Volunteers and Core Team Members of Friends of HUA Bay Area, having a lighter moment with HUA President Shri Kalyan Viswanathan.

Friends of HUA – Bay Area Chapter: Cultivating Dharma at HUA Day

On the evening of May 10th, 2025, the Bay Area chapter of Friends of the Hindu University of America (HUA), led by Shri Thirupathaiah Gande, hosted an inspiring and deeply resonant gathering at Falcon X Hall in Milpitas, California. With over 125 attendees—including scholars, students, and supporters of Sanatana Dharma—the event reflected the growing momentum behind HUA’s mission to preserve, protect, and promote Hindu knowledge systems through rigorous education and community engagement.

A Sacred Start: Youth Voices in Devotion

The evening opened with a prayer for India’s success in the war against terrorism. The 5th shloka from chapter 6 of the BG that emphasized that one is responsible for one’s elevation or debasement, was recited by Marut Yelagalawadi. After this, Malini Iyer,  a student from UC Davis, enthralled the audience with a sublime rendition of a prayer to Sharada devi accompanying the guests lighting the lamp.. Her invocation set a devotional tone, honoring the sacred roots of the gathering and reminding everyone of the importance of youth participation in sustaining our spiritual heritage.

Keynote by Dr. Vishwa Adluri: Reclaiming Hindu Thought

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Vishwa Adluri, respected scholar, core faculty at HUA, and co-author of The Nay Science. In his powerful talk, Dr. Adluri illuminated deep connections throughout Hindu thought, texts, and imagery, and the urgent need for institutions like HUA to lead the effort in reclaiming Hindu narratives.

His address struck a deep chord, highlighting how reclaiming knowledge is central to reclaiming identity—and how HUA is uniquely positioned to lead this charge with academic integrity and spiritual authenticity.

Bridging Health and Heritage: Ayurveda’s Role

Dr. Mahadevan Seetharaman, newly appointed Dean of the California College of Ayurveda, shared a forward-looking update on initiatives bridging classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern integrative health. These include new clinical training centers, collaborations with medical professionals, Ayurvedic product development, and the upcoming Panchakarma center on the East Coast.

His vision underscores the synergy between wellness and Dharma—and how institutions like CCA and HUA can co-create ecosystems of healing and learning.

A Vision in Motion: The Journey of HUA

Kalyan Viswanathan, President of HUA, offered a compelling overview of the university’s progress and vision. He shared how HUA has grown into a global platform for Hindu civilizational studies, offering online courses and programs in Sanskrit, philosophy, yoga, Ayurveda, and more.

He emphasized that HUA is more than an academic institution—it is a civilizational movement grounded in the authentic re-articulation of Hindu thought. His message was clear: to preserve our dharmic legacy, we must invest in education that is spiritually rooted and intellectually rigorous.

Panel of Dharmic Changemakers: Women Leading the Way

A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring Esther Dhanraj, Ashwini Surpur, and Hemashree Madabushi—three dynamic women advancing the cause of Dharma in education, leadership, and community outreach.

Their discussion centered on the importance of cultural confidence, Hindu education, and grassroots engagement in today’s world. Each panelist shared powerful personal journeys, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a torchbearer of Dharma in contemporary society.

Honored Dignitaries: Endorsing the Future

The gathering was honored by the presence of two distinguished dignitaries:

• Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, Consul General of India in San Francisco, who brings extensive diplomatic experience, including prior roles as India’s Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City and Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Government of India. His presence underscored the Indian government’s support for initiatives that promote cultural and educational ties within the diaspora.
• Dr. Anu Nakka, the first Indian-American elected to public office in Milpitas, currently serving as a trustee on the Milpitas Unified School District Board. With over two decades of community involvement and leadership, Dr. Nakka embodies the spirit of civic engagement and the importance of representation in public service.

Their attendance and words of encouragement reflected the growing support and recognition of HUA’s work at institutional and civic levels.

Community Reflections and A Call to Action

The program concluded with reflections from attendees and a heartfelt appeal from Smt. Esther Dhanraj, HUA’s Director of Advancement and Mr. Ankur Patel, HUA’s Director of Outreach. Their words echoed long after the lights dimmed: “The seeds you provide today, we are going to sow them, nurture them and grow them into trees of learning that will then bear the fruits of Hindu thought, which will nourish the minds of your future generations of Hindus and through them all of mankind and every creature on this planet.”

Their call to action—supporting HUA financially, academically, and spiritually—resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom pledged to stand behind this movement with renewed commitment.

Cultivating a Future Rooted in Dharma

The Friends of HUA – Bay Area HUA Day on May 10th, 2025, was more than an event. It was a clarion call to all who believe in the timeless relevance of Sanatana Dharma. With community support, visionary leadership, and a vibrant intellectual foundation, HUA continues to grow as a beacon for the dharmic future.

To Learn More or Support HUA:
 Visit https://www.hua.edu/hua-day or Email: info@hua.edu
 Together, let us sustain Dharma. Together, let us shape the future.