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Washington, D.C. (November 14, 2011) - The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) joined a multi-group effort led by Sewa International (USA), a non-profit charitable organization, to raise funds for Hindu flood victims in Pakistan. After the floods of 2010 devastated much of Pakistan’s Sindh province, recent monsoon rains have once again caused extensive damage in Sindh, resulting in more than 400 deaths and the destruction of approximately 4.5 million acres of agricultural land. Pakistani authorities also maintain that the floods have displaced millions of people and rendered nearly 700,000 homeless.

 

Relief efforts by the government and private organizations, however, have allegedly neglected the needs of non-Muslim minorities, with several news reports indicating that Hindus and Christians have been denied aid and shelter at relief camps managed by the government and Muslim charities. According to HAF, which has documented the plight of the Hindu community in Pakistan in its annual human rights reports, Hindu flood victims were also reportedly denied aid during the 2010 floods.

 

"It is unconscionable that Hindus, who remain among the most vulnerable segments of Pakistani society, have been denied aid and basic necessities for no other reason than their religion,” said Arvind Chandrakantan, MD, HAF Executive Council Member. “The Pakistani government has an obligation to serve the needs of all its citizens regardless of religion, especially those affected by the devastating floods.”

 

Sewa International and other Hindu American organizations have now stepped in to raise money for Hindu flood victims and partnered with the Hare Ram Foundation in Pakistan, a registered non-profit organization that works with poor Hindus in Punjab and Sindh, to provide for essential services.

 

"As Hindu Americans, it is critical that we donate generously to support the Hindu flood victims in Pakistan,” continued Chandrakantan. “Many of the affected have already lost their homes and livelihoods, and they are in dire need of basic humanitarian supplies, including clean drinking water, food, and warm clothing.”

 

People interested in helping can donate online at Sewa International or by sending a check to SEWA International, USA, 3908 Westhollow Parkway, Houston, TX 77082. Checks should be made payable to “SEWA International” and should indicate “Pakistan Flood Relief Fund” in the memo area of the check.

 

"To serve the flood affected minorities in Pakistan in such a distressed situation is in our mandate and we are glad to be of help," said Prof. Sree N. Sreenath, President of Sewa International.