[Photo: HUA President Kalyan Viswanathan sharing a presentation on HUA’s journey]
Hindu University of America Hosts Powerful Samvada Dialogue in Los Angeles, Inspiring Cultural Pride and Deeper Understanding of Sanatana Dharma
Los Angeles, CA | January 10, 2026
On Saturday January 10th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Hindu University of America (HUA) hosted Samvada Los Angeles, a powerful and deeply engaging community dialogue that brought together more than 150 attendees from across Southern California for a morning of reflection, learning, and connection.
What unfolded was far more than a formal program. It was a shared experience. One that reminded everyone in the room of the importance of knowing who we are, where we come from, and what we carry forward.
The program opened with Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles, who spoke passionately about the responsibility of Hindus and Indians to understand their real history and take pride in their civilizational legacy. He emphasized that when a community knows its roots, it stands taller, speaks clearer, and builds stronger futures.
[Photo: Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles during deep prajwalan at the beginning of the event]
Swami Ishwarananda, Senior Monk at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, followed with a compelling message on why Hindu studies are essential today. He explained how learning about our philosophical and cultural foundations is not simply academic, but fundamental to preserving identity, strengthening values, and guiding the next generation.
With warmth and thoughtful humor, Swami BeyondAnanda (Steve Bhaermer) offered reflections on spirituality that extend beyond religious boundaries, focusing on human connection, compassion, and the deeper needs of a world searching for meaning and balance.
[Photo: From left to right, Smt. Esther Dhanraj is joined by HUA Chairman Dr. Jashvant Patel, Swami Ishwarananda, Swami Beyondananda, and President Kalyan Viswanathan to release her new book “Unbaptized: Why I left Christianity and Returned to My Roots”]
One of the most moving moments of the morning came from Esther Dhanraj, author of Unbaptized. She shared her personal journey of being converted to Christianity at the age of 12 in India, becoming a devoted believer, and later pursuing advanced studies in Christian theology at Divinity School. Through her years of study, she began to distinguish between faith and organized religion, which led her to question her path. Eventually, that journey brought her back to Hinduism, a return she described as a homecoming of both intellect and spirit. The room listened in complete silence as she spoke, deeply touched by her honesty and courage.
The success of Samvada Los Angeles reflected the strength of the leadership and community behind Hindu University of America.
The event was anchored by the vision and guidance of Kalyan Vishwanathan, President of Hindu University of America, whose dedication to academic excellence and civilizational scholarship continues to shape HUA’s growing impact.
Dr. Mahadevan Seetharaman, Dean of the California College of Ayurveda, reinforced the educational depth of the gathering, highlighting the importance of integrative knowledge systems rooted in India’s traditional sciences.
Dr. Jashvant Patel, Chairman of the Board of Hindu University of America and a respected spine and pain management physician, was also present, lending his support and leadership to the event.
Ankur Patel, Director of Community Outreach, brought together families, leaders, and supporters from across Southern California, ensuring the event reflected HUA’s core mission of engagement, service, and shared purpose.
[Photo: Chinmaya Mission Senior Monk Swami Ishwarananda, addressing over 150 people who attended HUA Samvada – Los Angeles on January 10th at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts]
The Friends of HUA – Los Angeles Chapter served as the driving force behind the program. Their tireless planning, outreach, and coordination transformed Samvada from an idea into a meaningful and memorable experience for the entire community.
Throughout the morning, several attendees and supporters spoke about why they chose to support Hindu University of America. Their reflections spoke of responsibility, gratitude, and hope. Hope for an institution that preserves knowledge, builds leaders, and carries the wisdom of Sanatana Dharma forward with integrity and purpose.
As the program concluded, the room carried a quiet sense of collective resolve. People left not just informed, but inspired, grounded, and connected, with a renewed understanding of who they are and what they stand for.
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Hindu University of America is a non-profit institution dedicated to higher education, research, and global scholarship in Hindu studies. Through academic programs, community initiatives, and public dialogues like Samvad, HUA creates spaces where ancient wisdom meets modern life. For more information, visit www.hua.edu