BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, March 21, 2025: On February 22, 2025, the Hindu Women’s Network of Atlanta (HWN), a sister network of the VHPA convened its annual Hindu Women Conference at the Best Western in Roswell, Atlanta, Georgia. Held as a precursor to International Women’s Day, this event embodied the Network’s core principles: Seva (service), Samskara (values), Sampark (network), and Prachar (awareness). The conference served as a platform for meaningful discourse on women’s empowerment and spiritual enrichment.
The proceedings commenced with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a traditional gesture symbolizing enlightenment and auspicious beginnings, led by VHPA President Veena Katdare, Vice President Kusum Khurana, and keynote speakers Shrimati Esther Dhanraj and Dr. Arati Joshi. The opening prayer was led by Manju Tiwari, Smita Daftardar, Preeti Gupta, and Neetu Sharma.
Sabitha Venugopal, the event’s facilitator, delivered a formal welcome address, outlining house rules and presented an overview of the day’s schedule.
Women in Dharma – The keynote session was presented by Shrimati Esther Dhanraj, an academic and Director of Community Outreach at the Hindu University of America. Ms. Dhanraj emphasized the importance of critical intellectual inquiry in understanding and practicing Dharma, or the moral order of the universe. She advocated for the integration of Shatrubodha (awareness of adversaries) and Purvapaksha (critical debate) in the education of Hindu children, as opposed to mere rote memorization of scriptures. Her address highlighted the significance of equipping future generations with a well-rounded understanding of their traditions.
The Role of Yoga session, conducted by Dr. Arati Joshi, focused on the benefits of yoga for mental and physical well-being. As a practicing physician and certified yoga instructor, Dr. Joshi demonstrated breathing techniques and postures, such as Tadasana, Vrukshasana, and Virbhadrasana, emphasizing their role in fostering balance, core strength, and self-awareness. Participants also engaged in a post-lunch Yoga Nidra session, designed to facilitate deep relaxation.
Financial Planning and Responsibility Experts Dr. Girish Pore and Shradda Pore delivered an insightful presentation titled “Money Matters.” Utilizing the DIME framework (Debt, Income protection, Mortgage, Education), they underscored the importance of prudent financial planning to secure future well-being and ensure a smooth transfer of assets to succeeding generations.
Dr. Deepika Gupta, a leading scholar in Vastu Science and Astrology spoke about Vastu Shastra and its Practical Applications, providing a detailed exposition on optimizing living and working environments through the balancing of the Panch Mahabhootas (five elements). She also discussed the impact of numerical vibrations on personal and professional prosperity.
Smita Daftardar, a senior member of the VHPA, provided an overview of the organization’s historical evolution. Highlights included the establishment of Balvihar Hindi School (1969), the Hindu Student Council (1990), the Coalition of Hindu Youth (2010), and the Sharada Scholarship Program (2022). She also drew attention to the Network’s impactful initiatives, including the Durga Project, which supports abused women, and the Hindu Women’s Network itself.
Sarika Jaswani, a contributor to Hindu Vishwa Magazine, introduced the HWN Book Club, which encourages intellectual engagement with literature on history, philosophy, and cultural beliefs. Participants discuss selected works via virtual sessions, occasionally joined by authors, to foster a vibrant community of empowered women.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by HWN President Veena Katdare, followed by concluding prayers. Volunteers and dignitaries assembled for group photographs, marking the culmination of a successful event. The conference inspired attendees to reflect on their cultural and spiritual heritage while equipping them with tools for personal growth and empowerment.
