Bharat (India)’s Values, Culture, and Heritage During the G20

September 27, 2023 By Vijendra Agarwal

This year’s G20 summit was proudly hosted by Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. It was an unprecedented geopolitical event in which the New Delhi declaration was unanimously agreed by all G20 members. Another political dimension was the unanimity for admitting the African Union as a permanent member of G20. This added 55 African countries with an economy worth about $3 trillion and 1.4 billion in population. The third accomplishment was the revival of the new “Spice Route,” clinched among... Read more

Forgiveness in Hinduism and the Hindu Temple of Minnesota

September 7, 2023 By Vijendra Agarwal

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In the Bhagwad Gita, one of the most sacred Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna states that “forgiveness” is one of the great qualities everyone should practice and aspire for. He, however, cautioned not to use forgiveness indiscriminately. This article is about an act of forgiveness, a higher purpose of Divine faith and Hinduism, by the community in Minnesota. The incidence goes as far back as 2006, a part of the history of the Hindu Temple of Minnesota (HTM) when it was... Read more

HANUMAN: Part II Diplomacy With Defiance

May 5, 2023 By Vijendra Agarwal

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In earlier articles, we offered Hanuman Ji’s profile followed by his diplomacy skills in brokering friendship between Lord Ram and Sugriva. The following includes more examples of his diplomacy when Hanuman arrives in Lanka, finds Sita, and meets Ravana. Hanuman Heading to Lanka: Tasked to find Sita, Hanuman asked Ram to give him something to establish his credibility as his representative. Ram offered the wedding ring to Hanuman. With the ability to disguise himself and stay under the radar, Hanuman... Read more

HANUMAN: Part I-The Diplomat in Disguise

April 29, 2023 By Vijendra Agarwal

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The focus here is on Hanuman’s diplomacy with the ability to disguise. It combines his communication and collaboration skills, and composure. He could analyze the situation, think critically, and make himself aware of his surroundings. His calm personality, unless provoked, is another trait of his diplomacy. Part II will cover Hanuman’s defiant diplomacy when provoked by King Ravana in Lanka. A brief introduction to the Hindu God Hanuman was offered recently Hanuman, the prominent character in the Hindu epic... Read more

Hindu God Hanuman

April 22, 2023 By Vijendra Agarwal

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HINDU GOD HANUMAN Hindu God Hanuman Ji (Ji is a sign of respect by Hindus) is part human and part monkey with a long tail. This article is a brief introduction to who Hanuman is and why millions of Hindus worldwide worship Him. The discussion also includes that non-Hindus have faith in the Monkey God, Hanuman. According to Hindu scriptures, Hanuman is believed to be one of ten incarnations (called das-avatar; ten incarnations) of Lord Shiva. These avatars are thought... Read more

Will Hinduism Rise with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a “Hindu,” leading a “Christian-majority” Nation?

October 28, 2022 By Vijendra Agarwal

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Nothing is more historical than the Conservative party choosing a devout Hindu, Rishi Sunak, to lead the party and the nation. It came at the auspicious time for Hindus immersed in celebrating Deepawali. Winston Churchill may be restless in his grave watching an Indian take the reign of Britain. Why? Because he once remarked, “all Indian leaders will be of low caliber and men of straw.” I hope that PM Sunak proves Churchill wrong to assert that Indian leaders are... Read more

Hindu’s Divine Diwali: Its Religious and Socio-political Significance

October 23, 2022 By Vijendra Agarwal

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I wonder if it is merely a coincidence or a Divine calling that I am writing my first column when Hindus are immersed in celebrating their heritage. The month of October takes special significance for the Hindu religion in that many of their important festivals fall in or around this month.Today’s focus is on Hinduism’s most coveted festival Diwali (or Deepavali), the “festival of light.” It is as significant as, for example, Christmas and Eid for the largest and... Read more