About Us

Vedic Friends Association (VFA) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) cultural organization grounded in a socio-spiritual-scientific understanding of Sanātana Dharma. Founded on Dussehra in 2002 in Detroit, Michigan by Stephen Knapp, David Frawley, Vrin Parker, Vijai G. and Beth Kulkarni, VFA is led today by Benny Tillman (Balabhadra Bhattacharya Dasa) and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

The Bhagavad Gītā, together with the broader Vedic library, informs our work, guided by the principle of remaining ever conscious of Dharma. We honor and support all Vedic traditions and paths, and we are open to all—with a special focus on yoga practitioners and Vedic followers.

Our Mission

To Present, Preserve, Protect and Promote the Principles and Practices of the Universal Dharma, in all its dimensions. As the saying goes "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah" (Dharma protects those who uphold Dharma)"

Since our inception in 2002, we have strengthened one another’s efforts and now present a unified voice for Sanātana Dharma. In doing so, the reach and recognition of yogic philosophy in its many forms have grown significantly. Thanks to the dedication of our leadership, volunteers, and supporters, our speakers participate in conferences worldwide, sharing dharmic knowledge with diverse audiences across the globe.

Explore our website and discover Sanātana Dharma. Perhaps you’ll step forward as a Dharma Ambassador, carrying Vedic wisdom from your home to your community—and out into the world.

Our Vision

We envision a world where all human beings live in peace and harmony—prospering through cooperation as one family (Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam), as children of the one Supreme Being (Bhagavān). It is our shared responsibility and privilege to care for Mother Earth and all beings with love and respect.

Become a Mahātmā (mahā + ātmā)—one devoted to seva, the welfare of all beings.

Our Leadership

Benny Tillman

PRESIDENT

Leads VFA guided by his dedication to the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhakti traditions. An artist and bridge-builder, he provides expansive, visionary leadership that unites diverse audiences in shared dharmic purpose. He also serves as the media face and on-air host of VFA Dharma Dialogues.

Prakash Srivastava

SECREATRY

Supports organizational structure, communication, and board coordination.

Vijai G.

TREASURER

Founding Coordinator; oversees finances and Dharma community service. Vijai brings both technical precision and a deep dedication to his work with VFA. As a natural people connector, Vijai helps foster meaningful collaboration within the global VFA community.

Andy Fraenkel (Sankirtana Das)

DIRECTOR

An author, lecturer, and sacred storyteller, he serves as a cultural ambassador, bringing timeless Vedic narratives to contemporary audiences. He coordinates author contributions for the VFA website, curating articles that deepen understanding of Sanatana Dharma.

Vijay Pallod

Director

Long-time Vedic community leader who advances Dharma education and grows VFA’s reach through media advocacy and strategic outreach—partnering with community organizations and nonprofits, youth and university groups, interfaith councils, and local media.

Sandi Graham

Without Portfolio

Sandi Graham is the CEO and Co-Founder of VASA—Vedic Academy of Sciences & Arts and an active member of the VFA. A publisher and event producer she is dedicated to advancing the global Vedic Renaissance; she contributes her expertise in planning and event production to ensure the success of VFA's global initiatives.

Advisory Board

Dr David Frawley

Founder & Chairman

Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is the founding Chairman of VFA and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award 2015, the third-highest civilian award granted by the government of India, “for distinguished service of a higher order to the nation,” honoring his work and writings as a Vedic teacher. He is one of the foremost western experts on Vedic Science. His work in various Vedic fields is widely respected in India. His prolific writings for over twenty years includes books on the Vedas, ancient India, Hinduism, modern India, Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedanta and Vedic astrology. Currently he is the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies in Santa Fe New Mexico, USA.

WEBSITE: https://www.vedanet.com/about/dr-david-frawley/

BOOKS: https://www.vedanet.com/vedic-books-publications/

Stephen Knapp

Founder & Co-Chairman

Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandana Dasa) is the Founding President and Co-Chairman of VFA. He is a avid writer of more than 50 books. He has been awarded "Padma Shri" the fourth highest civilian award for his distinguished services by the Government of India in the category of Literature and
Education. He lives in the USA.

WEBSITE: https://www.stephen-knapp.com/

BOOKS: AMAZON

Jeffrey Armstrong

Founder & Co-Chairman

Awarded the ICCR Distinguished Indologist by Bharat (India) Jeffrey Armstrong (Kavindra Rishi) is a long term member of VFA and its Co-Chairman. An engaging speaker on many Vedic subjects, he is an award-winning author of numerous books on Vedic knowledge, including The Bhagavad Gita Comes Alive. He is the founder of VASA the Vedic Academy of Sciences an online academy for Vedic learning. He lives in the Canada.

PRESS PAGE: https://jeffreyarmstrong.com/pages/press

WEBSITE: https://jeffreyarmstrong.com/

BOOKS: https://jeffreyarmstrong.com/collections/books-by-jeffrey-armstrong-or-recommended

AMAZON

Subhash Kak PhD

Founder & Co-Chairman

Dr. Subhash Kak is a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award, the
fourth-highest civilian award granted by the government of India, “for his contribution on the history of mathematics, science, ancient
astronomy and philosophy of science”, which he received in 2019. Subhash Kak, PhD, Distinguished Scientist and Chair of the Taksha Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security (TAICS) Center, is Regents Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Prior to this, he was Delaune Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. His research areas include cybersecurity, social networks, artificial intelligence, and quantum Computing. He is currently a member of Indian Prime Minister’s Science Technology and Innovations Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). He lives in the USA.

LATEST BOOKS:

The Vedic Tradition. Motilal Banarsidass, 2025.
The Saka Language and Sanskrit. Aditya Prakashan, 2025.
The Age of Artificial Intelligence. Garuda, New Delhi, 2024.

X/Twitter: @subhash_kak

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhash-kak-02b7515/

The Formation Team

The Formation Team of VFA brought together a diverse group of visionary teachers, organizers, and supporters who helped shape the association in its early years. David Frawley served as Founding Chairman and Stephen Knapp as Founding President, with Vrindavan Parker as Vice-President, Beth Kulkarni as Secretary/Treasurer, and Vijai G as Founding Coordinator. Guiding voices such as Jeffrey Armstrong and Subhash Kak later joined as Co-Chairmen, while Sandi Graham offered foundational support. The team also included Andy Fraenkel and Vijay Pallod as Directors, along with Michael Cremo.

Legacy Contributors

Many individuals have enriched VFA’s journey as authors,
teachers, and cultural ambassadors. We especially honor those who are no longer
with us, whose work continues to inspire.

Late Ram Rani – Speaker
Late Robert Arnett – Author & Speaker