Vision, Mission & Objectives
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) of America is a non-profit organization legally registered in USA. It is a non-profit 501 C (3) social and cultural organization having Tax ID 51-0156325 and has been working with the Hindu community in USA since 1970.
Vision
A dynamic, vibrant Hindu Society inspired by the eternal values of Dharma.
Dynamic – A society that is moving with the times. A society that is the master of all sciences, technologies and arts that are known, and yet to be known.
Vibrant – A society that is full of energy and vigor, nurturing the ideas, creativity and aspirations of every member.
Mission
Organize Hindu Society (SANGATHAN) and become the voice of Hindus of America
Raise Awareness (PRACHAR)
- Represent Hindu Interest through various forums.
- Educate through seminars, conferences, publications, and media.
Serve the Community (SEVA)
- Build a strong portfolio of seva programs and projects.
- Build Teamsto deliver community services to Hindus and society at large (Primary focus is USA)
Cultivate Hindu Values (SANSKAR)
- Cultivate a spirit of self-respect for Hindu identity, Hindu Dharma Gurus, Institutions, and care for nature.
- Create environment and opportunities for imbibingHindu Values, Hindu Scriptures and Hindu Heritage through Balvihars, Camps, Family Retreats, Hindu Community Centers and Educational Institutions.
Network (SAMPARK)
- Build relationshipswith Hindu organizations, associations, institutions, mandirs and people through projects and programs focusing on Hindu interests.
- Bridge communities through interfaith dialog.
Actions
Internal: Strengthen, Expansion, effective and Impactful (karyakarta training is a key enabler)
- Create a network of Parishad chapters and like-minded organizations.
External: All the 4 pillar
Guiding Principles of VHP of America
These principles are enunciated in the most ancient spiritual literature called Vedas, considered by many as the eternal source of spiritual and secular knowledge for humanity.
“This whole world that has moving things, and which itself is moving, is pervaded by one and the same Lord”- The unity of one Spirit in the diversity of nature is captured in this verse.
“The entire creation is one interconnected family.” This captures the essence of universal brotherhood and harmony among people and with the environment.
“Let all be happy, let all be healthy, let all experience goodness, let sorrows be no one’s lot” – A Hindu does not ask God only for his own, his family’s, his community’s or his nation’s happiness, but he prays for the happiness of the entire creation.
Thus, respect for diversity, peaceful and harmonious coexistence with people of different cultures and faiths is the heart and soul of Hindu Dharma (values and codes of conduct).
To emphasize that these are not merely nice words of expression to conveniently use in appropriate places and at proper times, Hindus have actually practiced and lived by these principles throughout their long history. People of different faiths – Jews, Christians, Parsees, Muslims and others who were persecuted in their own lands have come and settled in India during last several hundred years. Even today, India is a multi-cultural, secular and a flourishing democracy because of the open and generous outlook of majority Hindus.
Objectives and Activities of VHP of America
The main objectives of VHPA are:
- 1. To educate our next generations about the great human values as envisaged by our ancient sages and seers so they can learn and assimilate the best from both Eastern and Western cultures and become responsible, contributing citizens of their adopted land as well as of the world.
- 2. To provide a forum that looks out for and addresses Hindu interests in USA.
- 3. Help minimize the misconceptions and misinformation about Hinduism that may exist for whatever reason so that a meaningful, harmonious and mutually respectful coexistence is possible among people of diverse faiths, traditions and cultures.
- 4. To provide humanitarian and relief services regardless of race, religion, color, creed, place or any other differences.
In the last 50 years, VHPA has undertaken over 40 different initiatives and programs towards the fulfillment of the above objectives