VHPA’s landmark 2024: Celebrating cultural milestones and advocacy, with IndoUS Tribune’s continued support  

By: Dr Avi Verma

The year 2024 proved to be a landmark period for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), marked by significant milestones and achievements under the leadership of outgoing President Ajay Shah. As the presidency transitions to Tejalben Shah on January 1, 2025, VHPA reflects on a year filled with impactful advocacy, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

One of the most defining moments for VHPA in 2024 was its active participation in commemorating the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, which marked the culmination of a 496-year-long struggle. In celebration of this historic event, VHPA organized an array of remarkable programs. Car rallies and Tesla light shows took place in over 10 metropolitan areas, billboards were displayed at more than 40 locations, and LED vans showcased the “Ramayana Around the World” exhibit in cities like New York and San Francisco. A replica of the Ram Lalla murti also traveled across 49 states, visiting 800 mandirs and covering more than 27,000 miles, demonstrating the growing vibrancy of Hindu Dharma within the diaspora.

The year also witnessed the 17th Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC) and the 11th Hindu Mandir Priests’ Conference (HMPC), which brought together nearly 200 delegates from 65 temples across the US and Canada in Raleigh, North Carolina. The theme of the conferences, “Hindu Diaspora: Deepening Their Sanatan Dharma Roots,” focused on encouraging mandirs to become community hubs that offer both spiritual and practical support. Several priests were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Archaka Bhushan and Archaka Shree honors.

VHPA’s flagship initiative, the Support-A-Child program, experienced a record-breaking year, with $357,365 raised to support 2,676 children. The Soul of Kashi music group played a significant role in expanding the program’s reach by performing at 18 fundraising events nationwide. The organization set a goal to support 4,500 children in 2025, further solidifying the success of its charitable efforts.

The focus on youth and family engagement continued to thrive, with VHPA’s Bal Vihars operating in multiple cities, serving over 400 students and 60 volunteers. Two summer camps provided immersive cultural experiences for families, helping strengthen the bond between the younger generation and their heritage.

VHPA also made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and celebrating Hindu contributions to society. The realization of a long-held dream, Hindu Heritage Month, was celebrated alongside other diversity events, such as Ambedkar Jayanti, Black History Month, and Pride Month, under the HinduPACT initiative.

The organization expanded its reach by establishing new chapters in Dallas and Virginia, while revitalizing the chapter in Houston. These efforts were complemented by community events like Hindu Heritage Day and a cricket tournament in Boston, and a fundraising success in Houston, where $125,000 was raised for the Support-A-Child program.

VHPA’s advocacy efforts took a significant leap forward with its support for HinduPACT’s initiatives, including CHINGARI, HinduVote, and HAHRI. These grassroots movements, aimed at empowering the Hindu community and engaging with important political and social issues, were further bolstered by the announcement that HinduPACT would now operate as a separate nonprofit organization.

As Ajay Shah concludes his tenure as President, he leaves behind a legacy of innovative projects and a steadfast commitment to service. His leadership has set the stage for a promising future as Tejalben Shah takes the helm in 2025, poised to continue the important work that VHPA has carried out in the past year.

The IndoUS Tribune, alongside its parent company, Ansal Media Group of USA (AMGU), has been a strong supporter of VHPA’s mission. The partnership underscores the shared commitment between both organizations to advance cultural pride, unity, and advocacy for the Hindu community. IndoUS Tribune’s focus on raising awareness of cultural, political, and social issues has found a natural alignment with VHPA’s initiatives, especially in addressing the challenges faced by Hindu communities both in the US and globally.

Dr. Avi Verma, CEO and Publisher of IndoUS Tribune and President of Jagran TV Chicago, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Our platform stands as a testament to the values of unity, justice, and cultural enrichment. Through our ongoing partnership with organizations like VHPA, we have the opportunity to elevate crucial causes and give voice to the achievements and challenges of the global Hindu community.”

IndoUS Tribune and AMGU have long been advocates for human rights, social justice, and cultural preservation, and their support of VHPA’s initiatives reflects a shared goal to foster understanding and solidarity within the Hindu diaspora. This collaboration is especially significant in light of growing concerns such as the recent violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, with both organizations working to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and push for greater advocacy on behalf of Hindu communities worldwide.

As both VHPA and IndoUS Tribune look toward the future, their ongoing commitment to cultural celebration, advocacy, and justice remains steadfast. With shared objectives and mutual respect, both organizations continue to create lasting partnerships that work toward ensuring the prosperity, security, and continued growth of the Hindu community for generations to come.