Hinduism : The First

Generation of Hindu
Americans- A diaspora
Perspective
A view from a first
generation of HinduAmerican senior citizens
perspective Perception vs:
Reality
Akkaraju Sarma
akkaraju1@verizon.net

What is a diaspora. With d in lower case

A diaspora (from Greek ,

"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 1960s and 70s:

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 60s 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