Hinduism and Interfaith Development

I am in the process of developing an organization called American Hindu World Service (AHWS). It is an organization based on the Hindu faith-based perspectives of international development with a focus on global health. AHWS aims to promote, educate and advocate on the Hindu-faith based perspectives of service in international development. I have been involved with Interfaith activities and have networked extensively with other international development professionals.

As a whole, the American public has little understanding of Hinduism. What I intend to do is to justify why it is imperative that Hindus perform service and the justifications of service in Hindu philosophy. The Hindu faith tends to be very individualistic in nature, as there is no one set way to practice. I am trying to create a platform where a Hindu NGO is recognized on the same level with other faith-based NGOs like World Vision, American Jewish World Service, and Islamic Relief. The aims of AHWS is to not convert or impose (this is against Hindu faith), but to educate individuals about our community AND to spread service work around the globe, including in nations where there is non-Hindu population.

I came upon this website, as there is a significant South Asian community consisting of Hindus in several nations around Africa, namely the former British colonies. From working in Africa, I noticed that Hindus have a tendency to segregate themselves from mainstream African society. In a way to try and create tolerance and understanding, it is important to educate the society about who we are and what service means to Hindus. Hindus are not allowed to proselytize or convert others, as this is not accepted. However, if we collaborate with leaders of the Christian, Muslim, and other religious sects, together, it is possible to fight common problems like poverty, malnutrition and so forth.

For more information, please contact Divya at [email protected] and view the website http://www.ahwsngo.org