Hindu American Foundation

03/05/2021

How does a young Irish lad land in India and become a Hindu monk? That's how our conversation with Ravinol Chambers of Be Inspired Films begins—but definitely not where it ends. Throughout his life, Ravinol has been crossing boundaries, geographically and intellectually. His first feature film, 'Road to Vrindavan' (coming soon!), will explore the challenges so many girls in India face in accessing education. Join us for the conversation with this filmmaker and storyteller and see the world through an innovator's lens. 🎥 http://bit.ly/tsh-ravinol-chambers

03/04/2021

Coping with death: a Hindu perspective

In the Yaksha Prashna of the Mahabharata, Yudhistira is asked, "What is the biggest surprise?" He answers, "The fact that people think of themselves as permanent and stable despite being surrounded by death daily." In this blog post, we share a Hindu perspective on facing our mortality and what that may teach us about the way we live.

The story of Krishna and his devotees in Vrindavan had a powerful impact on my view of death. All too often we fail to appreciate the people in our lives until they’re no longer with us. But it’s when they’re no longer with us that we often experience the most profound feelings of love.

03/02/2021

Ma Ganga is more than a river, she's a goddess

She has been a mother to the countless creatures across thousands of lifetimes. From her glacial origin to the Bay of Bengal, the River Ganga has shaped civilizations and molded the human experience. As we observe Women's History Month, we invite you to learn about Ma Ganga—who is more than a river, she's also a mother.

She is the lifeblood of India’s heartland, flowing 1,680 miles from Gaumukh in the Himalaya’s Gangotri glacier to the Bay of Bengal, ever in motion, like a young woman anxious to meet her beloved.

03/01/2021

Our positions will always be based on our guiding principles. Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be revisiting those values and what they mean to us. First up? Satya. Be Truthful. Read more here: https://www.hinduamerican.org/about#guiding-principles

02/27/2021

India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement in Kashmir welcomed by HAF

We welcome the announced ceasefire and calls on the government of Pakistan to honor its international commitments, end financing and sponsoring of terrorist organizations and its cross-border terrorist attacks in India.

HAF calls on Indian Government to prioritize repatriation of Kashmiri Hindus Pandits to their ancestral homeland.

02/26/2021

Rukhsana Hasib's life began in violence, but after surviving a genocide in Bangladesh, she's spent her life fighting for peace and the protection of the vulnerable. We were honored by the chance to talk to her on our recent podcast about her experience. Our conversation with this lifelong activist, business person, and civic leader covered protest, politics, romance, history, tragedy, and hope for the way forward. Join us for a deep and enlightening discussion by listening (and subscribing!) to our podcast. http://bit.ly/podcast-rukhsana-hasib

02/25/2021

We are excited to join Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington this Saturday for their first ever virtual Interfaith Leadership Summit. Our Director of Public Policy, Taniel Koushakjian, and other faith leaders will be discussing the theme of liberation, and what that means to various communities of faith in an ever-changing society. Head to the event webpage to find out more and register to join the conversation: https://ifcmw.org/programs/summit/

02/25/2021

Sewa International - Donate for Houston, TX

Last week, a treacherous Winter Storm Uri affected millions of people in Texas and left them without power and hot water for days. Even though the storm is behind us, many are dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Community efforts are underway, but they need your help. Seva, or selfless service, is integral to Hinduism. If you have the means to support, please make a donation to any of the following organizations today:

Chinmaya Mission Dallas Fort Worth
https://buff.ly/2MoQOaG (specify “Weathering the Storm” in the memo)

HungerMitao_NorthTexas and North Texas Food Bank
https://buff.ly/3uwkm7n

Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco, Texas
https://buff.ly/2Nx2ngM

Sewa International USA - Houston
https://buff.ly/3qTJwuI

#winterstormuri #texas #seva #selflessservice #dharma #hinduamerican #hinduism #reliefefforts #community

02/24/2021

We’ve been receiving an increasing number of reports of Hindu Americans being targeted for harassment in person and on social media platforms for exercising their right to express opinions on events taking place in India.

In one recent incident, a community member was targeted because he expressed support for the recent farm bills introduced by the Government of India. His private home address was published on social media; protesters surrounded his home; and people were encouraged to post fake, negative reviews of his business, to hurt him professionally.

HAF firmly stands on the side of individuals to express their political opinions or disagree with the political opinions of others, no matter what those opinions are. However, when individuals are threatened personally or professionally for doing so, or targeted with organized retaliation it simply goes too far and moves into the realm of harassment as defined by state and local law.

HAF urges anyone who has been the victim of anti-Hindu hate, harassment, or threats to report these incidents to local law enforcement, as well as fill out our Hinduphobia and bias crime reporting form, so that we can better keep track of such incidents in the United States. https://buff.ly/2Mk4d3I

02/24/2021

5 things to know about tilak

You've probably seen someone wearing it, but you may not have recognized what it was. Or, for those of you who are familiar with tilak, there's always more to know. Here are 5 Things to Know About the Tilak and what it means to those who choose to wear it.

Tilak (“mark” in Sanskrit) is a paste made of ash, sandalwood, vermillion, clay, or turmeric, typically worn on the forehead, and sometimes other parts of the body — like the torso, arms, or neck — signifying which spiritual lineage a devotee adheres to within Hinduism.

02/23/2021

Whether It is From Celebrities or Cisco, Caste Stereotypes Harm Indian Americans - American Kahani

When the solution to discrimination leads to more discrimination, we haven't solved a problem—we've created a new one. It's time to talk about Meena Harris and Cisco Systems Inc. And, if you're wondering why they're part of the same conversation, it's time to read this post on American Kahani.

If false interpretations of Hinduism are allowed to prevail, all people of Indian origin, and especially Hindus, would be suspect in the eyes of law and would encourage widespread discrimination against Hindus of Indian origin.

02/19/2021

As many of you know, an act of hatred was recently perpetrated on a statue of Gandhi in Davis, California. At HAF, we have decried this violence and asked members of Congress to join us in speaking out against this desecration. We're pleased to see statements from some elected officials. And we encourage you to sign the petition, asking your representatives to make a statement against these types of actions! https://bit.ly/condemnhatenow

02/18/2021

Hinduism has influenced famous Americans across times and occupations, from President John Adams to Mark Twain to Carl Sagan. Here's where you can learn more: https://www.hinduamerican.org/hinduism-basics#influence

02/17/2021

Are you wearing yellow? Today is Vasant Panchami, and many Hindus celebrate by honoring the Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning and wisdom). Vasant Panchami is also a day to ring in the celebration of winter's end and the coming of spring. We hope, despite all the uncertainty of the times, that you and yours are blessed with light, energy, prosperity, and peace, and that you're looking forward to the brightness of spring. Here are 5 Things to Know About Vasant Panchami: https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-vasant-panchami

02/12/2021

Hinduism's contributions to the world expand beyond yoga (in all its forms). One example is Ayurveda, a system of allopathic and holistic medicine and now a subject of rediscovery, which originated in 1000 B.C.E. Another example is the concept of zero within mathematics. Find out more about the contributions from the oldest living religion on our site: https://www.hinduamerican.org/hinduism-basics#contributions

02/11/2021

A simple thread becomes nine yards of fabric, shapeless until it is wrapped around your body. That's the ongoing story of 'How to Wear a Sari,' by Manjari Sharma, and we got her first hand take in our recent podcast. We also spoke to her about Darshan, her series of photographically recreated, classical images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Listen now! http://bit.ly/howtowearasari

02/09/2021

For more than a decade, we've advocated for an overhaul of the U.S. immigration and green card systems. Progress hasn't been as swift as we've wanted, but we're pushing forward. In fact, we're redoubling our efforts to put in place a green card system that fairly meets the challenges of the 21st century. More here: http://bit.ly/usgc-reform-update

02/05/2021

Our mission is to promote dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism, so both people and planet can thrive. In celebration of Black History Month, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History are running special programming all through February. Be sure to check out the wide variety of virtual events, topics, and perspectives they're sharing on their websites or right here on their pages. #BHM2021 #BHM

02/04/2021

Sanskrit words you might be pronouncing incorrectly

Since the 1960s, when a stream of swamis and spiritual leaders came to the U.S. from India, Hindu terminology has become increasingly part of our everyday vocabulary. But as it turns out, many of us are mispronouncing these words. Sound vibration is proven to significantly impact your physical, emotional, and mental state. That's why it’s worth taking the time to learn to pronounce Sanskrit terms properly, so that you can experience the full potency of them. Here are six commonly mispronounced Sanskrit words—and how to say them correctly.

Because Hinduism places such a strong emphasis on the power of sound, as sound vibration is proven to significantly impact a person’s physical, emotional, and mental state, it’s worth taking the time to learn to pronounce Sanskrit terms properly, so that you can experience the full potency of th...

02/03/2021

Yoga, One of Hinduism's Greatest Gifts to the World

🧘🏾‍♀️Midway through this week, take a moment to breathe—and learn a bit about the history of Yoga. Yoga is one of Hinduism's six schools of thought (or "Darshanas"), and the goal is union with the Divine. Let us know how you incorporate yoga into your daily routine (remember, yoga is not just postures). 🙏🏾

02/03/2021

Have you heard of Hinduphobia? Experienced it? Unfortunately, Hinduphobia has a long past that continues to this day around the world (there was an instance of this that happened just this past week in the U.S.). Our Dharma Advocate Trainings equip advocates to become stronger voices for the Hindu American cause. In these webinars, we'll walk you through how we can effectively speak up against hate and injustice as well as become proactive on relevant Hindu American issues. Our next training is coming up on February 4, and there's still time to register! ➡️ Sign up to join us here: http://bit.ly/dharma-advocate-training

02/02/2021

Under guise of protecting workers, California defines (and demonizes) Hinduism

Nobody wants to see discrimination in the workplace in any form—so far, so good. But then we hit on the problem at the core of this case going on right now in California: the state’s filing reveals an unconstitutional, untenable and Hinduphobic definition of caste. Here’s why this is so important—please read and share with your networks!

(RNS) — In defining caste as we know it as a Hindu concept, the state paints a major world faith as inherently discriminatory.

02/02/2021

Careers with HAF

If you (or someone you know) has thought about a career in advocacy or public policy, this post is for you! Our Spring Fellowship Program (unpaid) is looking for a college or post-graduate student to join our team. You'll be joining a (currently) remote group of people who are passionate about serving and connecting with the Hindu American community. This is an excellent opportunity to gain direct experience working on public policy and advocacy and expand your research and communication skills. Click below for more information or share the link with someone who would be a good fit!

HAF is a non-profit advocacy organization for the Hindu American community, promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism.

02/01/2021

Rep. Ro Khanna

The vandalization of the Gandhi statue was wrong and hurtful. At a moment in our history when disagreement needs to be managed with tolerance and patience, I urge everyone involved to take the time to listen and talk instead of resorting to acts of public vandalism. As the Democratic Vice Chair of the India Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to build bridges across these divisions.

01/22/2021

Why Do Our Textbooks Still Present Hinduism Like We’re Still in the Colonial Era? - Hindu American Foundation

In 2021, you'd think that misconceptions about Hindu beliefs, practices, and history would have been eliminated from our educational materials. Sadly that’s not the case, here's why.

You’d think that in the second decade of the twenty-first century colonial-era misconceptions about Hindu beliefs, practices, and history would have been eliminated from our educational materials. Sadly that’s not the case.

01/21/2021

Have you checked out our latest podcast? Recorded after yesterday’s inauguration, we discuss what Hindu Americans can expect from the Biden-Harris administration. Give us a listen... Link in bio!
.
.
#hinduamerican #hinduism #dharma #podcast #bidenharris #hindu #haf #kamalaharris #joebiden #greencard #immigration #pluralism #mutualrespect #dignity #nonprofit #advocacy #advocate

01/21/2021

That's So Hindu - What Hindu Americans can expect from the Biden-Harris administration

In this week's episode of That's So Hindu, recorded just after the Biden-Harris inauguration yesterday, we discuss what #Hindu Americans can expect from the Biden-Harris administration

In this special episode, recorded shortly after the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, HAF Managing Director Samir Kalra and HAF Director of Public Policy Taniel Koushakjian discuss how important issues for Hindu Americans are likely to fare in the next four years.

01/21/2021

US Green Card reform then and now

With the incoming Biden-Harris administration where we will redouble our efforts to implement a new green card system that fairly meets the challenges of the 21st century:

For someone from India applying today, the process as it currently stands could take about 50 years for an individual to receive his or her green card.

01/20/2021

How is the nonviolence of Gandhi and MLK still relevant today? Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr. and Dr. Veena R. Howard have some answers

"The relevance of Martin Luther King’s political philosophy of social change in today’s racial climate, as displayed in the attack on the Capitol, is greater today than it ever was."

Reverend Lawson: The relevance of Martin Luther King’s political philosophy of social change in today’s racial climate, as displayed in the attack on the Capitol, is greater today than it ever was. In the sixties we used nonviolent direct action against racial segregation and unjust laws, and no...

01/19/2021

That's So Hindu | In which Abhinav Pandya goes deep into the geopolitics of Kashmir conflict, and more.

In this episode of That's So Hindu Taniel Koushakjian speaks with Abhinav Pandya of the USANAS Foundation, going in depth into the geopolitics of the Kashmir conflict, the increasing role of Turkey in that conflict, and more.

Taniel Koushakjian speaks with Abhinav Pandya of the USANAS Foundation, going in depth into the geopolitics of the Kashmir conflict, the increasing role of Turkey in that conflict, and China’s ambitions and attempt to influence the region.

01/19/2021

Photos: Hindu Kashmiri Pandit returns to her homeland, 30 years after exile

Amrita Kar still has fond memories of her life in the Kashmir Valley before she was forced into exile at just four years old.

Amrita Kar still has fond memories of her life in the Kashmir Valley before she was forced into exile at just four years old. How she used to sit on her grandfather’s lap and watch from the window as the snow would fall outside. How she used to go out for picnics every Sunday and fly kites with he...

01/19/2021

Humans of Bombay

TW: violence
(1/3) The Kashmir that I grew up in was different– whenever I close my eyes, I can see the gorgeous Chinar tree, the Dudhganga river, and the Bhairav temple lit all year round. I grew up in a close-knit Pandit family of 18 members in my ancestral home. But in 1989, everything changed–bandhs had become the norm; we’d have strikes every alternate day. A Kashmiri Pandit judge was gunned down–we were too slow to understand why we were being targeted.
The family elders speculated–Dad would say, ‘Maybe because they were in high positions?’ Thathyaji, my grandfather, guessed, ‘They must’ve clashed with politicians.’ The first blow struck us when a relative was shot dead by terrorists in broad daylight. Still, nobody had the slightest suspicion that a conspiracy was being hatched to wipe out an entire race.
On the 19th of Jan 1990, there was an announcement at the Mosque. I was in my room, preparing for my medical entrance test, when Chacha came running into my room, switched off the lights and sat in the corner, shivering.
The rest of my family followed; we huddled together in pitch darkness. Then, we heard the announcement clearly–‘Kashmir Liberation, Zindabad. We have to wipe out all the Hindus from Kashmir. We want our land to be free from Hindu men; the men must go and leave their women for us.’
As thousands of Kashmiri Muslims poured into the streets shouting 'Death to India', ‘Death to kafirs’, Chacha broke the silence–‘Koi nahi bachega.’
People immediately began fleeing–I didn’t even realise when we’d become a minority in our own land. We should’ve vacated immediately, but Thathyaji had faith–‘We’ve been living with them for so long, they won’t let us down,’ he’d say.
But then, the Bhairav Mandir opposite our house was vandalized. Warnings were scribbled on the walls– ‘Anyone wanting to live here will have to convert to Islam.’
As time passed, concealing our identity of being Hindus became our only resort. Whenever Mom or Nani went out, they’d wipe off their sindoor. Dad stopped wearing Janeyus, our holy thread.
Then on Shivratri, a young bank employee was killed in front of a hundred people. Later, a neighbour told us how it had happened–‘Till his last breath, the mob kept hitting him…they were urinating on him till he choked.’
In panic, my Chacha tried to convince us to go with him to Chandigarh. But Dad was adamant–‘This is our home, why should we leave?’ But Chacha somehow convinced Dad to take me, my other uncle and aunt with him.
When he asked me to pack my bags, I asked–‘When will we come back?’ To which he said, ‘Maybe never.’ Those words still echo in my mind. We had no time for goodbyes.
Past midnight, Chacha booked a taxi with a trusted driver and we left. The only thing I remember from that evening was Dad standing at the door, waving helplessly as our taxi faded into the night. I never saw him again.” #KashmiriPanditExodus