Dignitaries, including our Kalyanji, at the Rang Barsey cultural program, HSMN’s grand Holi celebration held on March 22, 2025, at the Eden Prairie Central Middle School.
In a landmark event symbolizing the confluence of ancient wisdom and contemporary education, the Hindu University of America (HUA) and the Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership, formalized by HUA President Kalyan Viswanathan and HSMN President Shajive Jeganathan, marks a significant step in the ongoing Dharma Renaissance – a movement dedicated to reviving and integrating timeless Hindu knowledge systems into the modern world.
Under this collaboration, HSMN community members are offered scholarships to courses at HUA, HUA will partner with HSMN’s annual summer camp and bring the Bhagavad Gita Pariksha to Minnesota, and we will expand HSMN’s vaunted Hindu Temple American School (HATS). This initiative aims to make the profound teachings of Hindu philosophy, culture, and civilization more accessible to the community.
HUA is not merely an academic institution; it represents a cultural and intellectual revolution. By nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers rooted in Dharma, HUA seeks to provide education that transcends conventional degrees, fostering deeper understanding, self-realization, and a commitment to serving humanity.
President of HSMN Shajive Jeganathan on the left, Chairman Ganesh Ram, and Kalyan Viswanathan.
Reflecting on the significance of this alliance, HUA President Kalyan Viswanathan stated, “HUA greatly appreciates its relationships with mandirs and looks forward to our relationship with HSMN. We hope this relationship becomes a model for many other mandirs across America.”
HUA students have also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. Kaustubh Patil, the Education Chari at HSMN and a current student of HUA, shared, “Studying at HUA has deepened my understanding of Hindu Dharma and I just can’t get enough of the courses. This partnership with HSMN will allow more students to embark on this transformative journey.” Arun Narayanan, another student of HUA and Minnesota local, added, “The integration of HUA’s courses with the HSMN community will strengthen our collective cultural and spiritual foundation.”
HSMN leaders echoed these sentiments. President Shajive Jeganathan remarked, “This MOU with HUA aligns perfectly with our mission to provide religious, spiritual, educational, social, and cultural activities for all generations of the Hindu community.” Chairman Ganesh Ram added, “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents for our members to delve deeper into Hindu studies and contribute meaningfully to our society.”
The MOU signing took place during the Sunday HATS program, a day after the vibrant Rang Barsey cultural program, HSMN’s grand Holi celebration held on March 22, 2025, at the Eden Prairie Central Middle School. The Rang Barsey event featured a bustling bazaar from 2 pm to 4 pm, a cultural program showcasing dazzling performances from 4 pm to 6 pm, and concluded with a communal dinner starting at 6 pm. HUA hosted an informational booth alongside other cultural organizations and vendors, engaging with attendees and sharing insights about their programs and initiatives.
President of HUA Kalyan Viswanathan lighting the lamp at the opening ceremony.
In addition to the educational collaboration, the event marked the launch of the Friends of HUA Minnesota chapter. This initiative aims to build a supportive community of HUA alumni, students, and well-wishers in Minnesota, fostering connections and promoting the university’s mission within the region.
This partnership between HUA and HSMN exemplifies the spirit of the Dharma Renaissance – a revival of timeless Indic wisdom, reimagined for a global future. It underscores a commitment to learning that transcends the pursuit of degrees, emphasizing deeper understanding, self-realization, and dedicated service to humanity.
As HUA and HSMN embark on this collaborative journey, they set a precedent for other institutions and communities to follow, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and contemporary education, and illuminating the path for future generations to embrace and embody the profound teachings of Hindu Dharma.
Along with HUA students Arun Narayanan and Kaustabh Patil, Ankur Patel Director of Outreach joined President Kalyanji to introduce HUA to a thriving and growing community of Hindus in Minnesota.
