WASHINGTON, D.C., November 30, 2007: The last two weeks were unique for the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), when two of its own received significant national recognition. Ishanaa Rambachan, a member of the HAF Executive Council and student at St. Olaf’s College in Minnesota, was a recipient of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship garnering widespread media attention. Rambachan prominently featured her work as an HAF leader and contributing author to HAF’s annual Hindu human rights report during her application and interview process. The political science major will study development studies and gender issues at Oxford University and will continue to work closely as a researcher, writer and editor at HAF.
“At HAF we are basking collectively in the glow of Ishanaa’s accomplishment–and not the least bit surprised that she was selected,” said Aseem Shukla, M.D., member of the HAF Board of Directors. “Ishanaa’s work with HAF and beyond is always professional, consistent and flawless–and we are proud that she discussed our Foundation and her work with HAF in depth with the Rhodes selection committee.”
Just days before the Rhodes scholars were announced, HAF’s President, Mihir Meghani, M.D. was listed with eight other prominent Americans, including a member of the U.S. Congress, academics and business leaders, in the annual “America’s Table, Thanksgiving Reader.” The reader, published yearly by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), recognizes leaders of various faith communities that have contributed to furthering pluralism and interfaith dialogue in the United States. The reader “consists of a brief narrative about America’s history and values, and profiles of eight diverse individuals who personify those values,” according to the publication’s introduction. You may download the publication here.
“From accolades lavished upon Mihir and Ishanaa to twin Diwali resolutions being passed in the U.S. Senate and House, this has been a tremendous Diwali season for all Hindu Americans,” remarked Nikhil Joshi, Esq., member of the HAF Board of Directors.