Yugabdh: 5122 1970-2020 Golden Jubilee Year Shaka Samvat: 1942 Vikram Samvat: 2077 VOL: L No: 2 April-June 2020 Vishwa Dharma Digest APRIL-JUNE 2020 1 1970-2020 Golden Jubilee Year 2 APRIL-JUNE 2020 1970-2020 Golden Jubilee Year WORLD HINDU COUNCIL OF AMERICA (VHPA) NATIONAL OFFICE: www.vhp-america.org Tel.: 732-744-0851 P. 0. Box 2009, [email protected] Natick, MA 01760 VOLUME: L NO: 2 APRIL-JUNE 2020 इहैव तैर्焿त: स셍嵋 येषां सामये स्锿तं मन: | रन셍嵋षं रह समं ब्रह्म त्मा饍 ब्रह्मरि ते स्锿ता: || -�셀मद्भ셍वद셍셀ता 5.19 ihaiva tair jitaḥ sargo yeṣhāṁ sāmye sthitaṁ manaḥ nirdoṣhaṁ hi samaṁ brahma tasmād brahmaṇi te sthitāḥ || -Bhagvad Gita 5.19 Even in this life, the world is conquered by those whose mind is established in equality. Brahman is free from defects and is the embodiment of equality; therefore, become established in Brahman. About the HINDU VISHWA World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) publishes the Hindu Vishwa issue quarterly, except when combined with EDITORIAL TEAM special publications. For subscription, please fill out the membership form on the last page. For Advertising inquiries please contact: Shyam Tiwari @ 7709622669 or email: [email protected] Managing Editor: World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), founded in Shyam Tiwari 1970 and incorporated in the state of New York in 1974, is an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt and volunteer- [email protected] based charitable organization serving the needs of Hindu Editor: community in USA. It aims to build a dynamic and vibrant Hindu society rooted in the eternal values of Dharma and Ronica (Rajranee) Jaipershad inspired by the lofty ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, i.e. [email protected] “the entire creation is one family”. Advisor: The views expressed in the articles presented in this publication Dr. Abhay Asthana are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization, officials, editorial staff or the donors. © [email protected] Copyright 2019 World Hindu Council of America (VHPA). All rights reserved. No parts and contents of this publication may be reproduced in any form, without the written permission of VHP of America, Inc. APRIL-JUNE 2020 1 1970-2020 Golden Jubilee Year SEE IN THE ISSUE... Editorial 03 WHAT THE MURDER OF AJAY PANDITA TEACHES US –A TRIBUTE TO HIS... An African American Hindu Leader on Current Racial Situation 04 World Hindu Council of America Launches Hindu PACT USA 06 HSMN Graduation Event - 2020 06 07 What the Murder of Ajay Pandita Teaches Us –A VISITING SAC HOSTELS IN GUJARAT Tribute to his Tragic Death 07 Visiting SAC Hostels in Gujarat 10 Many US Universities Institutionalize Hatred and Prejudice 14 10 Seva In America: VHPA Covid-19 Seva Relief Efforts at a Glance 28 MANY US UNIVERSITIES INSTITUTIONALIZE HATRED AND PREJUDICE Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic 20 Rakhigarhi and After IV: The AIT Brigade after Rakhigarhi 22 Bringing My Dearests to Safety 30 14 We Can All Help 36 RAKHIGARHI AND AFTER IV: THE AIT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN HINDU LEADER ON BRIGADE AFTER RAKHIGARHI CURRENT RACIAL SITUATION 04 22 BRINGING MY DEARESTS TO SAFETY WORLD HINDU COUNCIL OF AMERICA LAUNCHES HINDU PACT USA 06 30 2 APRIL-JUNE 2020 1970-2020 Golden Jubilee Year EDITORIAL OUTRAGE AND DIVISION – THIS TOO SHALL PASS; The recent outbreak of the Corona Virus and racial tension in the USA he new year of 2020 started off with a Regarding the riots and killings of people, bang. But, in a matter of months, some we as nations and individuals, must accept Tmajor global occurrences, including the responsibility for our actions, and do the the pandemic of COVID-19, which caused fear right things. Leaders are holding on to power, and outburst, and spread to many other countries irrespective of the conditions in their countries. throughout the world, resulted in significant They disregard the majority of people who elected changes to human behavior, and lifestyle. The them into their positions. This should not be! occurrences of COVID-19, the Delhi riots, and Leaders will not be, without followers. So, respect the horrible death of George Floyd, to name a few, the people who helped you to get to the top! This threw India, the USA, and the world, into crisis. corona virus has taught us, (I hope) that we have We have seen loved ones become severely ill due been taking life for granted, and not considering to the Corona virus, and some even died. We have some of the damages that our needs, and wants, seen eruptions of anger and frustrations, due to have caused. Regardless of who we are, how rich the severe religious, and racial conflicts. We have we are, how bright we are, how good and kind we witnessed the increasing divide among nations, as are, we are all humans, and, we are all susceptible well as the violent loss of lives, and cities, villages, to God’s will, based on our Karma!! and properties being looted and destroyed. Hinduism is a way of life. And, as Hindus, we Are there solutions to these events? Regarding have been taught to be flexible, accommodating, the COVID-19, and, as far as we know, throughout and respectful, not only of our way of life, but the world, countries inflicted with COVID-19 also that of others. We believe in “Action Thy virus, are working diligently together, to come up Duty, Reward Not Thy Concern” Our actions with solutions, to eradicate the virus, and avoid and goals are based on following the principles a global pandemic. In the meantime, people all of: Dharma (ethics/duties), Artha (prosperity/ over the world are asked to protect themselves work), Kama (desires/passions), and Moksha by wearing masks, and avoiding physical contact, (liberation/freedom from the cycle of death and through social distancing. In some places we see rebirth/salvation); the limit of six, or ten persons for gatherings. We have now become a masked population. But, over time I have adjusted and I do feel safe wearing my As true Hindus, we must abide by these mask, when I am out of my home boundaries. principles and always stand up for the truth! Satyamewa Jayete! APRIL-JUNE 2020 3 1970-2020 Golden Jubilee Year and the surrounding areas and heavily involved with the culture of “Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll.” Eventually around 1972, I came in contact AN AFRICAN with disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder AMERICAN HINDU Acharya of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness. They introduced me to the LEADER ON Bhagavad Gita, which is the most well-known of all Vedic texts. This holy book is very dear CURRENT RACIAL and sacred to all Hindus and Westerners who have adopted these teachings and practices. I SITUATION became an initiated disciple of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in July 1974, during his visit to Chicago for a major Hindu/Vedic festival, the Ratha Yatra. Interestingly, around 1974, I was fortunate to meet one of Swami Prabhupada’s very first disciples, Rupanuga dasa. He encouraged me to join the local Atlanta Hare Krishna Temple. He said they would train me as a leader and then I should go back and help the Black community. This instruction has constantly inspired me to expose this great Hindu/Vedic culture and philosophy to the urban communities. Central to the Hindu/Vedic philosophy is the Benny J Tillman (Balabhadra Bhattacarya dasa) concept that we are not these material bodies but that we are eternal spiritual beings, temporarily grew up in the South during the 1950s and inhabiting these material bodies. So whether 60s. Those were troublesome times for the we identify as an African American, Hindu I African American community. We were American, Asian American, White American, identified as Negroes and as an ethnic minority, or an American of color, we are all spiritual it was very difficult to understand what our beings equal in the eyes of the Supreme Lord. place in the world was. Honestly, there was an During the present time of racial tensions in element of shame associated with being black. America, I along with other Hindu/Vedic leaders During the late sixties, I became involved in are considering what we can do, to impact and the “Hippy culture” which exposed me to the help change this painful and distressful situation. concept of “Universal love.” I was not familiar One thing that I have learned during my with this Vedic concept of universal love, which several efforts to share Hindu/Vedic principles is foundational to the true Hindu/Vedic culture. in the primarily African American community, My first exposure to this culture was through is that these communities are not looking for a my association in 1971, with Transcendental handout. They are desperately in need of help Meditation, introduced by the late Maharishi in building up their communities, especially Mahesh Yogi. I was a performing artist in Atlanta in the areas of affordable housing not just 4 APRIL-JUNE 2020 1970-2020 Golden Jubilee Year gentrification. Jobs and other meaningful social for the present environment which is plagued activities for their youth and young adults are by such issues as racism. This is the first time to also a major concern, along with educational my knowledge that they have elected an African help. American as the president of a major Hindu Some years ago, I partnered with a young based organization. I am honored to serve in this African American community activist who was capacity and the support and encouragement working in my hometown of East Point Georgia has been tremendous.