Anita Kumari Srivastava
FREMONT, CA- On Jan. 25th, a recent vibrant evening at the Fremont Hindu Temple, spirituality met joy, culture met curiosity, and strangers became friends. Americans for Hindus (A4H) hosted a lively, multi-faith community gathering that brought together Americans from Jewish, Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, German, Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu backgrounds, proving that unity can be both meaningful and fun.
The event was co-hosted by Sebastian Steinbach, Founder of LeapForward, and Anita Kumari Srivastava, Founder & Chief Strategist of HappinessFactors and President of the San Jose Chapter of Americans for Hindus. Together, they curated an evening that blended ancient wisdom with modern community spirit. Guests were welcomed in true royal Indian style. Traditionally dressed Hindu women greeted attendees with warm smiles, aarti, and tika, a moment many first-time visitors described as “deeply moving” and “unexpectedly calming.” The temple priest then led a powerful Hanuman Ji Aarti, setting a serene yet energizing tone for the evening.
The spiritual journey continued with insightful talks on Hindu philosophy and inclusive values by Dr. Romesh Japra, Govind Ji, and Anita Ji, who highlighted Hinduism’s timeless message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—and Sarva Mangal Mangalye, prayers that seek wellbeing not just for oneself, but for all. As the evening unfolded, spirituality seamlessly flowed into celebration. Traditional Indian dance performances delighted the audience, followed by a delicious vegetarian dinner that sparked animated cross-cultural conversations. Unity games broke down barriers, laughter echoed across the hall, and the night concluded with an energetic bhajan jamming session that blended devotion with joyful dance.
Attendees repeatedly praised the warmth of Hindu hospitality, the soothing power of the mantras, and the refreshing openness of the experience. Many shared that they felt relaxed, spiritually uplifted, and genuinely welcomed—some noting it was the first time they had experienced a prayer tradition that explicitly included the peace and prosperity of the entire community. In a time when division often dominates headlines, this evening at the Fremont Hindu Temple quietly made one thing clear: when culture, faith, and fun come together with sincerity, unity doesn’t just sound good, it feels good. And for those who attended, it felt like coming home to a much larger family.
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