Washington: The Hindu University of America, the only organisation in the US whose goal is to provide education based on Hindu philosophy, has received a $1 million donation from Indian American businessman Ramesh Bhutada, who is based in Florida.
The Hindu University of America (HUA), was founded in 1989 and granted authorization by the Florida State Government in 1993, has now gotten its largest donation.
Bhutada, the CEO of Houston-based Star Pipe Products, said he made the donation so that the youth can gain the knowledge and understanding of Hinduism much earlier in life, enabling them to live a happy and productive life.
Despite being born and raised in a traditional Hindu family and being a member of several prominent Hindu organizations and traditions, Bhutada claimed that he "did not really understand the essence of Hinduism".
It took him 60 years to understand the true essence of Hinduism "which teaches us how to live in harmony within ourselves, with our family, friends, colleagues, and with the entire world," the university said in a release.
Other universities may impart knowledge for students to earn a livelihood. Only an institution like HUA can impart Hindu knowledge that teaches a student how to live their life," it said.
Kalyan Viswanathan, the president of the Hindu University Association, urged the Hindu community to "come together to build a Hindu university that lasts a thousand years just like the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur which has stood strong for over 1,000 years or like the Nalanda University which was a beacon of knowledge to the world for 1,700 years before it was destroyed."