About the Free Webinar:
Join us for a special webinar reflecting on the success of the 19th HMEC Conference, held October 2–4, 2026, at the Jain Center of Southern California in Buena Park. HUA faculty and staff—including Dr. Kalika Uttarkar, Dr. Ram Rao, Acarya Mrityunjay Trivedi, and Ankur Patel—presented at the conference, while HUA’s booth offered a space to connect with attendees and explore opportunities for collaboration. Smt. Vallabha Tantry, the convener of this year’s HMEC and an active, engaged HUA student, further exemplifies the connections between our institutions and the communities we serve.
Building on relationships developed through previous HMEC gatherings and ongoing collaborations, we will share highlights from this year’s conference and consider how to translate its momentum into sustained partnerships. The conversation will explore opportunities ranging from the Bhagavad Gītā Parīkṣā and the Dharma Leadership Fellowship to community workshops, courses, and study retreats, connecting HUA’s faculty and educational resources with local community needs.
Whether you are a mandir leader, priest, educator, parent, student, devotee, or volunteer, join us to reflect on what we have accomplished together and envision future collaborations that deepen Hindu understanding, strengthen community leadership, and inspire the next generation.
This is a complimentary webinar, thoughtfully curated to offer depth, clarity, and high-value insights—reflecting the quality of a premium learning experience.
In this session, you will:
Discover key highlights and insights from the 19th HMEC Conference.
Explore how HMEC and HUA are building stronger, lasting partnerships.
Learn about opportunities through the Bhagavad Gītā Parīkṣā and Dharma Leadership Fellowship.
Discover collaborative workshops, courses, and study retreats for Hindu communities.
Explore ways to strengthen mandir leadership, deepen Hindu understanding, and inspire the next generation.
Get to Know panelists
Smt. Tejal Shah, President of VHPA
Smt. Tejal Shah, President of VHPA, holds degrees in Electrical Engineering from Sardar Patel University and Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ. A long-time community volunteer, she has served in leadership roles with VHPA since 2016, including organizing national HMEC conferences and leading the historic Shree Ram Lalla Rath Yatra that connected 800+ Hindu mandirs across North America. Professionally, she worked at IBM for 23 years and now serves as a Business and Service Delivery Manager. Guided by her Guru, Brhamlin Maharshi Punitachariji Maharaj, she lives in New Jersey with her supportive family.
Smt. Vallabha Tantry, HMEC Convener
Smt. Vallabha Tantry, a Minnesota resident of over 22 years, works as a Regulatory Affairs Associate in a leading Medical Device Company in Minneapolis. Vallabha also serves as program convenor for the Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council. Additionally, she is the Coordinator of the Hindu Heritage Month initiative in Minnesota. The team successfully celebrates Diwali at the Minnesota State Capitol with Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan in attendance. Vallabha has served as the President of the Hindu Temple, Maple Grove, for the years 2018 & 2019.
Dr. Kalika Uttarkar
Dr. Kalika Uttarkar is the Director, Community Education, and a faculty at both the Graduate and CE Divisions at HUA. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy, and skillfully integrates Philosophy, Yoga, and Psychology into her role.
Shri. Aravind Swami
Shri. Aravind Swami, Vice President of Operations at HUA, combines expertise in IT, finance, and management with a deep commitment to empowering others and advancing the flourishing of Hindu Dharma.
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