Intro to Hindu Studies
Every Friday
July 16, 2021- September 24, 2021
09:00 pm EST -10:30 pm EST
Preliminary reflection on the central themes and ideas of Hinduism leading to an understanding of the common foundations of the great variety of traditions and practices within the umbrella of Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism. Review of the complex challenges that arise at the confluence of Hindu and western thought.
Mr. Kalyan Viswanathan received his Master’s Degree in Computer and Information Science from Ohio State University and his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science. He has studied the texts and traditions of Hinduism from an Advaita Vedānta perspective through a 21-year association with Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Founder of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam group of institutions and the first Convener of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha. He serves as the President of the Dharma Civilization Foundation (established 2012) based in Los Angeles and is also the Founder and President of the Sanatana Dharma Foundation, Dallas, Texas (established 2007). He has had a long-standing interest in the promotion of the academic study of Hindu Dharma and played a key role in the establishment of the Mira and Ajay Shingal Center for Dharma Studies at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California. In his prior career, he was a global practice director for an internationally known software consultancy Services firm. He is a member of the Board of Hindu University of America, and currently services as its interim President and Executive Vice President. He also teaches in the Continuing Education and Certification Division.