Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha -- BAPS, for short -- is a spiritual and cultural tradition that draws on Hinduism.

It has more than 500 "mandirs," or temples, around the world, and a growing center in Indianapolis with 200 members.

On Friday, BAPS will host a Sanskruti. The Indianapolis Star talked to Gaju Dubal, the local center coordinator for BAPS, about the group and the event.

What is the background of BAPS, and what values does it support?

BAPS wants to preserve heritage through social works for the people. Spiritually, we have our own Hindu tradition.

We want to implement the same things in the modern way so that there won't be much difference between the old ways and the new ways -- sort of building a bridge.

In what ways does spirituality affect everyday life?

We believe that spirituality and social service go hand in hand. Those who wish to sincerely serve society must be spiritually pure, and only those who are spiritually pure can sincerely serve society.

It is important for each person to uphold their culture. Together we can add value and purpose to our existence. For example, a salad bowl -- each item in a salad has a unique identity and flavor, and when added together makes the whole salad better.

What will happen at Friday's event, the Sanskruti?

The evening program will consist of traditional Indian cultural folk dances, multi-media presentations and speeches. Sanskruti, which means culture, can be described as our traditional Indian lifestyle, thinking and practice, based on Hindu values.

How does the Sanskruti relate to your group's goals?

This event will foster pride for our cultural values and will inspire one and all to serve society while living an addiction-free, moral, God-centered life. About six times a year, we celebrate Indian holidays.

We want to make sure kids understand the value of Indian culture. The kids are going to mix into the mainstream, and they will get peer pressure, and we want to make sure our kids understand the value of our lifestyle and our culture.

How can Indians living in the United States integrate culture and spirituality into their lives?

People of Indian backgrounds can study and understand their rich cultural background and then practice and uphold its values while serving society. It is not difficult to do so. Indian society, and Indian families, stay attached. Family values are so high in Indian families, and that's why they won't totally lose them and melt into the melting pot.

Jon Murray