Pathways to collaboration in the OKC Indian-American communities

The greater Oklahoma City (OKC) metro area is home to a modest and growing community of people with roots in India. They mingle peacefully and enthusiastically in various community groups and organizations while working in diverse professions, such as doctors, engineers, researchers, educators, restaurant managers, etc. A small gathering of Indian community leaders representing such organizations and businesses recently happened in the suburb of Edmond. The leaders themselves were diverse followers of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist practices. The meeting allowed these leaders to come together, learn about each others' mission and work, and develop ways of understanding and collaboration.

The 12 or so leaders, representing 11 Indian organizations and businesses, also played host to Shri. Saumitra Gokhale, International Coordinator of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), who was in town for a few days. After introductions of the leaders and the groups they represented, Gokhale outlined the purpose and mission of HSS, explaining the need to preserve and promote noble and universal Hindu values while contributing meaningfully to the upliftment of society and developing youth leadership and volunteerism. He also invited the OKC community leaders to join this year's World Hindu Congress, a quadrennial meet celebrating the values, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Hindus globally. The meet is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend in Bangkok, Thailand.

Oklahoma's Indian community is vibrant, diverse, and socially conscious. Its organizations are at the forefront of providing community services, such as free health check-up camps, Yoga training, cuisine and art showcasing, food donation drives, and more. The leadership of these organizations is giving its time, knowledge, and skills to bring social change and improve the community experience for not just Indian Americans but everyone around. This recent gathering set a foundation for promoting understanding, improving collaboration and interchange of ideas, and building support networks. Praveen from the Hindu Temple of Oklahoma said, "It was a nice meeting". Amit, who runs a holistic medicinal practice in the OKC metro area, felt "It was a lovely evening". The community can remain assured of more such positive and inspiring exchanges in the coming days!