Hindu American Foundation

Education Center
Scale K-12 professional development and administrative process (i.e. textbook adoptions), strengthen law enforcement training, expand DEI training in the corporate sector, and community ambassadors programming.

Legal Justice Center
Take on substantial civil rights issues impacting Hindu Americans, pursue both state and federal litigation, and fight discriminatory policies, such as caste-based policies in courts of law.

Regional Advocacy Center
Expand on the ground presence in cities with large Hindu American populations to stay abreast of the local needs and concerns, bolster local activism on relevant issues, and engage with local leaders and law enforcement.

Operations, Marketing, and Development
Scale internal operations to maintain non-profit best practices; Increase HAF brand recognition and market share to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.

HAF is politically agnostic and non-partisan, meaning were informed, but do not favor and cannot endorse any one political party or any candidates. We will work with all individuals and institutions who embrace integrity and reason and are constructively engaged in promoting dignity, freedom, equality and justice.

HAF is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Americans across all sampradaya (Hindu religious traditions) regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability.

Our positions are based on a relentless pursuit of facts; deep consideration of Hindu principles and American values, such as pluralism, freedom, equality, and justice; and the input of subject matter experts. If we like a policy, well say so, and rigorously substantiate our position.

HAF positions will always be based on our guiding principles and we will always work in a manner that is rooted in Hindu values.

Satya. Be truthful. We pride ourselves in offering programming and information with accuracy and integrity.

Ahims. Be kind. We aspire to work and communicate fairly, constructively, and respectfully.

Viveka. Be wise. We approach our work with intelligence, discernment, and reflection.

Srijant. Be innovative. We aspire to keep our work and approach creative, innovative and agile.

Sahakritva. Be collaborative. We seek out partnerships with individuals and individuals on a foundation of mutual respect to forward our shared values and goals.

Nirmamatva. Be selfless. We value and respect each other and keep our focus on serving a greater good.

Utsh. Be passionate. We are passionate about Hindu Dharma and our work.

HAF has a full-time staff of 16 highly qualified, motivated, and passionate individuals. The team is dedicated to ensuring the objectives and goals set forth by the Board of Directors with input from HAF's National Leadership Council, staff and other stakeholders. HAF's National Leadership Council is a small body of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who work with HAF's staff and board in ensuring progress towards the organization's stated objectives and goals. With a 20-year track record in education and advocacy, two attorneys on staff and a staff team with decades of work experience, HAF is a highly capable and top industry leader.

Improved how India & Hinduism is taught in public schools in 11 states.

Trained, to date, over 3,600 teachers, directly impacting more than 90,000 students, and created almost 50 unique teaching materials and resources. Moreover, HAF educational videos have collectively garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube.

Reaffirmed the Hindu roots of yoga through the Take Back Yoga campaign covered in over 90 mainstream news articles including prime-time coverage in the Washington Post, NY Times, CNN, BBC, and NPR.

Graduated and inspired over 50 emerging leaders through the first and only Hindu American Internship.

Empowered the community with 2,200 trained in HAFs Dharma Ambassadors and Dharma Advocates programs.

Gave voice to Hindus suffering gross human rights abuses in South Asia through 12 annual, first-of-its-kind Hindu human rights reports and over 30 Hindu Human Rights advocacy campaigns.

Ensured over 4,000 Pakistani Hindu refugees received vital medical services and nearly 18,000 Bhutanese Hindu refugees are able to preserve their culture and successfully integrate into American life.

Harnessed the power of the community to ensure the well-being of Hindus in the US and around the world with 36,000 grassroots advocates activated.

Worked with the US Congress and FBI to create and institute the anti-Hindu hate crime data category to better monitor anti-Hindu hate crimes and protect the Hindu American community. In addition, we have ongoing engagement with the Department of Justice on hate crimes and Know Your Rights programs for the Hindu American community.

Sued California's Board of Education, Department of Fair Employment & Housing, and the California State University system for violating Hindu American rights.

Successfully advocated for the first-ever recognition of Diwali in the US Congress.

What's next? HAFs commitment to excellence and innovation allows us to adapt to the changing needs of the education and advocacy space.