DATE: June 20, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC: On Friday, June 17, 2005, Nikhil N. Joshi, Esq., member of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) Board of Directors, discussed various issues of concern to Hindu Americans with Mr. Ruben Barralles, the Assistant to the President and White House Director for Intergovernmental Affairs.

During an extended visit with Director Barralles in his office in the Eisenhower Executive Building, adjacent to the White House, Mr. Joshi expressed HAF's support for the Bush Administration's strong stance against terrorism and hatred inspired by religious fundamentalism. HAF’s upcoming Hindu Human Rights Report was discussed in detail as well as ways in which Hindu American issues could be discussed at the highest levels of government.

“It is our vision at HAF that this nation prospers as a truly pluralistic society where citizens of all faiths have a voice in the national dialogue,” said Mr. Joshi after his visit with Director Barralles. “I am pleased that the White House shares in this vision and recognizes the Hindu American community as one of growing significance and influence.”

Mr. Joshi invited the White House to more fully engage the Hindu American community in dialogue and with formal Hindu representation at events such as the National Day of Prayer and official recognition of the most important Hindu festival of Diwali in the fall. Director Barralles encouraged Hindu engagement of the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (FBCI) program that President Bush initiated.