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Support For Hindu Chaplaincy in DOD

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This support affidavit is being submitted by the Hindu Congregation from the DOD to the Chief of Chaplains ( DOD – Department of Defense )

PURPOSE OF AFFIDAVIT: To confirm the growing need for the Hindu chaplaincy in the DOD. To give equal opportunities for serving Hindu soldiers and civilians in the DOD to practice the Hindu religion within the DOD.

NEED FOR HINDU CHAPLAINCY: Since 2000, the number of South Asians in America has grown significantly. According to the 2010 census the numbers have nearly doubled in some states. As such, thousands of South Asian Americans have started to pursue careers of service in America’s Armed Forces. We currently have thousands of South Asian Americans who are practicing Hindus in the U.S Armed Forces. We recognize this growth and the associated requirement for Hindu Chaplains who can support and meet the spiritual needs of Hindu military members and their families. The Hindu community will organize and mobilize resources to provide the required support to the Hindu Chaplains and our soldiers who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the United States.

This affidavit is submitted by the DOD Hindu congregation and Hindu community members living and working in the United States.

GOALS FOR THIS SUPPORT AFFIDAVIT:

  1. To recognize and thank the Department of Defense (DOD) for appointing first Hindu Chaplain in the DOD. We request the (DOD) Chief of Chaplains office to continue to give equal support for the Hindu Chaplaincy program for the benefit of the Hindu congregants.
  2. The Hindu community will give full support to the DOD for their programs and efforts that promote religious and cultural diversity at all levels within the DOD. The Hindu community will continue to provide any support required to the White House, Federal Government and DOD leaders to promote inter faith understanding and dialogue across the DOD.
  3. Establish contact with practicing Hindus who are serving as active duty , civilians and veterans in the U.S Armed Forces.

The DOD Hindu congregation and community sincerely thank the Department of Defense (DOD) OSD’s Chief of Chaplain’s office for appointing the very first Hindu Chaplain on May 2011. Chaplain CPT Pratima Dharm was appointed by the DOD (Department of Defense) as the first Hindu Chaplain in May 2011 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC).

The federal government has issued directives for equal opportunity and religious diversity in the DOD. The Hindu community in the U.S has always taken an active part in supporting the political process in the U.S at all levels ( Federal, State and Local ). The Hindu community will organize resources at our disposal to help the DOD to implement the directives for equal opportunity and religious diversity.

To The DOD Hindu Congregants And Community Supporters:

Please confirm your support for this effort. We request all affidavit supporters to give your Name, Location and Email contact info. We need your email to keep you involved and updated. We will NOT use your email for any other purpose. We need your role and location information to confirm the size and location of the Hindu congregation within the DOD. We thank you for your support and your understanding.