BY SONAM MIRPURI
ORANGE, CA - The Hindu American Foundation held its first fundraising gala titled “Celebrating the Success of Hindus in America” on August 6 at the residence of Vandana and Ravi Tilak here. - The Foundation is a non-profit advocacy organization which works to impact a range of issues that have affected and continue to affect the...
ORANGE, CA - The Hindu American Foundation held its first fundraising gala titled “Celebrating the Success of Hindus in America” on August 6 at the residence of Vandana and Ravi Tilak here. - The Foundation is a non-profit advocacy organization which works to impact a range of issues that have affected and continue to affect the...
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Hindu American population. It strives to break stereotypes and correct the narrative of Hinduism. The organization also aspires to bring awareness to its cause and raise funds. The evening started off with guests mingling over appetizers, after which the host Ravi Tilak came on stage to say a few words. “We are not born with a religion, but we die with one,” said Tilak. Bringing the theme of the evening to light, Tilak recognized some guests who exemplified these ideals. Dr. Krishna Reddy and Hari Sadhu were among those mentioned.
Tilak went on to introduce, HAF Senior Director, Samir Kalra, to speak about the Foundation. “We have to change the images of Hindus from ‘caste, cows, and curries,’” said Kalra.
The organization began 14 years ago in 2003 in Philadelphia, with a vision that the world will be a place where the wellbeing of Hindus is secure and all people and the planet thrive. Post a brief video, Kalra continued to speak about how it is essential that the perception of Hindus in America be improved. “Change the narrative towards the positive,” Kalra emphasized.
Continuing on he spoke about how all of this is possible and how it can happen with the support of all Hindu Americans. The overall goal is to become the go to organization for every Hindu related issue. “Hindu American Foundation wants to become a household name,” said Kalra. Kalra then invited keynote speaker, Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014, to address the gathering. Davuluri spoke on a variety of topics. Additionally, Davuluri mentioned how after being bullied and overcoming obstacles, she became the first contestant of Indian origin to win the Miss America competition. The perception has changed over time. What was the norm then is no longer accepted now. However, there is more to be done and more preconceived notions which need to be changed, she said. “No child should feel any less,” Davuluri added. Kalra then introduced HAF Co-Founder and Board member Mihir Meghani. After thanking the hosts Vandana and Ravi Tilak, Meghani went on to give more details about the Foundation and how it can be supported.
“Donate the amount where you feel a pinch,” said Meghani. Although fundraising was an aspect of the evening, guests did not feel pressured. The evening came to a close with dinner being served.
Tilak went on to introduce, HAF Senior Director, Samir Kalra, to speak about the Foundation. “We have to change the images of Hindus from ‘caste, cows, and curries,’” said Kalra.
The organization began 14 years ago in 2003 in Philadelphia, with a vision that the world will be a place where the wellbeing of Hindus is secure and all people and the planet thrive. Post a brief video, Kalra continued to speak about how it is essential that the perception of Hindus in America be improved. “Change the narrative towards the positive,” Kalra emphasized.
Continuing on he spoke about how all of this is possible and how it can happen with the support of all Hindu Americans. The overall goal is to become the go to organization for every Hindu related issue. “Hindu American Foundation wants to become a household name,” said Kalra. Kalra then invited keynote speaker, Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014, to address the gathering. Davuluri spoke on a variety of topics. Additionally, Davuluri mentioned how after being bullied and overcoming obstacles, she became the first contestant of Indian origin to win the Miss America competition. The perception has changed over time. What was the norm then is no longer accepted now. However, there is more to be done and more preconceived notions which need to be changed, she said. “No child should feel any less,” Davuluri added. Kalra then introduced HAF Co-Founder and Board member Mihir Meghani. After thanking the hosts Vandana and Ravi Tilak, Meghani went on to give more details about the Foundation and how it can be supported.
“Donate the amount where you feel a pinch,” said Meghani. Although fundraising was an aspect of the evening, guests did not feel pressured. The evening came to a close with dinner being served.
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