2017 Global Gita Convention

The Bhagavad Gita has traditionally been viewed by many as a Gospel of Hinduism. Apart from Hindus and a few others, its vast treasures have remained largely unknown to the rest of mankind. The idea for Global Bhagavad Gita Conference 2017 was envisioned and inspired by Poojya Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha. It was made a reality by the Center of Inner Resources Development, North America ( CIRD-NA), California chapter. CIRD-NA also has a chapter in Virginia. Globally, CIRD has centers in Delhi, Jamshedpur and Malaysia.

Global Bhagavad Gita Convention 2017 was held over the course of two days, September 9 and 10 at the University of California, Irvine. Assembled were eminent Gita scholars and proponents from India and the US to deliberate on the Gita’s teachings and delineate fundamental psychological laws that govern the development of human character. The conference interactively explored how the Gita appeals and applies to everyday life, strife and tribulation. The overarching objective of the conference became to expand the relevance of the Gita outside the confines of religion and philosophy to one that applies to anyone, from any walk of life, regardless of age, race, religion or ethnicity.

The Convention reached Indians of various language groups, ages as well as people of non-Indian backgrounds. One of its worthy successes was its appeal to young second generation Indo-Americans, many of whom provided positive feedback on the impact the 2-days of events left on them. 

The idea for Global Bhagavad Gita Conference 2017 was envisioned and inspired by Poojya Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha. It was made a reality by the Center for Inner Resources Development, California. Presided by Dr. Ravi Jandhyala, the conference was co-convened by Prof. Christopher Chapple of Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Satinder Dhiman, Associate Dean of MBA program of Woodbury University and Dr. Pankaj Bhatia, President of CIRD-NA, Global Director of the World Resources Institute in Washington. 

As a maiden venture for CIRD, the conference took a year of planning with a small but well-oiled machine of like-minded devotees, philanthropists, professionals and friends mostly based in Irvine. They were both motivated and integrally supported by the Ashram in Kerala, the CIRD-NA team in Virginia and Malaysia. Locally, Swami Ishwarananda of Chinmaya Mission provided his support and participation for the event. 

Quotes from some speakers

Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha  

” Bhagavad Gita is a unique treasure, our people have cherished and preserved for countless generations. While nurturing the exquisite inheritance fondly, we should also strive to make it available to the world, so that more and more people will be enlightened and strengthened to face life and heed the call of the hour, especially when strife and storms are raging everywhere, stifling the mind and intelligence in every way.” Framing the same idea in a more catchy sound-bite, he said, “Life is the management of likes and dislikes” and the Gita is the ultimate self-help guide. 

Philip Goldberg, author of American Veda, contextualized how Vedantic thinking influenced Americans. From Franklin, Thoreau and Emerson to Einstein and the Beatles he talked about the statistically proven impact the Gita and Vedanta has had on the mindset of the average American today. He attributes the Gita’s sustained inspiration in America to its being a rational, science-based text that appeals to an American sense of self-reliance. “Americans are extremely pragmatic people. We will use it if it works and the Bhagavad Gita, has held up to that reputation”

Derik Mills, founder and CEO of Yogaglo, broke down his approach to leadership into 4 parts – discipline, patience, humility and faith. Derik’s life approach is profoundly informed by his reading and examining of the Gita, he first read in his college days. He believes he owes his success to principles in the Gita saying, “Equanimity is called Discipline”.

Former Director General of Police of Andhra Pradesh and Doctorate Aravinda Rao talked about how yoga is beyond movement and exercise as is commonly understood. It is the path, a strategy, for realization of self.

Geriatric Neuroscientist and Associate Dean for Healthy Aging at UC San Diego, Dr. Dilip Jeste, discussed his work on understanding “Wisdom” and how the Gita informs our understanding of this important yet poorly understood concept.  

Srikanth Challa of the Bay area based, Bala Datta, showcased 4 children from his school who awed the audience with not just their versatility and proficiency but their application and understanding of the Gita’s teaching. It was a moment of glorified inspiration for many in that room. 

The convention enjoyed a full capacity auditorium of 425 individuals throughout the day and a half of lectures, demonstrations, cultural events and panel discussions. CIRD organizers were pleasantly surprised with the overwhelming response during online registrations which reached close to 700. The team took immense care in serving a sumptuous breakfast, lunch and tea on both days as well as dinner on the 9th, to a very appreciative crowd. Vishnu Caterers partnered with the Convention organizers to make the weekend a well-organized, well attended and stimulating event of intellectual exchange and interaction. 

Some attendee feedback: 

Vidya Tadanki whose children, nieces and nephews attended had this to say, “After this convention, they all want to know more about the Gita. They also took notes. One of my nieces who works in Microsoft even wants to learn to recite the Gita“.

“The priceless information speakers have provided was the essence of many years of their valuable research” – Uma Kameti, volunteer.

“All the distinguished speakers did a remarkable job in communicating the importance of Gita in our daily life. Swamiji clearly explained that Gita is not limited to people belonging to Hindu religion. It belongs to everyone in this world” – Sam Nayani

Adi Parige, a 24-year old attendee says about the convention, “The convention hosted a variety of speakers from multiple walks of life ranging in profession, culture and age. What this underlined for me is that the Gita can be used as a universal tool for anyone“