USHA launches Vande Bharatam Dinner Initiative in Atlanta
The United States Hindu Alliance (USHA) launched a new initiative under the banner of the Vande Bharatam (Salute to India) Dinner in Atlanta on June 30th to promote greater awareness and understanding about a changing Hindu society and a rising Bharat.
[Left] Consul General Ramesh Babu Laxmanan shares stage with elected representatives, diplomats, and USHA volunteers at the Vande Bharatam Dinner.
The dinner opened with an invocation to Sri Ganesha by Shreya Sunil, followed by the national anthems of the U.S. and India. Sudhir Agarwal, the Chair of the event, explained the purpose of the dinner and the mission of USHA in his welcome address to an audience of 225 invited guests. “USHA is organizing Vande Bharatam Dinner events across America to celebrate Bharat—its people, history, culture and contributions,” he said.
The event was graced by Ramesh Babu Laxmanan, Consul General of India in Atlanta; Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King; Jr.; several elected representatives; diplomats; CEOs; and community leaders.
In his address, the Consul General gave an informative presentation on the progress being made by India in various fields, including space, manufacturing, information technology, and more. He also talked about India’s ambitious plan to become the third-largest economy within the next few years. Consul General Laxmanan applauded USHA’s initiative to create awareness and build bridges.
Dr. Alveda King thanked USHA for organizing the event and shared memories of the family’s close ties with India. She also touched upon the historic relationship between Dr. King and Mahatma Gandhi.
Speakers at the gathering included Shawn Still, Senator in the Georgia State Assembly; Narender Reddy, Republican candidate for the Georgia House; and Ashwin Ramaswami, Democratic candidate for the Georgia State Senate.
[Left] Dr. Alveda King, niece of late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lights a lamp at the Vande Bharatam Dinner.
USHA’s National President, Gokul Kunnath, spoke about three characteristics of India, namely its democracy, diversity, and dharma. He shed light on the recently held elections, which were the largest democratic exercise in human history. President Kunnath explained that the uniqueness of the 2024 elections was that every political party was happy with the results, an unusual occurrence in any country. He further explained in detail the diversity of the ancient Indian civilization and how diversity is the best evidence for the existence of real freedom in any society. “The idea of India is unique in the world because it is inherently inclusive, and inclusivity is scripturally mandated for Hindus.”
Shri Balabadra Das, a prominent ISKCON leader of Atlanta, also spoke about the place of Bharat in the heart of every Hindu. He also appreciated the work of USHA in bringing people from diverse communities together.
Several prominent leaders of the community were honored at the event. Dr. Deen Bandhu Chandora, the founder of the Vedic Mandir in Lilburn and the author of numerous books on Hindu Dharma, as well as Dr. Sujatha Reddy and Dr. Bhagirath Majmudar were recipients of USHA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Sujatha Reddy is a past President of the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, a founding member of USHA, and well-known humanitarian. She has organized numerous health fairs in the region helping tens of thousands of patients from all communities. Dr. Bhagirath Majmudar is a long-time resident of Atlanta and has worked as a professor of Medicine at Emory University. He is a great scholar of Sanskrit and has officiated more than 400 Hindu weddings across the country. Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, a practicing cardiologist and former President of the Georgia Association of Physicians from India received USHA’s Leadership Award. He is the current Chairman of the Georgia Composite Medical Board, which oversees the licensing of physicians in the state of Georgia. The Sanatana Dharma Award was given to Shree Shakti Mandir of Atlanta for its unwavering commitment towards protection of Hindu interests and Sanatana Dharma in America.
Several artists from local dance schools participated in the event including KalaashramUSA, led by Anurag Sharma. His solo performance and the Kathak dance performed by his students Anita Kant, Anuja Birari, Leena Chugh, Neha Gupta, Tejashri Patil, and Vinothambiga Athiappan enthralled the audience. Another exciting dance was performed by students of Sri Performing Arts, a dance school run by Sreedevi Dadithota. Her students Rashmitha Kandula and Trineatri Rayapaneni performed a Kuchipudi dance. Acclaimed classical dancer Kumud Savla’s Nritya Natya Kala Bharti took part at the event showcasing a Kathak dance performed by her students Ananya Saxena, Annika Trivedi, and Aishani Mukherjee.
The key organizers included Sudhir Agarwal, Swati Agarwal, Uday Gopinath, Mitesh Patel, Prakash Srivastava, Neetu Singh, Rupa Kramadhati, Neeraj Garg, Sandhya Garg, Saurabh Agrawal, and Swayam Sarkar. A large number of youth volunteers also helped to organize the successful event. The well-organized event was ably conducted by the MCs Shreya Sunil and Bhrushira Vyas.
Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Dance School Students presents a Kathak Dance, one of the many cultural performances at the Vande Bharatam Dinner.
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