The two years of meticulous preparation culminated in a “dream come true” as the highly anticipated HAA Convention finally took place. The youth retreat and rehearsal day on July 3rd marked the beginning of an unforgettable experience for all participants.

Youth Retreat and Rehearsal Day (July 3rd)

The youth retreat witnessed a record-breaking attendance, with enthusiastic youths participating in activities such as Top Golf and Escape Room. The excitement and engagement were palpable, with attendees eagerly anticipating future meetings. The rehearsal day, held at Bharatiya Temple, PA, showcased incredible participation from various chapters. Despite many performances being prepared remotely, the much-needed in-person meet went exceptionally well. Performers expressed their gratitude, and the day concluded with a light dinner.

Picnic Day (July 5th)

The picnic on July 5th was a resounding success, attracting over 400 people to the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, which provided a refreshing ambiance with its lush green grass, tall trees, and ample shade. The event featured Havyasangama: ‘vibrant socializing, meet & greet, a variety of games’, and a stand-up comedy act by Vinayaka Balesara. Shivu Bhat inaugurated Gangakka’s maduve haadugalu, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed a delightful breakfast, a sumptuous lunch menu, fruits, and snacks. The picnic concluded with a grand lunch, after which families prepared for the evening’s events in traditional attire.

Main Event (July 5th Evening)

The Upper Merion Middle School venue, beautifully decorated with traditional themes, art exhibits, and photo booths, provided the perfect setting for the main event. The inauguration began with the Ganesha mantra and lighting the lamp by the HAA President Usha Kuloor. Traditional opening was then followed by a Ganesha prayer by multi-chapter participants, US National Anthem by Meghana Bhat, Indian National Anthem by all HAA families. The President’s Welcome message highlighted many remarkable milestones. In its 42 years since inception, HAA has achieved numerous milestones. Last year, two new chapters were added, expanding the organization’s reach. The HAA Youth Forum, founded by Usha Kuloor in 2021, now includes over 150 members. The theme “Nava Yuva Yuga” (Modern Youth Era) resonated throughout the convention, emphasizing the President’s message that the youth should continue the legacy and lead the organization forward. Youth participation in various activities, leadership roles in performances, and volunteer efforts are promising signs of future leadership. HAA Young Professionals group was initiated by Ashok Thimmappa in 2023 with 100+ members today. HAA Parent network actively engaging parents and children of common interests.

HAA’s Vedapaatashaala enables American-born kids to learn Veda, while the Vidyanidhi program provides scholarships to needy and eligible HAA students in India. HAA Krishi assists HAA Krishika families with modern technology and techniques, raising awareness on bio-diseases, chemicals’ usage, connects youngsters and entrepreneurs with universes, investors, research projects etc. HAA has also been actively involved in charity, aiding those affected by the Maui wildfire, Odisha train accident, Ronald McDonald House, and Doctors Without Borders. HAA Rangamancha and JA Channels foster networking and enrichment across all age groups.

The success of the convention was supported by early registration and sponsorship, with incredible help from the entire community, executive committee, Board of Trustees, and volunteers. The President expressed heartfelt thanks to numerous volunteers in all the committees, the Upper Merion Administrative Staff, Custodians, facility coordinator Kathy, sound and lightining tech Jim, audio tech Giftson, and Malgudi Café for their phenomenal support with the venue, lighting, sound and food. In the end, the President thanked her loving husband Gopal Bhat and children Anoop and Aashika for their unconditional love and support all along. Before concluding the speech, the President called HAA Community for unity, collaboration, inspiration, enrichment activities and continued Youth engagement and leadership echoing the slogan of the Convention, ‘Modern Youth Era’.

President’s speech was followed by captivating opening swagathanjali dance. The cultural committee lead by Rashmi Barige and Youth MCs Shreya Hegde, Aashika Bhat and Sana Barige presented a variety of programs, including the release of Havyasiri by Kanchana Hegde, Usha Avadhani and Dr. Narayan Avadhani, Bharatanatyam, Group Song, Youth speeches, a Shasthriya Sangeetha jugalbandhi lead by Vinayak Hegde and KaNada Narahari, and the mesmerizing Yakshagana performance “Sharasethu Bandha” by Yakshamitra. The evening ended with a grand dinner.

Convention Day (July 6th)

The final day commenced with Vedaparayana by HAA vedapaata shala kids, accompanied by a healthy and delicious breakfast. Speeches on ‘Engement in Rural Development’ by Dr. Narayan Hegde, ‘Medical Science Meets Vedantta’ by Dr. Naras Bhat and HAA History by Dr. Ramachandra Bhat kept the audience enthralled. The day featured numerous cultural programs, including dances, skits, drama, singing, and a speech by HAA Young Professionals, with MCs ensuring the audience remained entertained all the time. The traditional lunch, Habbadoota, was a highlight.
Post-lunch, the much-anticipated youth symphony and various shows from all chapters culminated in a stunning Youth Finale by HAA youth. Following a coffee break, additional programs continued, including Vidya Nidhi updates by Venkat Bhat, and Awards ceremony for winners of various competitions and outstanding contributors in various Youth Activities. After the award ceremony, a significant moment took place as HAA President Usha Kuloor symbolically handed over the traditional Bell to the incoming President, Muralidhar Kaje. This ceremonial act marks a seamless transition of leadership within the organization, ensuring the continuation of its mission and values. Usha Kuloor expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire HAA for joining her in this journey and expressed confidence in Muralidhar Kaje’s vision and dedication, emphasizing the importance of this tradition in maintaining the organization’s momentum and legacy. Muralidhar Kaje, upon receiving the Bell, shared his appreciation and outlined his commitment to advancing HAA’s goals. After the handover, audience enjoyed fun-filled stand-up comedy by invited artist Vinayak Balesar, and an amazing karaoke performance by Naagachandrika Bhat and Dhanush Jagadish. HAA recognized all the Sponsors who contributed significantly to bear the expense of the convention.

Parallel to these events, youth discussions, parent network meetings, vendor booth presentations, and photo booth activities were also held. Dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly, ensuring the smooth running of the convention from setup to wrap-up.

Overall, the HAA Convention was a phenomenal success, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a sense of community spirit.