The patron and the former executive president of World Hindu Council, Ashok Singhal visited and spoke to Hindu followers from Bhutan considering them “part of his heart”. Mr. Singhal was speaking in a felicitation program organized by Hindu Sanatan Sewa Samaj (HSSS) in Worcester, Massachusetts on Sep 9, 2015.
Addressing to the devotees gathered in the program in the premise of a Hindu Temple operated by the Bhutanese Hindu Followers of Worcester, Mr. Singhal said, “Nepali speaking Bhutanese were expelled from their country of origin because they follow Hindu religion and had to struggle a lot in their life. I remember the terrible situation when I visited most of the Bhutanese refugee camps in eastern Nepal but you still keep your culture alive and follow the path of Hindu religion’.
HSSS, representing all Hindu organizations in America recognized him for his life time efforts to protect, promote and preserve Hindu Religion. Singhal said “You are part of my heart”. He also said that the Hindu dharma is one of the oldest religions that always guides people stay in the right path because of which many people from other religion started following Hinduism. “I want you to keep on practicing Hindu Religion and later on people from other religion will follow you”. Singhal said.
In the program Mr. Singhal was honored with a letter of felicitation by the HSSS. The Executive Director of HSSS Mr. Hari Khanal read the felicitation letter and handed over to Mr. Singhal on behalf of the Bhutanese Hindu Followers. The contributions made by him were highlighted in the felicitation letter. Mr Khanal also offered khadaa to other team members of World Hindu Council including Mr. Vijay Dalal who is one of the Board of Directors of HSSS.
The President of the Board of Director of HSSS Mr. Narad Adhikari presented the overview of HSSS. Mr. Adhikari also coordinated the event.
The Executive Director of Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire Tika Acharya and Devi Khanal also spoke in the program and express happiness of being with renowned Hindu figure like Mr. Singhal. Executive Director of Bhutanese Community of Massachusetts (BCM) Mr. Ganesh Gurung presented the welcome speech while the President BCM Mr. Nandu Mishra gave vote of thanks.
Prior to formal felicitation program, Mr. Singhal was welcomed with chanting Swasti Bachan (a religious prayer for well-being) by the Hindu priests and the devotees. The priests also offered garlands to Mr. Singhal. The felicitation program attended more than hundred devotees from Western Massachusetts, Worcester and New Hampshire.
Mr. Ashok Singhal arrived US on September 8, 2015 for three days visit to meet and interact with the faith based Hindu organizations and religious figures. Mr. Singhal also attended few other programs organized by the Indian Communities before returning to India.
