tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55217316734584232024-03-19T11:12:12.389-04:00Hindu American Seva CommunitiesHASC is a progressive American organization advancing seva (community social responsibility), interfaith collaboration, pluralism, social justice and sustainable civic engagement to ignite grassroots social change and build healthy communities while strengthening our places of worship. It seeks to bridge the gap between US govt and Hindu/Dharmic people. HASC was developed with the guidance of the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and is a service partner with CNCS.Hindu American Sevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15171341601992871042noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-3834982341276562352018-10-24T17:36:00.002-04:002018-11-06T11:30:46.822-05:00GU - Berkley Center - A Conversation with Anju Bhargava<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/posts/hinduism-and-social-justice-a-case-study-of-hindu-american-seva-communities" target="_blank">Hinduism and Social Justice: A Case Study of Hindu American Seva Communities</a></h2>
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<li style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/interviews/a-conversation-with-anju-bhargava-founder-hindu-american-seva-communities-washington-d-c" style="color: #1155cc;">Georgetown University: A Conversation with Anju Bhargava</a> </li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/interviews/a-conversation-with-dr-ved-chaudhary-co-founder-hindu-american-seva-communities-washington-d-c" target="_blank">Georgetown Univeristy: A Conversation with Dr. Ved Chaudhary</a></li>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455524703010058572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-72234790662386648232015-03-05T12:26:00.001-05:002015-03-05T12:26:22.419-05:00SWADHYAYA - A SILENT, SINGING REVOLUTION<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tlIbm4UiO-4" width="459"></iframe>pankajaindiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597388834050107765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-15183839338370598742014-07-14T20:41:00.001-04:002014-07-14T20:41:46.579-04:00Guru Purnima's Instrinsic Message of EcoDharmic Harmony<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As I prepared to observe Guru Purnima something clicked. Wow! Guru Purnima is observed by the entire Dharmic community - Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and it also has a strong message of environmental harmony.</div>
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It became clear to me that one of the common factors in our traditions is learning wisdom from an enlightend teacher - a Gu - Ru, one who removes darkness of our ignorance. (Gu = darkness or ignorance, Ru = the remover of that darkness).</div>
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The Dharmic traditions believe Gurus are an important part of our lives as they help us understand the great Dharma-based Spiritual teachings with roots in the Vedas.</div>
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Each one of our traditions has several gurus and guru lineages whose teachings we follow in various ways and we have a special day to honor them! Our <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parampara" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">parampara</a> calls upon us to honor and pay respect to our Guru (Spiritual Guide) on this day.</div>
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Buddhists honor the memory of Buddha who gave His first sermon on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.</div>
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Hindu traditional celebrations vary. In the yogic tradition, Shiva became the first Guru, as he began the transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis. Ved Vyasa, author of Mahabharat, was not only believed to have been born on this day, but also to have started writing the Brahma Sutras on ashadha sudha padyami.</div>
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In Jain tradition, Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, after attaining Kaivalya, made Indrabhuti Gautam, later known as Gautam Swami, a Ganadhara, his first disciple, thus becoming a Guru himself.</div>
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Sikhs honor the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book as the eleventh perpetual guru of the Sikhs.</div>
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I wondered why on this day? Why does Guru Purnima fall on the day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh (June-July) of the Lunar calendar.</div>
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I learnt our tradition is implicitly connected with the environment and with the natural seasonal change. This was the start of the rainy season in which travel was difficult. (Traditionally Gurus traveled, remained unattached as they moved from place to place teaching).</div>
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However, for four months - Chaturmas - the Gurus did not travel. They stayed in one place and taught the people of that community. So the community started this period by honoring the Guru and settling to learn from him/her.</div>
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The dictates of the natural seasons of Mother Earth guided our Gurus and the communities. Now, many of us hope our communities will honor the teachings from the ancient times and sustain Mother Earth by taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint and develop EcoDharmic conservation habits.</div>
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We at <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/EcoSeva/EPA-Partnership" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">HASC</a> are celebrating Guru Purnima through a historic partnership with EPA's ENERGY STAR® program. Our tradition shows our environmental leadership potential which, if harnessed, can influence global climate change policies. Given the ancient intrinsic harmony in our collective Dharmic traditions, surely we can achieve our values of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/ecodharmic_b_5144224.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">conservation and energy</a> efficiency through our temples and devotees. Could our youth be mobilized to accelerate this effort exponentially?</div>
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On this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, as we honor our Spiritual guides, and thank the great Vedic Gurus who from ancient times have held a light to remove the darkness of our ignorance, we urge all to remember the environmental harmony in which our traditions coexisted and celebrated. We hope our Gurus teachings will guide us to become environmental stewards for generations to come.</div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-90339161251375153162014-05-26T12:18:00.001-04:002014-05-26T12:18:18.900-04:00Honoring Spiritual Healing Seva<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">On <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/memorial-day-reflections_b_868658.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #b06be0; padding: 0in;">Memorial Day</span></a> our hearts are full of gratitude for America's diverse men and women who made this country strong, and for the many who have died in its service and for those who are healing. Today, we salute the many men and women who serve and those who also nurture their spiritual needs.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">During <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZbP8N0d_OI" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #b06be0; padding: 0in;">VidyaSeva</span></a>, our theme for the month of May, we pay tribute to the great gurus and teachers who promoted service through education and knowledge. They all taught us to serve; to serve with devotion and honor. This year as we pay tribute to the many men and women who serve through teach, we are inspired by those who are also healing through yoga and other therapies.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Today we honor one such unsung hero who supports our soldiers - Dr. Dilip Sirkar.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Dr. Dilip Sirkar, Executive Advisory Council member to <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #b06be0; padding: 0in;">Hindu American Seva Communities</span></a>, has begun teaching Yoga Therapy at the Pentagon. One of the foremost experts in Yoga Therapy he combines his 45-year experience in Conventional Medicine with his extensive knowledge of Integrative Medicine, including Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy. A recipient of the medal for spiritual fitness, below is his story of VidyaSeva through Yoga.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">A few months ago, a Department of Defense ("DOD") employee, who had attended one of my Yoga Therapy workshops in the Washington D. C. area, invited me to teach Yoga Therapy at the Pentagon. He connected me with the Office of the Pentagon Chaplain, established after 9-11 to provide multi-faith support for all branches of military in the DOD at the Pentagon. I was asked to share my experiences, due to my background as a retired physician and my personal, transformative experiences through Yoga Therapy.<u></u><u></u></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">I arrived on the day of the program and observed a beautiful mural outside of the Deputy Chaplain's office, displaying images of the Chaplains of various faiths providing support at events. The top of the mural stated the Office's mission to provide "spiritual fitness for the Pentagon family." I took a tour of the building with the Deputy Chaplain and observed several informational posters about my upcoming presentation throughout the building. Employees approached me and asked for details about the event. It was clear to me that Yoga Therapy had arrived at the Pentagon and was already a part of the military discourse on wellness and lifestyle choices.<u></u><u></u></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">Once inside the presentation area, I noticed the room fill up and the organizer had to add seating to the venue because of the positive response. I began by introducing the 150 or so participants to the principles and practice of Yoga Therapy. I offered gentle relaxation chair poses and then introduced breathing techniques because they were in uniform and seated in chairs. The Deputy Chaplain had informed me beforehand that the employees were interested in meditation, so I concluded by doing a guided meditation. My primary focus was on Yoga Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and drug dependency, because I felt many DOD staff would benefit from this type of practice.</span></em><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></i><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>During the practice session, the attendees were deeply engaged and followed each posture and breathing technique that I offered. As I looked out at the audience, I was struck by the fact that even though the participants were uniformed and from the outside looked so alike, each person's expression of the poses was truly individual and varied from one person to the next. I felt grateful for such a connection and positive response to what I was offering. The attendees were all comfortable with the practice and appeared very relaxed at the end. The stillness in the room during the meditation was palpable and significant, given the hustle and bustle of the more than 30,000 employees working in the Pentagon every day.<u></u><u></u></em></span></i></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">Immediately after the presentation, people began asking questions about their individual health problems, ranging from neuropsychiatric disorders to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular issues. The Office of the Chaplain had arranged for lunch for the event, and we continued the Q&A into lunch. The attendees gave immediate feedback and spoke about how wonderful they felt after the practice session. Many connected to the breathing techniques to help treat PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. An employee who is also a certified yoga teacher said he enjoyed the chakra-awakening meditation. I learned more about each participant's background. They shared some of the stresses of their daily life with me and explained how much physical and mental strength is needed to get through their day. I was reminded of the similar stresses I felt in my career as a vascular surgeon, spending long hours in the operating room with a full roster of surgeries daily, and how that led to a significant heart attack when I was 52. I shared how beneficial Yoga Therapy has been in activating the relaxed, parasympathetic part in my body's nervous system, instead of constantly being in a fight or flight state of being.<u></u><u></u></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">Many employees asked when I would return to do a longer session. I also received several emails inquiring about another event, and the wheels are already in motion to make that happen. I look forward to going deeper into Yoga Therapy philosophy and practice with employees and their friends and family in a larger setting. The DOD staff are a vibrant, welcoming community who have truly adopted Yoga Therapy into their lifestyle.</span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">Before I left Pentagon Chaplain's office the Deputy Chaplain gave me a medal for spiritual fitness excellence.<u></u><u></u></span></em></div>
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<a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2014-05-26-PentagonMedal.jpeg" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #b06be0; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="2014-05-26-PentagonMedal.jpeg" border="0" height="437" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=b9b21616f6&view=att&th=146394df4c5d13c2&attid=0.3&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="419" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">It is wonderful to see our Dharmic traditional tools and resources augmenting the spiritual well being. HASC honors Dr. Sirkar for his Dharmic seva/service to our brave men and women and pray for everyone's well being.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">"May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-3857894075939457252014-03-05T19:00:00.000-05:002014-03-05T19:01:10.301-05:00 Celebrate Holi - the Festival of Equality - with Colors in Motion 5k run<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; line-height: 115%;">Holi is
just around the corner on March 17th. It is not only a fun festival
filled with colors, but is also a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/holi-colorful-celebration_b_839889.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">celebration of equality</span></a>.
The colors equalize all and serve as a reminder that no one should be perceived
as higher or lower. Let us celebrate Holi by serving all in need
equally. </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75; line-height: 115%;">HASC is
partnering with Colors in Motion 5k run in Washington DC on April 19th to
celebrate HoliFest. The Color in Motion 5k run is inspired by the festival
of Holi. We invite you to participate. Use the promo-code to get a
discount; a portion of the proceeds will be donated for seva and social justice
causes. <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/UtsavSeva/utsavseva-calendar" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">UtsavSeva</span></a> (Festivals
of Seva) invokes the underlying <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/holi-colorful-celebration_b_839889.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">value</span></a>, the spirit
of equality of the Holi festival - HoliFest - to serve all. </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; line-height: 115%;">All
donations collected for this event will be used for the following Dharmic
causes: Feed the Homeless; Promote Wellness and Nutrition; Empower Women and
Youth; Promote energy conservation and environment protection. Please donate
generously.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/color-in-motion-holifest" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Register</span></a> for the
event and serve the community: <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/color-in-motion-holifest" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.<wbr></wbr>hinduamericanseva.org/events/<wbr></wbr>color-in-motion-holifest</span></a>.
Please share this announcement with your friends and family.</span></span><span style="font-size: 4.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-no-proof: yes;">
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<span style="color: #351c75; line-height: 115%;">Contact
HASC at <a href="mailto:holifest@hinduamericanseva.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">holifest@hinduamericanseva.<wbr></wbr>org</span></a> with
any questions you may have and with your feedback. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455524703010058572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-60579670672166598202013-11-28T14:29:00.002-05:002013-11-28T14:29:54.693-05:00Thanksgiving Utsavseva<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">What would our life be like without the caring love of our friends and families, the opportunity to have learned from and be loved by those who are with us or no longer with us, the support of our friends and co-workers, the freedom we enjoy because of the sacrifices of others and the beauty of nature. So many reasons to be grateful for as we celebrate the national Thanksgiving Day. So many ways to express the gratitude through seva.</span></div>
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As a wise <a href="https://blogger.huffingtonpost.com/tmp/www.deepakchopra.com" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Indian American</a> guru is teaching, "For many of us, when we think of seva (service), we envision great feats, sacrifices, large philanthropic donations, and other grand gestures. While seva (service) can be all those things, seva can be much more accessible in our daily lives. Giving to others through service is simply recognizing what you do best in any given moment and offering that as a gift to someone else." We believe that this process transforms ourselves, our families and our communities and our country.<br style="border: 0px; display: block; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px; display: block; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px;" />The Dharmic Hindu American community continues to work with various stakeholders on the national stage not only as an equal participant, but a veritable host to them. The community's collective hard work brought the Dharma voice and values to the forefront and shows we are successfully weaving our traditions and culture in the pluralistic tapestry of America. As New Americans we are showing our willingness to take responsibility in building our country. Seva is becoming an increasing prominent public aspect of the expression of our values.<br style="border: 0px; display: block; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px; display: block; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px;" />Thanksgiving is a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/thanksgiving-and-seva_b_1112474.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">national Utsav</a>. This year it adds an interfaith element as our Jewish friends and neighbors celebrate Hanukkah. Let today be another important day to share random acts of kindness and interfaith seva with generosity and joy. <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/utsav-seva" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">UtsavSeva </a>promoted by our Dharmic American communities across the country, invokes the underlying value of the festivals through Community Service throughout the year. This month we celebrate <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/out-of-many-one-diwali-il_b_778973.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Dhan Seva in November</a>. Click here for<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLKFE7C03Zw" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"> seva details</a>.<br style="border: 0px; display: block; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px; display: block; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px;" />Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hanukkah.<br style="border: 0px; display: block; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px; display: block; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px;" />"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank</div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-47793466990472070552013-11-05T06:59:00.003-05:002013-11-05T06:59:55.724-05:00Count My Seva! I Pledge to Vote...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="background: #0C57C7; color: white; font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 22.0pt;"><a href="http://www.sevavotes.org/"><span style="color: white;">Seva Votes…Count my Seva! I Pledge to Vote</span></a></span></b><i><span style="background: white; color: white; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Today polls are open in many states. Get
your seva voice heard. Go out and vote. If you are not registered to
vote, click here to <a href="http://www.sevavotes.org/register-to-vote/">register</a>
to vote in your state. <o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Transform your seva values into action at the polls. <o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You can apply your seva values of ethics,
spirituality and pluralism to the political process and bring a positive
social, political, economic, health, education, geo-political change. But
only if you get involved and vote.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Voting is our right to influence the direction of our country
and the way political seva is conducted. We must get our vote counted and voice
heard! In our tradition, seva (service as awareness of self transformation) is
a key expression of our spiritual practice (sadhana). Our actions prepare us
for our salvation,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>moksha</em>, through inner
transformation.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Our
seva, for decades, has influenced the many communities we live in, work
and raise our families. We have been feeding the homeless, conducting blood
drives, teaching the inner city children, hosting langars, healthcamps…..
positively impacting our communities in seva centers in temples, gurudwaras,
satsangs, yoga studios, meditation centers, many seva organizations
(not-for-profits) and interfaith destinations .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">But we have not
fully engaged in the civic and political process. We have not brought our
transformative seva awareness, the voice of social justice to the
forefront. Pledge to Vote today.</span><o:p></o:p></strong></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Many
of us who do seva (service as a self realization process), find we are applying
the principles of our spiritual practice (sadhana) in many spheres of our lives
and are transforming. Our<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>namaste</em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>honors Divinity within each of
us. We serve understanding the whole world is one single family (</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasudhaiva_Kutumbakam" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam)</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">. We find our seva
affecting our inner self, and see its experience of ethics in the way we work
and play, what we buy, the way we treat people, and how we engage in
relationships. Let’s extend that transformative awareness to the decisions we
make for our schools, communities and our country. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">We
urge you to go and vote. Your Dharma and Values Based voting matters.
Read more at <a href="http://www.sevavotes.org/">SevaVotes.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-86616134375948432072013-11-03T14:07:00.003-05:002013-11-03T14:17:30.396-05:00Happy Diwali: Let's Transform Ourselves, Our Communities and Our Country through UtsavSeva<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This Diwali, with a grateful heart, I am rejoicing and celebrating a paradigm shift. I am jubilant that the word Seva, starting from the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/white-house-diwali-emphas_b_1072942.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">first conference</a> we co-hosted, now is a prominent part of the President's vocabulary.</div>
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President Obama's <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/11/01/statement-president-observance-diwali" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">2013 Diwali message</a> conveyed, "....Contemplation and prayer remind us that that people of all faiths have an obligation to perform <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">seva</em>, or service to others. And the flame of the <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">diya</em>, or lamp, reminds us that light will ultimately triumph over darkness..."<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/white-house-diwali-emphas_b_1072942.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">Together we've come a long way sevaks! In April 2009, when I joined the President's Inaugural Advisory Council, the words - Dharma and Seva - were new terms for the White House officials.</span></div>
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<a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-02-homeless.png" style="border: 0px; clear: right; color: #771c85; float: right; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="2013-11-02-homeless.png" height="200" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-02-homeless-thumb.png" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="275" /></a>Today we can proudly state that in a very short time, we have brought the Dharmic Seva voice of the community to the highest levels in the country - the White House. Collectively, we have succeeded in creating a national seva and social justice voice where there was none. We have demonstrated how we, Dharmic and Hindu Americans and our Traditions, strengthen America domestically and globally. The commitment to serve the people in need, as exemplified by <a href="http://www.vkhanna.com/Seva.htm" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Mahatma Gandhi </a>and <a href="https://docs.google.com/a/hinduamericanseva.org/file/d/0Bwlxj5pIr0I-VXJvZlBWcFV2X3M/edit?usp=sharing" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Swami Vivekananda</a>, especially during festive times, comes across as <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/utsav-seva" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">UtsavSeva</a>.</div>
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This year the message of seva was amplified at the Capitol Hill where Diwali was celebrated for the first time and our <a href="http://www.sevavotes.org/" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">SevaVotes.org</a> ambassador <a href="http://www.votetulsi.com/diwali-2013" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard</a> and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/31/congress-first-diwali-hindu-holiday_n_4181618.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Congressman Ami Bera</a> lit the lamp. Our collective Seva Voices prove we are effective Dharmic problem solvers, ready to tackle difficult tasks facing our country every step of the way.</div>
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"Service which is given without consideration of anything in return, at the right place and time to one that is qualified, with the feeling that it is one's duty, is regarded as the nature of goodness." (Bhagavad Gita 17.20)</div>
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The<a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/seva-conference" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"> four White House Conferences</a> have become a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ramaa-reddy-raghavan/hindu-conference-white-house_b_918134.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Springboard to Action</a> to solve problems facing America. We have seen the Dharmic and Hindu community in America join other religious communities on the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joshua-stanton/hindu-community-white-house_b_910474.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">national stage,</a> not only as an equal participant, but a veritable host to them.</div>
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The community's 2009 seva response to the <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/call-to-serve-briefing-report/CalltoServeBriefingReportforPresidentObama-HinduAmericanCommunityBuilding.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">President's "Call to Serve</a>", resulted in the first ever community assessment report (2010) leading to obtaining the service of the first Hindu AmeriCorps VISTAs. The collective seva efforts lead to four historic Dharmic American Seva conferences at the White House.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">Alluding to the</span><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/08/24/white-house-partners-hindu-american-seva-charities-historic-gathering" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20.99431800842285px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"> first conference</a><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">, in 2011, President Obama said, "This summer the White House hosted its first ever convening to promote community partnerships around seva and we have a service supporter here. Diwali, it is a time for reflection and remembrance of those in need. With so many Americans facing challenge it is important for us to remember our obligation to humanity and to one another."</span></div>
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<a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-02-DharmicSevaConferenceGroup.jpg" style="border: 0px; clear: left; color: #771c85; float: left; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="2013-11-02-DharmicSevaConferenceGroup.jpg" height="205" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-02-DharmicSevaConferenceGroup-thumb.jpg" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="270" /></a>We focused on<a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/seva-conference" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"> Energizing Dharmic Seva by Impacting Change in America and Abroad</a>, explored <a href="https://docs.google.com/a/hinduamericanseva.org/file/d/0Bwlxj5pIr0I-Nld1TlBrei1mS3c/edit?usp=drive_web" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Dharmic and Hindu American Future through Seva, Innovation, Tradition</a>, we identified ways to <a href="https://docs.google.com/a/hinduamericanseva.org/file/d/0Bwlxj5pIr0I-RkJTM3FYWTc1ajA/edit?usp=drive_web&pli=1" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Strengthen Dharmic Place of Worship</a> and this year, we honored the seva message of Swami Vivekananda and highlighted <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/seva-conference-2013" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Dharmic Seva is Transforming Ourselves, Our Communities and Our Country</a>. Today, collectively we are spurring a <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/youth" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">New Generation Of Seva Volunteers </a>and seeing <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/diwali-lights-community-building_b_1031848.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Diwali Lights Community Building in America and around the World</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/utsav-seva" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">UtsavSeva</a> promoted by our Dharmic American communities across the country, invokes the spiritual values of the festivals through Community Service throughout the year. During Deepavali we celebrate <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/out-of-many-one-diwali-il_b_778973.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Dhan Seva in November</a>. Click here for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLKFE7C03Zw" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">seva details</a>.</div>
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The very foundation of Indian civilization is based on the pluralistic acceptance embodied in the ancient perennial Vedic saying: "Ekam Sat Vipra, Bahudha Vadanti," meaning, "The Truth is One. The Realized Ones describe the One Truth in several ways". Diwali shares a special connection with American values as it exemplifies the ideals of "E Pluribus Unum," or, "<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/out-of-many-one-diwali-il_b_778973.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">out of many, one</a>."</div>
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While the story behind Diwali varies from region to region, the essence is the same: to rejoice in the Inner Light and understand the underlying reality of all things. The spiritual meaning of Diwali is "the awareness of the inner light." At the heart, Hindu philosophy emphasizes the presence of that which is pure, infinite and eternal, which is something beyond the physical and the mind. Diwali is the celebration of the awakening and awareness of the Inner Light.</div>
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The strength of the Dharmic culture is the multitude of ways in which the Puranic (ancient traditional) stories and epics are brought to life through colorful festivals and selfless service (seva). These stories and epics bring to surface the deep philosophical truths of the ancient Hindu scriptures, known as the Vedas. The Festivals often express the common <a href="http://www.durvasula.com/Taranga/MFVH.pdf" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Vedic tenets of Hinduism</a>, and of other Dharmic cultures, making them accessible to people from all walks of life.</div>
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A festival is a joyful synthesis and expression of spirituality, religion, philosophy, culture, service and social values. The spiritual aspect is founded on the human instincts of joy and happiness. The philosophical aspect is grounded in the struggle between the forces of good and evil with the ultimate triumph of the former. This struggle and ensuing victory of good is to be celebrated and used as a reminder to us, and future generations, that selfless service and giving are an interwoven part of the traditions.</div>
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Festivals form a lifeline that binds the Hindu and Dharmic cultures to family, the community and to the country where they reside. Festivals connect and bring people together in camaraderie and service. Hindu festivals also reflect and sustain the underlying pluralistic values for diverse people to co-exist harmoniously.</div>
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Festivals are also a time to donate and help those in need. Seva during Diwali means bringing in light, especially in the life of those less fortunate than us. Diwali unifies every religion, every home and every heart, and India transcends into a land of myriad lamps. Here in America, we are continuing this celebration marking it as a unifying pluralistic festival advancing community service and sharing of common values of pluralism and collaboration.</div>
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We hope as you celebrate and share the message of Diwali, the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, with your friends, family and neighbors, you will be inspired to help those who need. You will bring UtsavSeva to action!</div>
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We wish you a very Happy Diwali and a New Year filled with health, happiness, peace, prosperity and seva this festive utsav. With grateful hearts we thank you for your support and blessings.</div>
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Namaste and Shubh Kamnaye</div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-56062582162346582922013-09-11T18:02:00.000-04:002013-09-11T18:02:36.252-04:00Strengthening Shakti Through Ganesha Principles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 11px;">Founder, Hindu American Seva Communities</span></h1>
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Strengthening Shakti Through Ganesha Principles</h1>
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<span class="arial_11 color_696969" style="border: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105) !important; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Posted: 09/11/2013 9:34 am</span><a class="absolute print-link" data-beacon="{"p":{"lnid":"print"}}" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/shakti-ganesha_b_3896819.html?view=print&comm_ref=false" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(http://s.huffpost.com/images/v/authors_follow_icons.png); background-position: -80px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 17px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; text-decoration: none; top: 0px; width: 20px;"></a></div>
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The Vedic Hindu statement -- <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah</em> states Non-violence is the foremost duty to the extent that it supersedes all other duties. On this 9/11 national day of remembrance let us pray that obstacles to the path of peace and social justice dissolve in the<a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/9-11-day-of-service-and-remembrance" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">light of knowledge</a>. Let our service projects bring awareness of all the myriad issues we are dealing with.</div>
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This week, I along with millions of Hindus, observed <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/ganesh-principles-and-pluralistic-dharmic-seva-american-politics_b_1890981.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Ganesh Chaturthi</a>, through prayers, as a day of birth and renewed remembrance of Ganapati principles, the remover of obstacles. In this iconic image, the divine is seen as the leader of senses and the message is that by controlling our mind we transform ourselves. As the inner self gets strengthened obstacles in the outer realm melt away.</div>
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<a href="http://www.happyganesh.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"><img alt="2013-09-10-ganesha_symbolism.gif" height="280" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-09-10-ganesha_symbolism.gif" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="350" /></a></center>
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Holding those ideals I prepare to face an obstacle in front of me, as today, I saw <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/indias-incredibly-powerful-abused-goddesses-campaign-condemn" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">ignorance in full display</a>. I saw my sacred feminine icons of strength, icons whose stories<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/www.sitayanam.com" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"> inspire nobler aspects in me</a> "artistically" shown as victims of domestic violence. To me it seemed someone had abused my own inner archetype as these are images that I relate to and identify with. I felt defiled.</div>
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I wondered how are these <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/06/abused-goddesses-campaign-domestic-violence-india_n_3880515.html?utm_hp_ref=hinduism" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">mutilated images</a> making Hindus in India or abroad, stronger in dealing with abusive behaviour? These images project powerlessness of Hindu psyche. Instead of learning about the strength that these images portray, they are projecting victimization.</div>
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For me, the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/shakti-innate-quality-of-_b_833255.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Shakti principle </a>is the the innate strength of a woman, not an image of victimization. Nor an object or deitification nor perverse desire.</div>
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As an empowered Hindu American I asked myself what can I do transform this into a<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/bringing-dharma-seva-shakti-and-yoga-to-the-political-forefront_b_1960160.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">positive action</a>? How can I reduce the social injustices impacting women not only in the Hindu community, but almost all communities across globe?</div>
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As I have understood, Hindus see the divine in everyone. Perpetuating domestic violence certainly is not in Vedic Hindu philosophy.</div>
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I want to believe that the organizers of that negative campaign had good intentions and a desire to bring change and an awareness of the problem. I am curious why focus only on the Hindu community, when India is a secular country with all faiths represented?</div>
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From a Hindu viewpoint, I can understand the dichotomy that they must feel. Here are the Hindus who have a culture in which women are honored, they are treated as goddesses, they are feminine icons of wealth (Lakshmi), tremendous strength and courage (Durga), and sustenance and knowledge (Saraswati), but in the society we see a social injustice gap.</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/a/hinduamericanseva.org/file/d/0Bwlxj5pIr0I-bWI3QmlNVUc5aVE/edit" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"><img alt="2013-09-10-LaxmiSaraswatidurga.jpg" height="300" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-09-10-LaxmiSaraswatidurga.jpg" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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So the question arises. How can people, including Hindus who come from a culture of such noble thoughts, treat women in this lowly and baser fashion? Why is society not reflecting Dharmic values? How do we change behavior?</div>
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I believe <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/change-comes-from-within-our-communities-hindus-united-against-domestic-violence_b_3136322.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">change comes from within our communities</a> and Hindus, people of Dharmic traditions, are united against domestic violence. I see this<a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/programs/community-development/womens-empowerment" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"> unity cutting across all practicing Hindus</a>, whether they are the most orthodox and conservative or the most progressive or even the "secular" Hindus.</div>
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<img alt="2013-09-10-HindusUnitedAgainstDomesticViolenceMarch2013.jpg" height="274" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-09-10-HindusUnitedAgainstDomesticViolenceMarch2013.jpg" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="200" /></center>
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We don't need images denigrating our sacred icons to remind us that domestic violence and other aspects of social injustice are adharmic (against our religion).</div>
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What we need is to understand the strength of our culture. We need to educate and empower ourselves - to not only understand the innate divinity in each other - but also the true inner meaning of our own sacred icons. We need to imbibe the meaning and live up to the higher nobler values. We then transform ourselves and are empowered to bring a change in the external behavior.</div>
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We need to bring education of higher values into the education system globally. Here in America, the Dharmic community will address ways of dealing with social injustice issues such as domestic violence and human trafficking at our 4th annual Seva conference cohosted with the White House - <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/hinduamericanseva.org/hindu-american-seva/events/seva-conference-2013" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Transforming Ourselves, Our Communities, Our Country.</a></div>
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As we celebrate the interfaith social justice message of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/celebrating-the-interfaith-social-justice-message-of-swami-vivekananda-_b_2467810.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Swami Vivekananda</a> on his 150th birth anniversary across the globe, including the White House, let us contemplate on his message ...</div>
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<img alt="2013-09-10-swamivivekananda.jpg" height="105" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-09-10-swamivivekananda.jpg" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="100" /> Swami Vivekananda said: "<em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">...On The Basis Of Being Right and Doing Right - The Whole World Can Unite...Women must be put in a position to solve their own problems in their own way. No one can or ought to do this for them...</em>"</div>
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To bring change I feel we should take a pledge to augment the festivals with a call to action against social injustice. <a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/utsav-seva" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Festivals of Service (UtsavSeva) </a>is community service augmenting the spirit of Hindu festivals through seva events organized during this time and connecting them with the cultural heritage.</div>
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Let us educate ourselves and see our goddesses as our ancient rishis intended them to be seen - as icons of strength not of victimization, as symbols bringing the ancient Vedic teaching to life.</div>
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This festival season, as part of 9/11 day of service and especially during <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/bringing-dharma-seva-shakti-and-yoga-to-the-political-forefront_b_1960160.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Navatri, let us invoke the Shakti consciousnes</a>s and during<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/white-house-diwali-emphas_b_1072942.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"> Diwali enlighten the world</a> through <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/diwali-lights-community-building_b_1031848.html" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">knowledge and right action</a>.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Follow Anju Bhargava on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/hindusevausa" style="border: 0px; color: #771c85; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">www.twitter.com/hindusevausa</a></b></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-18117242948664858852013-08-27T13:53:00.001-04:002013-08-27T13:53:11.808-04:00What great leaders and sayings have inspired you?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we prepare for our next National Seva
Conference with the White House and celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary we wondered what great leaders and sayings have inspired you, the Next Generation
Seva Leader? As Rg Veda says let good thoughts come from all directions. The
following are 9 notable quotes which have inspired us:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">“When an idea exclusively occupies the mind, it
is transformed into an actual physical or mental state.</span>”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– </span><span class="bodybold">Swami Vivekananda</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are
two of the surest stepping stones to success.” – Dale Carnegie<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"There are only two ways to live life. One is as though
nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is." – Albert
Einstein<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Do not look for approval except for the consciousness of
doing your best." – Andrew Carnegie<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The true measure of a person is how they treat someone who
can do him absolutely no good." – Samuel Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you
are going because you might not get there." – Yogi Berra<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Expect more than others think possible.” – Howard Schultz<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If people aren't calling you crazy, you aren't thinking
big enough." – Richard Branson<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Never, never, never give up.” – Winston Churchill<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What great leaders and sayings have
inspired you?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-84555157090701849972013-08-20T15:38:00.001-04:002013-08-20T15:38:55.348-04:00Application open for National Seva Conference co-hosted with the White House on September 27, 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Announcement
</span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">August 18, 2012</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Media Contact</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">: </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr.Ved Chaudhary </span><a href="mailto:ved@hinduamericanseva.org"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ved@hinduamericanseva.org</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">732-853-2666</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">)</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dr.Siva Subramanian </span><a href="mailto:siva@hinduamericanseva.org"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">siva@hinduamericanseva.org</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (301-983-9699)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">White House and Hindu American Seva Communities
cohost 2013 National Seva Conference<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dharmic Seva: Transforming Our Self, Our Community,
Our Country*<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Application open now until
September 6<sup>th</sup> 2013.
Conference Date -September 27<sup>th</sup> 2013<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Washington,
D.C. August 20, 2013</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. On this auspicious
week of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rakshbandhan </span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">where we tie bonds of friendship and protection, Hindu
American Seva Communities (HASC) announces it is open to accepting application
for the fourth annual conference, “<b>Dharmic
Seva: Transforming Our Self, Our Community, Our Country*”,</b> in the nation’s
capital on Septmber 27<sup>th</sup> to promote seva and civic engagement to
address social justice issues. Join us this
September and be a part of our transformative journey! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">HASC is co-hosting the conference and the
briefing with the White House Office of Public Engagement on September 27<sup>th</sup>,
2013 </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">celebrating
an inside-out approach to development through seva and tradition. *</span><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The conference theme is inspired by
Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) on his 150<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary; the
first Hindu monk who came to America in 1893.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “Even the Least Work Done
for Others Awakens the Power Within, Gradually Instills Into the Heart the
Strength of a Lion…….Arise, Awake, and Stop Not Until the Goal is Achieved…”</span></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">–</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Swami Vivekananda</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Seva is an important part of our
Dharma and <i>sadhana</i> (spiritual
practice). We hope with this
understanding, the participants will use seva to alleviate current social
justice issues. Faith plays a
significant role in the political landscape and moral values provide a common
ground for diverse communities to come together to develop solutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The inspired conference will focus on
self-transformation leadership, youth, women, environment, strengthening of our
community, places of worship and country through global Diaspora engagement:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Swami Vivekananda said: </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“…On The Basis Of Being Right and Doing Right - The
Whole World Can Unite…<br />
…It Is Our Privilege To Be Allowed To Be Charitable, For Only So Can We Grow…<br />
..My Faith Is In the Younger Generation, Out Of Them Will Come My Workers. They
Will Work Out The Whole Problem…<br />
…The Earth is enjoyed by Heroes...<br />
...</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Come
Out Into The Universe Of Light. Everything In The Universe Is Yours, Stretch
Out Your Arms And Embrace It With Love...</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">..The Uplift Of The Women, The Awakening Of Masses
Must Come First, And Then Only Can Real Good Come About... <br />
...Women must be put in a position to solve their own problems in their own
way. No one can or ought to do this for them…”</span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">- </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">HASC invites the community to
participate in the conference and the briefing.
We request you to send your statement of interest (500 - 750 words). We will give priority to students and invite
them to be part of the Next Generation Seva Leaders (NGSL) program. With your ideas, you can be a change maker,
be part of growing the seva movement and play a role in America valuing the
talents of its diverse faiths and pluralistic, multicultural communities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We invite you to visit </span><a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/seva-conference-2013"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">HASC
website</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> for details, and </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dExaem1WM3VJYnpoV0sySUxvM0xaalE6MA"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">click here to complete your statement of
interest</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by Sept 6<sup>th</sup>, 2012</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. This
program is open to all. Contact us </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">at </span><a href="mailto:seva2013@hinduamericanseva.org"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">seva2013@hinduamericanseva.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">with any questions you may have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-63663308781006547522013-04-24T22:57:00.000-04:002013-04-24T22:57:00.980-04:00The Legacy of Service @ Princeton University - Swami Vivekananda's Teachings on Seva & Civic Engagement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YlUI9qfbSh6E8FomVqyxZgiSECSzYt0ytZi7GtZ8KMGjuZ2dwaC6lSjLTPknvqDAvCa5XQeFyWFzMTelceTTWpfGDxQslw8j-3ax_lhW8UMio-6b-vJLbdyuODR72QxV-CjLvSHg3Lw/s1600/Legacyofservice-+Princeton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YlUI9qfbSh6E8FomVqyxZgiSECSzYt0ytZi7GtZ8KMGjuZ2dwaC6lSjLTPknvqDAvCa5XQeFyWFzMTelceTTWpfGDxQslw8j-3ax_lhW8UMio-6b-vJLbdyuODR72QxV-CjLvSHg3Lw/s640/Legacyofservice-+Princeton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-44444862292573045342013-04-24T22:56:00.000-04:002013-04-24T22:57:13.542-04:00Ugadhi Festival in DC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-19818493668104768092013-03-25T14:48:00.003-04:002013-03-25T14:48:38.688-04:00HASC on Capitol Hill Forum: Engaging Diverse Voices of Faith for the Common Good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">HASC on Capitol Hill Forum: Engaging Diverse Voices of Faith for
the Common Good</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Event
</span></i></span><span class="hp"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Airing on TV Asia’s Community Round Up</span></i></span><span class="hp"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> on March 25<sup>th</sup>
and 27<sup>t</sup></span></i></span><span class="hp"><b><sup><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.5pt;">h</span></sup></b></span><span class="hp"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Washington, D.C.</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">- </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Faith traditions have strong common values that support
those seeking the common good and against extremism around the world. What
might be the role of faith leaders in international peace building, and how do
we engage diverse faith voices of moderation for more harmonious
relationships? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This was addressed o<strong>n </strong>Wednesday, March 20<sup>th </sup> at the Capitol Hill. Hindu American Seva Communities cosponsored
and participated in this Forum: Engaging Diverse Voices of Faith for the Common
Good, along with </span><em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Global Peace Foundation,
Nahdlatul Ulama USA, Global Young Leaders Academy, National Vision & Public
Engagement, Communities of Peace.</span></em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This forum convened a small panel of faith leaders to
consi.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">der how to forge more effective diplomacy, working with and alongside
those of diverse religious traditions based on shared values. Mr. Michael Marshall,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Editor Emeritus, United Press International served as the
moderator. </span></em><strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Speakers included </span></strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Dr. Rosa Djalal,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">President of Muslim Women’s Association USA, </span></em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Dr. Shalahudin Kafrawi,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hobart & William Smith College;
Chairman, Nahdlatul Ulama USA, </span></em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Ms. Anju Bhargava,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Founder, Hindu American Seva Communities, </span></em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Rev.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="il"><span style="background: #FFFFCC;">Mark</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Farr,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Director of the Center for Multifaith Partnerships, M</span></em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">s. Emira Soleha Ramli,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Student, Syracuse University.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Anju Bhargava, Founder Hindu American Seva Communites,
presented an overview of the history of Hindu people and the challenges they
have faced over the millennia. She
highlighted the many ways in which the Hindu American community faces stereotypes
and prejudices. She discussed the Hindu
and the Dharmic community engagement in seva (service) and the Hindu
traditional science of healing (suchas yoga and meditation) can serve to
augment the peace building effort and diffuse conflict both locally and
globally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Many of us
who do seva (service as a self realization process), find we are applying the
principles of our spiritual practice (sadhana) in many spheres of our lives and
are transforming. Our <em>namaste</em> honors Divinity within each of us. We serve
understanding the whole world is one single family (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasudhaiva_Kutumbakam" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: windowtext;">Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;">)</span></a>. We find our seva affecting our inner
self, and see its experience of ethics in the way we work and play, what we
buy, the way we treat people, and how we engage in relationships. Let’s extend
that transformative awareness to the decisions we make for our schools,
communities and our country, for peace building and the common good”.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brief Highlights</span></strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> of this
event is scheduled for airing on TV Asia Community Roundup
program on March 25th at 10:30pm (ET) and repeated for West
Coast viewers at 11:30pm (PT). This program will also be repeated on March
26th at 7:30pm (ET).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-1784078509393400662013-03-06T21:32:00.000-05:002013-03-06T21:32:24.877-05:00Creating Model Emergency Management Plans, for Schools, Universities & Places of Worship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Office of the Vice President & Department of Homeland Security organized an e<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13px;">vent on “Creating Model Emergency Management Plans</span>, for Schools, Universities & Places of Worship” at the executive offices of the White House.</div>
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What a wonderful experience - not just for the attendees but to the organizers as well. HASC was represented by Dr. Siva Subramanian as well as Guruvayurappan and Ramesh Swamy.</div>
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The first panel was for Schools, the second for Institutions of Higher Education/Universities & the third for Faith Based Places of Worship! Each panel discussed their respective topics in detail and answered questions from the audience.</div>
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First Panel was chaired by the Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The Columbine & Sandy Hook School shootings were discussed. A discussion on how school safety is being implemented in Florida schools was also discussed. The highlight of this discussion was a teacher from Sandy Hook Elementary School, narrated her experience when she was shot by the lone gunman.</div>
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Second Panel: This was chaired by the FBI Exe. Asst. Dir. Richard McFeely. The other members were from Virginia Tech who discussed their experience during the massacre there in 2007. The panel also included a student from the incident who was shot and injured. The team narrated how they learnt and improved on their strategies after learning from the Mumbai Terror attacks of 2008. Some very pertinent points on how to keep family & public informed on such incidents, keeping in mind the privacy of victims.</div>
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Third & Last Panel: A very important one for all our temples across USA!</div>
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This panel was chaired by Ms. Janet Napolitano. Secretary of Homeland Security - one of the most powerful persons in President Obama's Administration. She did an excellent job in introducing the panelists consisting of the Trustee from Oak Creek Gurudwara Shri Balhair Singh Dulai, the Chief of Police - John Edwards of Oak Creek Police Department Wisconsin, a representative from Jewish Crisis Center John Goldstein & a representative from Christian Emergency Response Center.</div>
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Chief John Edwards explained how he had learned a lot about the Sikh community. He explained how they were taken aback when the Sikh Community insisted a casket for the shooter as well, which they had to decline after long deliberations. He also went to say how the Sikh community came together to help each other but also the officer Lt. Brian Murphy who was shot by the gunman in the parking lot of Gurdwara. Balhair Singh Dulai, the Trustee & Treasurer of Wisconsin Gurdwara explained the spine chilling incident of how there were so many lapses & weaknesses in their place of worship & how they have improved & increased not only the security but awareness as well.</div>
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Written by: Guruvayurappan and Ramesh Swamy</div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-80568542333515284462013-01-23T00:11:00.002-05:002013-01-23T00:11:22.465-05:00HASC Recognizes Dharmic Community Inclusion at the Inauguration Prayer Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bwlxj5pIr0I-cDB6dzVpbE1kZXM/edit" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">HASC Recognizes Dharmic Community Inclusion at the Inauguration Prayer Service</a></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What a historic day January 22 was for Sikh and Dharmic Americans! A Sikh American, Ms. Sapreet Kaur was included for the first time in the National Prayer Service held to pray for President Obama, the new Administration and the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">At the National Prayer Service, we understood the messages that faith leaders expressed from all over the country. Mindful of the bickering in Congress, religious leaders urged Congress to bridge their differences and to work as one. The leaders conveyed the universal messages of compassion, tolerance and selflessness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">These universal messages are valued by us Dharmic Americans. It was only last year that the Sikh community witnessed a heinous crime. Over the past many years, they have been victims of hate crimes all over this country. Recognizing them at today’s National Prayer Service, served as a symbol of “American inclusion,” of those deeply impacted by prejudice and hate. The Service also served as a reminder to the country of our pluralistic nature.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Leaders from Dharmic and Hindu temples, gurudwaras and organizations at the Service prayed for the well-being of our President, Vice-President, our government, leaders and country. We at HASC continue to pray for the healing of our Sikh brothers and sisters and seek ways to address our collective social justice concerns and bring our dharma values to the forefront. We pray for our President, the Administration and the country to succeed in the many challenges we collectively face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It was a moment of enormous pride that in 2009, for the first time, we heard the word "Hindu" from the President and this time at the inaugural in 2013, the word "Namaste". And in 2009 a prominent Hindu leader was included at the National Prayer Service at the President’s first inauguration. This year, a Sikh leader represented the Eastern faiths. It is therefore a matter of pride that the Dharmic community was represented by Sikhs. Their inclusion was a historic moment<u> </u>for Dharmic Americans, for all Americans.</span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-69952713328356501772013-01-16T22:36:00.001-05:002013-01-16T22:36:19.074-05:00Common Sense Gun Safety-Let's Do The Right Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://hinduamericanseva.blogspot.com/2013/01/common-sense-gun-safety-lets-do-right.html" target="_blank">Common Sense Gun Safety-Let's Do The Right Thing</a></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We at HASC are still horrified by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s why today we applaud President Obama, Vice President Biden, and their administration for the proposed common sense gun safety reforms that will reduce the number of children and youth whose lives end from the barrel of a gun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The President’s plan includes:</span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Requiring every purchaser of a gun to undergo a background check (As many as 40% of gun purchases are done anonymously.);</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banning military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines that allow for nothing more than the rapid killing of human beings;</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making schools safer with more school resource officers and school counselors, safer climates, and better emergency response plans, and</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Helping ensure that young people get the mental health treatment they need and health insurance plans cover mental health benefits.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congress must act.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=kNGdfxKUThY9B%2B%2F5Df1uALfV71l1Avmv" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Click here to contact your Member of Congress</a> and tell them to pass these common sense gun safety measures. If they are opposed to them, ask them why there are opposed and what they would do instead to protect children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5,740 children and youth were killed by guns in 2008 and 2009. These proposals represent a good first step to saving children’s lives. </span><br />
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-10218454273963064902013-01-16T22:34:00.000-05:002013-01-29T22:56:34.180-05:00Civic and Religious Leaders Unite to End Gun Violence <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Civic and Religious Leaders Unite to End Gun Violence</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We seek to bring our communities together in support of reasonable steps taken to prevent future suffering such as that endured by the bereaved and traumatized families of gun violence victims… we commit to building consensus and support in our communities for steps that will turn our collective grief into shared hope.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">WASHINGTON D.C.– </strong>On the one month anniversary of the Newtown tragedy, in advance of Vice President Biden's report and policy recommendations to President Obama, and as the discussion about preventing gun violence continues in communities throughout the United States, a number of prominent national leaders, who have served on the President’s Advisory Council on Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships today released the following joint statement (please note: these leaders are not speaking on behalf of the Councils nor on behalf of their professional organizations or congregations, but in their individual capacities). The political, ideological and religious diversity reflected among this group of leaders underscores the common understanding of the importance of meaningful action to address gun violence. The full statement is below:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We come together as faith and community leaders who love our country and its Constitution, treasure our rights and take pride in fulfilling our duties as American citizens. We have come to respect each other out of our service on the President’s Advisory Councils on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships but we speak out today in our individual capacities out of our shared desire to unite our country in addressing the challenges of gun violence in America. We write on the one month anniversary of the tragedy in Newtown and are issuing this statement <em>before</em> Vice President Biden issues his report and recommendations.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we are people of diverse religious, ideological and political views, so our communities are comprised of millions of loyal Americans, some who own guns and some who do not, but all of whom have grieved alongside the families of those lost to gun violence. We come with a common purpose out of a conviction that despite our diversity, we all share a commitment to protect the lives of our people. We commit ourselves and call upon our communities and our elected officials to make every effort to save human lives, especially the lives of children, from senseless gun violence that does not represent the responsible citizenship intended by the Second Amendment. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gun violence profoundly affects people in our neighborhoods, our organizations, and our houses of worship. We seek to bring our communities together in support of reasonable steps taken to prevent future suffering such as that endured by the bereaved and traumatized families of gun violence victims. We endorse reasonable steps taken to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people through measures such as ensuring and enforcing universal background checks for gun purchases, collection and publication of relevant data on gun violence, and other constructive measures that will limit gun violence. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Millions who we serve and their families already suffer the effects of the stigmatizing misperceptions regarding mental illness. As we serve, teach and counsel our communities, we can help those who constitute a danger to themselves and others, and guide them to the intervention and help they need. Now is a time to educate the public and bring support for creating adequate mental health and mental illness resources in the community. We call upon all sectors of American society, including our government, to see that those in need of mental health services will more readily find and receive them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We know that these changes are deeply connected with changing our culture and ourselves so that we no longer treat depictions of excessive violence as a primary source of our entertainment. This is a transformation that begins at the grassroots level of family, school, community institution and house of worship. Without a doubt, the national mourning that has followed the tragedy in Newtown demonstrates that even the incessant cacophony of violent film, music and video that overwhelms our senses each day has not dulled the compassion with which we are endowed. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We acknowledge that our communities are not in total agreement as to the extent of the measures they currently envision. As religious and non-profit leaders, we commit to building consensus and support in our communities for steps that will turn our collective grief into shared hope. We acknowledge that the privilege of American freedom also carries a moral responsibility, which we recognize we can only shoulder together.</span></div>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Susan K. Stern</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Melissa Rogers</span></li>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rev. Leith Anderson</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anju Bhargava</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Angela Glover Blackwell</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Noel Castellanos</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Arturo Chávez, Ph.D.</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rev. Canon Peg Chemberlin</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Frederick A. Davie, M.Div.</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Archbishop Demetrios of America</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bishop Mark S. Hanson</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dr. Joel C. Hunter</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lynne Hybels</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Harry Knox</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ven. Miaohong</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rev. Otis Moss Jr.</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Maria Nagorski</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nancy Ratzan</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rabbi David Saperstein</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rabbi Julie Schonfeld</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Steven E. Snow</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rev. Larry J. Snyder</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rev. Jim Wallis</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins </span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sister Marlene Weisenbeck</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/all/themes/public/images/PostBullets.png); background-position: 0px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: block; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin: 0.8em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson</span></li>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-73839706437172005242013-01-12T23:13:00.000-05:002013-01-12T23:13:43.371-05:00Hindu American Seva Communities Promotes Eco-Dharma through Bhumi Seva<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://hinduamericanseva.blogspot.com/2013/01/hindu-american-seva-communities.html" target="_blank">Hindu American Seva Communities
Promotes Eco-Dharma through Bhumi Seva <o:p></o:p></a></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="http://hinduamericanseva.blogspot.com/2013/01/hindu-american-seva-communities.html" target="_blank">- Appoints Dr. Pankaj Jain as Eco-Dharma Project Director - </a></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In an effort to practice what our dharmic texts have
preached, HASC in collaboration with Oxford University's </span><a href="http://bhumiproject.org/index.php/news/2011/08/01/bhumi-green-temple-initiative-receives-white-house-launch"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Bhumi Project</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> and the </span><a href="http://philosophy.unt.edu/people/faculty/pankaj-jain"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">University of North Texas</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">, is working to
advance greening of our temples and places of worship in the America. The Bhumi
Seva initiative was </span><a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/seva-conference"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">launched</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> in July 2011 at the White House. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">HASC is pleased to announce a dedicated and highly talented volunteer
team leading the initiative. Their brief bios are attached. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">As part of the BhumiSeva initiative, , HASC has undertaken a
pilot project with select temples to develop, track, and share the “green”
progress together. We hope that more places of worship will take
advantage of our humble offerings and together we can make our dharmic places
truly a living testimony to dharmic teachings and traditions. The progress of
the effort with temples in the pilot program is part of an international
greening effort and will be highlighted globally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">HASC has compiled various guides and booklets to help make
our Puja rituals and temples more eco-friendly. We will provide these to the select temples and
help them assess their temples greening level so that they can increase energy
efficiency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">HASC is inspired by the great Dharma teachings that are
highlighted in this profound verse: <i>The Almighty is Omnipresent everywhere
in the universe, including planet earth (in the oceans, rivers, forests,
mountains, air, water, atmosphere, and space). Take only what you need
from the bounties of planet earth; sacrifice greed so every one's needs are
also met; do not plunder, do not hoard. Whose property is it after all? It all
belongs to God. (Ishopanishad 1.1)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">For additional information on the project, please contact Pankaj
Jain, Eco-Dharma and Bhumi-Seva Project Director (</span><a href="mailto:Pankaj.jain@unt.edu"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Pankaj.jain@unt.edu</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> )
and Arjun Bhargava, Associate Project Director (</span><a href="mailto:arjun@hinduamericanseva.org"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">arjun@hinduamericanseva.org</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/Eco-Dharma/bhumi-team" target="_blank">Click here for bios of team.</a></span></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-8959543570095050892013-01-12T22:56:00.000-05:002013-01-12T22:57:37.192-05:00HASC celebrates Swami Vivekananda’s birthday through Interfaith Seva<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://hinduamericanseva.blogspot.com/2013/01/hasc-celebrates-swami-vivekanandas.html" target="_blank">HASC celebrates Swami Vivekananda’sbirthday through Interfaith Seva</a></span></b><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">- Launch Interfaith
Annadaanam Program and <br />Appoint Hemant Wadhwani, NJ/NY Seva Project Director - <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Livingston, N.J. January 12, 2013</span></i></b><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">:</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Hindu
American Seva Communities (HASC) honors Swami Vivekananda on his 150<sup>th</sup>
birth anniversary, today. For HASC </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/post_2197_b_893770.html"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Dharmic Seva and Vivekananda’s message is the catalyst to building
Pluralistic Communities</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">. We are grateful to Swamiji for </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joshua-stanton/hindu-community-white-house_b_910474.html"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">bringing Hinduism to America and laying a path for us</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> and inspiring us even today….</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
“<i>All differences in this world are of degree and not of kind because oneness
is the secret of everything. ….. </i></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">They alone
live, who live for others….. You cannot believe in God until you believe in
yourself</span></i><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">…..</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On this auspicious and celebratory
occasion, HASC is proud to launch </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">an interfaith Annadaanam (homeless feeding)
program and announce the </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">appointment of Hemant Wadhwani as
HASC’s Seva Project Director, NJ/NY metro area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Hemant is a role model to our
community and a tireless community worker. Most recently he organized a Dharmic
response for Sandy victims. Hemant has
worked with HASC from its inception and serves on HASC’s Executive Advisory
Council Board. With his leadership to
our community, HASC’s seva programs will continue to expand and strengthen our
country. We urge the community to reach
out to HASC to start seva projects and donate food to feed the homeless. We ask
what Swami Vivekananda asked– <i>Are you unselfish? That is the question. If
you are, you will be perfect without reading a single religious book, without
going into a single church or temple</i>.” observed Anju Bhargava, HASC
founder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Annadaanam program (a homeless
feeding project), developed by Hemant Wadhwani, is a partnership with </span><a href="http://www.muslimsagainsthunger.com/"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Muslims
Against Hunger. </span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> HASC piloted this interfaith collaboration on</span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/post_3679_b_1758528.html"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> August 3<sup>rd</sup></span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, 2012 at our White House conference, “</span><a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/seva-conference-2012"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dharmic America Future: Seva, Innovation and Tradition</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">”. The </span><a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/events/ngsl-program"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Next Generation Seva Leaders</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> prepared food packages and distributed to the homeless
in the Capitol Hill area. Now we are
expanding this program in the NY/NY metro area. HASC and Muslims Against Hunger are willing to
pick up the excess food from Temples and Restaurants and distribute it to the
homeless in the NY/NJ metro area. Hemant
can be reached at hemant@hinduamericanseva.org.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Brief
bio: Hemant Wadhwani started his career working at Diversified Investment
Advisors building financial applications for the pension industry. During the
first internet boom in 2000, he co-founded Translation City and has since been
working in the language translation/international business services field
servicing Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and government agencies. Hemant is also
a community development specialist having served as an advisor and board member
at the NJ Asian American Health and Human Services Association, Real Medicine
Foundation, India Youth Climate Network, the Sindhi Association of New Jersey,
Save Latin America, Newark's Sumei Arts Center, Harlem/South Bronx Youthbuild
mentorship programs, Healthy Harlem Soup Kitchen Project, and the United South
Asian Donor Registry. He is active with many faith and interfaith
organizations. He has also been appointed to a number of commissions and
advisory committees by the Governor and state legislature of New Jersey. Most
recently, Hemant launched the Hanuman Capital Initiative to bridge the funding
gap related to both global development and local urban economic development
needs. Hemant has a B.A. in Economics from Manhattanville College and an M.S.
in Management with a specialization in International Business from New Jersey
Institute of Technology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-31765299962122777022012-12-31T00:04:00.000-05:002012-12-31T00:04:02.286-05:00HASC applauds DOJ efforts to track anti-Hindu hate crimes & urges FBI to implement it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">HASC applauds DOJ efforts to track anti-Hindu
hate crimes and urges FBI to implement it </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">- Community recommendations slowly coming to
fruition –<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Washington, D.C. December 13, 2012:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">HASC
applauds the DOJ directing FBI to include the "Hindu" category in
tracking hate crimes and urges the FBI to expand the South Asian category and
to explicitly track crimes against Hindus and Hindu and Sikhs and against all
Dharmic </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Eastern Traditions) </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">places of worship. We have also asked DOJ and FBI to change
their website to identify Hindu and Sikh as a separate category as the South
Asian category does not reflect targeted faith crimes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Anju Bhargava observed:
"Serving on President's Advisory Council, I was part of a
sub-committee making recommendations to enhance Inter-religious
Collaboration and bring forward the concerns of our community in the Council's
report “</span><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/03/11/a-new-era-partnerships-advisory-council-faith-based-and-neighborhood-partnerships-pr" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">New Era of Partnerships: Advisory Council on Faith-based
and Neighborhood Partnerships Final Report of Recommendations</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> . We brought these issues to the highest level and
recommended that Department of Justice and Homeland Security to
reach out to the Dharmic American community to understand their needs in
addition to responding to the needs of the Muslim community following 9/11 tragedy. </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/a/hinduamericanseva.org/file/d/0Bwlxj5pIr0I-YTNSX3hEcUpmTU0/edit?pli=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">See pages 81-86, specifically recommendation 7</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Subsequently I
recommended DHS and DOJ create a separate category to track crimes against the
Hindu and Dharmic community and expand the South Asian category. HASC
appreciates the effort of data collection advocated by other organizations,
especially </span><a href="http://www.saalt.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">SAALT</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. And now I am also coordinating with the US
Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity I have further urged DHS and
DOJ to collect relevant data for our community and increase education of the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dharmic faiths. This
recommendation has also been supported by other organizations, especially </span><a href="http://www.hafsite.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hindu American Foundation</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> as well. Today, HASC is working with our Dharmic
faith communities at the grass roots level to implement these recommendations
such as by organizing training programs with DHS for our Dharmic community,
especially in light of the Oak Creek Gurudwara shootings. "<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are delighted that the
communities' ongoing efforts are finally coming to fruition. The Hindu and
Dharmic community is becoming an integral part of the American landscape. HASC
aims to continue the community development and capacity building efforts for
the Hindu and Dharmic people and places of worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are delighted that the communities's ongoing efforts are finally
coming to fruition</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Exceprt
from: “</span><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/03/11/a-new-era-partnerships-advisory-council-faith-based-and-neighborhood-partnerships-pr" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">New Era of Partnerships: Advisory Council on Faith-based and
Neighborhood Partnerships Presents Final Report of Recommendations</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #4c4d4f;">" - Recommendation 7 of Inter-religious Cooperation.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f;">..... Some non-Muslim Americans, including Hindu, Jain, Sikh
and Buddhist Americans, also h<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">av</span>e<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">e</span>xperienced
c<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">i</span>vil ri<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span>hts violations in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">w</span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">k</span>e
of the 9/11 attac<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">k</span>s.</span><span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 6.5pt;">24 <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #4c4d4f;">Af<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>er Sep<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>ember 2001, the C<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">i</span>vil Ri<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">g</span>hts
D<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">i</span>vision of the Department of
Justice no<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>ed that A<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>ab, Muslim, Sikh,and South<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">-</span>Asian Americans, as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">w</span>ell
as people<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">w</span>ho<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">w</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>e
pe<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>ce<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">i</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">v</span>ed<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>o
be members of those g<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>oups, had
been the victims of “inc<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>eased
numbers of bias-<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>ela<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>ed assaults, th<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>eats,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">v</span>andalism and arson<span style="letter-spacing: -.85pt;">.</span>”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">A</span>cco<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>din<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">l</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.9pt;">y</span>, the C<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">i</span>vil
Ri<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">g</span>hts D<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">i</span>vision launched an initiat<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">iv</span>e
“<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>o<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">w</span>o<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">r</span>k
p<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>oact<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">iv</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">l</span>y<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>o
combat violations of c<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">i</span>vil ri<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span>hts l<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">a</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">w</span>s” a<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span>ainst
these Americans. Its initiat<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">iv</span>e is
aimed at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>educing the incidence of these bias-<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>ela<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>ed assaults, th<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>eats,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">v</span>andalism, and arson as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">w</span>ell
as prioritizing cases i<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">nv</span>o<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">l</span>ving discrimination a<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span>ainst these Americans in empl<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">o</span>ymen<span style="letter-spacing: .15pt;">t</span>,
housing, education, access <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>o
public accommodations and <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">f</span>acilities,
and other a<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>eas. Af<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>er Sep<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>ember
2001, the C<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">i</span>vil Ri<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">g</span>hts D<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">i</span>vision
of the Department of Justice no<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>ed
that A<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>ab, Muslim, Sikh, and South<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">-</span>Asian Americans, as <span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">w</span>ell as people <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">w</span>ho <span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">w</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>e pe<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>ce<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">iv</span>ed <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>o
be members of those g<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>oups, had been
the victims of “inc<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>eased numbers of
bias-<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>ela<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>ed assaults, th<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>eats, <span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">v</span>andalism and arson<span style="letter-spacing: -.85pt;">.</span>”</span><span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 6.5pt;">25 <span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #4c4d4f; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">A</span><span style="color: #4c4d4f;">cco<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>din<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">l</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.9pt;">y</span>,
the C<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">i</span>vil Ri<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">g</span>hts D<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">i</span>vision
launched an initiat<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">iv</span>e “<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>o <span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">w</span>o<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">r</span>k p<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>oact<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">iv</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">l</span>y <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>o combat violations of c<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">i</span>vil ri<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span>hts
l<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">a</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">w</span>s”
a<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span>ainst these Americans.</span><span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 6.5pt;">26 <span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #4c4d4f;">Its initiat<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">iv</span>e is aimed at <span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>educing the incidence of these bias-<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">r</span>ela<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>ed
assaults, th<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>eats, <span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">v</span>andalism, and arson as <span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">w</span>ell as prioritizing cases i<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">nv</span>o<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">l</span>ving
discrimination a<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span>ainst these
Americans in empl<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">o</span>ymen<span style="letter-spacing: .15pt;">t</span>, housing, education, access <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">t</span>o public accommodations and <span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">f</span>acilities, and other a<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>eas.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Th</span><span style="color: #4c4d4f;">e<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Counci</span>l<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;">r</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">ecommend</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">tha</span>t<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">th</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Departmen</span>t<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">o</span>f<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Justic</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">continu</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">thi</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">emphasi</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">an</span>d<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">w</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">o</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>k <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">wit</span>h<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">th</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Departmen</span>t<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">o</span>f<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Homelan</span>d<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Securit</span>y<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">a</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">w</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">el</span>l<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">a</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">f</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">aith-base</span>d<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">an</span>d<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">communit</span>y<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">g</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">r</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">oup</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> t</span>o <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">hol</span>d<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> t</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">o</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">wnhal</span>l<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">meeting</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> t</span>o<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">discus</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">citize</span>n<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">concern</span>s<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">o</span>n<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">c</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;">i</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">vi</span>l<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">liberties</span>."</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 4.5pt;">19<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="letter-spacing: .9pt;"> </span></span></span><i><span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 8.0pt;">Id.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 4.5pt;">21<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="letter-spacing: .9pt;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 8.0pt;">Gallup and the Muslim<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">W</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">s</span>t<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">F</span>acts
P<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>oject,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Muslim Ameri<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">c</span>ans: A</i></span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span><i><span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 8.0pt;">National<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">P</span>ortrait</span></i><span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 8.0pt;">, Ma<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">r</span>ch 2009.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 4.5pt;">22<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="letter-spacing: .9pt;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-size: 8.0pt;">Gallup and the Muslim<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">W</span>e<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">s</span>t<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">F</span>acts
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-36223647655494523492012-12-31T00:01:00.002-05:002012-12-31T00:01:27.130-05:00HASC Expresses Condolences on Tragic Death in NYC subway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">HASC Expresses Condolences on Tragic Death in NYC subway</span></span></b></div>
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<b>-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><b><i>Urge DOJ and FBI to Track Hindu Hate Crimes Separately -</i></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Washington D.C. December 30, 2012: </i></b>HASC expresses grief over the tragic death of Mr. Sunando Senand concern over xenophobia against Hindus, as well as Muslims and Sikhs. Last Thursday, Mr. Sen was pushed onto the tracks of an elevated subway station in Queens by <span style="color: #333333;">Erika Menendez, a </span>31-year-old woman and crushed by an oncoming train. “I pushed a Muslim off the train tracks because I hate Hindus and Muslims ever since 2001 when they put down the twin towers I’ve been beating them up.” Rightfully, she ischarged with murder as a hate crime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Though there is a high level of acceptance of our community in America, sometimes we see gaps through intolerance and violence. Unfortunately, innocent people are impacted when individuals turn against any group of people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Following the<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bwlxj5pIr0I-bF90SThkbUJ6OVE/edit" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"> 9/11 tragedy</a>, Hindu</span><span style="color: windowtext;"> and Dharmic people</span><span style="color: windowtext;">, </span><span style="color: windowtext;">including children and youth, have been </span><span style="color: windowtext;">have been the victims of inc<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">r</span>eased numbers of bias-<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">r</span>ela<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">t</span>ed assaults, th<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">r</span></span>eats, <span style="color: windowtext; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;">v</span><span style="color: windowtext;">andalism and arson</span><span style="color: windowtext;">, subjected to harassment, bullying and even killed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of these heinous acts of are under-reported, and if reported are not tracked as hate crimes. We need the Department of Justice (DOJ) to have a separate Hindu category to track anti Hindu hate crimes and urge FBI to implement to raise the profile.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Many Hindu and Dharmic places of worship are vandalized and our community does not report such crimes for fear of retaliation. The community needs to report the crimes and continue to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/upholding-dharmic-values-of-self-reliance-protecting-our-temples-gurudwaras-and-places-of-worship_b_2228043.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">increase vigilance and awareness</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In Old Bridge, NJ, Dr. Divyendu Sinha was beaten to death in front of his wife and children, by five people for no reason. The family and community are still waiting for the trial of 4 of the 5 culprits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We hope these heinous acts against our community will not go unnoticed and the death of Dr. Sen will not be in vain. Just as the community improves its own security infrastructures we urge DOJ and FBI to track these hate crimes separately for appropriate data collection and action. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We hope education and interfaith collaboration will dispel ignorance as we come develop our pluralistic communities together</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-52210869027549313492012-12-26T18:57:00.002-05:002012-12-26T21:54:53.595-05:00Name changed to Hindu American Seva Communities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Hindu American Seva Charities changes name to Hindu American Seva Communities</span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Community Building and Capacity Building efforts remain the same. Only the name has changed!</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Washington,
D.C. December 12, 2012</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. Hindu American Seva Charities (HASC) is now Hindu
American Seva Communities (HASC),</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> an independently registered not-for-profit organization</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The new name clearly reflects the vision of our organization:
community development and capacity building </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">through public, private and education
partnerships</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
new name augments<i> HASC’s mission, </i></span><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">HASC is a progressive American
organization advancing seva (community service), interfaith collaboration,
pluralism, social justice and sustainable civic engagement to ignite grassroots
social change and build healthy communities and coalitions while strengthening
our places of worship. Through education
and policy changes it seeks to bridge the gap between US government and Hindu
and Dharmic people and places of worship.</span></i></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“America
values the </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/14/faith-inspires-hindu-american-seva-charities_n_1670828.html?utm_hp_ref=religion" target="_hplink"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">individual
contribution</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and
empowers its citizens to self-govern their communities at the local, state and
national levels. </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/saumya-arya-haas/hindu-american-seva-charities_b_1715017.html" target="_hplink"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Volunteerism
and community service</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> are an
integral part of our national consciousness and the very backbone of our
communal existence. Values that resonate
with Dharmic philosophy of self-reliance are part of our historical heritage;
these values enabled Gandhi to win freedom in India” explained Anju Bhargava,
HASC Founder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shekar
Narasimhan, HASC founding Board member observed, “As a new immigrant community
it is imperative we connect with America and develop infrastructure capacity to
serve and address our social justice concerns<i>.</i> Through coalitions, HASC is
working to make service and volunteering a defining part of Hindu and Dharmic
American life.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">HASC’s </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">key five
</span><a href="http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/programs/community-development"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">focus </span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">areas are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Development of Seva Centers to provide services (eg Refugees, Military,
health); promote National Days of Service<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Strengthening Security of Dharmic Places of Worship <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Development of Youth/Next Generation Seva Leaders and Women’s Empowerment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Bhumi Seva<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Seva is an
integral part of Hindu and Dharmic traditions and sadhana (practice), and it is
transformative. To achieve its mission,
with an inside out approach, HASC seeks to mobilize communities through service
at local and national levels to affect development and strengthen our Hindu
American identity.” said Ved Chaudhary, HASC founding Board member.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“From its
inception, HASC has worked to unite faith and secular communities in social
equity projects and to strengthen the diaspora immigrant civic engagement of
the New Americans, for the common good. Through these efforts HASC is pushing
out boundaries for social justice and interfaith collaboration, </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">connecting the community with government
agencies and working to strengthen our places of worship</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">, a public, private,
education partnership!</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.“ Dr. Siva
Subramanian, HASC founding Board member.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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support from its formation in May 2009 to respond to President Obama’s Call to
Serve. Now, your generous donations will
help continue the effort to develop programs to strengthen our community. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02670527386115124785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-86858081481888187592012-09-19T21:24:00.000-04:002012-09-20T22:11:07.057-04:00Reflection on Hate Crime Hearing about Oak Creek Tragedy<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>"Senators, I came here today to ask the government to give my mother the dignity of being a statistic."-Harpreet Singh Saini</strong></div>
<br />
<br />
I, Ramya Ram, an Americorp VISTA, attended this event on the behalf of everyone at Hindu American Seva Charities. 400 people attended this very moving hearing. Personally, this hearing, was not only enlightening for me but monumental, because the Sikh community, as a whole, through Harpreet Singh Saini, were able to address their views on hate crimes against their community. I myself, and many people, around me from all backgrounds, were very teary as we saw, this young man, give a historical testiment to his mother and the other victims of the Oak Creek Tragedy. Normally, people who present to members of Congress are being honored for their achievements but for Harpreet, he came because, he had lost his mother and many other victims. He came to defend himself and others of his community from future hate crime attacks. <br />
<br />
The haunting yet powerful words of Harpreet Singh,a son of the one of the Oak Creek victims, sent a humble, yet so needed request to members of Congress. His mother, was shot by the white creek gunmen as she was praying. According to Senator Durbin, for about 2 years, Sikh Americans have asked, that violence against them be recorded so that both the government and the public knows about these incidence. Till today, their petition, to put has surprisingly gone unanswered. This hearing was essential because, it has acted as the tipping point. In other words, officials like Senotor Durbin are aware of violence against Muslims/Arabs/Sikhs and want to use their influence to make sure the government does something about hate crimes against these groups. <br />
<br />
According to Roy Austin Jr.,Deputy Attorney General, of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, violence against Sikhs are not recorded on the hate crime list even though there has been ample evidence that there are hate crimes against Sikh Americans. Mr. Austin, has stated, that the Department of Justice is looking into these cases against Sikh Americans. Recently, <br />
the civil rights division and community relations service are going to be brought together to determine what kinds of statistics need to be recorded. Department of Justice has quite an intensive process along with the FBI in order to properly reflect the events. I, myself and many others, are looking forward to their decision after their October meeting with the FBI officials. <br />
<br />
This hearing was an eye opener for me as well as the dharmic community on a variety of levels. Firstly, the public heard about how the various govermental departments are addressing hate crimes. Secondly, the community also got to heard potential solutions, for hate crimes against the Sikh community. Most importantly, we gained a lot of ground in our petition to list hate crimes against Sikhs in the goverment "Hate Crime List"'. <br />
<br />
As Daryl Johnson, CEO of DT Analytic, rightfully pointed out, many people tend to over look the act of non-Islamic right wing extremists because, they associate the violence with another movement. We, as a diverse community have to recognize that these right wing extremists, have their own beliefs that can stem from a variety of notorious extremist groups. I think that we should delve deeper into their actual biases as opposed to "knowing their intent" so that such crimes are not misclassified. I also agreed with Mr. Johnson's point of the goverment distributing yearly threat assessments to vulnerable populations and counter measures that various communities can take against these horrible events. This way, communities can recieve warnings and have time to take the proper precautions.<br />
<br />
I can only hope that the Department of Justice hears these concerns and does the proper follow through procedures to address them. I also hope that this hate crime, is the last of its kind and there shouldn't be anymore, in order for the Department of Justice to provide the proper protection to all of America's minority. <br />
<br />Ramya Ramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02077474981182633083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521731673458423.post-84000959855443274862012-09-11T22:18:00.000-04:002012-09-11T22:21:13.721-04:00Announcement: Seeking community leader/s to coordinate and lead security infrastructure effort<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Dear Dharma Community</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Recent tragedies underscore the need for our Dharmic community to be able to train itself and build capacity to better protect itself. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">HASC is working with the Department of Homeland Security to assist the Dharmic and Hindu community increase security of faith infrastructures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">We are starting this effort in New Jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The effort requires a statewide leader/s to lead the initiative and coordinate it statewide with DHS and our places of worship, our temples.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">It will require working with the temples and community organizations to develop an outreach program with DHS to provide training for our temples and for our congregations so that they can better protect themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a part time effort where most coordination can be done on weekends and after working hours. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">We urge community members to come forward and take a role in collectively developing a security infrastructure for our community. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>DHS is most eager to work with our community to strengthen our Dharmic places of worship.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Please let us know of your interest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Thank you</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">HASC team</span></p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> 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