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From creating a Hindu ‘angel investor’ group, to writing in ‘cool’ language for contemporary youth, the 3-day conference in Chicago featured high-profile attendees and outlined several global initiatives Some 2,500 Hindus from 60 countries, including high profile political leaders, gathered in Chicago Sept. 7-9, for the second World Hindu Congress 2018, coinciding with Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 address to the World Parliament of Religions. “Think collectively, Achieve Valiantly” was the theme of the conference which began with the traditional resounding sound of conchs with a backdrop of a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Westin Lombard York Town Center in Chicago. Organized around daily plenary meetings and 7 concurrent conferences that included the economy, women, youth, education, media, politics, and Hindu organization, the conference ended with several recommendations on how to protect rights of Hindus around the world and highlight their achievements. Among numerous high profile speakers and attendees as well as participants, were India’s Vice President Venkaiah Naidu; Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Mohan Rao Bhagwat; U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois; Ohio Republican State Rep. Niraj Antani; former Iowa State Senator Swati Dandekar; Connecticut State Rep. Dr. Prasad Srinivasan; and Bollywood actor Anupam Kher. “There was so much networking going […]

Chicago IL: The World Hindu Congress held from Sept. 7-9, 2018 in Chicago reaffirmed Swami’s Vivekananda’s message of universal love, peace, acceptance and service to humanity. In this context, it recognized and honored the substantial contributions of four organizations whose selfless volunteers have dedicated their lives in spreading these teachings of Hindu Dharma and preserving its unparalleled culture around the world. The four organizations that were honored were ISKCON, BAPS Swaminarayan, Geeta Press, Gorakhpur and Chinmaya Mission. ISKCON ISKCON was honored for its work in spreading the philosophy of the Bhagvad Geeta to the remotest corners of the world and sparking an interest in Hindu traditions. Its translations of this sacred text into 70 languages has resulted in diverse ethnicities embracing its message and timeless teachings and incorporating it in everyday life. Today ISKCON has a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Australia and runs over 850 temples, community centers, schools, restaurants (including feeding the needy) and charitable institutions across the world to serve humanity. International Director of Communications Anuttama Das attributed ISKCON’s success to the profound knowledge with which “we all have been blessed.” He also stated that had Srila Prabhupada, Founder of ISKCON, been with us […]

Chicago IL: The United States Hindu Alliance (USHA), a national Hindu advocacy organization, announces a one year 100 city celebration of the 125th anniversary of the historic speech by Swami Vivekananda on September 11, 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. The parliament was a landmark event in the history of religions. More than 7,000 religious leaders representing various religions, faiths and Dharma traditions from all over the world took part in the event, including the young Swami Vivekananda from India who represented Hindu Dharma. By virtue of his message, that advanced ideas of tolerance, acceptance, harmony and co-existence, he became an instant celebrity within and outside the parliament. According to the Smithsonian Institute, he is one of the 25 most influential leaders who have ever visited the United States. The launch event took place on September 11, 2018 at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, the first Hindu temple of Chicago. Among the eminent personalities who addressed the audience included 4 senior leaders of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, the apex body of all the Heads of Hindu monastic orders (Sanyasi Paramparas) of India, representing more than 1.7 million Hindu monks. Poojya Swami Paramatmananda Saraswatiji, General Secretary […]

Chicago IL: The two days colorful Indian classical dance festival, Nritya Samarpana 2018 concluded on Sept 15-16, 2018 at Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, 1145 Sullivan Rd, Aurora, IL. It was a breathing two days festival which featured top artists from different states of USA and India. There were total 9 featured performers along with performances by the veteran teachers of the Chicagoland area like Gauri Jog, Sobha Tamanna, Ipsita Satpathy and Asha Adiga with their respective students. It was a glorious two days of vivid showcase of extremely talented artists. The fest showcased artists from classical Indian dances including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Odissi and so on. Each year, this dance festival is organized by Balaji cultural committee at the Veluchamy Auditorium of Sri Venkateswara Balaji temple in Aurora Illinois and admired by art lovers. This illustrious dance festival attracts innumerable viewers and art connoisseurs across states. Balaji temple has been in the forefront of preserving Indian cultural arts and celebrates the various art forms. Robust Indian classical dance programs like Nritya Samarpana festival is a great platform for nurturing such traditional arts which are face of our Indian heritage. Anindita Neogy is an International Kathak danseuse who featured […]