India Currents gave me a voice in days I was very lost. Having my articles selected for publishing was very validating – Shailaja Dixit, Executive Director, Narika, Fremont
The event starts at 10 a.m. with a yagna for world peace and showcases a mela with booths and exhibitions throughout the day. Between 1-4 p.m. there are parallel programs featuring a variety of events for all ages.
The Hindu Theme Park features a number of events for children— magic show, puppet show, fashion show with Hindu themes, shloka and art competitions, along with a variety of entertainment and games.
Dharma Vedika encourages us to “Explore Self, Beyond Yourself.” The objective is to foster a higher level of community interest in Sanatana Dharma. Speakers include Linda Johnsen, author of Hinduism for Dummies; Swami Nithyanand; and Yashwant Pathak.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about a holistic lifestyle through ayurveda, an ancient medical system developed in India. It features home remedies; self-care for conditions like allergies; treatment for asthma, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses; and group consultation by renowned practitioners Pratichi Mathur and Cynthia Copple.
N.V. Raghuram, from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA), Bangalore, gives the keynote address at the Yoga Sangam along with Naras Bhat, M.D., and demonstrations by masters like Vasanthi Bhat, Mahendra Singh, and Art of Living teachers. Yoga Sangam provides an understanding of yoga with a yoga nritya, demonstrations of asanas and kriyas, meditation, and laughter yoga.
Kala Sangam provides glimpses of Hindu art and entertainment with rich music and classical dances from various regions in India as well as dance from Fiji and Nepal. The event also features dance by a number of prominent Bay Area dance schools including bharatanatyam by Abhinaya Dance Company, kuchipudi by Natyalaya, kathak by Tarangini School, and odissi by Jyoti Kala Mandir.
“Youth for Unity, Virtue, and Action” is the theme for the Yuva Sangam. This youth session features performances, games, and “Journey through Hinduism,” an exhibition on science, art, and God. N.V. Raghuram and Subhash Kak are special speakers for this forum.
Samskritam, World Sanskrit Day, features lessons in conversational Sanskrit, games, quizzes, jokes, storytelling, and skits. It also features a discourse on the Vedic method of worship and its meaning by Sanskrit scholar Parasaram Udaya Bhaskara Dikshit from Seattle, Wash.
The evening program features one of the highlights of Hindu Sangam—a spectacular musical drama, Ramayana. Professionally choreographed and directed, the play is staged by over 300 local children. Members of Balagokulam have coordinated this event. The program concludes with Bhajan Sandhya by veteran Bollywood singer Anuradha Paudwal.
Hindu Sangam 2006 has been organized collectively by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Sunnyvale Hindu Temple along with 30 other local Indian organizations.
“It has truly been a joyful time working together with all the organizations and prominent community leaders. We are also very fortunate to have blessings of saints such as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Swami Dayamitraji of Ammachi ashram, and Swami Nityanada,” says Gautam Desai, the spokesperson of Hindu Sangam. “I think without blessings of these great souls, program cannot be successful.”
Saturday, Sept. 9, De Anza College, East Entrance (Stelling Rd), 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (408) 802-3007, (510) 690-1130, (408) 721-2547. Free. www.hindusangam.org