(Correspondents Continued)
Our Correspondents
We might say the third of the a-b-c's of good journalism is choosing insightful
journalists. Here, we take great pleasure in introducing to you a remarkable team
of writers who are guiding, through their contributions to this magazine, the course
of Hinduism in the modern world. Their in-depth insights into problems and farsighted
suggestions for solutions have made Hinduism Today a vital part of the Hindu home
for three decades. The visionary nature and inherent sensitivity of these men, along
with our very special women journalists, have inspired leadership far beyond expectations
in over 80 nations. We call our entire group of journalists the "renaissance team,"
as they monitor and guide the global, eternal renewal of the world's oldest faith.
These journalists have been with us for many years, and we invite more to join their
midst. Of course, there are others who have been and will continue to be instrumental
in the Hindu renaissance in various capacities. In our universe they include Kiran
Bedi, prison reformist and author; Madhu Kishwar, editor of Manushi magazine; Anita
Raj, journalist, dancer and model; Swamini Mayatitananda, writing on sadhana, health
and women's issues, late thinker Ram Swarup of New Delhi; astrologer Chakrapani
Ullal of California; late artist and author Harish Johari of Haridwar; Vamadeva
Shastri, Vedic astrologer, New Mexico; A. Manivel, artist of Chennai; Dr. V. Sodhi
who writes on health issues through the lense of ayurveda; and many others. To anyone
we have neglected, pardon us for not mentioning you, but you know who you are and
how dearly you hold the vision of Hindu Dharma. We honor you and the many more who
will volunteer their efforts in the future.
Rajiv
Malik, of Delhi, with diplomas in Sales and Marketing Management, has specialized
in the sale of textiles in his own showrooms since 1984, and "strayed" into journalism
ten years back. He writes, "My association with Hinduism Today has given a new meaning
to my life, a new sense of direction and purpose. I had never taken my being a Hindu
as something which was of great consequence. While working for Hinduism Today I
underwent wonderful and mystical experiences. Especially my visits to various Kumbha
Melas had a profound impact on my life and thought process as I sat at the feet
of holy men and women. While working on the story on Indian child labor, I came
across the heart-rending conditions of Indian children. I realized that Hinduism
has the solutions to all the extremely complex problems that face mankind today
and therefore Hinduism Today has an extremely challenging role to play in shaping
the future. I would like to see Hinduism Today become the voice of downtrodden and
weak Hindus who suffer as a silent majority in different parts of the world. It
is the job of a magazine like Hinduism Today to convey the eternal message of the
Vedas and Puranas--that we are not just these perishable bodies
but are a part of the Divine. In fulfilling this, I will act as a humble soldier
of the HT team for years, generations and births, till the goal is achieved."
Bashudeb Dhar writes from Dhaka: "I became a member of the Hinduism Today family in 1996. I consider it as a rare honor not only for me, but also for the Hindus of Bangladesh, who have been struggling for decades. I am trying to project their struggle. Bangladesh is constitutionally an Islamic country, but Hindus constitute 12 percent of the 130-million population. From 1941 the Hindus here have faced an uncertain future, with deprivation in all sectors of life. There is a wide communication gap among Hindus throughout the world regarding their religious thinking, culture and tradition. None took initiative to foster Hindu solidarity among all sects and lineages seriously. It is reported that dozens of organizations and institutions are working to this end, but the result is not encouraging. Hinduism Today is an exception in this regard. It is not only a magazine, but an institution working to present Hinduism in its real perspective. This I think will go a long way to unite the followers of Sanatana Dharma all over the world, bridging the communication gaps sincerely."
Freelance
journalist Archana Dongre lives with her husband, a computer engineer,
in Los Angeles. She has been in the US since the early 1970s. Born in Pune, Maharashtra,
schooled in Mumbai and Nagpur, linguistically gifted, she excelled in all other
languages and sciences. She earned a degree in education and an M.A. in Sanskrit
language and literature. Excelling at broad research pieces, her latest articles
In Hinduism Today include Adopting Indian Children (4-94), Tribal Art (2-95), Theosophy
(6-95), Home, Sweet Europe (9-95), ISKCON's Second Generation (3-96), and a Day
in the Life of India (2-97). She writes, "My vision for the future of Hinduism includes
a better place for the Hindu woman. In the Vedas, women are respected for what they
are in their own right; for example, Gargi, Lopamudra and Maitreyi. In today's society,
despite all the advancements that women have made, they are still looked upon as
adjuncts, only as somebody's wife, mother or sister, but not for their own capabilities
and talents. Of course, all those relations are important, but a woman's own worth
and talents need to be respected, nurtured and cultivated, with encouragement from
their fathers, husbands and, later, sons. I strongly feel that Hinduism, if rightly
understood, has never been just a blind faith, but a rich, variegated source of
such fascinating, appealing sciences, like jnana marga and bhakti marga. In the
truest, literal sense of the word Dharma, which signifies 'moral sustenance,' Hinduism
has all the potential and power to save humanity. I worked in different fields,
took college courses in many diverse subjects, but found that no matter what I did,
I came back to writing. I just pray to God to give me strength and long life so
I can do something significant for my work and my family so I can make a difference
and leave a mark."
Continued on the next page.