News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know 18th Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council & 12th Hindu Mandir Priests’ Conference 2025: A Resounding Success T he Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC) and Hindu Man- dir Priests’ Conference 2025, were a resounding success, according to HMEC. Organizers described it as a “land- mark gathering of Hindu temple leaders, priests, scholars, and community mem- bers from across North America.” This year’s Conference theme was Hindu Diaspora: Mahakumbh of Sanatan Tradition, and it was held at the Dallas- FortWorth Hindu Temple Society (Ekta Mandir) in Irving, Texas, September 12 to 14, 2025. Organizers said the event provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural celebration, and for strengthening the role of temples as beacons of dharma and community empowerment in the diaspora. It also made networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among Mandirs, Gurudwaras, Ashrams, and Derasars across the continent. Recent HMEC initiatives include – pub- lishing books on Hindu rituals and prac- ticesm conducting alerts and webinars on temple safety and security, organizing educational webinars in collaboration with the Hindu University of America, supporting temples in the aftermath of Hinduphobic attacks, and building posi- tive narratives on Hindu symbols such as the Swastika. The Sept. 12-14 Conference discussed pressing issues such as priest training, youth engagement, community leader- ship, interfaith awareness, and temple sustainability. Spiritual discourses, cul- tural programs, and interactive workshops kept attendees engaged and were aimed at carrying forward the legacy of Sanatan Dharma. “Together, we are ensuring our temples remain centers of dharmic strength, cultural continuity, and spiritual nourish- ment for future generations,” said the HMEC leadership. A much-awaited highlight was the release of Mandir Vani (HMEC Souvenir Magazine), celebrating the contributions of temples to the preservation of heritage and spirituality in America. A discussion took place on the 60-min- ute documentary ‘Caste Rush’ which focused on caste and its place in temple traditions. The film, shot across India, investigates key questions like, Are Dalits allowed in temples? Can non-Brahmins become priests? The HMEC 2025 Conference also recognized the work of Himani Shukla, a renowned expert in marble vigraha (idol) restoration and beautification. She has worked on deities at Durga Mandir (VA), Satyanarayan Temple (NY), Shree Sid- dhidhamTemple (NJ), and many others. A temple trustee is quoted saying, “Through her artistry, Himani Shukla restores not only the idols but the divine radiance of our temples.” The Conference also recognized Oc- tober this year as the 5th Anniversary of Hindu Heritage Month (HHM) “Hindu Heritage Month allows us to celebrate with pride while inspiring the next generation to cherish and uphold our timeless values,” HMEC said., Communi- ties are invited to register events free of cost at HinduMonth.org and participate in this nationwide celebration of Hindu unity. By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTO:HMEC Landmark gathering of Hindu temple leaders, priests, scholars, and community members from across North America.Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council. Edison Mayor Sam Joshi Enthusiastic About New Jersey-India Business Ties D uring a visit to India with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, in the third week of September 2025, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi sounded a highly optimistic note about the potential to bring business and job opportunities to his city and state in the United States. Posting dozens of photos of his visit on Facebook, Mayor Joshi declared, “Jobs, jobs, jobs! Bringing jobs to Edison. That’s exactly what my purpose was on the Choose New Jersey Governor-led Eco- nomic Mission to India,” Joshi declared in his post. Over the last week, the delegation which accompanied Gov. Murphy con- nected with more than 250 company executives from successful startups to multi billion dollar corporations looking to expand their operations, Joshi noted. These companies ranged from bio- pharma, life sciences, biomanufacturing, telecommunications, film, artificial intel- ligence, deep tech, and more, he added in his FB post. “While there, I was also able to con- nect with key government officials who understand the mutual benefits of these companies expanding their operations,” Joshi said, posting pictures of meetings with business leaders and elected public officials. He specifically named the Chief Minis- ters of Maharashtra, Telangana, Kerala, US Embassy officials, and also a representa- tive from BAPS. New Jersey houses one of the largest BAPS Swaminarayan temples in the US in Robbinsville, NJ. The Gubernatorial mission to India also included representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, who pitched the incentives that the state has for Indian businesses to come to NJ. “We are on the cusp of significant changes with these industries, and it’s im- portant for us to stay at their forefront and bring as many jobs and economic benefits to Edison as possible,” Mayor Joshi said. Also in the delegation were Presidents of Montclair State University, Kean Uni- versity and NJIT as well as the Chair of Rutgers University, all of whom joined in discussions surrounding higher education opportunities in New Jersey. From the film industry, the NJ delega- tion met with the CEO of Eros Entertain- ment, and the founder of the Interna- tional Indian Film Academy (IIFA) as well as numerous film producers with the expectation of bringing film jobs to Edison, the Mayor said. In addition to the companies looking to expand, Joshi said, he was able to con- nect with existing NJ corporations such as TCS Tata Consulting Services, located at Edisons Alferi Building, which employs 3,700 people. “Over the next year, I look forward to bringing job and economic growth oppor- tunities to Edison,” Mayor Joshi posted. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Edison Mayor Sam Joshi The delegation from New Jersey and business leaders and others, meeting with BAPS representative in India during the visit with Governor Phil Murphy. Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan with Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. Community News India Times (October 4, 2025 - October 10, 2025) October 10, 2025 9