Hindu American Foundation

HAF Webinar: The Swastika & CA AB2282 - HAF in conversation with the Anti-Defamation League
2022-08-10 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Online, Anywhere
The Hindu American Foundation and the Anti-Defamation League invite you to an interfaith discussion on the use and abuse of the swastika, and the historic implications of CA AB 2282 on the Dharmic (Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist) and Jewish faith communities of California. Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee. Kendall Kosai is the Director of Policy for the Anti-Defamation League western division, overseeing advocacy and policy for ten states. ADL is a national civil rights organization dedicated toward combating hate and anti-Semitism, promoting equity, and securing justice and fair treatment for all. His portfolio includes leading a comprehensive legislative advocacy strategy, supporting regions in various local issues, and strengthening the division’s civic engagement efforts. Kendall was also formerly the ADL Pacific Northwest’s Associate Regional Director. Prior to coming to the ADL, Kendall was the Deputy Director for OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, a national membership-driven organization of community advocates dedicated toward the social, political, and economic well-being of the over 20 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the United States

HAF Webinar: Implications and Strategic Responses to H.Res. 1196
2022-07-27 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) invites you to join us for a conversation with Tiger Hill Partners, a leading government relations firm on Capitol Hill, on H.Res. 1196 and its implications for Hindu-Americans and US – India relations.
Last month, Rep. Omar introduced H.Res. 1196 condemning “human rights violations and violations of international religious freedom in India, including those targeting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis, and other religious and cultural minorities.” During this webinar, Samir Kalra, HAF’s Managing Director, and Milan Dalal, Founder and Managing Partner of Tiger Partners, will discuss strategic approaches towards these types of resolutions and the differences between resolutions and bills.
Tiger Hill Partners represents HAF on Capitol Hill Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee. Milan Dalal is Founder and Managing Partner of Tiger Hill Partners LLC, a Washington, DC-based consulting firm focused on government relations and public affairs. He specializes in advising clients on complex legislative, regulatory, and political issues.
Milan enjoys teaching and has presented on “Strategies for the Economic Reconstruction of Iraq” at the U.S. Naval Academy. He has been a guest lecturer at Boston University School of Law, New York University and American University. Milan is a member of the Atlantic Council, is a Truman National Security Partner, and serves as a President-elect of the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia.

Know Your Rights! A program for concerned parents of Hindu & Jewish students
2022-06-22 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Join Hindu American Foundation and Stand With Us for an in-depth look at current legal issues impacting Hindu and Jewish students, faculty, and community members in the United States. This presentation aims to empower college and high school students and their parents to identify and enforce their legal rights as Jews or Hindus.
Moderated by Samir Kalra, HAF Managing Director, and Yael Lerman, Director StandWithUs Saidoff Legal Department

HAF Dharma Advocates Training: Advocacy for Kashmiri Hindus
2022-05-11 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Time: 8:00-9:00 pm ET / 5:00 am – 6:00 pm PT | Online, anywhere

The purpose of the Hindu American Foundation Dharma Advocates Training Program is to train Hindu Americans to become better, more effective, and influential advocates for the Hindu American cause.
In this interactive advocacy training webinar, participants will learn how they can advocate for Kashmiri Hindus.

Shifting Perspectives
2022-05-03 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Your kids grew up attending Balvihar classes. Your family visited the temple regularly and celebrated Holi, Diwali, and Hindu festivals in a grand way. You sent your children off to college with a foundation in Hinduism.
But each time they come home, you notice they question their Hindu upbringing more and more. And tensions in the household arise. Your children are citing their progressive professors who discuss Hinduism as an hierarchical caste-based tradition, their college newspaper that runs a piece denying the tragedy of Kashmiri Pandit experience, and their classmates that share ill-sourced, but compelling Instagram posts which portray Hindus as oppressors in India.
Your attempts to dialog with them are seemingly futile. And you ask yourself, “How did this 180 degree change happen? How do I get through to them?”
Join me for an engaging conversation with three young adults as we take a deeper dive to what really happens on college campuses, why Hindu American kids are doing a 180, and how we, as parents, can have a real conversation with our children.
Registration is required.
WE WILL RESERVE TIME FOR Q&A AT THE END. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE WHEN REGISTERING. Roshni graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a minor in Biology. She is the national youth co-director of the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA), an organization that preserves Kashmiri Hindu heritage. Sachin is a 4th-year undergraduate at UC Berkeley, studying Political Economy and Immunology. Sandhya attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and went to medical school in Chicago. She is currently completing her family medicine residency in East Texas. HAF Executive Director and Co-Founder

What Moves Us: Inspiration and Perseverance of Hindu and Jewish Women
2022-03-08 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Join HAF and Stand With Us for an empowering discussion with two prominent women advocates, Suhag Shukla and Peggy Shapiro, as they discuss the ancient women and ancient teachings that inspire them and how they face modern day challenges of media misrepresentations, and passing on spiritual legacies to the next generation. Special remarks by Jenifer Rajkumar, NY Assembly District 38, and Mazi Melesa Pilip, NY County Legislator District 10. This conversation is moderated by Carly Gammill, Director of the Stand With Us Center for Combating Antisemitism.

HAF Year End Event: The Power of Law
2021-12-02 20:00 - 21:30 | Online, Anywhere
Our country’s legal system can be a powerful tool in the face of defamation, Hinduphobia, and religious liberty violations. But you have to know how to use it smartly. On December 2, join us for an engaging discussion with our in-house legal team, Suhag Shukla, Esq. and Samir Kalra, Esq., about the legal tools we as Americans have on hand to protect ourselves.
We promise, this will NOT be boring lawyer talk.
We’ll be talking about not only what we can do in the face of Hinduphobia, but what we cannot do. We can’t just sue folks because they say malicious things about Hindus or Hinduism. So when do we have grounds for legal action? We’ll discuss the legal merits of our defamation case, our legal action against UPenn in the aftermath of the DGH conference, and more…
Registration is required.
WE WILL RESERVE TIME FOR Q&A AT THE END. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE WHEN REGISTERING. HAF Executive Director and Co-Founder HAF Managing Director

HAF Advocacy Forum 2021
2021-09-21 11:00 - 17:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | Time: 11:00am – 5:00 pm ET / 8:00 am – 2:00 pm PT | Online, anywhere

HAF’s flagship advocacy event is back for 2021, with panels on human rights and religious freedom in Pakistan, and what can be done to fix the US immigration system.

HAF Virtual Event: Dismantling Global Hinduphobia
2021-08-31 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 | Time: 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET / 5:00 – 6:00 pm PT | Online, anywhere

Join the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) for a virtual event exploring the growing phenomenon of Hinduphobia, its global roots, and its impact on Hindu Americans. Learn more about how you can take action and fight back against increasing attacks on Hinduism and attempts to silence the Hindu American voice.
Registration is required. You will receive an email with the link once your registration has been approved.
Rashmi Samant, a graduate from the University of Oxford. She made international headlines when she was elected as the first Indian woman President of the Oxford University Students Union. She made headlines again, when days after being elected, Rashmi resigned after being on the receiving end of a vicious cyber-mob attack by far-left and anti-Hindu activists who targeted not only Rashmi, but her parents. The Thames Valley police confirmed that it was investigating the event as a hate incident and Oxford recently completed its own investigation to which both Rashmi and her attorney expressed vindication.
Rashmi completed her studies at Oxford in Climate Science this year and is now engaged with the British Parliamentary as a staff member. She is a fierce advocate of both human rights and Climate Sciences. You can follow her on Twitter at @RashmiDVS. Dr. Lavanya Vemsani is a multi-award-winning scholar and Distinguished University Professor of History at Shawnee State University in the Department of Social Sciences. Lavanya is also the Honorary Visiting Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She holds two doctorates in the subjects of Religious Studies (McMaster University) and History (University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India) respectively. Her research and teaching interests are interdisciplinary and multifold and include ancient history and religions as well as the current history of India. She’s published several books, including Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata and numerous articles onhistory and religions of India. She’s the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Indic Religions (2020-2023) and associate editor of Canadian Journal of History and The Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, served as President of Ohio Academy of History, and as if that’s not enough, is active on Twitter where you can follow her at @ProfVemsani.

HAF Dharma Advocates: Designating October as Hindu American Awareness & Appreciation Month (HAAAM)
2021-08-26 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021 | Time: 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET / 5:00 – 6:00 pm PT | Training level: Beginner | Online, anywhere

Join the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) for a special edition of our signature Dharma Advocates interactive training program on designating October as Hindu American Awareness & Appreciation Month. The program features Dr. Shereen Bhalla, HAF Director of Education, and Taniel Koushakjian, HAF Director of Public Policy.
In this 60-minute webinar we will show you:

How you can bring a HAAAM proclamation to to your children’s school board/district;

How to get a HAAAM resolution passed in your city council or state legislature;

How to promote the draft HAAAM resolution and the best practices to approaching your local government officials and education administrators.

This is your chance to hear directly from HAF’s education experts and public policy influencers who advance the interests of the Hindu American community on Capitol Hill and in State Capitals across the United States.
Space is limited (50 max) and registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting.
HAF’s Dharma Advocates Training is for US residents only.
Dr. Shereen Bhalla is HAF’s Director of Education based in the Bay Area, CA. Dr. Bhalla holds a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University, an MA in International Relations from St. Mary’s University, and a PhD in Culture, Literacy, and Language from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Prior to joining HAF, she was the Online Education Manager for the Center for Applied Linguistics. An advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse students, Dr. Bhalla has over ten years of experience teaching both English learners as well as pre-and in-service educators on how to best meet the needs of their students. Dr. Bhalla has taught for UTSA, George Washington University, the Inter-Development Bank and Johns Hopkins University. Taniel Koushakjian is HAF’s Director of Public Policy, based in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in PACs & Political Management from The George Washington University. Prior to joining HAF, Taniel worked as a political consultant and was a candidate for the Palm Beach County Commission. He previously worked as the Grassroots Director and Communications Director of the Armenian Assembly of America where he successfully advocated on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Taniel was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, as well as a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute. He is the Chairman of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable’s South Asia Working Group.

Religious Freedom in Bangladesh 1971-2021
2021-07-15 15:15 - 16:15 | Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Date: Thursday, July 15, 2021 | Time: 3:15-4:15 pm ET / 12:15-01:15 pm PT | Where: Omni Shoreham Hotel, Congressional Room, 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington DC, 20008 + online, anywhere
Guests will hear from an expert panel of speakers who will discuss the 1971 genocide and its ramifications today, how Bangladesh turned away from its secular constitution in 1988 and declared Islam its official state religion, and the status of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and other religious minorities in Bangladesh today.
This event is being held as part of the International Religious Freedom Summit taking place in Washington, DC July 13-15, 2021.
This event will be held in person and will be webcast via Zoom and on the HAF YouTube Channel. Participants who register and attend via Zoom will be able to participate in the live Q&A.
Deepali Kulkarni
Director of Human Rights, Hindu American Foundation
Deepali Kulkarni holds an MA from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, an MSt from Oxford University, and an MPhil from Syracuse University. She was a 2018 recipient of the Fulbright-Nehru student research award, with which she studied gendered religious practice in India extensively.
Dr. Richard Benkin
Author
Dr. Richard Benkin is one of the foremost activist-scholars currently working to save Bangladesh’s declining Hindu population. His on-the-ground research and activism in religious freedom and defending persecuted minorities in Bangladesh has led him to testify and present his findings before Congress and relevant US government agencies over the years. He is distinguished writer and author of “A Quiet Case of Ethnic Cleansing: the Murder of Bangladesh’s Hindus,” which provides verified evidence of anti-Hindu atrocities in Bangladesh, the government’s complicity in them, and the rest of the world’s deliberate silence. Dr. Benkin holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and has held a number of faculty and business positions. He sits on several boards and committees, and regularly serves as an expert witness in US asylum cases involving South Asian refugees before the US government.
Dr. Sachi Dastidar
Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Subcontinent Partition Documentation Project (ISPaD Project)
Dr. Sachi G. Dastidar is a Distinguished Professor of the State University of NY and the Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Indian Subcontinent Partition Documentation Project. He comes from a refugee family from Pakistan/Bangladesh, and has devoted his life’s studies to the partition of India, and subsequent changes in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. He now helps 33 schools for the poor and orphaned in Bangladesh and India, and has built 14 schools and dorms there. He is the author and editor of over 22 books and journals, several of which cover the 1947 and 1971 partitions, and has authored over 150 articles and lectured in three partitioned nations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Calcutta University, India, M.C.P. (City Planning), Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India, and a Ph.D. from Florida State University.
Taniel Koushakjian (Moderator)
Director of Public Policy, Hindu American Foundation
Taniel Koushakjian is the Director of Public Policy for the Hindu American Foundation and currently serves as the Chairman of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable’s South Asia Working Group. Prior to joining HAF, Taniel worked as a political consultant and was a candidate for the Palm Beach County Commission. He spent over a decade successfully advocating on Capitol Hill on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, US foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Taniel was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, as well as a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, as well as an M.A. in Political Management and a Graduate Certificate in PACs & Political Management both from The George Washington University.

HAF Virtual Event: A conversation with The Pew Research Center
2021-06-30 20:30 - 21:30 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | Time: 8:30 – 9:30 pm ET / 5:30 – 6:30 pm PT | Facebook Live
Join us on Facebook Live as the authors from The Pew Research Center discuss findings from their newly released survey on Indians.
The survey reached almost 30,000 Indians in 17 different languages. It focused on:

their religious experience, examining several broad themes, such as observances and beliefs
how they define their religious and national identities
how religious groups view each other
their attitudes toward pluralism and diversity
the connection between economic development and religious observance

Find out the key takeaways and what they mean for the Hindu American community. You’ll also have an opportunity to have your questions answered.
We will be live streaming this conversation on Facebook Live (@hinduamerican). Registration no longer required. Neha Sahgal is associate director of research at Pew Research Center, specializing in international polling on religion. Sahgal is involved in all aspects of survey research, including designing the questionnaire, monitoring field work, evaluating data quality and analyzing results.
Sahgal has been invited to speak about the project’s research at universities, religious organizations and government agencies such as the U.S. Department of State and the European Union. She also talks about the Center’s findings in international print and broadcast media.
Before joining the Pew Research Center, Sahgal worked at The Asia Foundation in San Francisco. She received her doctorate in government and politics, with a concentration in the comparative politics of the Middle East and South Asia, from The University of Maryland in 2008. Jonathan Evans is a research associate at Pew Research Center, where he contributes to international polling projects focused on religion and national identity. Jonathan received his master’s degree from Georgetown University and holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. He is a contributing author to Pew Research Center reports including “Being Christian in Western Europe” and “Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe”. Suhag Shukla, Esq. is HAF Executive Director and a co-founder of the Foundation. Ms. Shukla has helped steer the Foundation to being recognized as a leading voice for civil rights, human rights, and religious freedom. She is actively involved with Chinmaya Mission, serves on the board of the Bhutanese American Organization of Philadelphia, and is a thought partner for the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Paths to Understanding Public Art Initiative. Shukla is a member of the board for the National Museum of American Religion and serves on religious advisory committees for the Council on Foreign Relations, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Subcommittee for the Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith–Based Communities and is a member of the First Amendment Center’s Committee on Religious Liberty and the United Nations Women’s Gender Equality and Religion platform. Shukla was named one of twelve “faith leaders to watch in 2017” by the Center for American Progress.

HAF Virtual Town Hall: Combating Hate & Bias Targeting the Hindu Community
2021-06-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET / 4:00 – 5:00 pm PT | Online, anywhere

Join the Hindu American Foundation for a virtual town hall (webinar) focused on the role of federal law enforcement and the Department of Justice in combating hate and bias targeting the Hindu American community. This event will feature a panel discussion with federal partners to address Hindu American community concerns regarding bullying, hate speech, community safety, and hate crimes.

HAF Dharma Advocates: Federal Policy Update & Advocacy Training Webinar
2021-06-10 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Thursday, June 10, 2021 | Time: 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET / 5:00 – 6:00 pm PT | Training level: Beginner | Online, anywhere

Join the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) Managing Director Samir Kalra, Esq. and Director of Public Policy Taniel Koushakjian for an introductory and interactive advocacy training webinar with Hindu Americans from across the U.S. In this 60-minute webinar, you will learn:

How Washington, DC is functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic with a new Administration and a new Congress;

Hindu American domestic and foreign policy priorities in 2021;

How to effectively advocate for Hindu American issues; and

How to use HAF tools and resources to execute grassroots strategies that will have a positive impact in your community.

This is your chance to hear directly from HAF’s advocacy experts and public policy influencers who advance the interests of the Hindu American community on Capitol Hill and in State Capitals across the United States.
Space is limited (50 max) and registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the login information.
HAF’s Dharma Advocates Training is for US residents only.
Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee. Taniel Koushakjian is HAF’s Director of Public Policy, based in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in PACs & Political Management from The George Washington University. Prior to joining HAF, Taniel worked as a political consultant and was a candidate for the Palm Beach County Commission. He previously worked as the Grassroots Director and Communications Director of the Armenian Assembly of America where he successfully advocated on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Taniel was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, as well as a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute. He is the Chairman of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable’s South Asia Working Group.

HAF's Spring Gala: Growing up Hindu in America
2021-05-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Online, Anywhere
Hinduism is both complex and simple, personal and universal, colorful and austere. Its teachings are timely and timeless. These polarities are often met with confusion, leading to misunderstanding and stereotyping, especially in the West.
Growing up Hindu in America can be challenging. From idol worshipper or dot head to Apu, we’ve heard it all. And just when you’ve made it through the ‘caste, cow, and karma’ stereotypes in high school world history, you end up at a university with professors presenting warped interpretations of Hindu scripture and epics in class and on social media under the guise of ‘academic freedom’.
But in the seemingly rough landscape, you see your path ahead. It’s one that’s inspired by ancient Hindu teachings. It’s the same inspiration that other Hindu Americans have used to forge their own path in America. They’ve gone on to break barriers in American politics and entertainment, not in spite of their Hindu traditions, but because of them. And it’s the same inspiration that HAF draws from in our advocacy work to make it easier to be Hindu in America.
Join us on Thursday, May 20 for HAF’s Spring Gala: Growing up Hindu in America. Hear from New York State Assemblymember, Jenifer Rajkumar, on the challenges she faced while running for office earlier this year, and how she succeeded to become the first South Asian-American woman to be elected to office in the state of New York. In addition, we’ll peek into some of the first hand experiences from today’s students who have experienced Hinduphobia, and talk about what inspires them to push through those obstacles.
And to cap off the night, we’re thrilled to have comedic actor Omi Vaidya join us for an evening of laughter. You may recognize him from 3 Idiots or The Office! Suhag Shukla, Esq. is HAF Executive Director and a co-founder of the Foundation. Ms. Shukla has helped steer the Foundation to being recognized as a leading voice for civil rights, human rights, and religious freedom. She is actively involved with Chinmaya Mission, serves on the board of the Bhutanese American Organization of Philadelphia, and is a thought partner for the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Paths to Understanding Public Art Initiative. Shukla is a member of the board for the National Museum of American Religion and serves on religious advisory committees for the Council on Foreign Relations, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Subcommittee for the Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith–Based Communities and is a member of the First Amendment Center’s Committee on Religious Liberty and the United Nations Women’s Gender Equality and Religion platform. Shukla was named one of twelve “faith leaders to watch in 2017” by the Center for American Progress. In 2020, Jenifer Rajkumar made history as the first South Asian woman, and the first Hindu-American, to be elected to the legislature in New York State. In a victory many thought impossible, she defeated an 11 year incumbent by 27 percentage points, the largest win margin of any challenger in the state that cycle. Assemblywoman Rajkumar has dedicated her life to serving the vulnerable at both the national and local levels. She is a civil rights lawyer who has litigated class action cases focusing on gender equality and worker’s rights. She was formerly the Director of Immigration Affairs for the State of New York. She served as a Professor at CUNY, the public university of the City of New York. She is a graduate of Stanford Law School and the University of Pennsylvania. Omi Vaidya is one of the few comedic actors who works in both Hollywood & Bollywood therefore has a lot of frequent flyer miles. His work in front of the camera includes memorable characters on TV shows like The Office, Brown Nation, and Metro Park. Omi made his mark in Bollywood in 3 Idiots, which became one of the biggest Indian box offices successes of all time. Omi writes short films, parody music videos and practices his stand-up comedy as an MC at non-profit galas and events.

HAF Dharma Advocates Training
2021-04-15 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2021 | Time: 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET / 5:00 – 6:00 pm PT | Training level: Beginner | Online, anywhere

Join the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) Managing Director Samir Kalra, Esq. and Director of Public Policy Taniel Koushakjian for an introductory and interactive advocacy training webinar with Hindu Americans from across the U.S. In this 60-minute webinar, you will learn:

How Washington, DC is functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic with a new Administration and a new Congress;

Hindu American domestic and foreign policy priorities in 2021;

How to effectively advocate for Hindu American issues; and

How to use HAF tools and resources to execute grassroots strategies that will have a positive impact in your community.

This is your chance to hear directly from HAF’s advocacy experts and public policy influencers who advance the interests of the Hindu American community on Capitol Hill and in State Capitals across the United States.
Space is limited (50 max) and registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the login information.
Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee. Taniel Koushakjian is HAF’s Director of Public Policy, based in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in PACs & Political Management from The George Washington University. Prior to joining HAF, Taniel worked as a political consultant and was a candidate for the Palm Beach County Commission. He previously worked as the Grassroots Director and Communications Director of the Armenian Assembly of America where he successfully advocated on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Taniel was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, as well as a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute. He is the Chairman of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable’s South Asia Working Group.

Indo-Judaic Ties: Ancient cultures, common challenges, modern miracles
2021-04-12 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Monday, April 12, 2021 | Time: 8:00pm ET / 5:00 PT | Online, anywhere

Shalom Bollywood: The untold story of Indian cinema
2021-03-30 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 | Time: 8:00pm ET / 5:00 PT | Online, anywhere

1971 Bengali Hindu Genocide: Remembering the Lost – Celebrating Survival
2021-03-23 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 | Time: 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET / 5:00 – 6:00 pm PT | Online, anywhere

HAF 1971 Bengali Hindu Genocide Virtual Commemoration Event: Remembering the Lost, Celebrate Survival
Join the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) for a solemn commemoration of the 200,000-400,000 raped, 2-3 million killed, and over 10 million displaced during the 1971 Bengali Hindu genocide. This event will feature a virtual vigil and a Bengali musical performance to honor those lost, along with messages from community and government leaders. Learn about the historical context of the genocide and why its still important today, as we celebrate the survival and continued vibrancy of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Bengali Hindu Genocide Dharma Advocates Training
2021-03-16 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | Time: 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET / 5:00 – 6:00 pm PT | Training level: Beginner | Online, anywhere

Join Hindu American Foundation Managing Director Samir Kalra, Esq. and Director of Public Policy Taniel Koushakjian for a special interactive advocacy training webinar.
HAF’s Special Bengali Hindu Genocide training will introduce emerging and veteran activists to the events of 1971 in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh), how the Bengali Hindu population was specifically targeted by the Pakistan military, and why it fits the definition of genocide. In this 60-minute webinar, you will learn:

What happened in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) during the 1971 Bengali Hindu Genocide and why it meets the legal definition of genocide;

About HAF’s campaign to get the U.S. and others to recognize the 1971 Bengali Hindu Genocide;

How to use HAF’s advocacy tools, education materials, and outreach strategies so that you can play a major role in your community in raising public awareness and securing affirmation of one of the greatest crimes against humanity of the 21st century.

This is your chance to hear directly from HAF’s advocacy experts and public policy influencers who represent the interests of the Hindu American community in our nation’s capital.
Space is limited (100 max) and registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the login information.
Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee. Taniel Koushakjian is HAF’s Director of Public Policy, based in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in PACs & Political Management from The George Washington University. Prior to joining HAF, Taniel worked as a political consultant and was a candidate for the Palm Beach County Commission. He previously worked as the Grassroots Director and Communications Director of the Armenian Assembly of America where he successfully advocated on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Taniel was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, as well as a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute. He is the Chairman of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable’s South Asia Working Group.

Saving Our Symbols: Fighting NY's Swastika Legislation
2021-03-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Online, Anywhere
Please join us for an update on legislation in NY that would require public schools to teach about the swastika as only a symbol of hate.
New York’s proposed bill to make teaching of the swastika singularly as a symbol of hate has sent ripples of concern across the Hindu community in the state. The bill’s unintended consequences could be disastrous for hundreds of thousands of young Hindu students in New York’s public schools who use the swastika as part of their faith as a positive religious symbol.
Learn about the current status of the bill, what’s involved in the process, concerns of Jewish organizational partners, and what we can do together to stop the bill in its current form in order to secure the safety and well-being of Hindu American students in New York. Suhag Shukla, Esq. is HAF Executive Director and a co-founder of the Foundation. Ms. Shukla has helped steer the Foundation to being recognized as a leading voice for civil rights, human rights, and religious freedom. She is actively involved with Chinmaya Mission, serves on the board of the Bhutanese American Organization of Philadelphia, and is a thought partner for the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Paths to Understanding Public Art Initiative. Shukla is a member of the board for the National Museum of American Religion and serves on religious advisory committees for the Council on Foreign Relations, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Subcommittee for the Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith–Based Communities and is a member of the First Amendment Center’s Committee on Religious Liberty and the United Nations Women’s Gender Equality and Religion platform. Shukla was named one of twelve “faith leaders to watch in 2017” by the Center for American Progress. Taniel Koushakjian is HAF’s Director of Public Policy, based in Washington, D.C. He earned a B.A. from Florida Atlantic University, and a M.A. from The George Washington University. For the last 15 years, he has successfully advocated on Capitol Hill on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Mr. Koushakjian was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute, and is the Chairman of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable’s South Asia Working Group.

HAF Dharma Advocates: Federal Policy Update & Advocacy Training Webinar
2021-02-04 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021 | Time: 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET / 5:00 – 6:00 pm PT | Training level: Beginner | Online, anywhere

Join the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) Managing Director Samir Kalra, Esq. and Director of Public Policy Taniel Koushakjian for an introductory and interactive advocacy training webinar with Hindu Americans from across the U.S. In this 60-minute webinar, you will learn:

How Washington, DC is working during the COVID-19 crisis and a Presidential transition while a new Congress begins;

Hindu American domestic and foreign policy priorities in 2021 & Review of 2020;

How to effectively advocate for Hindu American issues; and,

How to use HAF tools and resources to execute grassroots strategies that will have an impact in your community.

This is your chance to hear directly from HAF’s advocacy experts and public policy influencers who represent the interests of the Hindu American community in our nation’s capital.
Space is limited (50 max) and registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the login information.
Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee. Taniel S. Koushakjian is HAF’s Director of Public Policy, based in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in PACs & Political Management from The George Washington University. Prior to joining HAF, Taniel worked as a political consultant and was a candidate for the Palm Beach County Commission. He previously worked as the Grassroots Director and Communications Director of the Armenian Assembly of America where he successfully advocated on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Taniel was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, as well as a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute.

HAF Dharma Advocates: Federal Policy Update & Advocacy Training Webinar
2020-12-10 21:00 - 22:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020 | Time: 9:00 – 10:00 pm ET / 6:00 – 9:00 pm PT | Training level: Beginner | Online, anywhere

Join the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) Managing Director Samir Kalra, Esq. and Director of Public Policy Taniel Koushakjian for an introductory and interactive advocacy training webinar with Hindu Americans from across the U.S. In this 60-minute webinar, you will learn:

How Washington, DC works during the COVID-19 crisis;

Hindu American domestic and foreign policy priorities headed into 2021 & review of 2020;

How to effectively advocate for Hindu American issues; and

How to use HAF tools and resources to execute grassroots strategies that will have an impact in your community.

This is your chance to hear directly from HAF’s advocacy experts and public policy influencers who represent the interests of the Hindu American community in our nation’s capital.
Space is limited (50 max) and registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting.
Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee. Taniel S. Koushakjian is HAF’s Director of Public Policy, based in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in PACs & Political Management from The George Washington University. Prior to joining HAF, Taniel worked as a political consultant and was a candidate for the Palm Beach County Commission. He previously worked as the Grassroots Director and Communications Director of the Armenian Assembly of America where he successfully advocated on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Taniel was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, as well as a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute.

HAF's Year End Gala: Unconventional Paths to Hinduism
2020-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Online, Anywhere
We all come to Hinduism in different ways. Many of us are born into it. Others discover it through unconventional paths.
On December 6, we present you with exactly that. Fred Stella was born and raised a Catholic. Drishti Mae was born and raised a Muslim. Both found their way to Hinduism through unique journeys.
Often, those of us born into the tradition overlook the profoundness of its philosophy. It can take someone who has journeyed from another tradition to remind us of all that Hinduism has to offer us and the world. Join Fred and Drishti for an insightful conversation about how and why they came to Hinduism.
You will also enjoy a spectacular performance by speed painting artist, Vilas Nayak, who will commission two pieces just for HAF. Fred Stella is a member of HAF’s National Leadership Council and the Pracharak for the West Michigan Hindu Temple. He began his study of Hindu Dharma at age 15. In his early 30s he took diksha into his particular sampradaya. He was ordained Pracharak of his local mandir, The West Michigan Hindu Temple. Fred is the president of Interfaith Dialogue Association and hosts its weekly radio program on Religion and Spirituality, Common Threads on local NPR affiliate, WGVU-FM. Drishti Mae is the President of the National Hindu Students Forum (UK), the largest Hindu student movement outside of India. Founded 29 years ago, NHSF (UK) is active in almost half of all universities in the UK and reaches over 10,000 students annually through its activities. A graduate of Chemistry from the University of York, and the Unilever Future Leaders’ programme, Drishti now works in technology at Unilever in the UK. Vilas Nayak is a self-taught artist from India who started painting at the age of 3. A finalist of India’s Got Talent season 3, he is currently one of the most sought after speed painting artists. His performance on Asia’s Got Talent has caught the attention of millions.He has performed at the United Nations General Assembly, Asia’s Got Talent, and the NBA halftime show.

Hinduism and Climate Protection: Faith in Action
2020-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, Anywhere
November 17 | 6-7pm ET | Online, anywhere
Hinduism and Climate Action: What does Hinduism teach us about environmental stewardship?
Hinduism contains numerous references to the worship of the divine in nature in its Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Sutras and its other sacred texts. Millions of Hindus recite Sanskrit mantras daily to revere their rivers, mountains, trees, animals and the earth. Hinduism is a remarkably diverse religious and cultural phenomenon, with many local and regional manifestations.Gandhi exemplified many of these teachings, and his example continues to inspire contemporary social, religious and environmental leaders in their efforts to protect the planet.
Join us for a discussion with panelists from Hindu Temple of Delaware, Hindu American Foundation, and Bhumi Global to learn the teachings of Hinduism and its urgent call to action for Hindus to take the lead in combating global warming!
Panelists
Pramod Mathur Board of Trustees; Hindu Temple of Delaware
Mat McDermott Senior Director, Communications; Hindu American Foundation
Gopal Patel Co-Founder and Director; Bhumi Global
Moderator
Shweta Arya Outreach Director, Delaware Interfaith Power and Light This event is a co-production of Delaware Interfaith Power and Light, Hindu American Foundation, and Bhumi Global

HAF Diwali Webinar
2020-10-27 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Getting a Diwail resolution passed is a community effort, and HAF is here to help!
HAF’s Dr. Shereen Bhalla and Taniel Koushakjian show how you can bring our soon-to-be-released Diwali Toolkit to your children’s teachers and how to get a Diwali resolution passed in your local city council. We walk you through a drafting resolution, how to approach your city council, and how to follow up.

HAF Dharma Advocates: Federal Policy Update & Advocacy Training Webinar
2020-10-01 21:00 - 22:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2020 | Time: 9:00 – 10:00 pm ET | Online, anywhere

Join the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) Managing Director Samir Kalra, Esq. and Director of Public Policy Taniel Koushakjian for an introductory and interactive advocacy training webinar with Hindu Americans from across the U.S. In this 60-minute webinar, you will learn:

What’s happening in Washington, DC during the COVID-19 crisis;

Hindu American domestic and foreign policy priorities for 2020;

How to effectively advocate for Hindu American issues; and,

How to use HAF tools and resources to make an impact in your community.

This is your chance to hear directly from HAF’s advocacy experts and public policy influencers who represent the interests of the Hindu American community in our nation’s capital.
Space is limited and Zoom registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the virtual training.
Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee. Taniel S. Koushakjian is HAF’s Director of Public Policy, based in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, a M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in PACs & Political Management from The George Washington University. Prior to joining HAF, Taniel worked as a political consultant and was a candidate for the Palm Beach County Commission. He previously worked as the Grassroots Director and Communications Director of the Armenian Assembly of America where he successfully advocated on a wide array of human rights, international religious freedom, U.S. foreign policy, and appropriations issues. Taniel was selected as a 2018-2019 Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute, as well as a 2019 Fellow with the James Madison Institute.

HAF Advocacy Forum 2020
2020-09-15 19:30 - 2020-09-16 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Tuesday, September 15 & Wednesday September 16 | Time: 7:30-9 pm ET, each day | Online, anywhere

HAF's Education Gala: Hinduism 101 Trivia Night
2020-08-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, Anywhere
Date: Sunday, August 9 | Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm ET | Online, anywhere

Are you smarter than a middle-schooler?
Join us for trivia night and find out if you would ace the Hinduism 101 test in middle school.

Students generally start to learn about Hinduism in middle school, which is why HAF targets 6-9th grades when creating new classroom materials and teaching resources.
Hear from our very own Director of Education, Shereen Bhalla, and Managing Director, Samir Kalra, as they discuss how our educational resources are positively impacting American students.
Shereen Bhalla is HAF’s Director of Education based in the Bay Area, CA. Dr. Bhalla holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University, an M.A. in International Relations from St. Mary’s University, and a PhD in Culture, Literacy, and Language from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Prior to joining HAF, she was the Online Education Manager for the Center for Applied Linguistics. An advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse students, Dr. Bhalla has over ten years of experience teaching both English learners as well as pre-and in-service educators on how to best meet the needs of their students. Dr. Bhalla has taught for UTSA, George Washington University, the Inter-Development Bank and Johns Hopkins University. Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Managing Director, based in the Bay Area, CA, holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Kalra leads the Foundation’s human rights and public policy advocacy efforts and has led human rights fact finding missions, served as a panelist at multiple Congressional briefings, and authored formal testimony for Congressional Hearings on human rights, foreign policy, hate crimes, and immigration. He has also led HAF’s textbook reform and Don’t Erase India education campaigns in California, and has testified at California State Assembly and Senate Committee Hearings on Education and Hate Crimes. He previously served on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) Immigration Advisory Committee.

HAF's first virtual gala: This Dharmic Life
2020-06-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Online, Anywhere
What does This Dharmic Life demand of us? Our dharma demands us to fight for racial justice. In support of the fight against racism, HAF will donate a portion of the proceeds raised at Friday’s gala to the NAACP.
Join us for an inspiring dialogue between HAF’s Executive Director Suhag Shukla, Esq., and business leader, Grammy-nominated recording artist, and humanitarian Chandrika Tandon on the dharmic values that inspire them to serve.
Enjoy Leela Dance Collective‘s sensational kathak-tap collaboration performance.
And hear from former US Presidential Candidate, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, about how Hinduism has shaped her career and life of service.
A generous supporter has offered to match up to $100,000 of the gala proceeds. You can help us receive the entire match by making a pre-gala donation today.

Date: Friday, June 5, 2020 | Time: 7:30 – 9:00 pm ET | Where: Online, the comfort of your own home.

Chandrika Tandon
Chandrika Tandon is a business leader, Grammy-nominated artist and humanitarian. Ms. Tandon chairs her advisory firm, Tandon Capital Associates, focusing on measurable transformation of institutions to excellence. Additionally, she chairs the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation, which supports women, education and the arts, and Soul Chants Music. Ms. Tandon’s album, Soul Call, topped world music charts, garnering great acclaim and earning a Grammy nomination. At New York University, she is Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the President’s Global Council, and Chair of the Board of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. She serves on the Boards of the NYU Stern School of Business and the NYU Langone Health System.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard was the first Hindu American and female combat veteran to ever run for president and the first Hindu American ever elected to the US Congress. She served for seven years on the Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Homeland Security Committees, where she earned bipartisan respect as an independent thinker and experienced policymaker on national security issues. Tulsi has been a fierce champion for protecting our environment, from ensuring clean water and air for generations to come to investing in infrastructure and a green energy economy. She has also advocated for healthcare for all, civil liberties and privacy, support for small businesses, criminal justice reform, and sustainable agriculture, amongst other things. Her vision for America and the world is a Dharmic one — one in which there is real peace, where people have time to pursue happiness rather than being forced to work constantly, and where strong communities care for each other and the planet. And her approach gleaned from the Bhagavad Gita’s call for service above self.
Suhag Shukla, Esq.
Suhag Shukla, Esq. is HAF Executive Director and a co-founder of the Foundation. Ms. Shukla has helped steer the Foundation to being recognized as a leading voice for civil rights, human rights, and religious freedom. She is actively involved with Chinmaya Mission, serves on the board of the Bhutanese American Organization of Philadelphia, and is a thought partner for the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Paths to Understanding Public Art Initiative. Shukla is a member of the board for the National Museum of American Religion and serves on religious advisory committees for the Council on Foreign Relations, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Subcommittee for the Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith–Based Communities and is a member of the First Amendment Center’s Committee on Religious Liberty and the United Nations Women’s Gender Equality and Religion platform. Shukla was named one of twelve “faith leaders to watch in 2017” by the Center for American Progress.
Leela Dance Collective
The Leela Dance Collective was founded in 2016 by Rina Mehta, Rachna Nivas and Seibi Lee, senior disciples of legendary kathak master Pandit Chitresh Das, along with leading kathak performers Sarah Morelli and Shefali Jain. It is the only one of its kind Indian-American dance company that brings together leading kathak artists from around the world representing a multitude of voices to articulate a clairvoyant vision for kathak. The collective is distinguished by an artistic practice that centers around collaboration and collective creativity and a body of work that is at once grounded in tradition and boldly innovative. On June 5th, Leela Dance Collective will perform the sensational kathak-tap collaboration, SPEAK, featuring kathak artists Rina Mehta and Rachna Nivas with tap artists Michelle Dorrance and Dormeshia.
Ahimsa “Be Non-Harming” level

Dr. Rajiv and Priya Pandit,
Anand Vihar c/o Santosh & Ami Govindaraju

Satya “Be Truthful” level

Mantra Exclusives c/o Vijay and Abha Narang
