Educating Hindu families and young individuals is crucial for maintaining cultural and religious customs within the expanding Indian community in the United States, noted prominent Indian American leaders. At the HUA Samvāda 2026 event, participants emphasized the importance of delving deeper into Hindu philosophy and traditions to shift from mere rituals to a profound comprehension and confident expression of their beliefs. The gathering included a keynote speech by Kalyan Viswanathan, the president of the Hindu University of America (HUA), and a panel discussion titled “From Practice to Understanding to Articulation: How HUA Nurtures Confident Hindus.”
During the panel, Dr. Archana Shyamsunder, along with HUA students Muktha Tyagarajan, Varadarajan Atur, and Aparna Dave, highlighted the significance of understanding the deeper meanings behind rituals and practices. Shyamsunder stressed that HUA offers students a platform to explore knowledge and traditions authentically, enabling them to comprehend the rationale behind their religious practices. The panelists shared how their academic pursuits at HUA had been transformative, allowing them to challenge existing beliefs and delve into unexplored aspects of Hindu thought.
Muktha Tyagarajan, who completed numerous courses at HUA, expressed how the university encouraged her to reevaluate her beliefs and ask critical questions. Aparna Dave, an immigration attorney, acknowledged that her studies at HUA introduced her to new dimensions of Hindu philosophy, fostering a broader intellectual perspective on Hindu traditions. Varadarajan Atur, a retired World Bank professional, highlighted how HUA provided a historical understanding of dharma, blending intellectual inquiry with personal faith.
A central theme of the discussions revolved around the challenge of passing down Hindu knowledge to the younger generation in the US. Tyagarajan emphasized the importance of educating parents, as children often seek guidance from them on matters of culture, faith, and identity. Dave underscored the necessity for second-generation Indian-American parents to educate themselves about Hinduism to effectively guide their children. Kalyan Viswanathan outlined HUA’s growth trajectory and its pursuit of academic accreditation, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
Viswanathan also addressed the underrepresentation of Hindus in humanities and social sciences, advocating for increased participation in academic and cultural spheres. He emphasized HUA’s mission to equip future educators, scholars, and community leaders with the knowledge to engage confidently in discussions about Hindu traditions and civilization. Tyagarajan defined a “confident Hindu” as someone possessing both knowledge and conviction, understanding their dharma and having the integrity to act accordingly.
Established in 1993, the Hindu University of America is a private institution dedicated to the study of Hindu traditions, philosophy, Sanskrit, yoga, and related disciplines. It offers degree, certificate, and continuing education programs to students in the US and globally.
