By Patti Tripathi
The largest Hindu students’ organization outside India is poised to host the historic Global Dharma Conference. The first Hindu-American Miss America, Nina Davuluri, will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for festivities to honor architects of World Yoga Day.
“Once a member of HSC at University of Michigan, I am looking forward to sharing my faith and journey to assimilation as a second generation Hindu American,” Davuluri said.
More than three thousand people, including young Hindus from 20 countries and 70 universities, are coming together for an epic gathering to promote and explore Dharma and global harmony in mid-September, with invited delegates and experts from diverse fields such as spirituality, science, academia, business, politics and the arts converging on New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.
Hindu Students Council (HSC), the largest Hindu youth organization in North America, will host the three-day Global Dharma Conference from September 11 to 13 to commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary.
TV news anchor Patti Tripathi was called into work by CNN Headline News on the day of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, and understands the slogan “Never Forget” as she witnessed raw video from the horrific scenes being fed into CNN’s World Headquarters in Atlanta. She will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies on September 11.
“As a first generation immigrant moving from India to Indiana my journey was different from who are members of HSC. I studied Hinduism from a Jewish professor at the University of Notre Dame, a predominantly Catholic University. Though raised a vegetarian I am just now beginning to practice yoga and meditation and studying about our ancient philosophies. I am profoundly impressed by the HSC which is making it possible for Hindu youths and university students to celebrate holidays, embrace their rich heritage, and convey so much pride in their identity,” Tripathi, founder of TriPath Media and Saris To Suits, said. “It will surely be an enlightening conference.”
Two recent and historical September 11 anniversaries give scores of reasons to recognize, observe, and practice inner and global harmony. “‘Never Forget” became the common slogan for the series of attacks in 2001 by Islamist terrorist group Al Qaeda in which 3,000 people of all faiths, backgrounds and cultures perished in a matter of hours.
On September 11 1893, the Parliament of Religions convened in Chicago, which was a unique phenomenon in the history of religions. Social reformer, philosopher and revered Hindu spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda took the long voyage from India for the gathering and began his famous speech addressing the audience as “Sisters and Brothers of America.”
“Dharma, one of the most profound concepts realized by enlightened Hindu sages and those of other Indic traditions, literally means ‘that which holds together’ or ‘that which sustains a being,’” HSC Chairman Nikunj Trivedi said. “Going beyond religion, it is a combination of forces that sustain life and principles that lead to the path of righteousness and harmony.”
Accordingly, the 25th anniversary conference in September is brimming with carefully selected dignitaries, as well as eminent spiritual and thought leaders to foster deeper understanding and spiritual practices of Dharma for a fulfilled life and a harmonious society. The expanding roster includes confirmed luminaries such as renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation via live video conference, the Indian Prime Minister’s personal and known yoga teacher Dr. HR Nagendra Rao; and engaging panel and panelists on ‘Dharma and Science’ with NASA scientist Dr. Kamlesh Lulla, noted physicist and Hindu scholar Dr. GNR Tripathi of the world renowned Radiation Research Lab, genius young math professor and the winner of the Fields Medal, equated as the “Nobel for Mathematics,” Dr. Manjul Bhargava. Renowned author and the Founder of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, Dr. David Frawley will give invaluable insights on Hindu response to Western intellectual challenges. Other Hollywood/Bollywood celebrities and well known personalities are to be announced soon.
A Balinese dance troupe will perform scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana, followed by Indian classical dances and performances by celebrity artists such as young flute virtuoso Rakesh Chaurasia, composer and percussionist Rajeev Mahavir, Mandolin virtuoso U Rajesh and Ghatam (Indian claypot) maestro Giridhar Udupa.
More than two thousand people attended the Global Dharma Conference in 2003. The three-day 2015 conference scheduled for September 11 to the 13 at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, in Edison, NJ, aims to explore and understand the multi-faceted applications of Dharma for a harmonious self as well as for the society and the world—whether through the multi-faceted systems of yoga or the invaluable teachings of Vedas and Vedanta.
Please visit the Global Dharma Conference website to sponsor or to attend.
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Hindu Students Council (HSC) is an international forum providing opportunities to learn about Hindu heritage and culture. It is the largest Hindu youth organization in North America, with over 50 chapters across university campuses. Over 130,000 students and youth have participated in HSC activities since its inception in 1990. For more information, email info@hindustudentscouncil.org or visitwww.hindustudentscouncil.org.