Hindu Sanghatan Divas in Greater Boston brings together Hindu cultural and religious organizations

by Lekhya Vaddepati

On July 19, 2024, the Greater Boston Chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), organized a Hindu Sanghatan Divas (Hindu Unity Day) at the New England Shirdi Sai Temple in Groton, MA. The event featured a group discussion aimed at generating ideas to tackle important challenges within the Hindu community and a networking dinner. Representatives from 30 different Hindu organizations based in Massachusetts and New Hampshire attended this gathering.

The program started off with an invocation mantra, Sangacchadhwam Samvadadhwam from the Rig Veda which beautifully described the purpose of Hindu Sanghatan Divas - to come together, meet together, and speak together. In the Welcome and Introductions, each participating organization provided a brief summary of the goals of their organization and their significant events. For example, organizations shared upcoming key activities, festivals they celebrate, fundraisers, sewa projects, programs for children, youth, and seniors. Community leaders cheered for each other's organizations as they learned about new ideas, achievements and unique contributions in the society. The energy of the room was positive, encouraging, and inspiring.

It was followed by a group discussion identifying the challenges Hindus face in our community, and how to continue our cultural and religious traditions through various activities and events to create awareness about Hindu culture at schools and in the media. All delegates shared their opinions, and it seemed like the conversations could continue for days as all representatives were passionate about ideas to address the issues. Throughout the discussion, one theme that all were aligned with and expressed was that we need to strengthen our Hindu community from within; starting at our homes, instilling pride in our children and future generations about our Hindu civilization while understanding the challenges in the school system and being aware of sensitive issues such as mental health.

In the concluding remarks, Dr. Shruti Mankad, HSS Northeast General Secretary emphasized about the opportunities for all Hindu organizations to come together, discuss together, and network regularly. Dr. Mankad talked about how all the organizations should reflect on how to synergize our efforts to take one step forward together with the goal of collaborating with each other on two potential projects, one that can help Matru Bhumi, Bharat and another for our Karma Bhumi, the U.S. 

The networking dinner provided further time for organization leaders to sit together and connect with each other informally. Organizations got to further exchange ideas, resources, and share contact details. The event provided a platform for Hindu organizations and temples to communicate and think about Hindu issues and how to serve the community better. 

The overwhelming sentiment was evident: everyone was eager to stay connected and continue these impactful meetings and discussions throughout the year, united in their commitment to building a stronger and cohesive Hindu community.

Organizations participated: Bangla-O-Biswa, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha-Lowell, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha-Westborough, Bhakti Center of Lexington, Boston Ayurveda School, Chinmaya Mission of New England, Dharma Civilization Foundation, Ekal Vidyalaya, Federation of Indian Associations-New England, Friends of Indian Senior Citizens Organizations-Burlington, Global Indians for Bharat Vikas, Hindu Chaplain, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Holistic Alliance, India Heritage Foundation, Indian American for Burlington, Institute for the Advancement of Vedic Mathematics, ISKCON Boston, Lokvani, Maheshwari Mahasabha of New England, Nataraj Yoga Center, New England Leherein, New England Marathi Mandal, New England Shirdi Sai Temple, Radha Krishna Temple, Samskrita Bharati, Satsang Center-Woburn, Sewa International-Boston, Vishwa Hindu Parishad-New England

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