FAQ on Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) of America (VHPA)
Who were the founders of VHPA?
VHPA was founded on October 19th 1970 and incorporated in the state of New York on May 16, 1974 by Dr. Mahesh Mehta, Shri Pranjivan Patel, Shri Subhash Mehta, Shri Arvind Sant and Shri M P Srinivasan.
What is the nature of the organization?
VHPA is an independent, nonprofit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) and volunteer-based charitable (socio-cultural-spiritual) organization serving the needs of Hindu community in US.
Why was VHPA founded?
VHPA was founded to address social, educational, cultural, intellectual and spiritual needs of the Hindu society in the US and to network with other Hindu organizations with humanitarian causes worldwide.
Who is a Hindu according to VHPA?
According to VHPA Hindus are those who believe in, practice, or respect the spiritual and religious principles having origins in Bharat (India), which includes Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs and people, worldwide, of various religious sects within the Hindu ethos.
What is the vision of VHPA?
VHPA was founded with a grand vision of building a dynamic Hindu society inspired by the eternal values of Dharma and the lofty ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam meaning the entire creation is one family.
Why is the name of the organization Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America similar to Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Bharat?
Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bharat was founded in 1964 and it was the only Hindu organization of its kind at the time founded by prominent personalities from Vedikas, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, whereas VHP of America was independently founded in 1970, six years later in the US. Keeping the vision of Hindu unity in mind the organization in the US was named similarly.
Is VHPA a branch of any other organization?
No. VHPA is an independent organization in the US governed by the laws of the US with its own constitution.
Though inspired by the same values and ideals as those followed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Bharat, VHP of America is distinct, legally separate and operationally independent Non-Profit organization in its own right within the USA. The programs, projects, policies of VHPA are determined by its Governing Council and operationalized by its Executive board in USA.
What is VHPA’s Stand in General?
VHPA’s vision for the Hindu society is rooted in the sacred soil of Hindu Dharma and enveloped in the hallowed breath of the Rishis charged with the vibrations of the Mahavakayas. Dharma is the very core that holds our society. Yes, we stand for sciences, but sciences rooted in Dharma. Yes, we stand for technology, but technology soaked in Dharma. Yes, we are for all the Arts, but arts that are alive with Dharma. Yes, we are for a social order and good governance, but governance that is solidly planted in Dharma. VHP of America welcomes into its fold anyone and everyone that share its vision. Its programs and activities invite participation from all members of the communities in America without regards to race, gender, creed or spiritual orientation, provided such engagements foster and promote harmony, goodwill and peace.
