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Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2011) - Only one week into the Hindu American Foundation’s Congressional Internship, the five interns already had much to share of their experiences and insights gained into the political process when they reconvened over the weekend with HAF leaders. This year brought HAF its inaugural class of interns -- five college students who were selected through a highly competitive process and placed into congressional offices to serve as interns for six weeks this summer.

 

"We're excited about offering this first-of-its-kind opportunity to young Hindu Americans and are thrilled with the calibre of our initial class. They’re not only hard-working and capable, but outstanding representatives of our community,” said Sheetal Shah, HAF’s Senior Director and coordinator of the internship program. “We’re also grateful to the congressional offices for taking these emerging leaders under their wings to teach them first-hand the inner-workings of our government.”

 

In addition to placing the students in various congressional offices, the Foundation also provided the interns with room and board and coverage of incidental expenses for the full six weeks of the program. The Foundation also organized a half-day event for the interns to learn more about HAF’s advocacy efforts and become more involved with HAF. Throughout the year, the interns will continue to have opportunities to share their experiences at various HAF programs, including joining the HAF delegation at the upcoming DC Advocacy Days on September 20.

 

"These interns represent the future leaders of the Hindu American community and for that reason we believe it is vital to develop their interest and expertise in advocacy,” said Suhag Shukla, HAF’s Managing Director and Legal Counsel. “It is our hope that the Hindu American Congressional Internship enables this and future classes of interns to fully understand the legislative process to better lead our community’s advocacy efforts going forward.”