Friends of HUA – Orlando Hosts an Evening of Inspiration
On a warm Thursday evening, April 17th, 2025, the Orlando chapter of Friends of HUA gathered for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and vision at Tabla Indian Restaurant in the heart of Orlando. Attended by esteemed leaders, scholars, and well-wishers of Sanatana Dharma, the event embodied HUA’s mission to preserve, protect, and promote Hindu knowledge systems for future generations.
A Warm Welcome and Setting the Tone
The evening began with a gracious welcome by Mr. Kiran Chhaganlal, Board Member of HUA, whose unwavering support for the university has helped build a strong foundation in Florida. His words reminded attendees of the transformative power of education rooted in Dharma and the vital role of community support in realizing HUA’s vision.
Following him, Mr. Suresh Gupta, another Board Member and a long-time well-wisher and supporter of HUA, extended a heartfelt Welcome Address to the gathering. His reflections on the growing impact of HUA set the tone for the evening—one of gratitude, purpose, and collective responsibility.
The Vision of HUA – From Concept to Movement
The heart of the evening was the inspiring address by Shri Kalyan Viswanathan, President of Hindu University of America. He offered a powerful introduction to HUA’s mission—to create a global platform where Hindu philosophies, traditions, culture, and civilizational knowledge can be studied with academic rigor and spiritual integrity.
Kalyanji emphasized that HUA is not just an institution of learning but a movement—a movement to reclaim and rearticulate the Hindu paradigm on its own terms, with authenticity and dignity. He reflected on the incredible progress made in the past six years, as HUA continues to grow with world-class faculty, cutting-edge programs, and an expanding global student base.
Keynote Address by Dr. Marc Halpern: Dharma in Action
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Dr. Marc Halpern, Founder of the California College of Ayurveda (CCA). A pioneering figure in the West’s Ayurvedic movement, Dr. Halpern spoke with deep conviction about his own journey of discovering his Dharma—to build a school in America for the authentic study of Ayurveda.
He recounted the challenges and triumphs of founding CCA at a time when Ayurveda was little known or misunderstood in the West. “My Dharma,” he said, “was not just to teach Ayurveda, but to make it accessible, legitimate, and spiritually grounded for this part of the world.”
His own personal story of how he came about working in the field of Ayurveda and words of wisdom resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the connection between Ayurvedic wisdom and Sanatana Dharma, and the importance of institutions like HUA in preserving and passing on these timeless traditions.
Introducing New Leadership and Vision at CCA
Following the keynote, Mr. Kiran Chhaganlal introduced Dr. Mahadevan Seetharaman, the newly appointed Dean of the California College of Ayurveda. Dr. Mahadevan, a seasoned integrative healthcare leader and Vedic wellness advocate, shared exciting new initiatives under his leadership including specialized programs for medical professionals bridging modern and Ayurvedic sciences, the expansion of clinical training centers in California and Florida, new line of Ayurvedic health products, rooted in traditional formulations and the creation of a Panchakarma Center at the Pine Lake Retreat Center, bringing authentic Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation therapies to the East Coast.
Reflections and Recognition
The evening continued with a moving acknowledgement by Dr. Jashwant Patel, Chairman of the HUA Board of Trustees. Dr. Patel praised the incredible progress HUA has made over the last six years, building credibility as a pioneering online university committed to Hindu civilizational knowledge. His words honored the collective vision and tireless work of the faculty, leadership, and supporters who are sowing the seeds of Dharma that will bloom for generations to come. He emphasized the need for collaborative growth between HUA and CCA to build a vibrant ecosystem of Vedic education and wellness, accessible across the United States and the entire world.
Voices from the Audience
The event also opened the floor to the audience, where reflections and encouragement flowed freely. Many participants spoke about how deeply they resonate with HUA’s mission and the urgency to reclaim the Hindu narrative in academia and public discourse. Special mention was made of key attendees, including Mr. Sajjan Agarwal, Dr. Vimal Patel, Mr. Narsimha Koppula, Dr. Ajay Shah, and Sri Saumitra Gokhale, members of HUA’s Board. Shri Aravind Swami, VP of Operations at HUA was also in attendance. Their presence and support reflected the strong sense of community that has formed around HUA’s growing network of friends and ambassadors.
An Appeal for Support – Planting the Seeds of Dharma
The formal program concluded with a heartfelt appeal from Esther Dhanraj, Director of Outreach at HUA, who spoke eloquently about why HUA’s work is not just important—but urgent. “We need seeds of support,” she said, “and the HUA team will toil in the sun, nurture them, and grow trees that will bear the fruits of Dharma for the world to benefit from.” She reminded the audience that investing in HUA is not just a donation—it’s an act of intergenerational responsibility. It’s about securing the future for our children, our traditions, and the integrity of Sanatana Dharma in the modern world. Her appeal struck a deep chord with the audience, many of whom pledged their support for HUA’s mission—financially, academically, and spiritually.
Closing Thoughts: A Night of Purpose and Possibility
The Friends of HUA – Orlando Chapter gathering was more than just an event. It was a gathering of like-minded souls, a reaffirmation of purpose, and a call to action. With visionary leadership, dedicated supporters, and a rapidly growing ecosystem of scholars and seekers, HUA is not just growing—it’s thriving. As we move forward, the seeds planted that evening in Orlando will continue to take root across communities, states, and nations. The call is clear: Let us come together to preserve and pass on the rich, enduring wisdom of Sanatana Dharma—for our time and for all time.
To Learn More or Support HUA at https://www.hua.edu/orlando or Email: info@hua.edu
