Organized by VHPA
The Arya Samaj of Greater Houston hosted the fifth annual Hindu American Vanprasthi Network (HAVAN) conference organized by World Hindu Council of America (VHPA).
Around 100 Hindus participated along with an eminent panel of speakers and many active Hindu community leaders.
The Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network (HAVAN) was launched to serve the self-development and identification of service fields need for retired and to be retired members of Hindu community living in America.
The acronym HA-VAN is chosen to reflect the transformative lifestyle stage of Vanaprasthi. The goal is to engage them locally in meaningful community service activities, develop network, and opportunities to use their skills, specialties, and wisdom for the benefit of the society.
Conference topics included Vedic Vision and Modern day Vanaprasthi lifestyle, Vanaprasthi lifestyle in American context, Experience – History of Hindus in America, Women and Hindu lifestyle, Engaging with Houston’s Diverse Communities, Building Bridges Youth perspective, Vanaprathis – Medical Science perspective, Social Mingling.
July – September 2013
The inaugural session started with Yogesh Naik (VHPAHouston chapter) informing the audience about the objectives of the HAVAN conference and how it positively impacts seniors of Hindu community in terms of networking, resource sharing and collaboration.
Acharya Surya Nandaji from Arya Samaj of Greater Houston performed the invocation ceremony and
spoke about four ashrams (phases) of life, their meaning and roles one play in each phase as per Hindu Vedic scriptures.
|
Threefold Aim of HAVAN
★ Seniors to feel good about self ★ Smooth shift from current lifestyle ★ Connection with children and grandchildren. |
Devinder Mahajan (Chief Coordinator of Arya Samaj of Greater Houston) welcomed the audience and thanked VHPA for organizing such enlightening
conference and spoke about programs of Arya Samaj focused towards imbibing Hindu values and culture in children, youth and adults . Pravin Vyas (President, VHPA Houston Chapter) gave an overview of HAVAN and what expectations Hindu seniors can have from it. He also thanked Arya Samaj.
The session on Engaging Vanaprasthis included discussion included by key community leaders with Acharaya Surya Nandaji speaking on Vedic vision and modern day lifestyle, giving real life examples of challenges Vanaprasthis encounter in America. Gaurangbhai Nanavaty spoke on Vanaprasthi lifestyle in American contact, challenges they face in old age and communications with children and grandchildren and their important role in social transformation.
Dr. Mahesh Dave spoke on current state of Vanaprasthis from medical science perspective and what medical approach they should adopt what treatments they should avoid for healthy physical and mental well-being.
Atul Kothari spoke on best retirement planning for Vanaprasthi lifestyle in terms of Social Security, Medicare, investments and other retirement packages.
Abha Dwivedi from American General Life & Accident company spoke on insurance needs for senior citizen lifestyle and companies that offer such insurance programs, selection criteria and enrollments.
Padamakant Khambhati spoke on ‘What can Hindus accomplish collectively that individual Hindus cannot?’ followed by question and answer session. Sanjay Mehta (Jt. General Secretary of VHPA) involved the audience in memory lane game-
Jeopardy.
Ramesh Bhai Shah (President, Ekal Vidyalaya Global) spoke on Seva (social service) opportunities for youth, adults and Vanaprasthis at local and national level.
Sarojni Gupta explained SEWA International activities and helpline phone number for community social service and (SEWA helpline number: (832) 900 9394).
Dr. Renu Thapar gave tips for keeping good mental health and day to day activities which fosters good mental health with emphasis on getting involved in some activity as a volunteer, office bearer, donation fundraising for social organizations. The final session dealt with ‘Engaging VanaprasthisNetworking and Planning’ in which Sushma Pallod (Vice-President, VHPAHouston Chapter) conducted a light Yoga session.
Lauren Santerre spoke on interfaith service and Dialogue: Engaging with Houston Diverse Communities.
Neeraj Salhotra spoke on building bridges with youth and how senior community members can apply active role in educating school students in getting high SAT and other academic scores by volunteering in academic education at various community colleges. Sudhir Mathuria spoke on healthcare, Medicare and long term care program with innovative and informational video presentation.
At the concluding session Sanjay Mehta (Jt. General Secretary of VHPA) thanked audience, volunteers and Arya Samaj of Greater Houston for organizing such insightful and purposeful conference for Hindu seniors and retired community members. All the attendees received a book on speeches of Swami Vivekananda as a gift.
He emphasized the foundation objectives of VHPA which envision Hindu unity irrespective of caste.
