Inside This Newsletter

HAF CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACKS IN INDIA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM

HAF TO HOLD HINDU AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN NEW YORK AND ATLANTA

HAF SUMMER INTERNS MEET IN CALIFORNIA

HAF HOSTS SUCCESSFUL DALLAS OUTREACH PROGRAM
 

HAF Releases First Ever Annual Survey of Hindu Human Rights CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

HAF Condemns Terrorist Attacks in India and the United Kingdom

July 7, 2005

TAMPA, FL: With breaking news of the multiple bombings in London on July 7, 2005, coming just two days after a presumed Islamist terrorist attack on a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, India, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) expressed condolences to the victims of the attacks, and condemned the perpetrators of  the terrorism.   While Indian security forces killed all 6 attackers at the temple marking the birthplace of Lord Rama, a widely worshipped incarnation of God for Hindus, the London attack resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.

“We are shocked and outraged by these wanton attacks on innocent civilians in London, and at one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites in India,” said Rajan Patel, member of the HAF Executive Council.  “These attacks underscore the need for resolve and unity to face the recent deluge of terror that is taking a global turn in attacks on innocent people.”

The attack on the high-security Hindu Ram Janambhomi complex in Ayodha began after terrorists stormed the temple, shooting at random before exchanging fire with police. Machine guns and grenades were found with the bodies of the gunmen.  Speculation centers on the Lashkar-e-Toiba, a Pakistan supported Al-Qaida group as the perpetrators of the attack. 

The four bomb blasts that targeted London’s underground transport system and a double-decker bus, on July 7, reportedly left 38 dead and over 700 injured. British Press Association reports from London said that a group calling itself “The Secret Organization of Al-Qaida in Europe” has claimed responsibility.

“Hindus have long faced the specter of terrorism in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir where 350,000 Hindus remain refugees in their own country, and in Bangladesh where thousands have been killed and millions forced from their homes,” said Vinay Vallabh, member of the HAF Executive Council.  “It is our hope that the spirit of pluralism and tolerance shared by Hindus, the brave people of London and our fellow citizens here in the United States will not waver in the face of terrorism whose philosophy is incompatible with the very idea of civilization.”

For further information: Please contact HAF.
Support HAF - Click here to become a member

HAF to Hold Hindu Awareness Campaign in New York and Atlanta

HAF invites you to the Hindu American Foundation’s 2nd Hindu Awareness Campaign presentation in New York! From July 30-31 in New York, you will have the opportunity to meet with HAF leaders Dr. Mihir Meghani (President, HAF) and Swaminathan Venkatraman (Member, HAF Executive Council), HAF’s 2005 summer interns, and other supporters in our community, learn about HAF's achievements and plans, and find out how you can be a part of HAF.

Date: Saturday, July 30, 2005
Time: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: The Hindu Temple Society of North America
Lakshmi Hall, 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355.
Phone: 718-460-8484.
Web: http://www.nyganeshtemple.org/.

Please RSVP to Pandita Indrani at i_rampersad@yahoo.com or (718) 529-3966, Prem Ramkarn at labarya@yahoo.com or 347-239-3513, or to the temple office directly. Click on the Google map here for directions.


Date: Sunday, July 31, 2005.
Programs: Youth Program with lunch from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and Community Leaders Program 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm:

Location: Long Island home of Drs. Urmila Shivaram and Subrahmanya Bhat
75 Plymouth Rd, Plandome, NY 11030
Please RSVP by Phone: 516-627-4485 or email urmilaa@gmail.com.
Click on the Google map here for directions.

HAF invites you to our first event in Atlanta, GA. Please join our leaders to learn about our achievements and plans, and find out how you can be a part of HAF.

Date: Saturday, August 6, 2005
Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm (Lunch will be served)
Location: The Palace Restaurant
6131 Peachtree Pkwy
Norcross, GA
770.840.7770
Click on the Google map here for directions.

Please RSVP to Sheetal Shah by July 22.
Email: sheetal.d.shah@hinduamericanfoundation.org
Phone: 678.595.8872

Members who will be present:

Mihir Meghani, M.D. (President, HAF)
Aseem Shukla, M.D. (Member, Board of Directors)
Suhag Shukla, Esq. (HAF Legal Counsel)
Rajan Patel (Member, Executive Council)
Sheetal Shah (Member, Executive Council)


For further information: Please contact HAF.
Support HAF - Click here to become a member

HAF Summer Interns Meet in California

July 2, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO, CA.: Five California-based Hindu American Foundation summer interns, Lahari Rao, Aayal Patel, Kartikeya Katir, Nihar Bharbhaiya and Bhaavika Patel, met with Mihir Meghani, President of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), and HAF Executive Council Members, Swaminathan Venkataraman and Pawan Deshpande.  Over dinner, Deshpande explained to the interns the various issues facing Hindu Americans.

Each intern will be working this summer on projects including a study of the US Government Faith Based and Community Initiatives (FBCI) program, a survey of violations of Hindu human rights, the documentation of inflammatory Hindu-hate websites, research of holy festivals and website development.  Long time HAF supporter Easan Katir was also present at the event.

For further information: Please contact HAF.
Support HAF - Click here to become a member

HAF Hosts Successful Dallas Outreach Program

July 2, 2005

DALLAS, TX: A Hindu Awareness Campaign presentation was hosted the Foundation for Pluralism’s series of programs on various religions.  Dr. Mihir Meghani addressed a diverse audience, speaking about the issues facing Hindus and HAF’s role in addressing them.  Dr. Meghani’s presentation was followed by the Shanti Shanti sisters in concert.

Additionally, a meeting was held with community leaders and was hosted by Sashi Kejriwal.  During the meeting with community leaders, Dr. Meghani stressed the need for Hindu unity, and the promotion of the values of Hinduism – pluralism, tolerance, and understanding.  The community leaders invited HAF to come for a larger program to educate the public about the issues facing Hindus in America and worldwide.

For further information: Please contact HAF.
Support HAF - Click here to become a member