Vishwa Hindu Parishad America Opens New Center In Chicagoland

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The Vishwa Hindu Parishad America (VHPA) or World Hindu Council of America inaugurated its first Hindu Center in the United States Oct. 24, 2020, in Sugar Grove, IL., a suburb of Chicago. The inauguration takes place on the 50^th anniversary of the existence of VHPA in the U.S.

The event was attended by, among others, India’s Consul General in Chicago Amit Kumar and the Mayor of Sugar Grove Sean Michels who were joined by a small group of the organization’s leaders and their families, to keep the numbers sparse because of Covid-19.

The Center’s mission is to bring the Hindu community together, celebrate Hindu culture and heritage and pass it on to the next generation, the VHPA said in its October 31 press release.

Following Hindu tradition, a yagna was performed and presided over by the President of VHPA’s Chicago Chapter Nirav Patel, Vice Presidents Vinesh Virani and Harindra Mangrola, Secretary Shailesh Rajput, Midwest Coordinator Sanjay Shah, and VHPA Joint General Secretary Amitabh Mittal and their spouses.

Strict social distancing norms were maintained, organizers said.

Consul General Kumar congratulated the organization for its efforts in bringing a new Center; Mayor Michels lauded the Indian American community for their contributions to the nation.

The Center, located at 200 N. Bond St, Sugar Grove, IL, stands on a 2.7-acreplot of land and hasa built-up area of 16,000 sq. feet.

It will offer services to the American Hindu community including Bal-Vihar for children, Vedic Math classes and Women’s Self Defense classes among other activities. It will also be available for social gatherings and office space rentals, the press release said.