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Celebrating service and solidarity: Hindu community gathers to honor DFW leaders
Infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and inclusive city-building were discussed.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 30, Aug 2025
- 16:37 EDT
- 356
Leaders and community members gather for a group photo / Courtesy photo- Hindus of Dallas
On August 28, the vibrant Hindu community of Dallas came together for a civic reception that celebrated the newly elected and re-elected officials from the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. This gathering was not just an event; it was a convergence of community members and city leaders, fostering an atmosphere rich with dialogue, celebration, and a commitment to partnership.
The gathering brought together mayors, council members, and ISD trustees, alongside over 40 representatives from the vibrant Hindu American community. Among them were leaders from cultural organizations, temples, businesses, and youth groups, all united in a shared purpose. The atmosphere reflected both pride in civic achievement and a shared commitment to collaboration on matters of public importance.
The evening opened with a keynote address by Pankaj Kumar, who congratulated officials on their electoral successes while highlighting the values of inclusivity, service, and collective responsibility central to Hindu philosophy. He emphasized the growing civic engagement of Hindu Americans and underscored their dedication to contributing to the greater good.
In a series of thoughtful addresses, city leaders took the stage, each sharing their vision and the vital importance of community partnerships in turning those visions into reality.
McKinney Mayor Bill Cox stressed that collaboration would strengthen neighborhoods, while Garland Mayor Dylan Hedrick reaffirmed the city’s dedication to diversity.
Coppell Council Member Ramesh Premkumar encouraged civic participation, calling on attendees to give back through service. Plano Council Member Bob Kehr reiterated his city’s commitment to welcoming all communities, and Frisco Council Member Burt Thakur recognized the cultural and economic contributions of Hindu Americans to the region.
Guests and participants of the event / Courtesy photo- Hindus of Dallas A notable highlight of the evening was the celebration of Raksha Bandhan, observed as a festival of unity and mutual respect. In a heartfelt ceremony, Bindu Patel adorned the wrists of city leaders with rakhis, a poignant gesture that encapsulated the essence of trust, protection, and a collective sense of responsibility. Each thread woven into the fabric of their bonds spoke volumes about the unity and commitment to the community they serve. This gesture blended cultural tradition with civic partnership, underscoring the evening’s broader theme of harmony and cooperation.
Discussions throughout the reception centered on common priorities, including infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and inclusive city-building.
Longtime community leader Monga, with over four decades of service, expressed gratitude for the officials’ engagement and affirmed his ongoing commitment to collaboration. Senior leader Gitesh Desai added that Hindu Americans would continue contributing to the welfare of the broader Texas community “in every capacity.”
Celebration of Raksha Bandhan / Courtesy photo- Hindus of Dallas
In closing remarks, Mahesh Chamaria reflected on the significance of the occasion, “This is not just another event—it marks the beginning of a meaningful civic partnership between our cities and the Hindu American communities across the DFW Metroplex. Together, we aim to enrich the neighborhoods we call home.”
The program also highlighted the voices of Hindu American youth, who served as emcees and shared their experiences as second-generation Americans navigating identity, belonging, and civic responsibility. Their participation underscored the promise of future leadership and deeper engagement in public life.
The evening concluded with a formal vote of thanks and a pledge to strengthen collaboration between civic leaders and the Hindu American community.
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