Director of Advancement
Smt. Esther Dhanraj serves as the Director of Advancement at the Hindu University of America (HUA) bringing a unique blend of academic insight, persuasive communication, and community engagement to advance HUA’s mission and visibility.
Esther holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Osmania University, India, and a research-focused Master’s in Christian Studies with a specialization in Apologetics from Luther Rice University, Georgia. Her in-depth study of Christian doctrines and theological frameworks has shaped her nuanced understanding of faith, philosophy, and comparative religion.
Initially a devout Christian, Esther subjected her dogmatic beliefs to rigorous academic inquiry, ultimately returning to her roots in Sanātana Dharma. Her memoir, Unbaptized: Why I Left Christianity and Returned to My Roots, chronicles this transformative intellectual and spiritual journey.
Also known as Kamakshi, she is a passionate advocate for Sanātana Dharma and actively supports grassroots initiatives aimed at educating rural communities and mentoring leadership teams engaged in Dharmic education and awareness. At HUA, she leverages her experience working with volunteer groups, her eloquence in communication, and her research acumen to strengthen fundraising efforts and community partnerships in service of Hindu civilization.