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A publication of the Hindu American Foundation NEWS JUNE 2019 | V.13-1

OUR 2019 ADVOCACY DAY WAS A SUCCESS! READ AND SEE THE STORY INSIDE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY Suhag A . Shukla, Esq Taniel Koushakjian MANAGING DIRECTOR & CFO DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Sheetal Shah Mat McDermott IN THIS ISSUE MANAGING DIRECTOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR Samir Kalra, Esq Tejus Shah 2019 ADVOCACY DAY MEET THE INTERN CLASS OF 2019 . . . . . 5 . SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIPS OF PROGRAMS WAS A SUCCESS! ...... 2-3 EDUCATION Seetha Aiyar Aesha Mehta DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR POLICY Hai! Presenting the HAF Holi Toolkit ...... 6 . Shereen Bhalla, PhD OF DEVELOPMENT Parmar WATCH: The History of the Kashmir Conflict ...... 4 . Exciting Education Updates ...... 6 . . DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICE MANAGER Jay Deidra Prather COMMUNITY HAF IN ACTION ...... 7 CALIFORNIA To Use or Not To Use? Guidelines for ADVOCACY DIRECTOR Commercial Use of Hindu Images ...... 4 . Easan Katir

A NOTE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY ...... 5. . Arjun Bhagat LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Rishi Bhutada Rachita Chandak Pawan Deshpande Arvind Chandrakantan Mihir Meghani Nikhil Joshi, Esq Rajiv Raman Khanna Aseem Shukla Kavita Pallod Fred Stella Swaminathan Venkataraman OUR 2019 ADVOCACY DAY WAS A SUCCESS!

On June 24, our delegation of Kashmir has been overlooked 80 Hindu Americans took the by the international community,” issue of terrorism in Kashmir noted HAF Board Member Rajiv to over 100 Congressional Pandit, himself a member of the offices during our 16th Annual Kashmiri Pandit community, now Advocacy Day. Dozens of living in Texas. Hindu Kashmiri from Over 300 people attended the around the country joined reception to honor this year’s our delegation to provide first awardees which included: hand accounts of the situation in Kashmir and advocated ✚✚ Bansi Pandit for passage of H.Res. 408 Award (Condemning the Feb. 14 ✚✚ Subhash Kak, Ashok Koul, Pulwama Terrorist Attack in Tiku Kaul the Indian State of Jammu Award for the Advancement and Kashmir). Delegates also of Dharmic Arts and advocated for the passage Sciences of H.R. 2123 (The U.S.- Enhanced Cooperation Act ✚✚ Sazawal, Deepak of 2019). Ganju, Sunil Fotedar Award for the Advancement In a first, this year’s Capitol Hill of Hindu Human Rights Reception was co-hosted by HAF and the Indo-American ✚✚ Representative Brad Kashmir Forum, with the Sherman (D-CA) partnership of Kashmir Hindu Friend of the Community Foundation — all groups ✚✚ Ambassador advocating for justice for Sam Brownback the Hindu Kashmiri Pandit Mahatma Gandhi Award for community. Advancing Pluralism “For too long the religio-ethnic cleansing of the Kashmiri Pandit community from the Valley of

2 | HAFNEWS | JUNE 2019 If you listen to the mainstream media tell pants or shorts; footwear, of any type Washington University, and I began to the story though, you’ll get none of that. and material; swimwear; door mats, rugs; A NOTE FROM study the growing and diverse number alcohol, meat; mats, skateboards, of ethnic advocacy organizations in So HAF took action. We’ve released two POLICY anything where the image is likely to be THE DIRECTOR Washington, DC. videos of a three part series that presents destroyed through normal intended usage, the facts about the conflict of Kashmir. What I learned was that the Hindu and intended to be stepped upon; anything Search for “Hindu American Foundation” OF PUBLIC Indian American community is a lot like WATCH: The History intended to be placed in spaces reserved on YouTube to find the first two videos. the Armenian American community for defecation, or placed on or near bodily POLICY – strong family values, a unique and of the Kashmir organs of reproduction and elimination. ancient cultural identity anchored by Conflict Growing up in South Florida as an a religion with a profound ancient CAUTION: American of Armenian descent, and the One of the biggest myths about Kashmir tradition, a proud (and often overlooked) MAY CAUSE OFFENSE great grandson of genocide survivors, is that it’s disputed territory. It’s not. It’s an people who had contributed richly to I know first hand what life is like for a integral part of India. COMMUNITY Bath towels, shower curtains, dish human civilization – and it has huge second generation American. towels; mouse pads; leather items; any potential to be a driving force for sound Its political leaders may have changed US policy that reflects our shared vision item with significant material modification After graduating from Florida Atlantic many times, but for centuries Kashmir has To Use or Not To for a better, safer, more inclusive world. of a Deity (placing non-traditional items University with a BA in Political Science, been an integral part of the geography in the hands of Nataraja, for example); I moved to Washington, DC in 2006, where and cultural milieu of India. Use? Guidelines for It’s therefore my honor and privilege to Whether it is advancing US policy on any item that is likely to get regularly dirty I joined the Armenian Assembly of America, join HAF to advance our common cause. Capitol Hill and with the Administration, It’s been a renowned center of Hindu and Commercial Use of through normal intended usage. the largest Armenian advocacy organization I see great value in the mission of raising accurate awareness of Hindu Buddhist learning, of the arts and material in the US. I was proud to advance several Hindu Images “promoting dignity, mutual respect, and Americans, , and India in the culture, going back millennia. GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE: LESS pieces of legislation, some of which pluralism.” That’s another way of saying academic and think-tank spheres of In June, HAF released general guidelines became law, related to human rights, In 1947, (and the departing British) LIKELY TO CAUSE OFFENSE “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” influence, or simply expanding the HAF for manufacturers, retailers, and marketing international religious freedom, and wanted to force the merger of Kashmir footprint in our nation’s capital, I am departments for where images of Hindu Shirts, hats, pins, stickers; magnets; U.S. foreign policy issues in Congress. with Pakistan, leading Pakistan’s military HAF has many impressive state and excited to be a part of the HAF family. deities and other religious symbols shawls; wall hangings, decorations, and federal accomplishments in our brief to invade and occupy much of the state. During my 10+ year career on Capitol shouldn’t be used, not only to avoid causing decals; phone covers, laptop covers; tote history and it is my goal to expand on that Taniel Koushakjian Kashmir’s ruler at the time then appealed Hill, I earned a Master’s Degree in offense, but to be culturally respectful with bags; vegetarian food products (keeping success and help take HAF to new heights. Director of Public Policy, HAF to the newly independent state of India for Political Management from The George iconography that over 1 billion in mind that eggs are not traditionally help and decided to legally join India. around the globe consider sacred. considered a vegetarian food by many And just a few decades ago the Hindu Hindus), vegan food products. Kashmiri Pandit community was ethnically DON’T DO IT : cleansed from their ancestral home in the WILL CAUSE OFFENSE Valley of Kashmir. Bathmats, toilet seats or seat covers; underwear (men’s or women’s), socks, MEET THE INTERN CLASS

OF 2019 Shoumik Dabir Luthra Dev Desai This year’s cohort of outstanding University of Texas at Austin American University Marquette University undergraduates spent eight exciting weeks in our nation’s capital, thanks to the generosity of Professor Dinesh O. Shah. His $50,000 donation provided these young leaders with unparalleled experience in Hindu American and public policy advocacy. Take a moment Naman Gupta Akesh Shah Komal Kamdar to meet our interns. Emory University Boston University University of Virginia

Nidhi Patel University of Michigan

4 | HAFNEWS | JUNE 2019 HAF Holi Toolkit HAF Holi Toolkit If there’s something strange in your Coloring Activity neighborhood, who ya gonna call? Rangoli is an art form in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground HAF H HAF Holioli TToolkit using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. They oolkit HAF are usually made during , Holi, and other Hindu . Directions HAF Holi Toolkit HAF Holi Toolkit Step 1: Listen Step 2: Identify & Find Step 3: Locate and Color Part 3: Color and Its Significance Listen to the teacher say the word and Identify the color vowel, then find the Locate the printed word on the rangoli repeat the word with a full-body gesture Holi Toolkit corresponding pencil or crayon and color in the areas accordingly. to indicate stress. (e.g. “lila, lila, GREEN TEA, lila!”). The condo board said, “Our policy does not permit any The depiction of some Gods When a condo board as blue toned is an example of the importance of symbolism in Holi Fact Sheet White is composed of many colors and hangings above doors.” Yet, mezuzahs adorned many of the Hinduism. Blue, the color of the sky, represents the limitlessness of the has special significance in Hinduism Holi is a Hindu celebrating the start of spring, which is the season of hope sky and universe. as it represents purity, new in NY told a Hindu f Many Hindu beginnings, and death. Those in ngoli e rang ra s oli color of water, Bluewhich is isalso life- the t prayer rituals call doors in hallways. The board refused to dialog with the family. and new beginnings. Often referred to as the “Festival of Colors,” Holi is celebrated f iv mourning often wear white e a s lila l lila l sustaining. ti a for the use of natural as it is seen as a color to i va iv ol l st ra around the world and is recognized as a national in India. The first noted ng fe ng green elements such as reflect rebirth. ra ol 1 i leaves and unripe bananas American family to celebrations date back to the fourth century C.E. in ancient India. lila food lila fe to represent the organic world stiv food l Blue al food tiva that was created. Hence, The color black holds fes Violet A letter from HAF reminded the board of the Fair Housing Act powder green represents the fertility, different significance li Holi Indigo White afternoon celebration. The firsto evening ra based on specific Hindu Where is Holi g n n food processg of life, and rebirth beliefs and rituals. In some is known as Chhoti Holi (smalla Holi) and agni Holi o r food l contexts, black is seen as a symbol celebrated? lila demonstratedi in nature. remove a from lila usually involves a symbolic bonfire as w Green of evil, wickedness, and mysteriousness powder orship and conveyed the message that the family had the backing of a Many Hindu temples people gather around tof esingstiva andl dance powder and can be associated with death. festival in hopes of overcoming negativity by orship and South Asian cultural w w In other contexts, black protects Holi orship Black centers hold Holi getting rid of bad thoughts and fdeedsood agni against evil spirits and energy. Many food i orship from the previous year.l On the next day, w r celebrations for their o a Hindus place a small black dot their doorway, who did national advocacy organization. g n members, and festivities people of all ages wearn lila white to throw Yellow is seen asg the color of behind the ear or on the chin as a a agni o Yellow r l Holi i are often outside due colored powder (gulal) or colored water w knowledge and learning, happiness orship symbolic form of protection. (pani) at one another. In the evening, worship and peace. Goddess , and Red to the use of colorful (Vermillion) powders and water. everyone gets together with their family Lords , Krishna and The color red and friends to enjoy festive foods, sweets, Orange However, many Hindu are traditionally shown wearing (Saffron) is often associated the family call? HAF! Message received. The family was permitted to keep When is Holi? temples will also hold and companionship. Hindu temples yellow. Many also believe that by with love, fertility, and matrimony. religious services inside the temple to are decorated with bright colors and wearing yellow, it serves as Brides often wear red attire and red The timing of Holi, like other Hindu Saffron is powder () is placed in the parting of a honor the 2 — the Deities are decorated good luck. orange hue aand burnt- is one festivals, is synchronized with the moon, woman’s hair to indicate that she is married. Lord Krishna and Goddess with glittering jewels and of the most sacred colors their swastika. which means that the actual dates vary The “red dot” or , once primarily a , and Lord Vishnu. 2021 clothing. With a theme in Hinduism. It is often worn from year to year. Holi typically falls on HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profitof harmony organization. and Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information.HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information. // 17 by holy men and women, and symbol of marriage, has largely become a arch 28 the day () between the M 2 new beginnings, represents fire/energy and the fashionable accessory for Hindu females 0 M 0 end of February and the middle of March 2 9 a 2 How is Holi 0 h r Holi encourages of all ages, regardless of their marital c c 2 burning of impurities. 2 r h (month of Phalgun), according to the a celebrated? 1 people to forgive status. The male version of forehead 8 M Save the Hindu lunar . and forget - to markings is called a tilak. It is applied Depending on dates for M pay off old debts, 7 in a variety of shapes including a Holi! regional traditions h 2 r renew broken c c 3 Who celebrates Holi? 0 h r lines, U-shapes, and dots.This 2 and where you 2 1 a relationships, and 5 4 M 0 same powder is also placed on Holi is a Hindu celebration, which are in the world, 2 make new friends. March 24 Deities and devotees during originated in ancient India. However, Holi can be a two- HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www ritual worship. today people of all nationalities, day festival or an 2024 backgrounds and religions celebrate Holi all over the world. .HAFsite.org for more information. The principal refused because he was not familiar with the 1 Ancient India refers to the South Asian countries of India, 2 The term Deities as well as several of the Deities by name HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information. // 24 When a school’s Pakistan, , Bhutan, , Sri , and parts will appear in the Toolkit in several places and refers to of . Gods or Goddesses that represent divinity in different forms. ceremony and did not wish to learn about it. Yet, he would have

HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information. // 5 principal refused to HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information. approved an absence for Eid, he told the family. grant an excused absence HAF contacted the superintendent to explain the religious for an significance of the ceremony and noted that the principal’s ceremony, who did the actions were discriminatory. as use the toolkit at home for a fun and lesson will teach about the religious family call? HAF! engaging way to educate and celebrate and geo-political nuances of this Request granted. The brothers were granted with your family! complex conflict and will be a nice excused absences. EDUCATION intersection of our advocacy and policy work. Exciting ❱❱ We will be presenting our Hinduism Holi Hai! Presenting The couple was hesitant to approach their local temple as it Education Updates 101 (H101) content at the Florida When a lesbian couple the HAF Holi Toolkit State Conference of Social Studies, was searching for a had previously denied a request to marry a gay couple. Stay tuned for some exciting Education the National Council of Social Studies, We quickly reached out to our network to help us find a priest. Our Holi Toolkit was released this March updates in the next few months: as well as personalized presentations Hindu priest to perform to teachers across the country and to schools and districts. Since the Within a matter of days, we connected the couple with a priest ❱❱ We are looking to designate October a at their baby is currently available on our website. start of 2019, we have taught H101 to who was willing to perform the puja. as Hindu American Awareness Month This multi-lesson toolkit has a reading over 350 educators, reaching at least shower, who did the at school districts around the country. Puja performed. primer that explains the importance 8,750 students. of Holi, lessons on Holi that a teacher And we will be celebrating the 150th family call? HAF! can implement in their classroom, anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth ❱❱ We will be releasing an Educator’s activities that can be done at home (October 2nd) and Diwali (October Guide to Hinduism by the end with kids, as well as a color wheel that 27th). We will be releasing relevant of the year to help teachers and describes the significance of different lesson plans and content for teachers administrators teach about Hinduism as colors in Hinduism. HAF is hoping that to implement in their classroom. well as to understand the cultural and THIS IS HAF IN ACTION religious traditions of Hindu students. more schools will celebrate Holi in their ❱❱ In the fall, we will release our Kashmir classrooms and that the meaning of this Lesson Plan and Primer aimed for and your support is vital to ensuring Hindu Americans have colorful and auspicious Hindu holiday will high school students in World History, be taught to students. Please share this International Geography, and World someone to call when something strange is going on. resource with your kids’ teachers as well Cultural Geography classes. This Support YOUR advocacy organization today. Visit www.hafsite.org/donate.

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