By Dr. Mahesh Mehta Scholorship
Mahesh Bhai’s singular mission was to keep Hindus in America as Hindus. He was most concerned about the Hindu identity outside of India, so he dedicated his life to building the Hindu movement and Hindu identity in North America. He positioned Hindus as the leading contributors to the growth and development of their adopted country. He founded VHPA in 1970 and subsequently, served as the General Secretary and the President of the organization for several years. VHPA, under the leadership of Maheshbhai, pioneered weekend Hindu schools (Balvihars) and Summer Youth Camps for the Hindu children growing up in the USA. National, regional and local Hindu conferences brought together the Hindu community to network and explore issues, ranging from parenting to challenges faced by the small and geographically dispersed Hindu community in America. Mahesh Bhai’s work in the USA has been foundational; and now it has grown into a tree of many branches. He was instrumental in establishing Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Hindu University of America, Hindu Students Council (HSC), Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, India Quality Group, and Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV) among many others. Mahesh Bhai’s life is a “Jyoti Punj”, a beacon that will continue to inspire and guide the Hindu Diaspora forever. People like him, who dedicate every moment of their life in service of others, truly construct world history.
Smt. Anjleebahen Pandya Scholorship
Many people walk in and out of our lives, but only a few leave footprints in your heart. Smt. Anjleebahen Pandya was one of them. Smt. Anjleebahen Pandya lived and breathed Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America like none other. The two were inseparable. The culture of VHP of America was shaped by Smt. Anjleebahen Pandya since its formative years. She taught us how to communicate and behave with each other, to build a family and a community. Smt. Anjleebahen Pandya was the epitome of a selfless volunteer, totally committed to the Hindu cause that she took upon herself at a very early age. Throughout her life she inspired people, and organizations, with her boldness, dedication, determination, creativity, kindness and compassion. People may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Smt. Anjleebahen Pandya was a sister to all. She would make everyone feel special. Smt. Anjleebahen Pandya served Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) in various capacities, including as its General Secretary, and also as a fulltime unpaid volunteer for many years. Her contribution to VHPA right from its inception is immeasurable.
Shri. Ram Suchdeva Scholorship
Ram, his wife Beena, and his son Kailash came to New York from Mumbai in the early 1970’s, when many Indian-Americans arrived as engineers.
Ram worked as an electrical engineer at large NY area construction firms, and then established his own construction and real estate management business in NYC where he built and maintained residential apartment buildings.
Ram, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh swayamsevak in his early youth and participant for many years, was a strong proponent of, and believer in, the Hindu religion. He was involved with Vishwa Hindu Parishad in his youth, and later VHP U.S. His son Kailash attended VHP summer camps as a camper and subsequently counselor.
Ram was a staunch supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a unified, democratic Bharat.
Ram participated in the Federation of Indian Associations, serving as Vice President for a period in the 1990’s. He was also associated with the Hindu Temples of North America organization, attending committee meetings and conferences to unify Mandirs in the U.S. to jointly consult and meet with the relevant US government agencies.
Ram founded Overseas Sindhu Sabha and served as the Chairman to bring together and maintain a strong Sindhi community in the New York metropolitan area, while trying to engage heavily with the second and third generations in participation. He would offer thoughts and guidance when meeting with members and would provide solace in times of need, e.g., reading passages from the Bhagavad Gita at funerals to console families and the entire community.
Ram also participated in Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, and engaged with the next generation to become more actively involved in the organization’s activities.
He supported Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation as he and his wife Beena were keen to help and encourage the Foundation’s work in building schools in rural India.
Ram was a family man who cherished spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Beena, son Kailash, daughter-in-law Pikloo, and grandchildren Amitav and Esha.
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