PRESS RELEASE

Media Contact:        Minauti Dave  
(917) 723-9456        msminu@gmail.com

ShaktiSeva: October is Service to Women

Hindu tradition and American expression lead to innovative community service

October 14, 2010, Washington, D.C. This October, Hindu American Seva Charities (HASC) launched UtsavSeva (FestivalSeva), an initiative to highlight the spiritual value of the major festival of that month, and will promote theme based community service throughout the year. Navratri, the nine nights to honor the Goddess, occurs in October so the theme is ShaktiSeva: service to the Feminine Principles, service that is woman-oriented. See our presentation.

While based on Hindu ideals, these efforts are inclusive. On Wednesday, October 20, 6pm EST, HASC reaches out to the secular community by partnering with The Association of Asian India Women in America, to host a conference call with Tina Tchen, Executive Director of The White House Council on Women and Girls, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House. This historic call marks the beginning of direct dialog between Asian Indian women and the government.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month and National Breast Cancer Awareness month. HASC is encouraging women and men of the Hindu-American community to engage in the many walks and other activities that raise funds and empower healthy communities, families and individuals.

HASC members and partners are organizing local community woman-centered events that focus on and empower the principles ShaktiSeva. The Hindu Temple of Minnesota has been engaging women congregants to gather and share stories.

HASC also encourages women to use October as a time to reflect and engage with spirit, however that is understood by them, through life-enrichment activities such as writing, art, sports or other means of self-expression.

ShaktiSeva has been featured in the Washington Post On Faith, and has stimulated a lively conversation in the comments section. And, crossing lines of religion and culture and people are responding to the idea of ShaktiSeva - Navaratri, Shakti, and Politics, and Abuse Against African Women.

ShaktiSeva will continue to encourage the diverse women of the Hindu-American and Asian Indian-American community to dialog about their faith, culture and heritage.