Shri. Ashok Chowgule, President Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) India visited Houston, Texas. During his trip he met many Houston based Hindu organization leaders and discussed key issues which impact Hindus on both regional and global scale. During the meet & greet event held at Missouri city, he informed audience on history of VHP and its mission and vision. VHP resist forces which are adamant and consistent in making Hindus weak—politically, socially and culturally. He emphasized the importance of Hinduism which is not only the world oldest civilization but also now is third larg-est religion (Dharma) in world (Recent survey by Pew rank Hinduism as world third largest religion). Ashok ji’s message for the youth is to take this rich heritage forward to current and next generations and work towards protection, preservation and sus-taining Hindu Dharma. Shri. Ashok Chowgule also visited NASA and other social cultural places dur-ing this trip.
On the issue of Lord. Ram Temple at Ayodhya (Ramjanambhoomi movement), he said that it’s an important program and has deep historical im-portance for Hindus culturally and religiously. Giv-ing Gita press based at Gorakhpur as role models for Hindu relevant press and publications in proper-ly propagating the message of Hinduism to the world, his message underlined power of a individu-als in making widespread impact for Dharma.
He also gave an overview of VHP international co-ordination activities like facilitating conferences in Asia Pacific & European countries, formation of new VHP units in areas of Hindu presence, providing logistics and intellectual support to world wide Hindu organizations. Important point is to translate the message of Hindu saints to Hindu soci-ety, where VHP role is like a bridge between saints and Hindu society , a prerequisite for which is presence within Hindu society. Today VHP and it’s sister organizations has presence in more than 80,000 villages in India and over 25 countries worldwide which makes above said task seamless.
He also informed audience about various social activities VHP is involved like running orphanages, tribal education via Ekal Vidhyala with Hindu val-ues and ethics. Medical camps, dispensaries, Hindu helpline, Friends of tribal society, Gowshala (Cow shelters) etc.
LR: Shri.Ashok Chowgule, Mr. Rahul Chandra, Ms. Shalini Kapoor & Mr. Bhavesh Joshi
Later, Ms. Shalini Kapoor (Secretary—North Houston VHPA Chapter) and Mr. Bhavesh Joshi (Treasurer—North Houston VHPA Chapter) informed audience on upcoming programs and events of VHPA North Houston chapter like Blood donation, Hindu Awareness Yatra, Hindu Heritage Day , Hindu camp etc. Mr. Rahul Chandra (President—VHPA North Houston chapter provided updates on VHPA national governing council meeting in Detroit, MI and prospective expansion of VHPA chapters in Dallas and Austin areas.
Mr. Pravin Vyas (President VHPA Houston Chapter)
Mr. Pravin Vyas (Houston VHPA president) updated audience on upcoming event of Kite flying (Jan, 2013) and importance of Hindu camp (June—July mid).
Dr. T.R.N. Rao (An eminent Hindu intellectual & past president of Hindu university of America) emphasized the need of development of leadership skills among Hindus with a positive mindset, free of colonized mind frame. Mr. Dilip Mehta (President of Hindu Congress of America (HMSA) gave an overview of HMSA activities in Houston metropolis.
Eminent social activist Mr. Ravi Raghavan
Mr. Ravi Raghavan provided updates on Hindu human rights violations in Bangladesh and Pakistan and urged all create awareness in this area.
Later in an inauguration ceremony, Shri. Ashok Chowgule inaugurated World Hindu News (www.worldhindunews.com) – a program under World Hindu Foundation to cater growing news publication requirement of Hindus.
Shri. Dilip Mehta (President of Hindu Mahasabha of America)
Web (North Houston Unit): http://northhouston.vhp-america.org Web (National): http://www.vhp-america.org/
Source: VHPA