In September 2024, Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta and other Ananda Marga representatives played a pivotal role in forging connections with various community leaders and officials. These efforts underscored the importance of outreach in spreading Ananda Marga’s message and deepening relationships with diverse communities.
On August 25, 2024, the Indian American community in Long Island, New York, organized the India Day Parade, an event that saw participation from over 50 organizations. Ananda Marga was invited to take part, and our presence was well-noted, with eleven volunteers in saffron clothing marching alongside other participants. Numerous elected officials, community leaders, and philanthropists attended, and the event received widespread media coverage across the USA and beyond.
During the parade, Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta, Ac. Kovid Brahmacarii, and Ac. Anudhyanananda Avadhuta engaged with the local community, establishing valuable connections and spreading Ananda Marga’s message. A booth provided by the parade management showcased Ananda Marga books, honey, and wellness products, attracting significant interest. More than 50 people signed up as new sympathizers and volunteers, further expanding the organization’s reach.
Ananda Marga continued its outreach with a successful exhibition in Hillside, New York, and another booth at a fair organized by the Punjabi American community in Long Island. The event, held in the Gallen Globe, attracted more than 500 attendees, and Ananda Marga volunteers sold over $600 worth of products while signing up 50 new volunteers.
In Connecticut, the Milan Cultural Association invited Ananda Marga to participate in their event, providing another booth for the organization to share its mission. Dadas, Didis, and other volunteers contributed their time and energy, engaging with visitors and building lasting connections. Between 10 and 20 new people signed up, continuing the successful outreach work.
One of the most significant events took place on September 22, 2024, in Nassau County, New York, where the Indian Diaspora hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an event attended by over 15,000 people from across the USA. More than 500 spiritual, social, and charitable organizations participated, including Ananda Marga. Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta, Acarya Shankarananda Avadhuta, and Ac. Kovid Brahmacarii represented the organization. This highly organized event, facilitated by the Consulate of New York and the Permanent Mission of India, drew the attention of dignitaries and elites from various sectors.
Ananda Marga’s participation garnered substantial media coverage, with monks being interviewed by more than ten television channels broadcasting across the USA and India. The organization’s involvement was highlighted globally, with thousands of viewers learning about its mission. Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta also used the opportunity to strengthen ties with numerous organizations, expanding Ananda Marga’s presence in the region.
These outreach efforts reflect the profound impact of Ananda Marga’s participation in public events, allowing the organization to build meaningful relationships and expand its influence within various communities. Through Baba’s Grace, Ananda Marga has connected with a wider audience, establishing healthy and fruitful collaborations with key figures and groups across New York.