BOSTON, MA, November 1, 2019 - The Threads 2019 conference, organized by World Hindu Council of America opened today with big fanfare in the city of Woburn today.
Conference opened with ceremonial Shankh Naad, Ganesh Stuti, lighting of lamp by dignitaries and beautiful rendition of Indian and American national anthems.
Dr. Jai Bansal, the convenor, opened the conference by welcoming the 400+ delegates and dignitaries, travelling from more than 30 US states and Canada. In his welcome address, Dr. Bansal talked about how Hindu Americans have integrated into the fabric of American culture while retaining their own identity.
Welcoming the delegates, Mayor Scott Galvin of the host city Woburn, in a written statement, said, “our Hindu-American neighbors have strengthened our community in many ways, including our economy, knowledge, culture and community engagement.”
In a written statement, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito welcomed the delegates as well and said, “the conference is an excellent opportunity for Hindu Americans from various backgrounds to share their stories and journeys and to discuss ways to further increase recognition of their contributions.”
Shri Rajiv Malhotra, Founder of Infinity Foundation, in his keynote address, explained how Hindu Americans’ have contributed to the American society at large. He summoned the delegates to take a leadership role in defining and integrating authentic Hindu values in the American mosaic. He said, “we Hindu Americans need to lead to redefine the American exceptionalism while maintaining mutual respect.”
While welcoming the delegates, Co-Chair of the conference Shri Sanjay Kaul expressed the essence of the conference and how Hindus from all over the world have worked hard to realize their American dream and are making their Karma Bhoomi America stronger and a better society for their future generation. He also talked about how the conference will put a spotlight on varied arenas of activity where Hindu-Americans have shone brightly.
The inaugural evening ended with two scintillating Carnatic and Hindustani musical performances. Young Tabla artist Vivek Pandya, accompanied by his father Shri Kalpit Pandya on Harmonium, showed the magic in his fingers and mesmerized the delegates with a beautiful performance. Violinist Aishu Venkataraman, accompanied by Trivandrum Balaji on Mrindangam and Ghatak Karthick on Ghatam enthralled the delegates with her spellbinding performance. The delegates were treated to a fantastic musical harmony before they get to lively and thought provoking presentations and discussions in tomorrow's day-long session.
The World Hindu Council of America is an independent, nonprofit and volunteer-based charitable organization serving the needs of the Hindu community since 1970.
