Author: Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA

When Cinemas were a Different Type of Culture

Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBAEntertainment, Culture 0

Bellamkonda1For those of us who grew up in the 1960s and 70s as students, cinemas were a very different type of culture. Very different from today. First, with no television, no computers, no internet, no video games, with only the government controlled All India Radio, cinemas were like a window in our little lives to peep through now and then. But at the same time, as per the standards of those days, cinemas were also expensive. With an average price of 1.50 rupees for a chair ticket, it was equivalent to the price of a lunch in a casual restaurant or the price of an RTC bus ticket to travel to another town 40 km away or to reach a city that is 100 km away by train.

With the small amount of money students living in hostels used to get from their parents every month, they need to budget their other requirements to save enough to go to as many movies as possible every month to avoid monotonous life in hostels on weekends. This budgeting often led to some funny incidents which remain in our memories even today.

In those days, many cinema halls were breeding grounds for bedbugs. If we had suspicion, after coming home, we used to change clothes first, dip the removed clothes in a bucket of water, and look for floating bedbugs. This was our dip test.

To watch as many movies as possible with the money they get from home, a few of our colleagues in medical college used to go to bench class (75 paisa) during the second show (girl colleagues would notice that if they go to first show). We were not welcoming those bench goers to our rooms as they were known carriers of bedbugs.

There used to be a lot of commotion when power failed in the cinema hall. There were no backup power or generators in those days. Suddenly, vendors selling pakoda, bajji, and tea appeared from nowhere, and people were struggling for change in their pockets. If they dropped a few coins on the floor, they would remain in the hall after the show and search for them desperately. Lost coins were more precious in those days. And if the power was not restored within a stipulated time, it was hard to sit in the hall. So, the cinema hall management used to give “passes” to those who wanted to leave. They could come on some other day and watch the movie by just showing the pass. The passes have their own market value. They can be sold for a discounted price compared to original tickets. But many people liked the passes because they could watch the movie from the beginning, including the news reels and advertisements (15 min worth of movie time) again from the beginning. For some people, it was like sitting at the banquet table starting from the appetizer again after taking a short break.

After coming home from the cinema, the next day friends and neighbors used to ask us how the movie was? We had enough work to narrate that to everyone for a week. That was the primitive piracy recorded in history. If it was a suspense movie, there was a real loss in the market value of the movie. Those who were good narrators had a good reputation, and their status in the neighborhood was high. Of course, I was one of them. Too bad we did not receive any remuneration from the distributors for our efforts. Based on what we narrated, others used to decide whether to go or not to the movies. Most of my friends and neighbors used to go to the movies based on good reviews. But there were some odd guys who used to go to only those movies that received bad reviews. These compassionate ones helped every movie make at least some money in those days.

A few of our colleagues used to go only for movies that were 30 or more reels long. Their contention was that they had to get the bang for the buck. These were the ones that know the value of money. Movies are just entertainment for them.

Finally, this is the greatest thing about cinemas in India even today. To my knowledge, cinema is the only event where all Indians show up on time with an extreme degree of punctuality. Many of them arrive even before the doors to the hall are opened.

Thus, in the good old days, cinema was a different culture. There was nothing like the mega movie craze in those days. Cinemas were simply a part of our little lives. It was not just entertainment. One can write a book on this old cinema culture in India. Thanks.

108 Years Apart: The Significance of September 11th (9/11)

Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBAReligion, Profile 1

Bellamkonda K. Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA

When we hear 9/11, our mind goes through the chilling images of the twin towers on fire and collapsing in New York City on the morning of September 11, 2001, by the audacious acts of terrorists on the American soil, after hijacking commercial airliners. It was reminiscent of the unprovoked attack of Pearl Harbor on the morning on December 7, 1941, by the air force of the Imperial Japan. The motive of the Japanese behind attacking of Pearl Harbor was a gamble to weaken the US Naval fleet in Pacific region so that Japanese can get their supplies uninterrupted during the World War II. It was a shortsighted gamble with the United States for which the Imperial Japan paid heavy price.

The Significance of September 11th (911) Bellamkonda K Kishore M D Ph D MBA
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Fast forward to September 11, 2001, by which time the economy of the USA was booming with a GDP of $10.58 trillion, which was far ahead of that of Japan ($4.375 trillion) and China ($1.339 trillion). Thus, the second and third largest economies of the world at that time were not comparable to that of the USA. That was the time when foreign terrorists targeted the financial capital of the United States with the sole intent of destroying the United States as a dominant economic power in the world. But, unlike the Imperial Japan, which gambled, the terrorists miscalculated the strength and resilience of the economic power of the United States. Bringing down a couple of towers in Manhattan did not bring the USA down on its knees. It killed 2,996 people including the hijackers and wounded a few thousands. September 11, 2001, remained as a sad day in the history of the United States.

But, was it the first time September 11 made news in America? No, exactly 108 years ago, on September 11, 1893, a Hindu monk from India made history in the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, Illinois. On that day, Swami Vivekanand delivered his bold and eloquent speech on goodness of religions, while highlighting the problems the world was facing by misguided religious beliefs. Specifically, in his speech, he said:  The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descen­dant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with vio­lence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

It was a coincidence that the above words were uttered by Swami Vivekananda on the same calendar day of September 11, but 108 years before. While expressing his anguish about sectarianism, bigotry, and fanatism, he said “had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now.” Yet, Swami Vivekananda expressed optimism that the convention in which he spoke would open avenues for a change. However, it seems that did not happen. Despite wars, massacres, genocides, and every possible onslaught on humanity, the world changed little even today.  Peace in many parts of the world is apparently held in place by deterrence, not by willingness. We do not know for how long the world can sustain like that. Despite globalization of economy, food, commodities, transportation, industries, communications, banking, education, employment, entertainment, broadcast, etc., still there is mistrust among nations, leave along sectarianism, bigotry, and fanaticism. Physical barriers between the nations are falling down, while mental barriers are being fortified, even among apparently friendly countries. Sometimes, we do not know where we are heading for.

While the above geopolitical issues are still plaguing the word, it is heartening to see that at least in the domains of science, technology, higher education, and medicine, there is significant cooperation and understanding even among the countries, whose leaders do not get on well each other. This gives hope to many of us. But the question is why do people seem to come together willingly when it is science, technology, higher education, and medicine? Why do people bridge mental walls when they have to deal with issues related religion or ethnicity or identity? We may not find the answers to these questions. But it tells us we should work on things that bring us together and pay less attention to things that divide us or make us enemies. One way of achieving that goal is through proper education. That was why Nelson Mandela said: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan said: Human nature is fundamentally good, and the spread of enlightenment will abolish the wrong. He further said: The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversaries of nature. Finally, Swami Vivekananda said: Education should be man-making. Let us all work together to promote such a man-making education.

The Significance of September 11th (911) Bellamkonda K Kishore M D Ph D MBA

Author: Prof. Bellamkonda K. Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA is an academician and innovator turned to entrepreneurship. He is an Adjunct Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah Health; Co-Founder, President, CEO & CSO of ePurines, Inc., in Salt Lake City, Utah; and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Kishore received several academic and community awards and honors for his contributions, such as induction as a Fellow of professional bodies, citations in Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare and European Biographical Directory,  Nelson Mandela Leadership and Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) awards from the NRI Welfare Society of India, New Delhi. Currently, he is  Vice President of the US Chapter of the NRI Welfare Society of India, which was started with the noble objective of strengthening the emotional bonds between India and Non-Resident Indians. Dr. Kishore was also conferred Global Unity Ambassador by the Indian.Community.

Personal Website: https://www.bkkishore.online/

 

76 Years of Independent India & the Vibrant Indian Diaspora in the United States

Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBAEditorial, Opinion 0

As India is celebrating its 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, it is time to reflect how far the vibrant Indian Diaspora in the United States has come during the past 50 years, and what its future role in the rapidly changing demographics of America is. With a population of 4.9 million (1.48% of the US population), the Indian Americans are the largest group of South Asian Americans or the second largest group of Asian Americans after Chinese. Given their highly successful careers in most spheres, the Indian Americans represent a unique force in shaping the future of the United States. Indian Americans also have a profound influence on contemporary issues in India. So, this 5 million cohort Indian Diaspora, although not a monolithic structure in the United States, nevertheless, is a defining force both in the USA and India in the 21st century. Like in India, the Indian Diaspora in the United States represents the unity in diversity.

The Luce-Celler Act of 1946 allowed a limited number of Indians per year to immigrate to the United States. However, it was not until the 1970s, there was a palpable emigration from India. The earliest immigrants from India to the United States were physicians, scientists, and other professionals, as well as businessmen. Most worked in universities or institutes of higher learning or medical schools or in the healthcare sector. Very few worked in corporate America. Initially, the feelings in India were different, as most Indians considered that emigration was a “brain drain” with negative consequences to the country. Even the Government of India was concerned that it was losing educated and talented people to other countries, especially the United States, the land of opportunities where an ordinary person can do extraordinary things. At that time most immigrants from India were those who completed their university studies, such as MBBS, or PhD or engineering, often at the expense of taxpayers’ money, and were looking for better job opportunities in their professions elsewhere. They were not coming to the United States for college studies. Most could not afford to study in the United States.

The early immigrants from India were traditional, nostalgic for a long time, culturally oriented and worked hard to preserve their values and pass them on to their children. Hailing from hard-working middle-class families, most of them shouldered substantial responsibilities to support their parents, and siblings back in India. All these made them to be responsible, humble, and loyal citizens in addition to their high level of KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) and studious working habits. Many of them sacrificed their own time and comforts of life for the sake of their beloved family members in the USA and India, and for their professions. They not only could establish themselves in institutes of the United States, but also could generate a thinking among American public that Indians are smart, skilled, hardworking, law-abiding and peace-loving people, a notion that became a bedrock as the time passed.

The subsequent generations of Indian Diaspora were fortunate to grow on these foundations laid by their predecessors and proved themselves as the most successful immigrant community in the United States. Because of this they thrived, and educated their children, who proved to be much more successful professionals occupying higher positions or taking up responsible roles at a relatively young age as compared to their parents. Many of the later arrivals started working in corporate America, where they ascended to new heights not seen before.

As time passed, the Indian Diaspora became very wealthy, established their own societies and associations, built their businesses, companies, temples and other places of worship, community centers and made the United States their comfortable new home. They are also supporting several service projects in their native places or alma maters, and charitable activities in India, and remitting billions of dollars every year. Ordinary people in the United States understand India as they see it through the activities and personalities of Indian Americans. In other words, the reputation of India in the United States was enormously boosted by the Indian Diaspora. Now the people of India as well as the Government of India consider that the Indian Diaspora abroad, especially in the United States is an “asset” not brain-drain, of India.

Now the question is what should be the next stage of evolution of Indian Diaspora in the United States? Can it afford to stay in the same course in a rapidly changing demographics and needs of the United States? What should be the future direction of the Indian Diaspora in the United States, if it must continue to be the most successful and respected immigrant community with unique values to their adopted land?

One can list several points to address this question. But, I have only one point to emphasize, the implementation of which will dramatically change the course of the Indian Diaspora and make it a much more formidable power in the 21st century United States. The Indian Diaspora in the United States should become more US centric in their activities and social life. They may be minorities only by their numbers, but not by any other metric. So, they have many assets to give to their adopted land, other than money. There is no need to guard their Indian identity or communities so closely.

They are not just Indians. They are Indian Americans playing pivotal roles in all spheres in the United States.  Language is not a barrier for them in the United States. So, they should step outside of their communities or “bubbles” and actively participate and lead mainstream America in nation building. Otherwise, they may hit a wall and stop moving forward. Following the same course as they have been doing for decades may not help them to rise to a higher level of respect and value in America. Because the 21st-century needs of America are very different. It does not need immigrants that can just do their jobs splendidly.

The 21st century America needs people who can create opportunities for others, and thus help them move up on an upscale value with passion. The Indian Diaspora should innovate itself by focusing on uplifting other minorities who are not blessed like them in education, wealth and other aspects of life. Being the most successful minority, the Indian Diaspora is uniquely positioned to uplift other minorities with them.

For instance, lack of mentorship is the single most cause by which even motivated minority children cannot find their way in the current society. The benefits of mentoring to mentees, mentors, and the community are well documented. Every minority child or student we mentor is an asset added to the treasure of our adopted land. Of course, there are other ways the Indian Diaspora can uplift less fortunate minorities, such as offering financial assistance for education, free or subsidized healthcare, conducting educational camps etc. No need to say that they should not limit these activities to only minorities, but extend to anyone in need, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background.

By following the above path, the Indian Diaspora will win the hearts of the less fortunate people in the United States, and thus foster long-lasting and healthy bonds with them, which is crucial for sustaining their respectable positions in the community, as well as securing the future and welfare of the children and grandchildren of the Indian Diaspora.

This path is also in line with our tradition, which preaches Vasudaivakutabakam and Sarvejana Sukinobhavatu. This is the best and practical way to spread Sanathana Dharma in the land of opportunities and freedom. This path speaks for itself, with no explanation from us what our Sanathana Dharma means. This path is also in line with the vision and mission of Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendranath Modi ji – Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Thus, this is a great opportunity for the Indian Diaspora to kindle the lamp of Santhana Dharma on the land of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. Let us all move to a higher realm of existence while serving both our motherland and adopted land.  Jai Hind. God bless America.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are that of the author only, and they need not reflect the views of the organizations with which he is affiliated, such as the NRI Welfare Society of India, University of Utah Health, ePurines, Inc., and theunn.com.

Author: Prof. Bellamkonda K. Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA is an academician and innovator turned toPicture1 entrepreneurship. He is an Adjunct Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah Health; Co-Founder, President, CEO & CSO of ePurines, Inc., in Salt Lake City, Utah; and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Kishore received several academic and community awards and honors for his contributions, such as induction as a Fellow of professional bodies, citations in Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare and European Biographical Directory,  Nelson Mandela Leadership and Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) awards from the NRI Welfare Society of India, New Delhi. Currently, he is  Vice President of the US Chapter of the NRI Welfare Society of India, which was started with the noble objective of strengthening the emotional bonds between India and Non-Resident Indians. Dr. Kishore was also conferred Global Unity Ambassador by the Indian.Community.

Personal Website: https://www.bkkishore.online/

76 Years of Independent India & the Vibrant Indian Diaspora in the United States

Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBAOpinion 0

As India is celebrating its 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, it is time to reflect how far the vibrant Indian Diaspora in the United States has come during the past 50 years, and what its future role in the rapidly changing demographics of America is. With a population of 4.9 million (1.48% of the US population), the Indian Americans are the largest group of South Asian Americans or the second largest group of Asian Americans after Chinese. Given their highly successful careers in most spheres, the Indian Americans represent a unique force in shaping the future of the United States. Indian Americans also have a profound influence on contemporary issues in India. So, this 5 million cohort Indian Diaspora, although not a monolithic structure in the United States, nevertheless, is a defining force both in the USA and India in the 21st century. Like in India, the Indian Diaspora in the United States represents the unity in diversity.

The Luce-Celler Act of 1946 allowed a limited number of Indians per year to immigrate to the United States. However, it was not until the 1970s, there was a palpable emigration from India. The earliest immigrants from India to the United States were physicians, scientists, and other professionals, as well as businessmen. Most worked in universities or institutes of higher learning or medical schools or in the healthcare sector. Very few worked in corporate America. Initially, the feelings in India were different, as most Indians considered that emigration was a “brain drain” with negative consequences to the country.

Even the Government of India was concerned that it was losing educated and talented people to other countries, especially the United States, the land of opportunities where an ordinary person can do extraordinary things. At that time most immigrants from India were those who completed their university studies, such as MBBS, or PhD or engineering, often at the expense of taxpayers’ money, and were looking for better job opportunities in their professions elsewhere. They were not coming to the United States for college studies. Most could not afford to study in the United States.

The early immigrants from India were traditional, nostalgic for a long time, culturally oriented and worked hard to preserve their values and pass them on to their children. Hailing from hard-working middle-class families, most of them shouldered substantial responsibilities to support their parents, and siblings back in India. All these made them to be responsible, humble, and loyal citizens in addition to their high level of KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) and studious working habits. Many of them sacrificed their own time and comforts of life for the sake of their beloved family members in the USA and India, and for their professions. They not only could establish themselves in institutes of the United States, but also could generate a thinking among American public that Indians are smart, skilled, hardworking, law-abiding and peace-loving people, a notion that became a bedrock as the time passed.

The subsequent generations of Indian Diaspora were fortunate to grow on these foundations laid by their predecessors and proved themselves as the most successful immigrant community in the United States. Because of this they thrived, and educated their children, who proved to be much more successful professionals occupying higher positions or taking up responsible roles at a relatively young age as compared to their parents. Many of the later arrivals started working in corporate America, where they ascended to new heights not seen before. As the time passed, the Indian Diaspora became very wealthy, established their own societies and associations, built their businesses, companies, temples and other places of worship, community centers and made the United States their comfortable new home. They are also supporting several service projects in their native places or alma maters, and charitable activities in India, and remitting billions of dollars every year. Ordinary people in the United States understand India as they see it through the activities and personalities of Indian Americans. In other words, the reputation of India in the United States was enormously boosted by the Indian Diaspora. Now the people of India as well as the Government of India consider that the Indian Diaspora abroad, especially in the United States is an “asset” not brain-drain, of India.

Now the question is what should be the next stage of evolution of Indian Diaspora in the United States? Can it afford to stay in the same course in a rapidly changing demographics and needs of the United States? What should be the future direction of the Indian Diaspora in the United States, if it must continue to be the most successful and respected immigrant community with unique values to their adopted land? One can list several points to address this question. But, I have only one point to emphasize, implementation of which will dramatically change the course of Indian Diaspora and make it a much more formidable power in the 21st century United States.

The Indian Diaspora in the United States should become more US centric in their activities and social life. They may be minorities only by their numbers, but not by any other metric. So, they have many assets to give to their adopted land, other than money. There is no need to guard their Indian identity or communities so closely. They are not just Indians. They are Indian Americans playing pivotal roles in all spheres in the United States.  Language is not a barrier for them in the United States. So, they should step outside of their communities or “bubbles” and actively participate and lead mainstream America in nation building. Otherwise, they may hit a wall and stop moving forward.

Following the same course as they have been doing for decades may not help them to rise to a higher level of respect and value in America. Because the 21st century needs of America are very different. It does not need immigrants that can just do their jobs splendidly. The 21st century America needs people who can create opportunities for others, and thus help them move up on an upscale value with passion. The Indian Diaspora should innovate itself by focusing on uplifting other minorities who are not blessed like them in education, wealth and other aspects of life. Being the most successful minority, the Indian Diaspora is uniquely positioned to uplift other minorities with them.

For instance, lack of mentorship is the single most cause by which even motivated minority children cannot find their way in the current society. The benefits of mentoring to mentees, mentors, and the community are well documented. Every minority child or student we mentor is an asset added to the treasure of our adopted land. Of course, there are other ways the Indian Diaspora can uplift less fortunate minorities, such as offering financial assistance for education, free or subsidized healthcare, conducting educational camps etc. No need to say that they should not limit these activities to only minorities, but extend to anyone in need, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background.

By following the above path, the Indian Diaspora will win the hearts of the less fortunate people in the United States, and thus foster long-lasting and healthy bonds with them, which is crucial for sustaining their respectable positions in the community, as well as securing the future and welfare of the children and grandchildren of the Indian Diaspora.

This path is also in line with our tradition, which preaches Vasudaivakutabakam and Sarvejana Sukinobhavatu. This is the best and practical way to spread Sanathana Dharma in the land of opportunities and freedom. This path speaks for itself, with no explanation from us what our Sanathana Dharma means. This path is also in line with the vision and mission of Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendranath Modi ji – Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Thus, this is a great opportunity for the Indian Diaspora to kindle the lamp of Santhana Dharma on the land of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. Let us all move to a higher realm of existence while serving both our motherland and adopted land.  Jai Hind. God bless America.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are that of the author only, and they need not reflect the views of the organizations with which he is affiliated, such as the NRI Welfare Society of India, University of Utah Health, and ePurines, Inc.

piiiccccAuthor: Prof. Bellamkonda K. Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA is an academician and innovator turned to entrepreneurship. He is an Adjunct Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah Health; Co-Founder, President, CEO & CSO of ePurines, Inc., in Salt Lake City, Utah; and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Kishore received several academic and community awards and honors for his contributions, such as induction as a Fellow of professional bodies, citations in Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare and European Biographical Directory,  Nelson Mandela Leadership and Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) awards from the NRI Welfare Society of India, New Delhi. Currently, he is  Vice President of the US Chapter of the NRI Welfare Society of India, which was started with the noble objective of strengthening the emotional bonds between India and Non-Resident Indians. Dr. Kishore was also conferred Global Unity Ambassador by the Indian.Community. Personal Website: https://www.bkkishore.online/

 

Parliament of World’s Religions A Must Attend Convention for Everyone

Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBACulture, Religion 0

Growing up in 1960s and 70s in India, I learned that Swami Vivekananda’s speech in the first Parliament of World’s Religions on September 11, 1893, in Chicago was an instant success. He was given just five minutes to talk about his religion, Hinduism. But his greetings “Sisters and Brothers of America” made the audience burst into an emotional applause. Ultimately, he spoke for several minutes and delivered a very impactful speech, that resulted in invitations for a series of lectures in the West.  In my school and college days, I never thought that one day I will attend the Parliament of World’s Religions. But I did it in 2015, when the Parliament of World’s Religion was held in my hometown, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. I would like to share my life-changing experiences with the readers.

Parliament of World’s Religions (PWR) is the world’s premier interfaith convention of civic and spiritual nature, organized by a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization with its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, where the first convention was held in 1893. The PWR is held periodically, with no defined intervals. For instance, after 100 years, it was held again in Chicago in 1993, then in Cape Town (1999), Barcelona (2004), Melbourne (2009), Salt Lake City (2015), Toronto (2018), virtually in 2021, and the most recent one was again held in Chicago from August 14 to 18, 2023.

SAI Kuteer, our stall or booth at the PWR

For the PWR convention in Salt Lake City held from October 15th to 19th, 2015, the theme was Reclaiming the Heart of Our Humanity: Working Together for a World of Compassion, Peace, Justice, and Sustainability. Over 10,000 delegates from all over the world, belonging to different religions and faiths attended the convention. They represented over 50 faiths from 75 nations. There were over 200 stalls or booths representing different faiths. Over 800 programs with eight major plenary sessions were held, where systemic and human-caused challenges of our time were discussed. Specifically, the delegates discussed climate change, bigotry and hatred, rampant violence, preventable wars, abuse of human rights, and unchecked income equality. Emerging issues, such as preservation of the rights, hopes, and beliefs or diverse indigenous people also received equal attention. Women representative spoke about gender equality. Overall, it was a convention that focused not only on religion and faith, but also on human values as they relate to our belief in the Almighty as the caretaker of the world.

Picture : TheUNN

From the point of an ordinary attendee like me, one could experience the beautiful things religion and faith can offer to humanity. The world does not need new religions or faith. The existing ones are adequate if they are properly understood and followed in the right sense. What is needed is proper understanding and mutual respect among different religions or faiths, with love and compassion in the heart for all with no barriers. Then tolerance and acceptance will come automatically. This was clear to anyone who attended the convention. When I spoke to people of some unknown faiths from remote parts of the world we had never heard of, I found that they also shared our aspirations for a better world. Then where is the problem? It seems only a few people in each religion stir the issues that divide us. If we can develop the understanding to live with mutual respect and love and compassion, the world will change and become heaven in no time. The question is can this message be carried across the globe? May be if this type of interfaith conventions is held more frequently in different parts of the world, it is possible to bring the badly needed transformation at the individual level. That only can assure welfare of humanity. As Swami Vivekananda said in his first speech in PWR in Chicago, “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendent, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often with human blood, destroyed civilizations and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.” Those words were uttered 130 years ago by Swami Vivekananda. Now, the time has come to get rid of those evils and move into a promising future for our children and grandchildren. We cannot afford to have these age-old evils in our backyards with Artificial Intelligence in our homes and offices.

Apart from attending the convention in Salt Lake City, we also hosted a booth about our newly launched SAI Kuteer, a faith-based charity. The world needs charity as much as it needs faith. Faith cannot be nurtured without selfless work for the community. Although so many religions and faiths were represented at the PWR convention in Salt Lake City, the highlight was Langar organized by the International Sikh Confederation. While we rented 10 feet x 5 feet stalls in units of one or more, the Sikh organizers rented the space equivalent to a football field. They cooked food on the spot and served delicious lunch for about 10,000 delegates on every day of the convention. It was an amazing feat or service for most Americans, who never saw such mass scale cooking of fresh food and serving. Many Americans were motivated and volunteered serving the food, cleaning the place etc. Some even wore turbans as a token of solidarity with the Sikh community. Sitting on the floor and eating delicious food with many varieties and a glass of mango lassi, I was transposed momentarily to the days I spent in Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, my favorite place on earth. Without my notice, tears rolled down my cheeks. That happens when Divinity manifests in a place where there is absolute selfless service.

Finally, on the last day of the convention, while dismantling our booth, I realized that God could manifest anywhere, provided we have the love and compassion in our heart and realize this world is His place and we should behave like His children and stop fighting among ourselves thinking that our path is the right one or the best one or superior one. It is all a myth. There is no such thing as the best or superior ones. All paths lead to Him. When more and more people among us start realizing this fact, the world becomes a pleasant place to live and grow. So, next time the PWR convention is held near your place or anywhere in your country, please attend it. It is equivalent to going on a pilgrimage. You will come home with lots of pleasant memories, peace of mind and reassurance that despite all its problems, the world is still a good place to live, and we can make it even better, like Vasudevakutambakam

 (Prof. Bellamkonda K. Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA is an Academician, Innovator, and entrepreneur. Visit:
https://www.bkkishore.online/ 

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