Dr Urmila Shivaram
In the recent times, there has been an increasing interest among Americans about other religious traditions. Many of you may not be aware that speakers are desperately needed to represent Hindu Dharma in local schools, and other public arena. Our priests do not preach/lecture. In our tradition, we go to our teachers (Gurus/Swamijis) to learn. In general they do not go to these meetings. There is a need for us to be represented outside our religious groups and places. There is no organized "speaking" by the lay people. This is an effort to begin such a process.
With this in mind we have been organizing a Speakers' forum both adult and youth in order to provide a forum for lay people to develop speaking skills. It has generated considerable interest in members of our community.