In a remarkable spirit of preserving our Vedic Hindu traditions and Hindu inspired cultural heritage, the Indian American community has made strides in addressing various religious and cultural needs through temples and regional associations, a needed first step in the adaptation process. At first we worked towards transplanting our culture and religion to our adopted land. Now as we, the New Americans, mature and root ourselves further in the sacred and secular landscape of America, we need to build national and local organizations focusing on serving -- with Seva Bhava -- contemporary needs of our growing community and the community at large. 

Seva/service is an integral part of our culture and traditions.  Many individuals and organizations volunteer and serve in soup kitchens, shelters, health camps, disaster relief, etc.  But few Dharmic (Hindu/Jain/Sikh/Buddhist) institutions have the capacity to provide social services and do seva as is prevalent in other faith based institutions in America. Our Dharmic institutions need to understand the reality that the responsibility for  community development and service is carried out largely through not-for-profits and faith based institutions – churches and synagogues -- in America.  A transformation within our community’s temples and non-profits is needed to bring us on par with other established traditions and at the government policy levels as we, the New Americans, integrate in the communities in which we reside and provide needed services.