultural link
• Outreach through philanthropic initiatives: Pujari believes, “charity looks at the need and not at the cause“

Mission

Pujari’s mission is to serve individuals and families in the communities in Georgia and neighboring states. Drawing strengths from our diversity, resources, and experiences, we promote cultural events and are advocates for continuous learning and development of our next generation. We facilitate lasting changes by:

• Offering opportunity to build self-confidence;
• Encouraging self-development through learning;
• Nurturing creativity and intellect;
• Motivating to develop leadership and decision-making skills;
• Providing opportunities for social networking;
• Celebrating following yearly events:
  • Saraswati Puja
  • Baisakhi
  • Picnic
  • Durga Puja
  • Lakshmi Puja
  • New Year’s celebration
• Engaging with charitable initiatives.

Guided by the aspirations of local communities, we pursue our mission with respect, integrity, commitment, excellence, and compassion because the community whom we serve deserves nothing less.

History

Pujari has been successfully and enthusiastically quenching the cultural thirst of the Atlanta Bengali community for more than a decade. Started by a group of highly energetic and passionate volunteers living in and around Atlanta, Pujari began as a convention to celebrate the culture and rich heritage of India to fulfill the nostalgic affinity.

A nonprofit, nonpolitical, socio-cultural organization, Pujari of Atlanta was formed to foster friendship and understanding between the people of Bengali origin, Indian origin, and the Americans in 1986 and was finally incorporated as a nonprofit tax-exempt organization since 2001. From the very inception, the organization has enjoyed absolute loyalty and patronage of most of the Bengali families in metropolitan Atlanta and its neighboring states like Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arkansas. It conducts, coordinates, and promotes the community, cultural and socio-religious activities among the people of Indian origin in the USA and the people of other cultures on behalf of the Bengali community.

Pujari entered into an unprecedented growth path ever since the induction of a large population of young volunteers into the organization. Due to overwhelming support and cooperation from the community youth, Pujari has been organizing several popular activities like Annual Picnic, Tennis Tournament, and News Year’s Eve Celebrations every year.

After Incorporation, Pujari started working on charitable causes more than ever before. After September 11, 2001 WTC tragedy, it co-hosted a charity event with SEBA (South Eastern Bengali Association) to raise money for Red Cross. It raised and donated more than thousands dollar for 2004 Tsunami relief, along with Robin Raina foundation. Pujari and its members regularly donate to several charitable causes such as literacy mission and early childhood education for the underprivileged.

Pujari’s printed bi-lingual publication was invigorated and renamed ‘Anjali’ in 2003  – which is counted as one of the top publications among the Atlanta Bengali community. The Sharodiya Anjali is being contributed by several well-known writers from India and abroad.

Membership continued to grow every year and with larger demand for capacity and better facilities, Pujari managed to switch to a larger location to host its events with ample of parking, fully equipped auditorium and cafeteria at Berkmar High School at Gwinnett Country. Pujari has been hosting famous Bengali artists from Indian sub-continent like Saikat Mitra, Nachiketa, Tanushree Shankar, Band Kaya etc. and continues to enjoy the privilege of being counted as a pioneer Bengali organization in the US.