Challenge the Gap (Q3 2012)

Featured beneficiary in the CHALLENGE THE GAP category for third quarter 2012:

HINDU AMERICAN SEVA CHARITIES

The Hindu American Seva Charities, based in Livingston, NJ, is a progressive religious organization with little interest in proselytizing but a huge concern for humanist issues and the welfare of mankind. HASC works through advancing seva (community service), interfaith collaboration, promoting social justice, and establishing sustainable civic engagement which will give rise to positive social change and healthy community building.

Seva is a key part of Hindu and Dharmic (eastern) traditions and sadhana (practice). To achieve their mission, with what they call an "inside out approach," the HASC seeks to "mobilize communities through service and community building at local and national levels to affect social development and to bridge the gap between the US government and Hindu and Dharmic people and places of worship and secular organization." Interfaith communication and multireligious cooperation is integral to the mission of the HASC, as they believe people of all faith and creeds are obligated to place their differences aside and focus on "the common good."

In the last two years, HASC has created innovative programs to advance health and education for low-income areas through promotion on college campuses, temples, yoga studios and through standalone operations in cities, towns, and rural areas. The Foundation Beyond Belief believes participation in interfaith works is important for creating visible social change. By supporting the Hindu American Seva Charities, we hope to aid them in their mission to create a more tolerant and proactive worldview.

"We recognize there is no church, no single leader or scripture, or no global council which represents all Hindus worldwide. We therefore do not presume to speak or act for the whole community. We would like to work with the natural diversity of the Dharmic and Hindu community by encouraging and inspiring individuals and community organizations to creatively serve all those is need."