Hindu SangatHan diwaS 2025
Over 200 Gather to Champion Unity, Civic Engagement, and Cultural Pride
Pearland: Aikyam balam samaajasya tadbhaave sa durbalah. Tasmaat aikyam prashamsanti drudham Raashtram Hiteshinah
(Unity is the true strength of a society. Without it, society becomes weak. That is why those who wish for the nation’s well-being always uphold and promote unity with great conviction.)
In a vibrant affirmation of identity, responsibility, and cultural unity, more than 200 members representing 76 Hindu dharmic and cultural organizations assembled at the Meenakshi Temple in Pearland for Hindu Sangathan Diwas (HSD) 2025. Hosted by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS-USA), the annual event served as a call to deepen Hindu American engagement in civic life while reinforcing the timeless values of Sanatan Dharma in a modern American context.
The day opened with sacred Hindu rituals—Tilak and Raksha Sutra—signifying purity and protection. A traditional breakfast followed registration, before the collective recitation of prayers to Lord Ganpati, Goddess Saraswati, and Shanti mantras set a devotional and purposeful tone.
Civic Engagement: Turning Awareness into Action
The central focus of the event was civic participation. In a key panel titled “Hindu American Engagement in Governance and Policy,” experts Shri Amit Misra (Vice President Houston Chapter HSS) and Shri Rishi Bhutada Ji (Director HAF) offered actionable pathways for community involvement—firmly within the boundaries of U.S. nonprofit law. Suggestions included:
• drives at temples.
Hosting voter registration
Reforms
Participants celebrated a significant advocacy success: the recent defeat of California’s SB 403 caste bill, which was viewed as discriminatory by Hindu organizations. Panelists stressed the importance of proactive advocacy in public education as well, particularly by integrating Hindu viewpoints into school curricula.
Speakers Jahnavi Singh Ji and Anjula Gautam Ji raised alarms about cultural misrepresentation and bias in academic spaces. “Many Hindu students are shedding their cultural identities under social pressure,” they noted, urging parents and educators to build confidence and pride in Hindu heritage.
• Raksha Bandhan: A chance to engage law enforcement and foster community trust.
Tripathi Ji also elaborated on the role of HSS-USA as a sutra—a thread binding together the mani (pearls) of Hindu organizations across the U.S.
“Culture is our medium. Let’s use it not only for celebration but for transformation,” Tripathi Ji remarked.
“The beauty of a garland lies in the unity of its pearls. Similarly, our society finds strength when
our organizations stand united,” he said, praising the collaboration among the 76 participating organizations. He encouraged parents to think beyond traditional STEM career paths and instead nurture children toward public service, law, and civic leadership grounded in dharmic values.
A Clarion Call for a Dharmic Future
As the day concluded, speakers issued a powerful call to action:
• Every Hindu event should have civic purpose.
• Cultural awareness must evolve into advocacy.
• Youth should be empowered for leadership and public service.
Quoting the Rig Veda, “Let us walk together, speak together, and understand together”, organizers emphasized unity, clarity of purpose, and dharmic commitment as the pillars for a resurgent Hindu American presence.
Vote of Thanks
In a warm closing address, Shri Subhas Gupta Ji (President Houston Chapter HSS) thanked the tireless volunteers, partner organizations, and individual attendees. “This was not merely a gathering,” he said. “It was a movement—an invocation of unity, identity, and responsibility.”
Hindu Sangathan Diwas 2025 was more than an event—it was a blueprint for the future of Hindu Americans: confident, cohesive, and committed to shaping a just and vibrant American society, rooted in Sanatan Dharma.
Training Volunteer Deputy
• Registrars (VDRs) within the community.
Outreach efforts such as tying Rakhi to university police officers during Raksha Bandhan were highlighted as successful examples of building goodwill and mutual respect. Guru Vandana Seva Diwali, Hindu Yuva, and Vivekananda House: Programs nurturing youth leadership and visibility.
Organizing nonpartisan
• Q&A sessions with candidates at mandirs.
• ister as polling locations.
Encouraging temples to reg-
Motivating Hindu youth
• and families to pursue elected positions on local school boards and utility districts.
Speakers spotlighted a concerning statistic—only 24% of Hindu voters in Fort Bend County turned out in 2024, well below the 60% county-wide average—stressing the need for urgent community mobilization.
Speakers emphasized that Hindu Americans should preserve and promote their distinct identity, resisting dilution into broader “South Asian” or generic racial categories. “Just as churches serve as civic hubs in other communities, temples too must become active centers for engagement and leadership,” panelists noted.
Advocacy and Education: Policy Wins and Curriculum
The event’s cultural segment was not merely performative—it carried strategic intent. Youth participants energized the crowd with a rousing rendition of “Sangathan ka Mahamantra le, Taarunai ka Jwar Utha,” celebrating unity and youthful zeal.
HSS: The Thread Uniting Hindu America
In his address, Shri Sanjay Tripathi Ji (National Vice Executive Director HSS) urged the community to view cultural festivals as opportunities for civic engagement:
• Guru Vandana: A platform to build relationships with educators and influence textbook reform.
awakened Yoga – wHen Yoga BecomeS tHe PatH Back to tHe Self
From Yoga to Enlightenment – The Miracle at Universal Door Meditation
Sugar land: The International Day of Yoga at Universal Door Meditation Center was not just a day to train the body or improve focus — it was the revelation of Yoga under the light of Enlightenment.
When Awakened Zen Master Thích Dieu Thien illuminated Yoga with the wisdom of awakening, it transcended form and posture, becoming Awakened Yoga: a direct gateway to return to the True Self, to the Clear Mind.
In that sacred and serene space, through each conscious breath, each step grounded in presence, we began to see clearly:
When the mind was cling-
• ing, controlling, or performing — that was the Attached Mind, the very root of suffering and delusion.
When the mind rested in • stillness and openness — that was the Clear Mind. And in that seeing, the shift happened. Yoga became the Way.
After the Awakened Yoga session, the Awakened One gave a powerful Dharma talk. In the face of widespread instability, anxiety, and crisis — from climate to so-
ciety to personal disconnection — human beings search for peace through external methods: yoga, meditation retreats, travel, social media… But all of these provide only temporary relief. Once the method is gone, suffering returns. People are pulled back into fear, competition, and restlessness — with no true escape.
Through all-knowing insight, the Awakened One opened the door to the ultimate truth: The Path of Awakening and Liberation, unveiling wisdom, awakening the innate Buddha-nature within each person, and shattering the veil of illusion.
All boundaries of religion, culture, and race faded into nothingness. The room became a pure ocean of silence, beyond space and time, where only a Radiant Source remained — and all returned to it.
Gratitude to the Hindus of Greater Houston, and to Lillian Manek, co-founder, Union is Creation, for wholeheartedly guiding the yoga session, not only beautiful in form, but also rich in depth — filled with awakening and boundless compassion.
Swami Mukundananda to Visit July 19 – Aug. 1
houSton: Swami Mukundananda ji will be visiting Houston to conduct the Life Transformation Program (LTP) starting from July 19th. LTP offers a comprehensive approach to personal growth and empowerment, centered around this year’s theme, “Yog Sutras of Patanjali” and “7 Divine Laws to awaken your Best Self”.
Swami Mukundananda is a world-renowned spiritual teacher from India and an international authority on mind management. He earned his degrees from prestigious IIT Delhi and IIM Kolkata. He was employed by a multinational firm for a short while, then renounced a promising career to embrace monkhood at the age of 23. He studied Vedic Scriptures under the tutelage of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj for several years. For almost four decades now, Swami Mukundananda has been sharing his vast knowledge through his books, lectures, life transformation programs and Retreats. Swamiji has graced prestigious institutions including Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, United Nations, MIT, Yale University, and Stanford University, captivating audiences worldwide.
Swamiji meets hundreds, even thousands of people each week from all walks of life. His steadfast positivity exudes hope, clarity and a sense of purpose for those who connect with him. He has deeply affected the lives of millions of people who have been drawn to his profound integrity, charismatic personality, and passion to serve. Swamiji’s lectures are in-depth yet humorous, his arguments logical and well laid out, and his advice is practical. His lectures on social
media platforms are loved and followed by millions worldwide. Swamiji divides his time between India and the USA.
While Swamiji’s wisdom resonates with millions online, the opportunity to hear him in person is rare. Don’t miss this chance to meet him, receive his guidance, and explore pathways to mental, physical, and spiritual enrichment. JKYog’s Life Transformation Programs are open to all, regardless of age or background, and are offered Free of cost. Join the transformative experience!
The JKYog Houston chapter is honored to welcome Swami Mukundananda for a 2 week-long Life Transformation Program from July 19th to August 1st,
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2025.
Week 1 Topic: Yog Sutras of Patanjali, Date: July 19th to July 25th, 2025. Time 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM, Venue: Sri Sharadamba Temple, SVBF South 10315 Clodine Rod, Richmond TX 77407
Week 2 Topic: 7 Divine Laws to Awaken your Best Self, Date: July 26th to August 1st. Time 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM Venue: India House 8888 W Belfort Avenue Houston TX 77031.
The program is FREE, and dinner Prasadam is served every evening at the conclusion of the program. Kindly do the Free Registration at www.JKYog.org/ Houston. Contacts: 281-630-5982, 281-780-4877
SWNB: 20 Years of Scholarship Awards
houSton: Southwestern National Bank proudly held its Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony to honor two outstanding high school seniors for their academic excellence, community involvement, and inspiring future aspirations. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it marked the 20th anniversary of the bank’s long-standing scholarship program.
Each recipient of the $1,000 scholarship was carefully selected based on academic achievement, extracurricular and community involvement, and demonstrated financial need — a reflection of Southwestern National Bank’s commitment to supporting wellrounded and deserving students.
Applications were accepted from across Houston, Austin, and the Dallas area, highlighting the bank’s dedication to reaching students in
multiple communities and investing in the leaders of tomorrow.
The 2025 SWNB Scholars: Valdemar Tamez – Clear Horizons Early College High School
Sion Joo – Glenda Dawson High School
The awards ceremony took place at Southwestern National Bank Headquarters, with Chairwoman Jody Lee in attendance, alongside the families and friends of the scholarship recipients.
As the bank celebrates two decades of educational support, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower young individuals through opportunities that foster growth, leadership, and academic success.
Southwestern National Bank looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition for years to come. (Member FDIC).
Valdemar Tamez, Clear Horizons Early College High School, receiving the scholarship award with his mother from SWNB’s Jody Lee.
Swami Mukundananda
Yoga in Spanish Draws Hundreds as Colombian Teacher Builds Cultural Bridges
by Juhi VarMa
KATY, TX — Among the 30 International Day of Yoga events held across Houston this year, one stood out for its unique focus: a Spanish-language gathering at Active Coffee Shop in Katy, where Colombian yoga teacher Olga Prieto led 125 participants through an inclusive community practice.
“My English is fine for conversation,” she says, “but to teach yoga, I feel I can explain better in Spanish.”
Olga earned her teaching certification from SVYASA in 2022.
This wasn’t the first time yoga has been taught in Spanish—many instructors already offer classes in the language. But the event stood out for its scale, underscoring yoga’s growing popularity among Houston’s Hispanic community.
Olga, who balances careers as a petroleum engineer and yoga teacher, traces her love for yoga back more than 40 years, to a national park in Bogotá, Colombia. As a small child, she joined her parents for a weekly event known as “yoga at the park,” led by an India-trained yogi named Dario and a retired actress, Alicia de Rojas.
“She had a shock of thick white hair,” Olga remembers of de Rojas, a respected and well-known Colombian actress. “She was very expressive and enthusiastic, and said yoga was the secret to her long life and good health.” The free sessions were a popular gathering, but it wasn’t just the celebrity that drew people in—it was the community spirit and the healing power of yoga.
Olga continued practicing yoga throughout her life—even as she built a demanding career at Baker Hughes, moving to Texas 18 years ago. Initially, she turned to Bikram yoga to maintain her practice. But she dreamed of returning to more traditional forms.
Though her SVYASA training was in English, Olga always knew she wanted to teach in Spanish.
“Spanish comes more natural for me,” she said. “And so many people here want to do yoga, specially senior ladies, but struggle to follow instructions in English.”
What is SVYASA?
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA), a registered nonprofit which promotes education and community service through yoga.
“(Olga’s) was one of the best events I’ve been to,” said Vishwarup N., of SVYASA Houston. “It was the first time we heard of yoga happening in Spanish on IDY with so many people. I think we were the only few Indians there.”
SVYASA’s Houston chapter is under the leadership of husbandand-wife team Vishwarup N. and Smitha Mallaiah.
“The beauty of it was the integration,” said Smitha about the session. “The starting and ending prayers and names of all the asanas
were in Sanskrit. We sometimes see a whitewash of yoga, it is always being translated. So it was nice to really see that it’s retained its personality, and it reached the people. The way Olga led the session was very beautiful and respectful.”
For the past five years, Hindus of Greater Houston have sponsored members of the African American and Hispanic communities to train as yoga teachers.
In Houston, SVYASA collaborates with the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands, among other organizations, to offer yoga classes.
Olga, who lives in The Woodlands, completed her yoga instructor training at the temple.
There are multiple training programs and offered a variety of yoga classes led by certified instructors, said Smitha. There are also several yoga therapists based in The Woodlands.
“Olga ji began attending these sessions and was especially drawn to the way traditional yoga practices were combined with scientific knowledge,” she said.
Over the past 15 years, since they became directors, nearly 300 yoga teachers have been certified, Smitha said.
Among these certified instructors is Yasmin Udawala, who was one of their first students in 2016. Now a yoga teacher herself, Yasmin recalls the early days with SVYASA, when classes didn’t have a permanent location and were held at Keshav Smriti, the community center of Star Pipe Products.
Based in Clear Lake, Yasmin works with children through a summer camp program and offers private instruction, while also serving as secretary of the Indian Muslim Association of Greater Houston.
“Not everyone needs to be able to do every asana,” she said. “When you figure out what each person needs, it’s more healing.”
If you are interested in becoming yoga teacher with SVYASA, click here
Active Coffee Shop
Earlier this year, Olga and her husband, Danilo Quinones teamed up with their friend Christian Reyes to open Active Coffee Shop in Katy. What began as a neighborhood café soon became a gathering place for wellness: Olga started offering free Saturday morning yoga classes in Spanish.
By the time International Day of Yoga arrived on June 21, more than 125 members of the Hispanic community unrolled their mats at Active Coffee Shop, eager to participate. For many, it was their first time attending a yoga class.
For Olga, the experience was affirming.
“The response has been very positive,” she said. “The community is very interested, but they just needed someone to teach them in Spanish.”
Each Saturday morning at 9 a.m., Olga makes the long drive from The Woodlands to Katy to lead class. Her husband helps her
rehearse, gives feedback, and even joins in. “He’s my biggest supporter,” she says.
“I like to ride bicycles, run, swim, and I don’t feel any pain,” said Danilo. “But when I do yoga, I felt pain in muscles that I never knew I had before.”
Olga said her father continued practicing daily well into old age, crediting yoga with easing his illness
and keeping his mind clear. That memory fuels her mission to make yoga accessible—free of charge— to anyone who wants it. Today, her classes regularly draw 20 to 30 people, and she continues to study Hinduism and yoga philosophy to deepen her understanding of the tradition she loves.
For Houston’s Hispanic community, Prieto’s classes are more than exercise. They are an invitation— to feel welcome, to find balance, and to connect with something larger.
Colombian yoga teacher Olga Prieto (right) led 125 participants through an inclusive community practice at Active Coffee Shop
Earlier this year, Olga and her husband, Danilo Quinones teamed up with their friend Christian Reyes to open Active Coffee Shop in Katy. From left are Danilo Quinones, Olga Prieto and Christian Reyes.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Maa’: Kajol Movie Delivers Chills in Flashes
by dhaVal roy
Story: After her husband’s sudden death in his hometown of Chandarpur, West Bengal, Ambika (Kajol) returns to his ancestral haveli to sell it. But the village is plagued by a demonic curse— and demands the sacrifice of her daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma) to end it. Will the mother save her child?
Review: The film opens in West Bengal during Kali Puja, with the chilling sacrifice of a newborn girl in the jungle. Forty years later, her twin brother Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta) lives in the city with his wife Ambika and their daughter Shweta—far removed from his eerie birthplace. But fate draws them back when Shuvankar dies while attending his father’s funeral. The ancestral home and village hide sinister secrets and a demonic presence. As young girls begin to vanish mysteriously and dark forces close in on Shweta, Ambika must confront the horrors of the past to protect her child.
Director Vishal Furia’s venture is an addition to the Shaitaan universe and marks Kajol’s debut in the horror genre. With story and screenplay by Saiwyn Quadras, the film blends mythology and
horror, drawing inspiration from the legend of Goddess Kali and Raktabeej—where a single drop of blood gives rise to an unspeakable evil that finds its home in Chandarpur.
A dark, derelict haveli, scattered ruins, and haunting forests create an atmospheric backdrop, and cinematographer Pushkar Singh succeeds in building an eerie visual tone.
However, the narrative is uneven, and the pace slackens at times, affecting the film’s overall grip. There are moments that deliver genuine chills, but the overuse of gimmicky VFX and exaggerated creature design dilute the fear factor.
Like Furia’s earlier work Chhorii and its sequel, this film revisits the theme of female infanticide, weaving it into the horror narrative. While the premise holds promise, the storyline becomes predictable in parts, and certain plot points will feel familiar to seasoned horror viewers.
Kajol delivers a compelling performance as a mother pushed to the edge, balancing vulnerability with fierce resolve. Kherin Sharma and Rupkatha Chakraborty are both impressive as young girls caught in the storm of ancient evil. Ronit Bose Roy lends solid sup-
port as the village sarpanch.While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, the film delivers a mythologically rooted horror tale that makes for a decent one-time watch. -- ToI
When billionaire Pankaj Bhatti (Boman Irani) is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, his fortune and a suspicious will, spark chaos within the family mansion. Enter Detective Sherdil — a smooth-talking investigator with a flair for drama and deduction.
‘Detective Sherdil’ tries to be a clever caper but ends up being just a colourful distraction. With a sharper script and smarter humour, it might’ve worked. But as it stands, this mystery is one you won’t mind leaving unsolved. -Ronak Kotecha, ToI
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Send us the correct answer before July 8, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
Solution Next Week
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‘Det. Sherdil’: Predictable
