Dear Editor,

I commend The Ledger for its coverage of Indians and Hindus in Polk County.

As you correctly pointed out, Hindus number close to 1 billion. While there were few Hindus of non-Hindu descent 50 years ago, today Hinduism is a global spiritual and religious movement, with one to two million adherents from non-ethnic Indian backgrounds in America alone. Furthermore, spiritual and health practices from Hindu heritage such as vegetarianism, yoga, meditation, and ayurveda have been adopted by those who do not identify themselves as Hindus, strengthening the spirituality of other religions.

At its core, Hinduism offers the diverse spiritual experiences of a civilization that is over 5,000 years old. Within Hinduism, individuals will find a multitude of paths, books, gurus, and philosophies that lead to the same ultimate reality that is common to all of mankind. This reality may be identified as the Truth, as a unifying force, or as God (to whom we give various names), depending on how it is perceived. Hindus encourage and respect such diversity of perception and experience as true and legitimate.

Also, as Hindus take advantage of the social, political, educational and economic opportunities that America offers, they are increasingly giving back to the broader American community by supporting causes that benefit all Americans and strengthen ties between India (the largest democracy) and America (the strongest democracy).

In America, Hindus have found a nation that values diversity and pluralism as much as Hinduism does. In Hinduism, Americans are finding a religion that strengthens the pluralistic traditions on which this great nation was founded.

Sincerely,

Mihir Meghani, M.D.
President, Hindu American Foundation