HUA successfully collaborated with the Hindu Society of North Carolina, Sri Venkateswara Temple, and Radio Nyra to conduct the inaugural Bhagavad Gita Pariksha (BGP). The competition united the local Hindu community and enhanced the conversation around the Bhagavad Gita promoting its timeless wisdom.
Participants, winners, and organizers of the inaugural Bhagavad Gita Pariksha with the HUA President Shri Kalyan Viswanathan and representatives of the Hindu Society of North Carolina and Sri Venkateswara Temple.
Bhagavad Gita Pariksha's Inaugural Success in Morrisville, North Carolina: Empowering Minds, Elevating Discourse, and Nurturing Tradition
Transformative Collaboration
In a testament to the enduring richness of Hindu philosophy, the inaugural Bhagavad Gita Pariksha unfolded in Morrisville, North Carolina, on November 18th. The event, organized by the Hindu University of America (HUA), marked a transformative collaboration between HUA, the Hindu Society of North Carolina, Sri Venkateswara Temple, and Radio Nyra. With the pivotal role played by the Friends of HUA, North Carolina Chapter, the competition not only brought the local Hindu community together but also elevated the discourse surrounding the Bhagavad Gita.
The Event
The journey began with 51 students from the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina signing up in the Junior (9th grade and below) or Senior (10th grade and above) competition levels. Six semifinalists in each category were eventually selected based on their scores from the morning's written exam, demonstrating their deep understanding, interpretation, and application of the Bhagavad Gita. The exam, formulated under the guidance of HUA President Shri Kalyan Viswanathan, showcased the depth of knowledge from HUA’s dedicated faculty Dr. Kallika Uttarkar and Dr. Shriram Sarvotham.
Incentivizing Knowledge and Empowering Learning
The heart of the competition, though, was the participants' intellectual prowess and their application of the Bhagavad Gita to their lives. Sudiksha Thota won first place in the senior level, receiving a generous sum of $10,000. Second place went to Shashank PB with $5,000, and third place to Ridthi Patel with $3,000. In the junior level, Akshaj Vemuri claimed first place and won $4,000. Krish Patra came in second with $2,000, and Madhushri Gupta secured third place with $1,000. A total of $25,000 in prizes was distributed, providing a tangible incentive for spiritual knowledge.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by the presence of the Indian Embassy in DC, adding an official touch to the event. The esteemed guests acknowledged the intellectual achievements of the winners, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the competition.
Sitting from left to right: HUA President Shri Kalyan Viswanathan, Dr. Sethu Raman, and HUA Faculty Dr. Kallika Uttarkar served as judges. Standing from left to right: Shri Manoj Pandya and Dr. Kishor Trivedi of HSNC, and Dr. Raj Polavaram of SV Temple were key organizers of the event.
Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team worked tirelessly to bring the Gita Pariksha to fruition. The collaborative efforts of the Hindu Society of North Carolina, Sri Venkateswara Temple, and Radio Nyra, along with the Friends of HUA, North Carolina Chapter, ensured the success of the event. From organizing volunteers to raising funds, this collective effort demonstrated the community's commitment to preserving and promoting the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Key individuals such as Dr. Raj Polavaram, Dr. Gopi Vasudevan, Dr. Kishor Trivedi, Raj Juneja, Manoj Pandya, Parag Dighe, Dr. Sethu Raman, Amit Kulkarni, Shreyas Joshi, Viral Trivedi, and Ankur Patel played crucial roles in making the event a resounding success.
Foundations for the Future
The Bhagavad Gita Pariksha not only celebrated the intellectual prowess of the participants but also laid the foundation for the future. By engaging young minds in discussions on Hindu scriptures, the competition fostered a sense of community and collective growth. While the inaugural Gita Pariksha was a remarkable success, the community is urged to continue supporting such initiatives. Radio Nyra did the important work of communicating with the community and spreading the word about BGP. Financial support for the event largely came from Dr. Raj Polavaram, Mr. Raj Juneja, Dr. Kishor Trivedi, and Dr. Gopi Vasudevan, but the entire community is called upon to contribute and ensure the sustainability of future endeavors.
HUA’s Commitment
HUA is committed to supporting and incentivizing the learning of the Bhagavad Gita. This includes stewarding a growing database of questions that will be available for future BGPs. In addition to the thoughtful multiple-choice questions, reading the short answers, and conducting interviews during the semifinal part of the competition, HUA will continue to conduct the Growing up with the Gita course, designed in parallel with the BGP. Reach out to us at support@ hua.edu if you would like to host such an event for your local Hindu community.
Nurturing Learning & Fostering Community Unity
The Bhagavad Gita Pariksha served as a remarkable milestone in promoting the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita while creating a powerful platform for intellectual growth, cultural celebration, and community engagement. Through this extraordinary competition, minds were empowered, discourse was enriched, and the preservation and advancement of Hindu heritage were propelled forward. It laid the foundation for future endeavors that will continue to inspire and uplift, fostering a deep connection to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and nurturing a sense of unity among the community.
