Obama's faith adviser addresses Hinduism meet

Students from eight American universities across three states took part in a regional retreat, addressed among others by Anju Bhargava, member of United States President Barack Obama's Faith Advisory Council, at Fort Parker State Park in Mexia, Texas.

The event last week -- organised by a small group of Hindu students in Mexia -- brought together Hindu community leaders, inspirational figures, young professionals, and students in the spirit of sharing messages of knowledge, service, faith, and friendship.

Bhargava described her experience as a Hindu American as well as her role as a Hindu-American parent. She echoed the President's call to service. She also spoke about the achievements of the community in the past decades and her vision for the future, which she said was building a strong community.

Acharya Praveen Gulati from the Arya Samaj of Greater Houston performed a havan, explaining each step of the ritual. The rest of the programme comprised speeches along with student-led discussions and debates. 

Swami Bodhinatha, the publisher of Hinduism Today magazine, led two discussions: One on how to balance college student life with being a Hindu and two, science and ethics, specifically on medical ethics. Rishi Bhutada of the Hindu American Foundation spoke about the Hindu community's innovative efforts on various fronts. Riyaaz Qawwali, an Austin-based group, led a devotional music session, performing popular bhajans in the qawwali style.

"This weekend," said Sonny Mehta, retreat coordinator, Riyaaz Qawwali lead vocalist and a University of Texas alumnus, "was a chance for two of my worlds to come together, two areas of my life that I have, until now, kept separate -- my love for music and my dedication to my faith." 

Aswini Rajan, a freshman at the University of Arkansas, said, "This experience was new to me since I've never seen so many students interested in learning about Hinduism. This encouraged me to think deeper about Hinduism and what it really means to be a Hindu.  The group debates really spurred my thoughts.'

"I felt instantly a part of something much larger than me," said Anand Jayanti from the University of Texas at Austin.