Religious Freedom: We support freedom of thought and worship across the globe.Religious freedom of thought and worship must be the foundation of any modern society and nation. Hindu teachings acknowledge and accept that there are multiple paths to, perspectives on, and ways to worship. In the famous passage from the Rig Veda, the tradition’s oldest sacred text, it states, (paraphrased) “The Truth is one, the wise call It by many names.” Such religious or spiritual freedom must be based, however, on mutual respect. Based on this fundamental Hindu teaching regarding religious freedom and pluralism, we support international religious freedom in terms that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes as “the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change one’s religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest their religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance;” and inthat which it has failed to include; the right to retain one’s traditions and be free from religious intrusion, harassment, intimidation, and exploitative and predatory proselytization.
Religious Hatred: We advocate a policy of intolerance towards hatred, violence, and discrimination against all communities and religions. Anti-Hindu hatred or Hindu-phobia is the irrational fear of, hostility towards, discrimination against, or hatred directed at Hindus and Hinduism. These have a tragically long history which continues to this day across the globe. Those who are affected are continually exposed to attacks based on their religion and culture.We request your help in tracking down incidents of identity-based and bias-motivated intimidation, harassment, and violence in our communities. Raise your voices against such prejudice if you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed any incident of intolerance.
Sustainability: We condemn cruelty against any species, and support policies advocating ecological conservation.We support policies which promote the ethical treatment of animals, ecological conservation, and stopping climate change.Hindu teachings repeatedly assert that all of manifest existence, all of the world around us, is Divine and deserving of our respect, worship, and protection. This outlook is a holistic, interconnected view of the relationship between humanity and all of nature.A broad application of the Hindu ethical principles espoused in the Yamas (how one should interact with others and the world) and Niyamas (how one should interact with oneself through spiritual disciplines and restraints) provides a strong dictate and basis for ecological conservation and protection of all species. HFC believes in executing actions that are based on sustainability principles. These principles refer to the utilization of resources without endangering their essence and compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Moreover,they also pertain to the social development path in which environmental and social economic development opportunities are promoted. We at HFC encourage the continuous development of a sustainable business strategy which does not hamper ecological balance.
Gender Equality: We support equality of all women and men, and support culturally grounded means for freedom, empowerment, and equal opportunity to all, regardless of gender and background. We believe that we have a responsibility to ensure the dignity and equality of all women and men, and support culturally grounded means for freedom, empowerment, and opportunity regardless of background.At HFC, we believe in creating a ‘just’ world where both men and women have the same rights. We believe in tackling the most difficult issues, challenging ingrained cultural assumptions and calling out inequality wherever we see it. And we believe in the power of the law to create enduring equality for both men and women everywhere.
Mutual Support: We believe that privileged sections of society must come together to help improve the living conditions of the underprivileged. We are committed to helping the disadvantaged. Each day presents a fresh opportunity to share our vision of creating ‘The Advantaged Society’; and to live our purpose to empower the possibilities for economically weaker communities by supporting them with basic necessities such as education, food, health, shelter, etc. which can empower them to take charge of their own future as our Mission advises. We strongly believe that a better, more sustainable world will take shape when economically weaker communities will be equipped with basic needs and proper resources to sustain their lives and to grow. With this, they will gain the power to help themselves, their families, and so too entire communities. Mutual Support will lead to transformation and will create ‘The Advantaged Society.’
Our Guiding Principles
HFC is politically agnostic and non-partisan, meaning we are informed, but do not favor or endorse any one political party or its positions. We work with all individuals and institutions committed to and constructively engaged in promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism. HFC is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or entities. HFC seeks to serve those in need across the globe regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability.
- Our positions are based on a relentless pursuit of facts; deep consideration of Hindu principles and values, such as freedom, equality, and justice; and the input of subject matter experts. If we like a policy, we’ll say so, and rigorously substantiate our position.
- HFC positions will always be based on our guiding principles. And we will always advocate for what we believe is rooted in Hindu Dharma, and for that which serves the well-being of minority groups across the globe.
