www.HAFsite.org
WASHINGTON, DC, USA, September 26, 2008 (Press Release): Hindu American Foundation (HAF) leaders and dozens of supporters descended on Capitol Hill during the Foundation’s fifth annual Government Outreach and Leadership Conference garnering support for their agenda of human rights and religious liberty issues. A dinner reception held within the U.S. Capitol’s rotunda was attended by legislators and national Hindu leaders alike. In a sign of the Foundation’s growing clout, several members of Congress took time to meet directly with the HAF delegation even on a day overshadowed by furious negotiations over the Bush fiscal rescue package.
“The Hindu American Foundation, through its extensive reports and events, brings much needed attention to the human rights abuses committed against Hindus worldwide,” said Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) after meeting with the HAF delegation. “I hope to continue working with the Foundation.”
Nearly hour long meetings were held in the offices of Senators Barack Obama and John McCain as the foundation asked senior staffers to respond to a religious freedom and human rights survey that HAF created this election season. The aim of the survey, according to the Foundation, is to educate the Hindu American community as to the candidate’s perspective and willingness to address concerns unique to their community.
“Our goal has always been to educate policy makers in the hope that they make policies in line with the vision of the Hindu American community,” said Ishani Chowdhury, Director of Public Policy at HAF. “We were able to explain our international and domestic concerns to both candidates, and hope that they will provide specific answers to our election scorecard that will be an invaluable educational tool for Hindu voters.”
The Foundation awarded the 2008 Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism to Rev. Barry Lynn and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. The 2008 Friend of the Community Award was presented to Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) for his longstanding support of the community. As co-chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Rep. McDermott was instrumental in the introduction and passage of HRes 747, which recognized the significance of Diwali.