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Getting Hinduism Ready for the New Millennium

Shanthi Shankarkumar in Chicago

Harish Mohindra, a second generation Indian-American, has a simple explanation why he is a practising and a proud Hindu.

"I find it a very easy religion to follow," says Mohindra, 23. "Unlike other religions, it does not rigidly say this has to be done only this way. It lays out general paths and goals to happiness, which have helped my brother and me tell right from wrong," said Mohindra.

He was among several young men and women who were volunteers at the first World Hindu Conference held last Sunday at Glendale Heights, IL.

The focus of the conference was Hinduism in the millennium, and it was aimed at the youth, though there were few of that group present. But the conference did attempt to get those who had come in involved in cultural programs and organizing the event.

Apart from the chanting of mantras, a havan, a spirited speech on the Ramayana, a yoga demonstration, the event also addressed domestic violence and abuse of women.

The conference presented by the Hindu Sabha of America did not have much of a 'world' representation. There were only some speakers from India and local representatives of Hindu organizations like the Vedanta Society, the Hare Krishna society and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi institutions in Fairfield, Iowa. The low turnout was attributed to Navratri celebrations but for the couple of hundreds who attended, the conference was an educative and entertaining experience.

Various Hindu scholars tried to provide a better understanding of Hinduism, but an inspiring talk on the Ramayana by Acharya Arjunpuri Maharaj from Hardwar evoked a hearty response from the audience.

He spoke on the significance of the Ramayana in modern-day relationships. He spoke with wit about the exalted, selfless relationship between the brothers in the epic and compared it with the empty ties between brothers today.

"The study of the Ramayana is important for every member of a family," he said.

While co-ordinator Avi Verma insisted that the conference was about the direction Hinduism would take in the next century, he was unclear as to where he really wanted it to go.

"There are a lot of misconceptions about the religion that we would like to clear," he said.

Bakshish Ravan of Chicago would have liked to see more entertainment to lighten the serious tone of the conference.

"It would have served a dual purpose of keeping boredom at abeyance and attracting more youngsters," he said.

Whatever the shortcomings, the conference was a "very good effort" to involve the youth, said Vandana Jhingam, one of the guests.

Echoing a sentiment expressed by Acharya Arjunpuri Maharaj too, Jhingam said, "If the base is strong, the building will be strong."

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