Hindu American Foundation (HAF)

As a new government is formed to lead our country, we share a few aspirations for our nation in the form of sacred verses from our Hindu Dharmas: svasti prajābhya? paripālayantā? nyāyena mārge?a mahī? mahī?ā? | gobrāhma?ebhya? ?ubham astu nitya? lokā? samastā? sukhino bhavantu || Mangalamantra svastyastu vi?vasya khala? prasīdatā? dhyāyantu bhūtāni ?iva? mitho dhiyā | mana? ca bhadra? bhajatād adhok?aje āve?yatā? no matir apy ahaitukī || Bhāgavata 5.18.9 May all citizens live well. May the leaders of countries care for their people through the path of reason and logic. May we always ensure the welfare of the animals who nourish our bodies, and of the wise people who nourish our minds and hearts. In so doing, may all the different groups of people living here attain happiness and contentment. May there be goodness throughout the multiverse. May all jealous people become calm. May all peoples focus their intelligence on each other's welfare. May our minds experience peace through meditation on that which is beyond human understanding. In this way, may our intellects be fully absorbed in harmonious joy without any selfish motive. https://lnkd.in/dxMZkUeS

Grateful for the Support from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) As a Rohingya Hindu refugee and human rights defender, I am deeply grateful to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) for their continued advocacy on behalf of our community. Their recent letter to the State Department brings much-needed attention to the plight of Rohingya Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting the dual oppression we face — from the Myanmar military and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (#ARSA). This letter addresses critical issues, such as the need for a dedicated food distribution center within our camp to ensure our safety, the urgent expansion of our overcrowded camp to house new arrivals, and the demand for equal access to education and employment opportunities. These are not just necessities but lifelines for our survival and dignity. I have attached the advocacy letter here, and I urge everyone to take a moment to read it and understand our reality. An Important Clarification About Our Community When people hear the name "Rohingya," most assume it refers only to the #Muslim community. This is a widespread misconception. The Rohingya community is diverse and includes #RohingyaHindu and #RohingyaChristian members as well. We all share a common history of persecution, suffering, and a desperate need for safety and justice. Yet, our voices — especially those of the Rohingya Hindu and Christian minorities — are often overlooked in international advocacy efforts. I call upon other human rights organizations and global advocacy groups to stand with us, just as the HAF has done. We need comprehensive support that addresses the needs of ALL Rohingya, regardless of religious background. Our community’s struggle is not just a matter of religious identity but one of human rights and survival. Our Struggles Continue Our community has endured unimaginable hardships. In 2017, over 100 Rohingya Hindus were brutally massacred by ARSA in northern Rakhine State. This atrocity remains well-documented by international organizations but has yet to see justice served. Even now, Rohingya Hindu families in the #CoxsBazar camps live with constant fear and uncertainty, facing daily challenges to access food, shelter, and basic human rights. The Hindu American Foundation’s letter is a step toward making our suffering visible and urging decisive action from global powers. But we need more voices, more organizations, and more people to join this fight for justice. A Call to Action To my connections and everyone reading this: Please amplify our message. Share our story. Advocate for the safety and rights of ALL Rohingya people. The world needs to know that we, the Rohingya Hindus and Christians, exist and that our voices matter. Let’s unite for a better future. Together, we can create change. #EndImpunity #JusticeForRohingya #StopGenocide #GlobalAction #RohingyaRights Link to the Advocacy Letter: https://lnkd.in/gKk_NHi6

This year, as we lit our diyas on Diwali (and Halloween!), remember to cast our vote on Election Day—it’s our dharma! #dharmavotes #diwali2024 #electionday2024 #electionday

Happy Diwali from all of us at HAF! This special issue of?"The Leaf"?celebrates Diwali and the unwavering resilience of our community. We’re thrilled to share inspiring updates on HAF’s ongoing work, new resources, and upcoming events that help us stand strong in advocacy and unity. Diwali reminds us of the light that shines brighter together, and we are grateful to each of you for your continued support and engagement. In this issue, discover valuable tools, thoughtful insights, and ways to get involved as we work to build a brighter, more inclusive future for Hindu Americans. May this Diwali inspire us all to uplift one another and walk confidently on the path of dharma. Read the full issue for all the latest.

Election anxiety? Wondering how to deal with family & friends that don’t align politically? How do you find common ground with those you love? Don’t be anxious! Our board member & practicing clinical psychologist, Kavita Sekhsaria, is here! https://lnkd.in/d_jf3Q3C

Happy #Diwali! Our Executive Director, Suhag Shukla, Esq., shares a powerful message as we come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and dharma over adharma. Strength and resilience define our community, and even in the face of challenges, our light shines brighter, fueled by the wisdom of our incredible traditions and civilizational legacy. Embrace the spirit of unity, spread kindness, and uplift one another. Wishing everyone a vibrant and meaningful Diwali! #Diwali2024 #Dharma #CommunityStrength #HinduAmerican

Diwali is only a day away and HAF has everything you need in one place. Visit https://lnkd.in/dVxAk7fN where you will find: ??Our Diwali Toolkit Want to teach about Diwali in a fun and engaging way? Our Diwali toolkit is a free resource designed to help educators and parents do exactly that. It includes a Diwali Fact Sheet, Origins of Diwali, a math exercise called Diya Round-Up, a how to draw your own rangoli art activity and more! ??Diwali Proclamation Templates It’s more than just a feel good thing. Getting your local governments to recognize the significance of Diwali and the contributions of those that observe it is a major step in advancing the visibility of our community. Our Diwali Proclamation templates give you the proper language for writing to local officials. ??Excused Absence Template? Although many of us have learned to keep Diwali activities for after work/school, wouldn’t it be great to dedicate the day without an unexcused absence from work or school? Our excused absence template provides you the framework for properly requesting the day off for religious purposes. Happy Diwali! #Diwali2024 #HinduAmerican

Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/gXFkA4Wc Note: Participation Certificate for those attending all the sessions. Hindu American Foundation (HAF)

While there are many references to the sacredness of cows in Hindu Dharma, why should they get all the attention? Every dog should have its day too. Not literally. As Diwali approaches, we're taking today to honor our furbabies! Recognized for their loyalty, service, companionship, and the special relationship they have with humans, the reverence for dogs in Hindu Dharma traditions is expansive. They are revered in festivals and appreciated in connection to a number of Hindu deities and stories. P.S. This Diwali, while we celebrate, please remember loud noises—especially from fireworks— can cause immense stress and anxiety for our furry friends. Consider using noiseless fireworks or other eco-friendly lights to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for all. Here are 5 things to know about Human’s best friend. https://lnkd.in/dRitjPhP #Dogs #Diwali #HinduDharma #HinduAmerican

Thank you, City of Los Altos for presenting HAF's Pawan Deshpande with a proclamation naming October “Hindu Heritage Month”—a month when Hindus celebrate Diwali, Navaratri, Durga Pooja, Karva Chauth & more! Pawan’s acceptance speech here: https://lnkd.in/daYRBKe5