Houston-based entrepreneur and philanthropist and the CEO of Star Pipe Products, Ramesh Bhutada donated US$ one million to the Hindu University of America (HUA) and was felicitated in an event organised by by the University in association with Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH) at VPSS Haveli, Houston. The event was attended by 500 community members, who honored Bhutada and his family for their generosity.
In his address, the Indian American said, "Hindu Dharma teaches us how to live in harmony within ourselves, with our family, friends, colleagues, and with the entire world." However he added that traditional Hindu upbringing and teachings about Hinduism within the family and home environment alone are not sufficient.
Drawing on his own experience, he underlined that knowledge imparted by am institution will the ensure that the younger generations understand and apply Hinduism in their lives.
“Other universities may impart knowledge for students to earn a livelihood but an institution like HUA can impart knowledge that teaches a student how to live their life," he said sharing the reason behind his donation.
According to a news release, the event also included a presentation on HUA's courses and programs, as well as the experiences of students and faculty. Chairman of the HUA Board and Padma Bhushan awardee Ved Nanda and HUA president Kalyan Viswanathan spoke about the rejuvenation of HUA, its current state, and future roadmap.
Viswanathan in his speech called on all the attendees to “come together to build a Hindu university that lasts a 1000 years just like the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. Sharing future plans, he added “over the next five years, HUA aspired to become self-sustaining, and establish itself as a shared platform for all Hindu traditions and organizations to offer their teachings.”
HUA Chairman Ved Nanda stated that HUA “will seek to become an authoritative voice in the academic domain for all matters pertaining to Hindu Dharma, not only in the United States but also globally.”
