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Chancellor Chopp Honored on Universal Oneness Day

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Author(s)

Jon Stone

Media Relations Manager

Jon Stone
Media Relations Manager"

Jon.Stone@du.edu

Media Relations Manager"

303 871-2781

Justin Beach

Colorado Hindu community recognizes the chancellor’s work in the community

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The Hindu community across the U.S. is celebrating today’s Universal Oneness Day. The event is part of the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which means “obligation to protect.”

Centuries ago when India faced numerous invasions, sisters used to tie a thread on their brother’s wrist to remind him of his responsibility to protect his female siblings. Over the years, this celebration has evolved from recognizing “brother-sister” relationships to “individual-societal” relationships.

The Colorado chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) recognized DU Chancellor Rebecca Chopp on Thursday for her work on campus and in the community. “We are so happy to meet the chancellor and appreciate all her efforts to show the significance of the universal oneness day, so that it can propagate the message of peace in Denver,” said Sridhar Talanki, president of Colorado’s HSS chapter. Talanki also serves as the information and technology ambassador for the Andhra Pradesh state government, a state on India’s southeastern coast.

Universal Oneness Day
Universal Oneness Day

The chancellor was presented with flowers and chocolate, and a Rakhi — the symbol of oneness — was tied on her wrist. She also received the book “Sustainability, Social Responsibility and Innovations in Tourism and Hospitality,” edited by H.G. Parsa, Barron Hilton Professor of Lodging Management in DU’s Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management. The chancellor told everyone: “This is a wonderful celebration. Every person in the world should celebrate universal brotherhood and peace.”

About 25,000 people make up the Hindu community along the Front Range. Talanki says today is an opportunity to thank everyone who promotes peace and safety in our community. “We appreciate all the people who are really giving their lives and time, like firefighters and policemen. So we want to thank all the service people who go beyond the expectations. We want to thank them, we want to acknowledge them, we want to show our appreciation and deep gratitude to them.”

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