Young Hindu activist shot dead in US
FOC
Akhil Chopra, a prominent Hindu activist was killed by an unidentified robber on August 12 when he was meditating in a Houston Park. He was 28. He is survived by his parents, brother and his extended family in Ahmedabad, India. Akhil was cremated on August 19 at Kankhal, near Haridwar in India as per Vedic rites. Later his ashes were immersed in the Ganga.
Akhil touched the lives of hundreds of Houstonians with his cherubic smile, cheerful demeanour and ever-helpful personality. With a caring, friendly nature, he always had the nicest, most positive things to say about everyone around him at work and his neighborhood. It is no surprise that his co-workers, friends and neighbors, both American and Indian, loved and admired him for his amiable qualities and dedication to all the projects he undertook.
Akhil Chopra was also actively involved with the Hindu Students Council (HSC), Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Indic Culture And Traditions Seminars (ICATS), India Development & Relief Fund, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anushandhan Sansthan (SVYASA Yoga), Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and several Hindu temples in the Houston area. He read the Sunday news section on the Sanatan radio programme.
A talented mediaperson, Akhil dedicated his life to spreading goodwill and interfaith harmony. He was one of the key media coordinators of the Global Dharma Conference 2003, held in New Jersey. He was also taking the lead role in organising the Houston Janmashtami festival this year. A very spiritual and profound scholar for his age, he was also a talented and dedicated yoga teacher.
Akhil Chopra came to Houston and joined Star Pipe Products as a summer intern from Texas A&M in June 2002. Impressed with his hard work and dedication, Star Pipe offered him a full-time position. While working at Star Pipe, he completed his MIS degree from the University of St. Thomas.
