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Date: October 3, 2005
Tampa, FL: Members of the
Hindu American Foundation (HAF) interacted with several prominent
journalists at the annual Religion Newswriters Association
(RNA) meeting held in Miami Beach, Florida on September 29,
2005. Suhag Shukla, Esq., legal counsel of HAF, was invited
by the RNA as a panellist on a widely attended plenary session
entitled, "American Hindus: Beyond Caste and Cows." On a dais
shared by Vasudha Narayan, Ph.D., Professor of Religion at
the University of Florida, and Anuttama Dasa, Director of
Communications for the International Society of Krishna Consciousness,
Shukla spoke to the audience about her experiences as a Hindu
American. She also discussed the various issues and conflicts
facing Hindu Americans, which led to the organization of HAF.
"There is a dichotomy in
how we, as practicing Hindu Americans, view ourselves and
our faith as compared to how we are perceived and described
in popular media," said Ms. Shukla during an address to approximately
250 religion writers from throughout the United States. "This
gap can be bridged with understanding of proper context, knowledge
of diversity within Hindu traditions and a sincere engagement
between journalists and representative groups such as HAF."
HAF presented a large, lighted
display at the conference venue and offered specifically created
media packets to visiting journalists. Included in the folder
was basic information on commonly held Hindu beliefs, Hindu
demographics and the Hindu focus on tolerance and pluralism
as well as a brochure specifically focused for journalists
covering Hinduism. Entitled, "Omissions and Oversights: Frequent
errors in media coverage about Hinduism," the brochure featured
direct quotes from articles about Hinduism, taken from prominent
media outlets, followed by an explanation as to how the coverage
was misrepresentative.
Discussing specific issues
with religion newswriters and editors, both on the panel and
in individual meetings, HAF representatives encouraged the
seeking of analyses from experts and academics who are practicing
Hindus. "Too often, journalists rely on academics that study
Hinduism to provide insight into Hindu practice and beliefs,"
said Ms. Shukla. "We encouraged RNA members to seek out academics
and spiritual leaders that actually practice the religion
and do not just approach Hinduism as an object of exotic or
ethnographic study."
HAF announced its plans
to continue engaging RNA members at the annual conference
and the foundation will be represented at the next meeting
in Salt Lake City, Utah in September, 2006.
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