Organization background
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam (Kanchi Mutt) is one of the five (Badrinath in the north, Jagannath Puri in the east, Dwaraka in the west, and Sringeri and Kanchipuram in the south) centres established by Sri Adisankaracharya many centuries ago. It follows the Advaita philosophy, which is based on the oneness of God (A-dvaita means not-two), i.e. there is only one supreme power which is worshipped in many forms. Further, the life force which animates living beings is no different from this supreme power. In this respect, the philosophy differs from Dvaita which also teaches the oneness of God, but makes a distinction between the life force that animates living beings and the supreme God (hence Dvaita, which means two). Visishtadvaita is yet another philosophical idea which bridges Dvaita and Advaita.

The Kanchi Mutt was established, according to legend, over 2500 years ago, during the time of Sri Adisankaracharya, who is supposed to have been the first Peetathipathi. Since his time, the organization traces its history through 70 Peetathipathis. The current Peetahipathis are Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal and Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal, aso referred to as Perivaas. For more details on the history of the Kanchi Mutt, see here .

The Kanchi Mutt head quarters is in Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu. Sri Adisankaracharya's purpose in establishing these Mutts was to preserve the traditional Hindu way of life and serve as a reminder to people of their Vedic heritage. In consonance with this goal, daily poojas and rituals are conducted at the Mutt by the Peivaas. In addition, they also sponsor numerous other activities with the goal of preserving and propagating Hindu culture and ideals. Such activities include renovation of old temples, building of new temples, establishment of Sanksrit Patasalas where the Vedas/Sastras/Prabandas/Agamas are taught, establishing Ayerveda study centres, where Ayurveda is taught and practiced, thus ensuring that such knowledge is not lost to future generations.

In addition to religious activities, the Mutt is also involved in upliftment of the economically and socially backward social classes, and conducts activities to improve their lot, such as providing them with financial help, running educational institutions that subsidize their expenses, providing subsidized or free medical care, etc.

Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam is represented in the US by the organization Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Foundation (KKSF). For further details, see here .

Project background
Morning Raga is a Fusion concert designed by Padmashri Smt Sudha Raghunathan. This first-of-a-kind concert is a fusion vocal with Indian and Western instruments, and features seven artists. The concert is being organized by KKSF and Jana Seva Foundation in order to raise awareness of the activities of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, and the priorities of their Holiness, the Sankaracharyas of Kanchi Mutt. These priorities include educational schools, veda patasalas, elementary education intervention programs, ethnic rehabilitation, health initiatives, special home for seniors, women and children, and goshalas. The funds raised from the concerts will be used to support their Holiness's causes in India.

Project description
The organizers of Morning Raga plan to hold 12 concerts in cities across the USA and Canada, and were looking for sponsors to pay for conducting one of the concerts - costs include artists fees, local auditorium including audio system, and local travel to and from the city. GKF will pick up the cost of conducting one of the concerts in the Washington DC area.

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