“Hinduism : The First
Generation of Hindu
American’s- A diaspora
Perspective”
A view from a first generation of
Hindu-American senior citizen’s
perspective “Perception vs: Reality”
Akkaraju Sarma
akkaraju1@verizon.net
What is a diaspora. With “d” in lower case
• A diaspora (from Greek διασπορά, "scattering,
dispersion"]) is the movement or migration of
a group of people, such as those sharing a
national and/or ethnic identity, away from an
established or ancestral homeland. When
capitalized, the Diaspora refers to the exile of
the Jewish people and Jews living outside
ancient or modern day Israel. (Source
Wikipedia)
Who are Desis? What is ahead of us?
The largest Asian diaspora in the new world (north
and south America) is the Indian diaspora. The
overseas Indian community, is spread across many
regions in the world and to every continent. They
represent an eclectic group that is very diverse and
heterogeneous. It is a world community. They come
from various regions, speak different languages,
cultures vary religious beliefs are predominantly
Hindu. In USA they are categorized as desis.
• Acculturation Forces:
• Let us see some examples of how cultural forces have changed the
“traditional” patterns we all had.
• We have seen these changes also in other areas like South Africa,
Caribbean, Fiji and so on. List is long.
• Not many erudite groups were there in numbers. Look how the colonies
were recruited with indentured laborers and service personnel!
• The India, we left behind in 1965 is different today. To us, Indian
Americans, its not only cultural issues but also the acceptance of blended
outcomes. Here in USA and back in India as well.
• We, a came as young adults now become senior citizens is not what we
saw as uncorrupted Hindu India but have observed how our children
learnt to adapt to these blended situations.
• What our Gurus are saying and advising?
• Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Spiritual Leader
for many Hindus and titular leader of Arsha Vidya
Gurukulum in Saylorsburg, Pa (and in Coimbatore in
South India) exhorts Hindus to be a part of the
ongoing Hindu renaissance in the diaspora.
• These mini-conferences will help us to identify what
is needed and what we could do. It is refreshing and
heartening to see an inordinate number adults
concerned with these issues and youth in attendance
at the regional mini-conferences.
What some of us did in the 1960’s and 70’s:
1) Organizing and setting up of regional language focused
associations.
2) Examples: Birth of Telugu and Tamil Associations in
Philadelphia areas.
3) National Level Associations: TANA as an example. What about
succession? We got them as non-profit organizations and had
elections with changes in office bearers.
What some of us did?
4) Grooming (as we aged) younger generations to take
responsibilities.
5) What was my long term view, then and now ?
6) When we immigrated as young and goal oriented working in
challenging performance and achievement oriented society.
what we did and should have?
7) At least some of us looked for next generation to take up the
cause. And made sure they get experience.
See what is happening in India : A case in Point.
•
United News of India reports the exclusive preserves of Brahmins at the
Gangotri temple, priests have agreed to bring in young locals to be trained
into priestly pathways.
• Chief priest and management president Pt. Sanjiv Semwal with his team of
office bearers are agreed that the Mandirs must train young and talented
boys in Dharma Shiksha and Karam Kand, so far confined to Brahmins, said
Rajya Sabha M.P Tarun Vijay.
• Terming the move as historic, Mr. Tarun Vijay, who took the initiative, said
meetings on the issue were held inside the temple precincts of Gangotri over
the weekend. He said the Pandas and President of the Mandirs committee
were told that the move would go a long way in forging unity among various
caste ridden sections of the Hindu society, often embroiled in violent protests
in Haryana and UP over inter-caste marriages.
• These reforms to have the best management and cleanliness in the highest
pilgrim centers would be worked out in consultation with local priests and
young members of the movement from Uttarkashi region.
What are we doing to help the Hindu / Jain /
Other South Asian Children:
Let us look at an example of what we are offering the second and third
generation Hindu immigrants. Our Bharatiya Temple & Cultural Center in
Chalfont, Pa., started modestly with few young children.
• It has since grown exponentially with over 150 students and is in great
demand. They employ a curriculum that works; they meet promptly at
10 am till noon every Sunday during fall and spring.
• They begin with a prayer and continue with brief lectures on aspects of
Hinduism, religion and culture. Then spend about 45 minutes in a major
south Asian major language. They do not mix different “age” groups.
• This provides ample forums for youth by involving them in event
planning, editing newsletters, and for logistical and artistic support.
• When we came in late 60’s thru next decade plus, we missed what I
described above.
• Our older children are somewhat Indian language fluent, as they had
gained by visits as youngsters to South India.
Hinduism in diaspora
Let us look at where we are as 2010
year is almost over.
• We find that temples/mandirs/gurudwaras focus excessively on religious
ceremonies and Indian festivals.
• The language of communication is in Sanskrit.
• The second generation Indian-Americans see difficulties in connecting to
the issues.
• Particularly so, when interacting with mainstream achievement oriented
culture they encounter everyday life.
• This is not unique to our American Experience. Even in modern Hindu
India, we see changes.
• In USA we have seen wonderful Hindu Temples built and supported with
the generous support of Hindus (and others that believe in Hinduism).
A Totalitarian Religion is one that does not change
Hinduism has always been open
Hindus have received blessings and pujas
done by really well learnt Caucasian
priests. Example: Satguru Bodhinada @
Kauai Adheenam in Hawaii. They also
publish a well received monthly magazine,
Hinduism Today. Most editors are their
own Acharyas and Swamis that have spent
years learning all concepts of hinduism.
Print Media Coverage on Hinduism
•
US Print Media : Comes from Hawaii and with world wide coverage Have you seen
or read Hinduism today?
•
.
Examples of Changes:
• Hindus have received blessings and pujas done
by really well learnt Caucasian priests. Examples:
Satguru Bodhinada Velayanaswami @ Kauai
Adheenam in Hawaii. Swami Tattvavidnanda at
Arsha Bodha Center locally, in NJ.
• Iraivan Temple in Hawaii also publishes a well
received monthly magazine, Hinduism Today.
Most editors are their own Acharyas and Swamis
that have spent years learning all concepts of
hinduism.
One more picture from Hawaii.
Iraivan Temple, Hawaii
Look at Iraivan Temple in Hawaii.
• Photos of Temple
• In construction
In our own adopted country
• At a pristine Gurukulum like Arsha Vidya @ Saylorsburg, many from
Caucasian and other groups are students graduating 3 year rigorous
programs and propagating the concepts. How wonderful.
US Print Media Coverage.
Newsweek, (next slide) the weekly magazine,
found a large number of Americans, over 65
percent, agreed with Hindu belief or philosophy
in one way or another. Hope is pluralistic belief
system as Hinduism could be understood in this
country.
What are some senior Hindus are saying and doing recently?
Is there room for reaching desired long term goals?
• In recent internet exchanges, there has been a warm
recognition parts played by under title “The New Generation
of Hindu-Americans - A New Phenomenon”. The two or three
observers had noted the positive roles taken by new
generation, i.e. second generation Hindus.
• Soon the next point made leaves lingering problem! Like
what? One senior individual, forever wants to recognized in
every contexts as the only one!
• Another claims to be “also” a founding president of a national
organization! While we realize that two cannot claim these
rights, leaving little breathing room for “New Generation” to
take leadership roles. Each of these seniors are discrediting
the other.
What could seniors do to help!
• What should the seniors do? Give guidance and
give an opportunity for the next generation to
lead us instead of hindering progress.
• Make transitions to younger generation a priority,
be a mentor when needed. It becomes a
hindrance for progress when this is not done.
• William Wordsworth, in Rainbow pointed out
succinctly, “the child is father of man” reflecting
how childhood traits learned will reflect in later
life.
Changing and Changed Issues :
• We need learned persons in Hindu concepts to deliver us
knowledge in these areas.
• Swami Chinmayananda eloquently demonstrated to all, it need not
be in Sanskrit.
• We have traditional schools of Hindu learning that have
successfully graduated non-native Hindus that are propagating
Hindu concepts all over the world.
• Many Hindu citizens all over the world have noted and accepted
the nature of blended personal family vignettes.
• Senior citizen Hindus must step out of the mindset, “permanent
titular leader” but pass on their knowledge to next generation to
lead us. Not doing this is disservice to all. This is an area that needs
immediate attention.
Perception versus Reality
• What we have known for several generations in Hindu India, from Harappa
times that the occupation based classification of Hindu populations is
invalid in 20 th. Century. It is inapplicable in the Western Societies.
• Now we have Caucasian Hindu priests serving key roles in rendering
pastoral needs in US Hindus and elsewhere.
• Even similar changes are happening in Traditional India.
• We should strive to maintain the positive components of Hinduism in our
adopted motherland and ensure that is achieved.
What steps can one take?
• As a person that had attained senior citizen status in adopted
motherland of USA, having intellectually benefitted here in
the last 30-40 years, it is my plea to all seniors, to convey the
knowledge and experience gained to next generation to
advance the cause further.
• All the world populations are affected by acculturation.
Translated we borrow and lend our concepts to others.
• Hinduism has been exposed to other cultures, examples are
plenty, like South Africa, Caribbean, UK and USA.
• We have acute shortages of purohits/pujaris to mediate
knowledge. Even in Hindu India. Remedial steps are due.
Perception versus Reality
• In religion, to Not to Change is “Fundamentalism”.
Hinduism is not fundamental.
• It does not convert any body people into Hinduism.
When we see changes going on, a failure to recognize is
like a tortoise at the bottom of well and thinks the world
it sees as real.
• We are all educated and understand the need to accept
working within these changing parameters.
• Hinduism is syncretic, live and let live. Anyone can come
to us anytime but not force your ideas on us.
• Realize and accept changes. Let these strengthen our
long term goals.
Thank you for the time :
• I prayerfully submit these ideas and thoughts.
These to develop a dialog with each other for
a successful progressive organization to move
forwads in the next decades.
• Hari Om.
• Akkaraju Sarma, MD. akkaraju1@verizon.net