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DATE: June 28,
2004
The Hindu American Foundation
(HAF) (www.hinduamericanfoundation.org)
recently garnered praise from the co-chairs of the Congressional
Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Rep. Joseph Crowley
(D-NY) and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), for its mission and activities
following its launch less than two months ago.
“The HAF’s Hindu
Awareness Campaign brings much needed attention to members
the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the
lack of understanding of Hindus and Hindu Americans,”
said Rep. Crowley referring to HAF’s government outreach
initiative consisting of intensive meetings with several legislators
in Washington, D.C., May 5-6, 2004. The group discussed various
human rights, domestic and legal issues of concern to Hindu
Americans during the meetings and presented policy briefs
detailing Hindu perspectives on these issues.
Reflecting on HAF’s
mission, Rep. Crowley added, “I am confident that HAF
will continue to be looked upon as a resource on issues dealing
with the promotion of Hindu and American ideals of tolerance,
understanding and pluralism.” Rep. Crowley pledged “passionate”
representation of Hindu American concerns and issues following
his meetings with the group.
A long-time ally of Hindus,
having provided pro bono legal service to the first Hindu
temple in South Carolina, Rep. Wilson similarly conveyed his
appreciation to HAF for their service on behalf of the Hindu
American community.
“I was honored to
meet with you when you recently visited Capitol Hill with
the world-renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
I appreciate all the hard work the Hindu American Foundation
is doing in our great nation,” he said having attended
a dinner reception hosted by HAF on Capitol Hill on May 5,
2004. HAF introduced Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the
Art of Living Foundation, to numerous members of the United
States Congress at the reception.
In response to HAF’s
policy briefs that discussed the atrocities suffered by Hindus
in Kashmir, Rep. Wilson specifically highlighted his own commitment
to the issue, “As a Member of Congress, I have spoken
out against the violence unleashed against Kashmiri Pandits,
and I will continue to stand with the Indian American community
to help Kashmiri Pandits return to their ancestral homeland.”
Rep. Wilson recently advocated recognition and understanding
of Hindu rights in Kashmir at a congressional hearing held
by the widely acknowledged nemesis of India, Rep. Dan Burton
(R-IN). The hearing was an otherwise choreographed tirade
against India.
“Congressmen Crowley
and Wilson are known widely in our community as steadfast
supporters for India,” said Sheetal Shah, who coordinated
HAF’s congressional outreach efforts. “But the
extent of their intimate understanding and empathy for Hindu
American issues is both heartening and extraordinary,”
he added.
“HAF is fortunate
to have the support of many influential legislators in the
U.S. Congress,” said Aseem Shukla, M.D., member of the
HAF Board of Directors. “The words of support from Congressmen
Crowley and Wilson will inspire us to further our varied efforts
on behalf of Hindu Americans,” Dr. Shukla continued.
For further
information: Please contact
HAF.
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