VISHWA HINDU PARISHAD OF AMERICA (World Hindu Council) A 38 Year Journey In the Service of the Hindu Community

2 VISION A dynamic, vibrant Hindu society inspired by the eternal values of Dharma and the lofty ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam, meaning “The entire creation is one family” According to the Parishad, Hindus are all those who believe, practice, or respect the spiritual and religious principles and practices having roots in Bharat. Thus Hindu includes Jains, Buddhas, Sikhs and people of many different sects within the Hindu ethos.

3 EMBLEM : Akshaya Vriksha (Banyan Tree) The Banyan Tree symbolizes: The integral view of Hindu Life. “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” You sustain and are sustained by Dharma MOTTO:

4 MISSION PRACHAR (Awareness) Promote Unity among Hindus. Provide a forum for and represent all Hindu organizations and institutions for Hindu interests. Raise Hindu awareness. SAMSKAR (Values) Cultivate the spirit of self-respect (Asmita). Create opportunities for imbibing Hindu Values; Bal Vihars, Camps, Satsang. SEVA (Service) Provide Community Service in USA and Bharat. Help victims of natural disasters. SAMPARK (Connect – Network) Establish World-wide contacts with Hindus. Interact with Temples and Hindu Organizations. Keep contact with opinion makers.

VHP established in New York 1974 Parishad office incorporated in New York State 1974 Bal Vihar program offered 1979 First Youth camp in Rhode Island 1985 Support-a-Child Program started 1985 Hindu University of America project announced Hindu Students Council begins operation 1993 Global Vision 2000 Programs 1998 First Dharma Sansad at Arsha Vidya Gurukul 1999 Ekal Vidyalaya started as a project of VHPA 2006 Hindu Mandir Executive conference 2006 Hindu Awareness Yatra Significant Events Evolution of Programs based on needs

6 Chapter Regular Local Meetings Youth Programs Hindu Awareness Yatraa/Workshop PR, Media, Other Organizations Hindu Mandir Networking Seva Projects (SAC, Ekal V) Role of a VHPA Chapter To sustain VHPA's mission Growth And Operation

7 Join VHPA Chapter Activity You can discharge your duty to the Hindu Society by selecting any one of the programs/ projects/ activities. All the members will receive information and news on Hindu issues, and will have access to the National Resource Center. National Resource Center is a repository of material on Hindu issues. Additionally, the center helps network Hindus in across the USA, runs seva (service) projects, and develops special programs for Hindu youths and children. Paid members have the right to vote on organizational issues and hold office. Membership Privileges

8 VHPA Active Chapters Chapters play a PIVOTAL ROLE in achieving VHPA goals Through a team of DEDICATED Volunteers.