USHA launches Vande Bharatam Dinner in Atlanta

Dinner events will be organized across America to celebrate Bharat - its people, history, culture and contributions.

From left to right: Consul General Ramesh Babu Laxmanan shares stage with elected representatives, diplomats, and USHA volunteers at the Vande Bharatam Dinner. / Courtesy Photo

The United States Hindu Alliance (USHA) hosted a Vande Bharatam Dinner in Atlanta on last month, to promote greater awareness and understanding of the evolving Hindu society and a rising India (Bharat).

The dinner began with an invocation to lord Ganesha by Shreya Sunil, followed by the national anthems of the United States and India. Sudhir Agarwal, chair of the event, welcomed the 225 invited guests and explained the purpose of the dinner and USHA’s mission.

“USHA is organizing Vande Bharatam (Salute to India) Dinner events across America to celebrate Bharat - its people, history, culture and contributions,” he said.

The event was attended by notable figures such as Ramesh Babu Laxmanan, Consul General of India in Atlanta, Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., several elected representatives, diplomats, CEOs, and community leaders.

In his address, the Consul General gave a presentation on India's advancements in various fields, including space, manufacturing, and information technology, and discussed India’s goal to become the third-largest economy in the coming years. He praised USHA’s efforts to raise awareness and build connections.

Dr. Alveda King thanked USHA for organizing the event and shared memories of her family’s close ties with India, also highlighting the historic relationship between Dr. King and Mahatma Gandhi.

Sudhir Agarwal, Chair of the Atlanta event and Dr. Alveda King, niece of late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., light a lamp at the Vande Bharatam Dinner. / Courtesy Photo

Speakers at the gathering included Georgia State Senator Shawn Still, Republican candidate for the Georgia House Narender Reddy, and Democratic candidate for the Georgia Senate Ashwin Ramaswami.

USHA’s national president, Gokul Kunnath, spoke about India’s democracy, diversity, and Dharma. He highlighted the recent elections, emphasizing their democratic nature, the country's cultural diversity, and the role of Dharma in promoting human rights and inclusivity. “The idea of India is unique in the world because it is inherently inclusive and inclusivity is scripturally mandated for Hindus,” he noted.

Balabadra Das, a prominent ISKCON leader of Atlanta, also praised Bharat and USHA’s efforts in uniting diverse communities.

Several community leaders were honored at the event. Dr. Deen Bandhu Chandora, founder of the Vedic Mandir in Lilburn, Dr. Sujatha Reddy, past president of the Hindu Temple of Atlanta and USHA founding member, and Dr. Bhagirath Majmudar, a long-time Atlanta resident and former Emory University professor, received USHA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Consul General Ramesh Babu Laxmanan presents the Lifetime Achievement Awards to Dr. Deen Bandhu Chandora, Dr. Bhagirath Majmudar and Dr. Sujatha Reddy at the Vande Bharatam Dinner. / Courtesy Photo

Consul General Ramesh Babu Laxmanan presents the USHA Leadership Award to Dr. Sreeni Gangasani at the Vande Bharatam Dinner. / Courtesy Photo

Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, a cardiologist and former president of the Georgia Association of Physicians from India, was awarded USHA’s Leadership Award. The Sanatana Dharma Award was presented to Shree Shakti Mandir of Atlanta for its dedication to protecting Hindu interests and Sanatana Dharma in America.

Consul General Ramesh Babu Laxmanan presents the Sanatana Dharma Award to Pravinbhai Master, President of Shree Shakti Mandir at the Vande Bharatam Dinner. / Courtesy Photo

Performances at the event included dances by students from local dance schools such as Kalaashram USA, Sri Performing Arts, and Nritya Natya Kala Bharti, captivating the audience with their traditional performances.

Kalaashram USA Dance School Students presents a Kathak Dance, Sri Performing Arts Dance School students presents a Kuchipudi Dance, and Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Dance School Students presents a Kathak Dance. / Courtesy Photo

The event’s key organizers included Sudhir Agarwal, Swati Agarwal, Uday Gopinath, Mitesh Patel, Prakash Srivastava, Neetu Singh, Rupa Kramadhati, Neeraj Garg, Sandhya Garg, Saurabh Agrawal, and Swayam Sarkar, along with many youth volunteers. The event was supported by local community organizations and sponsors like Patel Brothers, Walia Hospitality, and Fly My Style Travels. Magicdust Photography provided photography, videography, and audio-visual services.

USHA is a grassroots, non-partisan, tax-exempt organization of Hindus in America, dedicated to protecting and promoting Hindu interests worldwide and fostering good relations through various projects and initiatives.