Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2007) - The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) voiced its appreciation last week for an initiative of Hindu spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to improve relations between Harijans (also referred to as“Dalits”) and other Hindus.
On March 9, 2007 the Art of Living Foundation, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, held a “Truth and Reconciliation” meeting in New Delhi. The event brought together Harijan and other Hindu community leaders for a dialogue to reinforce the mutual goal of ending social discrimination. Over 20 supporting organizations and nearly 5,000 people attended the public meeting and supported the effort.
Leaders at the conference adopted a seven-point action plan which addressed several issues: temple entry for Harijans, organization of common community celebrations, abolishing the use of separate utensils for serving different Hindu groups, empowerment of economically-disadvantaged women, access to educational facilities, education of Harijan children, and equality and justice for all individuals. These issues are also at the forefront for several Hindu organizations seeking to ensure fair treatment of Harijans and ensuring their human rights.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in a recent newspaper essay, challenged the “narrow-minded” and casteist views of some Hindus, saying, “How can a religion that says ‘all this is Brahman and the universe itself is Upadaana Kaarana (the divine is material cause of the universe)’ sanction discrimination by birth?”
“We are delighted that prominent Hindu spiritual leaders are taking an active role in the fight against casteism,” said Pawan Deshpande, member of the HAF Executive Council. “There have been many such attempts in the past by great Hindu saints and leaders to rid Hindu society of caste discrimination, and the modern present provides us all a great opportunity to make the dreams of those saints, sages and ordinary Hindus a reality.”