Source: online.wsj.com
UNITED STATES, July 28, 2009: Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists have made remarkable strides in establishing houses of worship in America. Many are now turning to mobilize talent and resources to serve their community and the nation, institutionalizing the component of selfless service, or seva.
Seva is an integral part of Dharmic culture and religious practice, from volunteering in soup kitchens and shelters, to assisting in health camps and disaster relief.
“As we strive to become integrated in all aspects of American life, we are addressing growing social service needs,” says Anju Bhargava of Hindu American Seva Charities and a member of the President’s Council on Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Some examples are the Ganesh Temple in New York, with a culturally sensitive senior center; the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, which regularly feeds 4,500 homeless and the Bharatiya Temple in Detroit which provides basic health care referral for uninsured families. The many Swaminarayan temples provide myriad services – from medical assistance to earthquake and flood relief.
In response to President Obama’s call for service, many segments of the Indian American community are coming together in the spirit of seva, in an united effort to engage in service-oriented projects.