BY RAVI R. PONANGI

United States Hindu Alliance, USHA officially inaugurated its Atlanta chapter on Friday March 11, 2005. The chapter’s inaugural function was held in Impact Conference Center at Global Mall. Hon. Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta the chief guest of the evening, declared open USHA’s Atlanta chapter by lighting a traditional lamp before a well-attended gathering.

In her inaugural address, Franklin said that she was moved by the Indian community in Atlanta and congratulated the organizers for finding a way to have a voice in the community. In the US, in Georgia and in Atlanta it is increasingly become difficult to have a voice that is heard, she said. “We have to find ways at gross roots level to connect with people. The best way is to do that to have alliances.” “Alliances like USHA would bring opportunities to come together,” she added. 

Talking about Georgia, the Mayor said that history of the state is very fascinating. “I have been in Georgia since 1972. I have seen the area changing from sleepy town to a city that aspires to being connected to rest of the world. I have also seen a change to the extempore voices of people who are different. I think that it is a tribute to those who come before us. But it is a challenge to those who live here now to step up and not to be silent, not to be silent in public dialogue, not to be silent on issues that happen in neighbor hoods and in communities,” she said. Franklin stressed the need to stay connected. She said that we cannot continue to be a country that is disconnected. We cannot be a community that is disconnected. Though we are from different backgrounds, may be essentials we want same things. “We want health and safety for our children and family. We want opportunities to fulfill our dreams,” she said. Elaborating on the need and importance to stay connected, The Mayor that she has heard from and read Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said that had he not heard about Mahatma Gandhi he would not have been the man that he was. And what’s interesting about that those men were that they were connected and tied to each other without Internet or CNN. She said, it is amazing how we can know what’s happening around the world in seconds. Hence we have a great opportunity to continue those traditions and legacy and teach among our people, she said.

Earlier, Gokul Kunnath, National Coordinator of USHA, while explaining the details of the organization informed that USHA is a grass root national organization of Hindus founded in Atlanta in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States. It was formed to have a voice and to protect and preserve the rights and interests of Hindus in America. Through a variety of programs and projects, USHA plans not only to empower Hindus in America but also to educate brothers and sisters in US who we are, what our beliefs are, and what our views are, he said. So that people will have a proper understanding and judge us based on who we are and not on misconceptions and misrepresentations that have existed for a long time.

Talking about the present situation, Kunnath said that Hindus today are facing lot of challenges both in US and through out the world. Many people have been persecuted through out the world for so many centuries. Hindus have been denied human rights. Hindus are targets of terrorism in India, Bangladesh and other parts of the world. US policy can be affected by our active involvement, he noted. Gokul appealed all Hindus to come together, to be active and educate not only our people in our own community across the country, but our friends and people of the country at large and make a difference. 

Several functionaries from various community organizations have given diverse thoughts on the issues confronting Hindus and extended support to USHA. Shi Sailendra, who was co director of G.R.T.A. with the Mayor and a prominent supporter of community, introduced Shirley Franklin. Dr. Sujata Reddy, chairman of Atlanta chapter welcomed the gathering. Dr. Basant Tariyal moderated the event. 

Atlanta Mayor gets 2005 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
Atlanta-based journalist Ravi Ponangi approached the Mayor after the inaugural function to know her reaction on getting 2005 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. Shirley Franklin said, “ I was very surprised. Really humbled. I know how many people contributed to the success of the city in my administration and to be singled out for the award- it was really beyond my imagination.”

The award, named after the 1957 Pulitzer-Prize winning book by the late president, honors public servants who risk their careers to fight for what they believ in. Shirley Franklin, the first African-American woman mayor of Atlanta will be presented the award at the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on May 16.