Organized by VHPA

April 18, 2014: The Arya Samaj of Greater Houston hosted the fifth annual Hindu American Vanprasthi Network (HAVAN) conference organized by World Hindu Council of America (VHPA).
Around 100 Hindus participated along with an eminent panel of speakers and many active Hindu community leaders.
The Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network (HAVAN) was launched to serve the self-development and identification of service fields need for retired and to be retired members of Hindu community living in America.
The acronym HA-VAN is chosen to reflect the transformative lifestyle stage of Vanaprasthi. The goal is to engage them locally in meaningful community service activities, develop network, and opportunities to use their skills, specialties, and wisdom for the benefit of the society.
Conference topics included Vedic Vision and Modern day Vanaprasthi lifestyle, Vanaprasthi lifestyle in American context, Experience – History of Hindus in America, Women and Hindu lifestyle, Engaging with Houston’s Diverse Communities, Building Bridges Youth perspective, Vanaprathis – Medical Science perspective, Social Mingling.

July – September 2013

The inaugural session started with Yogesh Naik (VHPAHouston chapter) informing the audience about the objectives of the HAVAN conference and how it positively impacts seniors of Hindu community in terms of networking, resource sharing and collaboration.
Acharya Surya Nandaji from Arya Samaj of Greater Houston performed the invocation ceremony and

spoke about four ashrams (phases) of life, their meaning and roles one play in each phase as per Hindu Vedic scriptures.

evinder Mahajan (Chief Coordinator of Arya Samaj of Greater Houston) welcomed the audience and thanked VHPA for organizing such enlightening

conference and spoke about programs of Arya Samaj focused towards imbibing Hindu values and culture in children, youth and adults . Pravin Vyas (President, VHPA Houston Chapter) gave an overview of HAVAN and what expectations Hindu seniors can have from it. He also thanked Arya Samaj.

The session on Engaging Vanaprasthis included discussion included by key community leaders with Acharaya Surya Nandaji speaking on Vedic vision and modern day lifestyle, giving real life examples of challenges Vanaprasthis encounter in America. Gaurangbhai Nanavaty spoke on Vanaprasthi lifestyle in American contact, challenges they face in old age and communications with children and grandchildren and their important role in social transformation.

Dr. Mahesh Dave spoke on current state of Vanaprasthis from medical science perspective and what medical approach they should adopt what treatments they should avoid for healthy physical and mental well-being.

Atul Kothari spoke on best retirement planning for Vanaprasthi lifestyle in terms of Social Security, Medicare, investments and other retirement packages.

Abha Dwivedi from American General Life & Accident company spoke on insurance needs for senior citizen lifestyle and companies that offer such insurance programs, selection criteria and enrollments.

Padamakant Khambhati spoke on ‘What can Hindus accomplish collectively that individual Hindus cannot?’ followed by question and answer session.