Asian Media USA 

Chicago, IL: On a crisp Saturday evening, September 13, 2025, the I Love Sai Temple at 30 N Washington Street in Carpentersville, Illinois, glowed with warmth, light, and camaraderie as community members gathered to welcome two honored guests: John Skillman, the Village President of Carpentersville, along with Village Trustee Sam Gupta. From 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm, the temple, long known as a radiant hub of spiritual and charitable endeavors, hosted an event that was both intimate and deeply meaningful. It was not merely an evening of speeches and greetings; it was a celebration of resilience, service, and the enduring partnership between the temple and the village. The gathering carried a spirit of gratitude, reminding everyone that true progress is made possible by collective effort and the shared vision of giving back to the community, a vision rooted in the timeless teachings of Sai Baba and carried forward by the temple’s supporters.

Nestled in the heart of Carpentersville, the I Love Sai Temple has become a cornerstone of the community since its establishment. The temple’s history is itself an inspiring journey. Founded under the divine guidance of Sai Baba, who devotees say chose the location in January 2018, the temple rose from what was once an unfamiliar and unassuming property into a sacred space that radiates peace, unity, and service. The road to its opening, however, was far from smooth. The global COVID-19 pandemic, government red tape, and other unforeseen delays created obstacles that tested the patience and faith of the temple’s leaders and devotees. Yet, in the face of adversity, the founders never wavered. Through the steady support of the Carpentersville Village Board, the leadership of figures like John Skillman, and the resilience of the temple community, the I Love Sai Temple opened its doors nearly three years ago. Since then, it has blossomed into a beacon of hope, spirituality, and service.

The evening’s celebration reflected this remarkable journey. As attendees filled the temple’s welcoming halls, there was a tangible sense of anticipation and reverence in the air. The event began with reflections on the temple’s origins, a story that has become inseparable from its mission of service. “Baba chose this place,” recalled Vijaya Bhattaram, Director of I Love Sai Carpentersville. She shared memories of acquiring the property in 2018, a time when the temple’s leaders knew little about Carpentersville. “But once we settled here, we found a community that embraced us like family,” she continued. Her words painted Carpentersville as a small town with the charm of a European village, its scenic Fox River and friendly residents serving as the perfect backdrop for a temple founded on love and unity.

A round of applause greeted Village President John Skillman as he took the stage. Having served as president for eight years, Skillman’s presence was not just ceremonial. His remarks were deeply personal, reflecting his connection to the temple’s journey. “I’m honored to be here,” he began, his voice carrying the sincerity of someone who has watched the temple grow from its earliest days. “You’ve been great neighbors, giving back to the community in ways that make us all proud.” His words spoke to the temple’s impact, from distributing over 100,000 meals to residents in need to fostering partnerships with civic organizations such as the Rotary Club. Skillman also emphasized the importance of collaboration, reminding everyone that during challenging times, the most important thing a community can do is “step up and take care of people.” His humility and optimism resonated with the audience, many of whom have experienced firsthand the benefits of the temple’s outreach.

Equally celebrated was Village Trustee Sam Gupta, a long-time supporter and key advocate for the temple. Gupta’s role extended well beyond that of a trustee offering encouragement. As noted by Srini Bhattaram, an alumnus of the same university as Gupta and one of the temple’s directors, his expertise was crucial in securing a significant property tax exemption for the temple. This exemption saved thousands of dollars, funds that were promptly redirected to charitable and community initiatives. “Anything we save, we give back,” Bhattaram emphasized, capturing the temple’s guiding philosophy of reinvesting in Carpentersville. Gupta was also instrumental in facilitating the temple’s collaboration with the Rotary Club, where he himself serves on the board. Thanks to his support, temple representatives were invited to Rotary meetings, where they shared their work and strengthened ties with the broader community. “Let’s keep up the good work,” Gupta urged the gathering, his words met with loud applause that reflected both gratitude and admiration.

The I Love Sai Temple has become much more than a place of worship. It is a community hub where spiritual practice and social service intersect seamlessly. Through regular gatherings, charitable drives, cultural events, and food distribution programs, the temple has nurtured a sense of belonging that extends beyond religious or cultural boundaries. Its atmosphere is serene, yet vibrant with activity, drawing devotees and neighbors alike. Over time, the temple’s influence has also attracted other institutions to Carpentersville, including the Balaji Temple and even a data center, further demonstrating how one act of faith can inspire broader growth. “Once Baba stepped in, others followed,” one speaker noted, pointing to the ripple effect of the temple’s presence in the village.

Throughout the evening, the program was punctuated by moments of both reflection and joy. One speaker remarked how neighbors had been consistently supportive of the temple’s work, noting with a smile, “There’s no complaint. Our neighbors are friendly, and they support us in everything we do.” Toward the end, attendees were invited to gather for a group photo, intended for publication in the Daily Herald. The call for “big smiles” from the photographer sparked laughter and cheerful commotion as people rearranged chairs and squeezed together. The photograph captured the spirit of the night: joy, unity, and the shared promise of a brighter future. To add to the energy, the crowd spontaneously broke into a chant of “Om Sai Ram! Om Sai Ram!” filling the hall with a collective vibration of devotion.

The theme of resilience echoed throughout the gathering. The temple’s survival and success despite lockdowns, bureaucratic hurdles, and logistical challenges was a reminder of what can be achieved when determination meets collaboration. Attendees frequently praised Skillman and Gupta’s leadership, citing their approachable nature and their constant positivity. “Every time we meet them, there’s a smile on their faces,” one participant remarked, a sentiment met with nods across the room. Many expressed hope that Skillman’s leadership, defined by building trust and fostering unity, might one day reach even higher levels of public service.

The program concluded with a heartfelt reflection from the temple’s director, who emphasized the importance of continuing Sai Baba’s legacy of peace, charity, and selfless service. The message was clear: the I Love Sai Temple is not just a physical structure of brick and stone, but a living embodiment of community spirit, faith, and love in action.

As attendees dispersed into the cool September evening, the temple’s glow illuminated Carpentersville’s quiet streets, leaving behind the impression of a night that was both celebratory and inspirational. The visit of Village President John Skillman and Village Trustee Sam Gupta was more than an event; it was a reminder of how leaders and community institutions can unite to create meaningful, lasting impact. The I Love Sai Temple’s story is one of resilience, generosity, and unity, a narrative that continues to unfold with each passing year. At Asian Media USA, we are proud to share stories like this, stories that highlight the power of compassion and collaboration. The temple’s journey reflects values that transcend boundaries, and with the continued support of its leaders, devotees, and neighbors, it is poised to spread love, peace, and service for many years to come.