Press Release from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, September 11, 2006: More than 16,000 people poured into De Anza College, Cupertino, on Saturday, September 9, to be part of an exciting day to celebrate the Hindu way of life. Hindu Sangam, a one-day grand cultural program aimed at displaying the various Hindu intellectual, cultural and spiritual contributions made over thousands of years, was organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and supported by over 40 San Francisco Bay Area organizations including Sunnyvale Hindu Temple. The day started with a yagna (offering and prayer) for world peace. Prof. Subhas Kak, a well-known indologist and Delaune distinguished professor at Louisiana State University, inaugurated a poster-exhibition on Hindu Culture and Dharmic Traditions of India presented by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. Attendees then participated in programs on Ayurvedic medicine, cultural programs, Dharma Vedika (religious philosophy), exhibition, Hindu theme park, Samskritam, Yoga, and youth activities.
A free lunch was provide to all attendees by Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Swagat Restaurant and Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America. There were also 70 booths at the event, some of them selling Indian jewelry and clothes and others giving information about services. 300 children aged 5-15 enacted the Ramayana with wondrous props and authentic costumes. Featured guests included Mayor Richard Lowenthal of Cupertino and Ms. Cindy Chavez, Vice Mayor of San Jose. The grand finale occurred when Smt. Anuradha Paudwa, one of India’s most popular singers, enthralled the audience with a magical evening of devotional songs. A related article and photo slideshow of the event can be viewed at here.