Hindu American Foundation (HAF)

Indian classical music has deep roots in the Samaveda, one of the ancient Vedic texts that intertwines music with spirituality. From these sacred chants, the rhythmic and melodic foundations of?Tala?(rhythm) and?Swara?(melody) emerged, guiding rituals and spiritual practices. Many traditional instruments also carry profound symbolic meanings. For example, the?tabla, a paired percussion instrument, symbolizes the cosmic balance of?Shiva and Shakti, representing dual forces that govern the universe. Through this lens, Indian classical music is not just an art form but a spiritual practice that nurtures inner growth and connection with the divine. Watch our latest video?to understand the roots of rhythm by Tabla maestro Rahul Pandit and explore the divine connection between music and spirituality. Read a more detailed blog by Rahul Pandit, where he explores this divine relationship in greater detail ???https://lnkd.in/dJDisk3W #IndianClassicalMusic #Samaveda #Tabla #ShivaAndShakti #Tala #Swara #DivineMusic #HinduAmerican P.S. Voiceover Credit- Anita Akerkar, Voice Over Actor

We are incredibly proud to have co-hosted the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) Summit in Washington, D.C. The event kicked off with an insightful briefing at the White House by senior WHIAANHPI staff in the historic Eisenhower Executive Office’s Indian Treaty Room, followed by a vital discussion with the FBI on hate crimes affecting our communities. Our HAF team advocated for HR 7648, which would mandate that all law enforcement agencies report hate crime data to the FBI. It was an important opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, thanks to our very own Ramya Ramakrishnan, Anita Joshi, and Raj Rao, who actively participated in the discussion and shared their thoughts. The Immigration and Advocacy panel, moderated by Ramya at the esteemed Rayburn Office Building, featured passionate and dedicated panelists like Sathya Krishnamurthy from GOPIO, Maychy Vu, a leader of the Hmong community, and Lucy Hansen, CEO of the Polynesian Association of Alaska, who discussed critical issues faced by the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, particularly around immigration reform. We also heard a powerful speech from Gene Wu, a member of the Texas House of Representatives, urging civic engagement and collective action from Asian groups to create positive changes for our communities. The highlight was a letter from President Biden to the AAUC team, acknowledging the team’s hard work and the importance of unity events like these, where many groups come together to advocate for our communities. We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition! A huge shoutout to the entire HAF team for contributing to this summit’s success—Ramya Ramakrishnan for her involvement in the program planning and moderating a panel, Anita Joshi for her floor speech at the White House, Raj Rao for being an amazing panelist and offering valuable comments on racial discrimination, Kavita Sekhsaria for her participation and deep insights during the mental health panel, and Nimai Shukla for being a constant support to his team at HAF. We are grateful to the AAUC board and core team for their leadership and dedication, resulting in a successful summit. We look forward to continuing this important work and fostering partnerships that advance the rights and dignity of all communities. #AAUCSummit #ImmigrationReform #CivicEngagement #HAF #UnityInDiversity #AdvocacyInAction

Our talented HAF team at the White House advocating for the Hindu American community!

Today, Hindus around the world are observing Pitri Paksha, a sacred 15-day period in Hindu tradition. It is a time to honor and remember our ancestors through rituals like shraddha (ritual offerings to ancestors), tarpan (offering water to ancestors), and pind daan (offering rice balls to ancestors). Offerings are made to appease the souls of the departed and seek their blessings for peace and prosperity. May this period bring spiritual growth, peace, and harmony to all. Visit our website to download the our Dharmic Days & Hindu Holidays Calendar ?? https://lnkd.in/dtu7NzeM #PitriPaksha #HinduAmerican #RememberingAncestors

Happy Onam! Onam is a beautiful blend of tradition, devotion, and joy, celebrated as the state festival of Kerala. It marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, a beloved ruler known for his selflessness and devotion. During this festival, homes are adorned with intricate pookalams (floral decorations), and people participate in thrilling boat races and enjoy the traditional Onam sadya (feast). These celebrations honor King Mahabali's legacy and the timeless values he stood for. The vibrant traditions of Onam, from the colorful Pulikali performances to the graceful Kathakali dances, showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Beyond the festivities, Onam also reminds us of its deeper spiritual significance, emphasizing unity, compassion, and the importance of coming together as a community. Here are 5 things you need to know about Onam ?? https://lnkd.in/ebYeUfjx #onam2024 #hinduholiday #hindudharmas #hinduamerican

In yesterday’s video, we conveyed a thought, which was to wipe the slate clean and understand and appreciate Hindu Dharmas for what it really is. Consider a situation like this: Your child comes home from school one day and shares that their class recently covered Hinduism and Indian history, but something didn’t sit right with them. The lessons seemed inaccurate, or maybe they focused too much on negative aspects while glossing over the rich and diverse traditions that make up Hindu Dharmas and Indian civilization. As a parent, you naturally want to ensure that your child receives a fair and accurate education, especially when it comes to representing their heritage. This is where HAF steps in. We understand the importance of accurate and respectful representation in education. That’s why we’ve created a guide to help you review content in your child’s textbooks or classroom materials. This guide empowers you to spot inaccuracies, omissions, and biases and prepares you to engage in constructive conversations with your child’s teachers or school administrators. Our goal is to ensure that Hinduism and Indian history are taught with the same respect and accuracy as other world religions and civilizations. Visit our site for the full guide ?? https://lnkd.in/dhwETKyY. Education should enlighten, not misinform. Together, we can advocate for a more accurate portrayal of Hindu traditions and Indian history in our schools. #HinduHeritage #AccurateEducation #TeachTheTruth #HinduDharmas #HinduAmerican

HAF's Community Outreach Director, Ramya Ramakrishnan, organized a wonderful Meet and Greet for supporters this past Saturday in Dublin, CA. This event is an annual tradition where our Bay Area staff, Board, and NLC members interact with supporters, talk about HAF's ongoing advocacy and education work, and discuss behind-the-scenes efforts. Samir Kalra, Managing Director of Policy and Programs, Board member Rajeev Singh, and Ramya took turns talking about HAF's pioneering work in both policy and education, the need for our community to stay engaged, and answered questions. A huge shout-out to Chaat Bhavan restaurant for being a fabulous supporter of HAF and providing a sumptuous lunch. The little ones got to paint on clay Ganeshas on the day of Chathurthi, thanks to our National Programs Director, Easan Katír, whose family prepared the Ganesha kits for the event. A professional mehndi artist delighted attendees with beautiful complimentary henna applications. It was 100 degrees outdoors, but that sure didn't stop our team or our supporters from making this a successful event. #meetandgreet #bayarea #CommunityEngagement #HAFAdvocacy

Too often, Hindu Dharmas are misrepresented with terms like “cow worshippers” or “idol worshippers,” reducing a rich, diverse tradition to mere stereotypes. These misunderstandings create barriers and foster misconceptions. Imagine if, instead of labeling, we took the time to learn, listen, and truly understand Hindu Dharmas for what it really is. What if we could wipe the slate clean? How different would our conversations around the concepts of Hindu Dharmas be? At HAF, we’re changing the way we talk about Hindu Dharma. At HAF, we’re making it easier to be Hindu in America. #hinduamerican?#understandinghinduism?#endstereotypes #beinghinduinamerica

On this solemn day, we pause to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We remember the brave first responders, the selfless heroes, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by the events of that day. As Americans, we stand united in our commitment to the values that define our great nation: freedom, resilience, and compassion. 9/11 was not just an attack on buildings or people; it was an attack on the very principles that bind us together. Yet, in the face of unimaginable tragedy, we witnessed the strength of the American spirit. We saw communities come together, strangers helping strangers, and a nation rising from the ashes with renewed resolve. Today, as we honor those who lost their lives, we reflect on the importance of unity and understanding in a world that too often seeks to divide. And in the spirit of one nation, we pledge to work toward a future where compassion and understanding prevail over hatred and division. #NeverForget #UnitedWeStand #HonorAndRemember #September11 #9/11 #HinduAmerican

Happy Ganesha Chaturthi! Today, we honor Ganesha, the beloved deity celebrated for his ability to remove obstacles from our lives. As the guardian of esoteric knowledge and the remover of obstacles, Ganesha is honored before embarking on significant ventures and is revered for his wisdom in astrology and spiritual pursuits. His blessings are sought to overcome challenges and guide us on our spiritual journey. Ganesha's origins are as captivating as his symbolism. His wisdom shines through in the famous tale of the cosmic race, where his reverence for his parents won him the prize. Ganesha’s form and symbols, like his large elephant head and round belly, embody spiritual truths and the harmony between the spirit and nature. May Ganesha’s presence bring joy, success, and clarity to your life! Here are 5 things you need to know about Ganesha. https://lnkd.in/gcZhu3F7