DALLAS, TEXAS, May 25, 2001: A convention of 700 Keralite Hindus was held at
the Thrimurti Nagar in Dallas, Texas, to facilitate a spiritual reawakening
among the Malayalee-speaking Hindu community in North America. It was the
first of its kind in North America, and was addressed by religious leaders
from India and the United States, said K.G. Manmadhan Nair, organizing
committee chairman. The future conventions will create a forum for children
to share their common concerns and help them to continue the Hindu way of
living, both socially and spiritually, strengthening the roots of Hindu
culture among the younger generation, he said. Jagadguru Swami Sathyananda
Saraswathi, head of the Ramadasa Ashram in Chengottukonam in Kerala,
inaugurated the event. He suggested that a world parliament be formed for
Hindus. Cultural programs included a concert and a Carnatic music recital.