“Hinduism : The First Generation of Hindu American’s- A diaspora Perspective”

1. “Hinduism : The First Generation of Hindu American’s- A diaspora Perspective” A view from a first generation of Hindu-American senior citizen’s perspective “Perceptionvs: Reality” Akkaraju Sarma akkaraju1@verizon.net

2. What is a diaspora. With “d” in lower case • A diaspora (from Greek διασπορά, "scattering, dispersion"]) is the movement or migration of a group of people, such as those sharing a national and/or ethnic identity, away from an established or ancestral homeland. When capitalized, the Diaspora refers to the exile of the Jewish people and Jews living outside ancient or modern day Israel. (Source Wikipedia)

3. Who are Desis? What is ahead of us? The largest Asian diaspora in the new world (north and south America) is the Indian diaspora. The overseas Indian community, is spread across many regions in the world and to every continent. They represent an eclectic group that is very diverse and heterogeneous. It is a world community. They come from various regions, speak different languages, cultures vary religious beliefs are predominantly Hindu. In USA they are categorized as desis.

4. Acculturation Forces: • Let us see some examples of how cultural forces have changed the “traditional” patterns we all had. • We have seen these changes also in other areas like South Africa, Caribbean, Fiji and so on. List is long. • Not many erudite groups were there in numbers. Look how the colonies were recruited with indentured laborers and service personnel! • The India, we left behind in 1965 is different today. To us, Indian Americans, its not only cultural issues but also the acceptance of blended outcomes. Here in USA and back in India as well. • We, a came as young adults now become senior citizens is not what we saw as uncorrupted Hindu India but have observed how our children learnt to adapt to these blended situations.

5. What our Gurus are saying and advising? • Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Spiritual Leader for many Hindus and titular leader of Arsha Vidya Gurukulum in Saylorsburg, Pa (and in Coimbatore in South India) exhorts Hindus to be a part of the ongoing Hindu renaissance in the diaspora. • These mini-conferences will help us to identify what is needed and what we could do. It is refreshing and heartening to see an inordinate number adults concerned with these issues and youth in attendance at the regional mini-conferences.

6. What some of us did in the 1960’s and 70’s:1) Organizing and setting up of regional language focused associations. 2) Examples: Birth of Telugu and Tamil Associations in Philadelphia areas.3) National Level Associations: TANA as an example. What about succession? We got them as non-profit organizations and had elections with changes in office bearers.

7. What some of us did? 4) Grooming (as we aged) younger generations to take responsibilities.5) What was my long term view, then and now ? 6) When we immigrated as young and goal oriented working in challenging performance and achievement oriented society.what we did and should have? 7) At least some of us looked for next generation to take up the cause. And made sure they get experience.

8. See what is happening in India : A case in Point. • United News of India reports the exclusive preserves of Brahmins at the Gangotri temple, priests have agreed to bring in young locals to be trained into priestly pathways. • Chief priest and management president Pt. Sanjiv Semwal with his team of office bearers are agreed that the Mandirs must train young and talented boys in Dharma Shiksha and Karam Kand, so far confined to Brahmins, said Rajya Sabha M.P Tarun Vijay. • Terming the move as historic, Mr. Tarun Vijay, who took the initiative, said meetings on the issue were held inside the temple precincts of Gangotri over the weekend. He said the Pandas and President of the Mandirs committee were told that the move would go a long way in forging unity among various caste ridden sections of the Hindu society, often embroiled in violent protests in Haryana and UP over inter-caste marriages. • These reforms to have the best management and cleanliness in the highest pilgrim centers would be worked out in consultation with local priests and young members of the movement from Uttarkashi region.

9. What are we doing to help the Hindu / Jain / Other South Asian Children: Let us look at an example of what we are offering the second and third generation Hindu immigrants. Our Bharatiya Temple & Cultural Center in Chalfont, Pa., started modestly with few young children. • It has since grown exponentially with over 150 students and is in great demand. They employ a curriculum that works; they meet promptly at 10 am till noon every Sunday during fall and spring. • They begin with a prayer and continue with brief lectures on aspects of Hinduism, religion and culture. Then spend about 45 minutes in a major south Asian major language. They do not mix different “age” groups. • This provides ample forums for youth by involving them in event planning, editing newsletters, and for logistical and artistic support. • When we came in late 60’s thru next decade plus, we missed what I described above. • Our older children are somewhat Indian language fluent, as they had gained by visits as youngsters to South India.

10. Hinduism in diaspora • We find that temples/mandirs/gurudwaras focus excessively on religious ceremonies and Indian festivals. • The language of communication is in Sanskrit. • The second generation Indian-Americans see difficulties in connecting to the issues. • Particularly so, when interacting with mainstream achievement oriented culture they encounter everyday life. • This is not unique to our American Experience. Even in modern Hindu India, we see changes. • In USA we have seen wonderful Hindu Temples built and supported with the generous support of Hindus (and others that believe in Hinduism). Let us look at where we are as 2010 year is almost over.

11. A Totalitarian Religion is one that does not changeHinduism has always been openHindus have received blessings and pujas done by really well learnt Caucasian priests. Example: Satguru Bodhinada @ Kauai Adheenam in Hawaii. They also publish a well received monthly magazine, Hinduism Today. Most editors are their own Acharyas and Swamis that have spent years learning all concepts of hinduism.

13. Print Media Coverage on Hinduism • US Print Media : Comes from Hawaii and with world wide coverage Have you seen or read Hinduism today? • .

14. Examples of Changes: • Hindus have received blessings and pujas done by really well learnt Caucasian priests. Examples: SatguruBodhinada Velayanaswami @ Kauai Adheenam in Hawaii. Swami Tattvavidnanda at Arsha Bodha Center locally, in NJ. • Iraivan Temple in Hawaii also publishes a well received monthly magazine, Hinduism Today. Most editors are their own Acharyas and Swamis that have spent years learning all concepts of hinduism.

15. One more picture from Hawaii.

16. Iraivan Temple, Hawaii

17. Look at Iraivan Temple in Hawaii. • Photos of Temple • In construction

18. In our own adopted country • At a pristine Gurukulum like Arsha Vidya @ Saylorsburg, many from Caucasian and other groups are students graduating 3 year rigorous programs and propagating the concepts. How wonderful.

19. US Print Media Coverage. Newsweek, (next slide) the weekly magazine, found a large number of Americans, over 65 percent, agreed with Hindu belief or philosophy in one way or another. Hope is pluralistic belief system as Hinduism could be understood in this country.

21. What are some senior Hindus are saying and doing recently? Is there room for reaching desired long term goals? • In recent internet exchanges, there has been a warm recognition parts played by under title “The New Generation of Hindu-Americans - A New Phenomenon”. The two or three observers had noted the positive roles taken by new generation, i.e. second generation Hindus. • Soon the next point made leaves lingering problem! Like what? One senior individual, forever wants to recognized in every contexts as the only one! • Another claims to be “also” a founding president of a national organization! While we realize that two cannot claim these rights, leaving little breathing room for “New Generation” to take leadership roles. Each of these seniors are discrediting the other.

22. What could seniors do to help! • What should the seniors do? Give guidance and give an opportunity for the next generation to lead us instead of hindering progress. • Make transitions to younger generation a priority, be a mentor when needed. It becomes a hindrance for progress when this is not done. • William Wordsworth, in Rainbow pointed out succinctly, “the child is father of man” reflecting how childhood traits learned will reflect in later life.

23. Changing and Changed Issues : • We need learned persons in Hindu concepts to deliver us knowledge in these areas. • Swami Chinmayananda eloquently demonstrated to all, it need not be in Sanskrit. • We have traditional schools of Hindu learning that have successfully graduated non-native Hindus that are propagating Hindu concepts all over the world. • Many Hindu citizens all over the world have noted and accepted the nature of blended personal family vignettes. • Senior citizen Hindus must step out of the mindset, “permanent titular leader” but pass on their knowledge to next generation to lead us. Not doing this is disservice to all. This is an area that needs immediate attention.

24. Perception versus Reality • What we have known for several generations in Hindu India, from Harappa times that the occupation based classification of Hindu populations is invalid in 20 th. Century. It is inapplicable in the Western Societies. • Now we have Caucasian Hindu priests serving key roles in rendering pastoral needs in US Hindus and elsewhere. • Even similar changes are happening in Traditional India. • We should strive to maintain the positive components of Hinduism in our adopted motherland and ensure that is achieved.

25. What steps can one take? • As a person that had attained senior citizen status in adopted motherland of USA, having intellectually benefitted here in the last 30-40 years, it is my plea to all seniors, to convey the knowledge and experience gained to next generation to advance the cause further. • All the world populations are affected by acculturation. Translated we borrow and lend our concepts to others. • Hinduism has been exposed to other cultures, examples are plenty, like South Africa, Caribbean, UK and USA. • We have acute shortages of purohits/pujaris to mediate knowledge. Even in Hindu India. Remedial steps are due.

26. Perception versus Reality • In religion, to Not to Change is “Fundamentalism”. Hinduism is not fundamental. • It does not convert any body people into Hinduism. When we see changes going on, a failure to recognize is like a tortoise at the bottom of well and thinks the world it sees as real. • We are all educated and understand the need to accept working within these changing parameters. • Hinduism is syncretic, live and let live. Anyone can come to us anytime but not force your ideas on us. • Realize and accept changes. Let these strengthen our long term goals.

27. Thank you for the time : • I prayerfully submit these ideas and thoughts. These to develop a dialog with each other for a successful progressive organization to move forwads in the next decades. • Hari Om. • Akkaraju Sarma, MD. akkaraju1@verizon.net