The Sunday School of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, UK (BAPS), based at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London, has been awarded the Bronze Award from ContinYou – one of the UK’s leading education charities. This follows the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services received by BAPS Children’s Forum in 2009.

ContinYou, with its National Resource Centre (NRC) for supplementary education, provides services and programmes in partnership with schools and other organisations for children and young people, particularly those from the most disadvantaged communities.

The Bronze Award signifies that the BAPS supplementary school meets all the essential requirements of the NRC and has all the policies and procedures in place to safely and effectively offer children’s activities to a nationally recognised standard.

Under a separate category, ContinYou were also recognising full-time schools providing crucial support to supplementary schools. BAPS Sunday School nominated The Swaminarayan School for this award for their continued support and assistance in classroom provision to enable BAPS to successfully run their classes every weekend. The Swaminarayan School therefore won the award for their exceptional support to the BAPS supplementary school.

An award ceremony was held at the Gwenneth Rickus Building in Brent on Friday 2 December 2011 where the awards were presented to the volunteers of BAPS Sunday School and to The Swaminarayan School by the Rt. Hon. Mayor of Brent Cllr Aslam Choudry.

To learn more about ContinYou and its National Resource Centre for supplementary education, please follow the respective links.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

In celebration of National Interfaith Week, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) hosted an evening of dialogue, dinner and music by the Hindu Christian Forum at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and The Swaminarayan School on Tuesday 22 November 2011.

More than 70 guests of various faith backgrounds attended the evening. They were firstly greeted and guided around the traditional Hindu temple before joining the main ceremony at the School.

The evening commenced in traditional style as all the delegates came together to light candles from a central divo (oil lamp) while joining in prayers for universal peace during the Vedic Shanti-Paath.

Nitin Palan, National Interfaith Coordinator for BAPS, officially welcomed all the guests, sharing His Holiness Pramukh Swami’s message of ‘the family that eats, plays and prays together, stays together.’ He added:

Ramesh Pattni, Co-Chair of the Hindu Christian Forum, and Rev. Tim Clapton, coordinator of community interfaith project ‘Near Neighbours’, also addressed the gathering. Both welcomed the efforts of better Hindu-Christian relations and reiterated the need for such events which fostered closer friendship among these two important faith communities of the UK.

Dinner was then served to the guests who were seated around tables allowing further opportunity for dialogue and discussion. The sumptuous vegetarian meal was accompanied by a special South Asian composition from Arun Ghosh, British-Asian clarinettist, composer and music educator, and his quintet.

Nitin Palan commented,

This event was a major step forward in ensuring that local faith organisations work together and build mutual trust and respect. It was an honour to welcome so many of our brothers and sisters from such a diverse faith network.

Kate Wharton, Interreligious Affairs Secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury, especially praised the organisation of the “inspiring event” and the “brilliant concept” of using music and food to bring together people of different faiths.

The event, partly facilitated by the government’s Department for Communities and Local Government, served as a precursor for the official launch of the Hindu Christian Forum (of which BAPS is an active member), which was held at Lambeth Palace on Wednesday 23 November by Hindu and Christian representatives, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

National Interfaith Week is organised by The Inter Faith Network for the UK and ran this year between 20-26 November. It aims to help strengthen interfaith relations, highlight the contributions which faith communities make to society, and develop dialogue and cooperation between people of different faiths and no faith. BAPS has been a keen supporter of the initiative since it began in 2009 and is otherwise committed to opening doors and building bridges through its year-round community outreach activities.

To learn more about National Interfaith Week and the work of The Inter Faith Network for the UK, please follow the respective links.

To read a report of the Hindu Christian Forum launch on the Archbishop’s website, please click here.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

In 1954, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed that all countries institute a Universal Children’s Day, to be “observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.” It recommended that the Day be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the UN Charter and the welfare of the children of the world.

Many countries of the world observe this day on 20 November, which marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, commemorated Universal Children’s Day at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London on Sunday 20 November 2011.

Based on some of UNICEF’s ten imperatives for children, the theme for the event was ‘Shaping the Present, Nurturing the Future’.

Hiren Depala, a volunteer of BAPS Children’s Forum in the UK, spoke of the hope and responsibility children represent in our world – the hope that together we and they can enjoy a better tomorrow, but for which today we must fulfil our responsibility of guiding and empowering them in becoming better human beings. He also stressed the importance of the family, social and school environment in ensuring that children can be allowed to blossom into ideal citizens.

Using some poignant slides, he further iterated how fortunate most children are in the UK compared to others in the world. He thus asked those gathered to be grateful for whatever they had, not waste it, share whatever they could, and pray for those children less fortunate than themselves.

He also reminded the audience of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message ‘In the joy of others, lies our own’, and shared incidents of the various activities Pramukh Swami Maharaj has initiated for children internationally.

The children and parents then joined in a collective prayer for the well-being of all children around the world.

In thus observing Universal Children’s Day, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha was able to raise awareness about children’s welfare to over 300 children and parents, affirming its commitment to a better tomorrow for children everywhere.

To learn more about Universal Children’s Day, please visit the United Nations site here.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

BAPS Charities, UK organised a Dental Health Seminar at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Sunday 13 November 2011. It was attended by more than 200 people, for whom 18 dentists and dental students offered their professional expertis.

The aim of the seminar was to raise awareness about the:

As part of the seminar, seven stations were set up, each dealing with an important topic of dental health care. They offered a plethora of information in the form of leaflets, posters, models, demonstrations and interactive presentations with small group discussions. The topics covered were:

Senior dentists were also on hand to answer any further questions using their experience, expertise and, if necessary, Gujarati-speaking skills to simplify dental jargon.

The seminar proved to be an important and useful learning experience for all who attended.

For more information about BAPS Charities, UK, please visit uk.bapscharities.org.

BAPS Charities UK has teamed up with the London Ambulance Service to provide Emergency Life Support training through Heartstart, an important initiative by the British Heart Foundation teaching basic skills that save lives in a life-threatening emergency.

DID YOU KNOW: A person in the UK has a heart attack every 2 minutes. In 30% of cases, the patient dies before he or she reaches the hospital. Chances for survival can be more than doubled if symptoms are identified early and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation are performed before paramedics arrive at the scene.

The Emergency Life Support (ELS) course covers not only CPR training but also teaches other vital skills such as recognising a heart attack, dealing with choking and serious bleeding, assessing an unconscious casualty, and helping during cardiac arrest.

During November and December 2011, Malcolm Ritchie, a Community Resuscitation Training Officer from the London Ambulance Service, led an ELS programme which trained six BAPS Charities volunteers to become Heartstart instructors. These trained volunteers have gone on to conduct the course on five occasions and already taught ELS to a further 58 volunteers at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London.

Divyabala Patel, a newly trained ELS responder, shared, “It’s so reassuring to know that you can be of vital help to someone in the community and can make the difference between, literally, life and death. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to help.”

The course, which follows current Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines, will continue to run at the Mandir to raise awareness about ELS and train additional volunteers and members of the community. BAPS Charities’ ongoing partnership with the British Heart Foundation has led the BHF to also provide complimentary training equipment for the course.

To learn more about the British Heart Foundation’s Heartstart initiative and the London Ambulance Service, please follow the respective links.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ – during the Hindu New Year celebrations on Thursday 27 October 2011.

Mr Johnson joined thousands of others who witnessed the Annakut – literally, ‘a mountain of food’ – which is a devout offering of the first meal of the New Year in thanksgiving to God. More than 1,200 dishes of sweets, savouries, curries, pickles, salads, desserts, soups, juices, and various other items representing cuisine from around the world had been devoutly and artistically arranged before the Deities. The Annakut offering at the temple in Neasden has been recognised as one of the largest of its kind in the world.

After a traditional welcome at the temple gates, the Mayor and his delegation went on a brief tour of the stone temple complex. They were also given an official London 2012 pin badge of the Neasden Temple which has been voted as the Olympic Landmark for Brent.

After arriving in the assembly hall, the Mayor joined the Head Sadhu of the Mandir, Sadhu Yogvivekdas, and other distinguished guests in performing the ceremonial evening arti ritual.

In his address to the assembly, Mr Johnson firstly conveyed his Diwali and New Year greetings to everyone before saying: “I am very very proud and supportive of what you do in this amazing mandir and the incredible things you do for your community and all communities.”

The Mayor went on to commend the “spirit” of the celebrations in not only joining together in merriment but also helping those less fortunate who are passing through tough times.

He also urged all present to “continue the wonderful things you are already doing” and “join Team London” to “build a sense of community” which makes London one of the great cities of the world.

This year, devotees and visitors to the Mandir were able to offer their personal prayers and messages for the New Year through the ‘Share a Prayer’ digital service. Mr Johnson wrote:

May this year bring peace and prosperity to all Londoners. Thank you and Jai Swaminarayan. Boris

Before departing, Mr Johnson also met some of the 1,200 volunteers involved in ensuring a pleasant and enriching experience for the tens of thousands who enjoy the festival every year. The Mayor expressed his admiration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj for being able to inspire and mobilise so many young people in such positive causes.

The morning of Thursday 27 October 2011 heralded the Hindu New Year, Samvat 2068.

Following the joyous Diwali celebrations the night before, devotees and visitors arrived at the Mandir continuously from early morning to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

The first ceremony of the New Year was held at 5.30am, followed by prayers for world peace and well-being.

The Annakut – the ceremonial offering of food to the Deities – followed at midday, first in the sanctum in the main mandir and then in the Haveli assembly hall. More than 1,200 dishes of sweets, savouries, curries, pickles, salads, desserts, soups, juices, and various other items representing cuisine from around the world had been lovingly and artistically arranged before the Deities. The Annakut – literally, ‘mountain of food’ – is a devout offering of the first meal of the New Year in thanksgiving to God for his providence over the past year and to seek his blessings for the year ahead.

The main ceremonial Rajbhog Arti (ritual offering) was performed at noon. As guests and visitors passed by to observe the Annakut and offer their prayers and thanksgiving, they took part in the arti ceremony every half-hour.

During his short New Year’s address at midday, Head Sadhu of the Mandir, Sadhu Yogvivekdas, translated His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s personal blessings for the people of the UK. His Holiness had earlier said in Mumbai that he was praying for everyone’s health and well-being, and for the light of spirituality to dispel inner darkness and guide us through difficult times.

Chief Guest for the auspicious occasion was The Acting High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, Mr Rajesh Prasad. In his brief address, he expressed his honour at being invited to the Mandir and performing the first arti of the Annakut. He further commented: “I think this Swaminarayan Mandir brings out the best of our community in the sense that it brings them together – people volunteering, doing their best, working together on a common platform for this great event.”

Also present were Rt. Hon. Sarah Teather (MP for Brent Central and Minister of State for Children and Families), Cllr Ann John (Leader of Brent Council), and Cllr Paul Lorber (Head of Liberal Democrats in Brent Council).

Later in the afternoon, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson also visited the Mandir to join in the New Year celebrations. (Please click here for full report with photos.)

This year, devotees and visitors were able to offer their personal prayers and messages for the New Year through the ‘Share a Prayer’ initiative. Volunteers engaged with visitors as they flowed along for darshan, helping them type and digitally convey festive messages to friends and family which were then relayed on the large screens in the assembly hall and throughout the complex.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London was illuminated in pink on the evening of Wednesday 26 October 2011 to support Breast Cancer Care during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The lighting of the Mandir was seen by thousands who had gathered for the Diwali celebrations and spectacular fireworks display.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month where Breast Cancer Care and other charities spread the important message about the disease and the fight to prevent and cure it.

DID YOU KNOW? Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Almost 50,000 women and 300 men are diagnosed with it every year!

Present to switch on the pink lighting was Marie Geiger (Breast Health Promotion Training & Support Officer) from Breast Cancer Care, reinforcing the ongoing relationship between the two charities.

The Mandir has been a keen supporter of Breast Cancer Care since 2007 when it donated £12,000 as part of the centennial celebrations of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Breast Cancer Care have also featured with stalls and information booths during a number of events organised by the Mandir in London and activities by centres across the UK, including the Cycle Challenge held in Leicester in August 2008, the International Women’s Day celebrations in London in 2010, and during medical screenings at the Community Open Day in London in 2011. In 2009, BAPS also helped in producing and promoting an educational DVD for breast cancer concerns among Asian women.

To read a report of this event on the Breast Cancer Care website, please click here.

For further information on Breast Cancer Care, please follow the link.

For expert advice on breast health concerns or breast cancer, please ring Breast Cancer Care’s free helpline on 0808 800 6000.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Diwali – one of the most auspicious occasions in the Hindu calendar – was celebrated with great devotion and splendour at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London on Wednesday 26 October 2011.

It is traditionally the day when business owners close existing account books and open new ones in preparation for the year ahead. The ceremony – called Sharada Pujan or Chopda Pujan – is also a time to take stock of one’s spiritual relationship with God. Diwali also signifies a time when charity, goodwill, family values and the love of God are celebrated and reinforced.

Devotees and well-wishers gathered in the Haveli Prayer Hall for the Chopda Pujan ceremony, which commenced at 6.00pm. Hundreds of new account books – in a variety of paper and electronic forms – were blessed through the showering of flowers petals and rice grains amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and prayers. In the short assembly which followed, Yogvivek Swami read out Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Diwali message and blessings before photos were shown from Mumbai, India, where Pramukh Swami Maharaj had celebrated Diwali a few hours earlier. (Click here for a report of these Diwali celebrations.)

Invited guests for the evening included Cllr Ann John OBE (Leader of Brent Council), Cllr Muhammed Butt (Deputy Leader of Brent Council), Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala (Councillor for Stonebridge), Cllr Colum Maloney (Councillor for Stonebridge), and Cllr Ketan Sheth (Councillor for Tokyngton).

Also present was Marie Geiger (Breast Health Promotion Training & Support Officer) from Breast Cancer Care. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha added its continuing support to the worthy cause by illuminating the Mandir in pink. (See here for photos and a brief report.)

The highlight of the evening for both young and the elderly was the spectacular fireworks display. Thousands of spectators, including families and local residents, braved the cold as they were enthralled by the colourful 20-minute display that filled the October night skies.

As the crowds dispersed, the volunteers continued their preparations for the following day’s New Year Annakut.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

As part of the ‘Seva Day’ initiative for the International Day of Volunteering, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London organised a special day out for over 70 elderly residents of the local community on Sunday 25 September 2011.

The elderly came from local nursing homes and disability and learning disability groups were invited to the gathering. They came from Seva Care Group (Indian Asians Leaning Disability), Asian People Disability Alliance, Birchwood Grange and Kenwood Care Home. Young and adult volunteers welcomed the guests by offering flowers at the Mandir gate. Each guest had their picture taken in the foreground of the Mandir which was presented to them before the end of the gathering.

The programme included a sing-along where the elderly also tried their hand at playing musical instruments. Young girls from the Mandir presented a colourful folk dance and guests were further entertained by a comedy act bringing hearty smiles and laughter to all. After party games where gifts were won by the elderly. the visitors were treated to a delicious meal before departing.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day out and spoke keenly about how deeply moved they were by the love and care offered to them during their visit. Ninety-year-old Frank Nathen shared simply, “You made me very happy today. Thank you so much.”

Kirit Wadia, lead volunteer of the event explained, “Helping and serving others is at the heart of the ethos of BAPS. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS advocates, “In the joy of others lies our own”, and so we are all happy that we were able to bring a little joy in their lives.”

As part of its contribution to Sewa Day and “unleashing positive social energy” for the government’s ‘Big Society’ initiative, the Mandir also organised a clean-up of the local roads and alleyways in the vicinity. Cllr Ann John, OBE (Leader of Brent Council), Cllr Muhammed Butt (Deputy Leader), Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala and Barry Gardiner MP all joined BAPS volunteers in helping to pick up litter.

Another initiative by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and BAPS Charities was to collect unwanted clothes, shoes, mobile phones and spectacles. These generously donated items were then passed on to various charities to benefit those in need.

For further information on Sewa Day, please click here.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London, hosted Community Open Days over the weekend of 17 and 18 September 2011, which also coincided with Open House London, the capital’s annual festival of architecture.

The Community Open Days provided an opportunity for visitors to explore the Mandir and enjoy and engage with the multitude of activities on offer inside the Swaminarayan Haveli (adjoining cultural complex). A series of dedicated zones depicting a diverse range of themes – including Art, Music, Sports & Fitness, Lifestyle, Celebrations, Values, Peace, Youth, and Welfare – provided an interactive experience for the visitors, both young and old alike. In addition, live musical and dance performances were staged throughout the day, while food stalls served delicious vegetarian fare.

The opening ceremony for the Open Days was performed in the presence of a number of interfaith and civic leaders, including local councillors Ann John (also Leader of Brent Council), Muhammed Butt and Zaffar Van Kalwala. The Mayor of Brent Cllr Aslam Choudary also graced the occasion on Sunday 18 September 2011.

The multifarious healthcare initiatives undertaken by BAPS Charities, UK were also presented, including an opportunity to learn about and participate in the Organ Donation Appeal. Qualified medical volunteers were also on site offering visitors a free basic healthcare screening. In addition, a motivational seminar on “Win or Lose, You Choose” by Billy Schwer, a former European and Commonwealth boxing champion, was conducted on the evening of Saturday 17 September.

From Monday 19 September to Friday 23 September 2011, the interactive learning zones were specifically open for visiting schoolchildren. Seventeen school groups with over 750 pupils had the opportunity to learn about Hinduism (as part of their designated RE curriculum) and the community support activities offered by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir inspired by these Hindu values.

The Mandir is also a regular participant of Open House London, an annual “celebration of all that is best about the capital’s buildings”, organised by Open-City, “an independent organisation that champions the role of well-designed places in making a vibrant city.” The Mandir contributed to this event by offering guided tours throughout the weekend where visitors learned about the making of the Mandir and the significance of its religious architecture. Open House visitors had the advantage of visiting the interactive exhibitions as well.

Harish Trivedi, a volunteer at the Mandir, shared: “Our doors are always open to everyone, but this was an opportunity to welcome the local community and provide guests and visitors with a variety of different experiences to suit their tastes and interests. We hope visitors could learn a little more about what this Mandir offers to the community and our passion about working with everyone for the common good.”

To learn more about Open House London and Open-City, please follow the respective links.

To learn about BAPS Charities UK, please visit its independent site at uk.bapscharities.org.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

After being ranked the top independent school in London and fourth nationally in The Daily Telegraph GCSE league tables published in January 2011, The Swaminarayan School has been recognised as the third best independent school of its size after this year’s A-Level results in a table [opens image of table, with TSS in red outline box] published by the same broadsheet news outlet.

The School was listed in third position among the country’s smaller independent schools (those entering between 10 and 24 candidates) according to the data supplied by the Independent Schools Council. The points score – which is the basis of the standings drawn largely from the percentage of A* and A grades at A-Level – was 61.70 for the 2011 results.

This outstanding achievement builds on similar results and other awards of recognition over the years at various levels.

Ms Harper, Head of Sixth Form, expressed her gratitude to everyone who had contributed to this success by saying: “Congratulations to the students for such excellent results which will help them in their future academic and professional careers. I would also like to thanks the parents, teachers, governors and all other supporters of the School in contributing to the overwhelming success.”

To learn more about The Swaminarayan School, please visit its independent site here.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

The birth of Shri Krishna Bhagwan was celebrated with great devotion at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, on Monday 22 August 2011. The day, traditionally known as Janmashtami, began with an Annakut offered to the deities in the Mandir, where guests and devotees arrived throughout the day for darshan.

The evening assembly was held inside the Haveli, where the programme began with dhun and bhajans sung by Shukmuni Swami extolling the beauty of God. Munivatsal Swami spoke eloquently in Hindi about the importance of Janmashtami, offering insights into the childhood episodes of Krishna Bhagwan.

Thereafter, youths performed colourful dances depicting the life of Shri Krishna – known as Krishna Leela. Anandswarup Swami, head sadhu of Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar, who is visiting the UK with Munivatsal Swami, continued by narrating insightful episodes from the life of Krishna Bhagwan while portraying his qualities and those of his devotees.

The finale of the evening – marking the birth of Krishna Bhagwan – was celebrated with the arti followed by the swinging of the ‘paranu’ (birth-cradle) by all the devotees, with the traditional devotional singing of ‘Sona-na Bor Jhule Nand-Kishore’.

Young students of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, UK have achieved another outstanding set of results for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Hinduism.

BAPS has been running the Edexcel-accredited course at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London for four years now and this year’s results have surpassed the preceding years, including last year’s exceptional results.

Of this year’s cohort, all 34 students achieved grades A* or A, with none being awarded lower than an A. (This compares to 31.9% of students nationally who were in the same band.) Of the 34, 20 students (58.8%) achieved the highest A* grade (compared to 11.7% nationally).

Special congratulations go to Nishta Soneji and Paraj Brahmbhatt who achieved a perfect 100% in Unit 13 (‘Hinduism’), and Mayur Patel, Pankaj Savani and Vivek Patel who similarly scored 100% in Unit 6 (‘Religion and Life based on a Study of Hinduism’).

In addition, four students completed the A Level in Hinduism, with none securing less than a B. A very special congratulations go to Kirtan Patel who achieved the top A* grade at A Level.

A further nine students also sat the AS Level in Hinduism. Notably, a Year 10 student was awarded an A, the highest grade possible at this level.

Of the three cohorts to have completed the two-unit GCSE Hinduism course so far, all 65 students have achieved a B or higher and over 89% have been within the A*-A band. A further 19 students will go on to complete their course next year.

Congratulations to all the students – past and present – on their exceptional results. And a big thank you to the parents for their loving support and the dedicated team of BAPS volunteer-teachers who have made it all possible.

The GCSE Hinduism course is set and accredited by Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications to learning centres in the UK and internationally.

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.