DhIA Foundation launches campaign to combat hunger and violence
In honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s 154th birth anniversary on October 2, 2023, the Dharma Into Action Foundation (DhIA), in collaboration with the Historic Ebenezer Church of Atlanta, Georgia, and the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple of Lanham, Maryland, has launched an initiative to combat hunger and violence and promote acts of service in a secular, non-partisan manner.
The ‘WeAreOne’ campaign draws inspiration from the shared history of non-violent struggles against formidable challenges faced by Indian Americans and African Americans,” DhIA said in a press release.
Mahatma Gandhi, who led the non-violent Indian independence movement, greatly influenced Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who adopted Gandhi’s principles in the U.S. civil rights movement. This connection culminated in the signing of the Hart-Cueller Act of 1965, paving the way for the significant growth of the Indian diaspora in the United States.
“WeAreOne builds on the legacies of Gandhi and King to address hunger and violence challenges in the US,” the release said.
The campaign was launched in Washington, D.C., on October 1 by feeding the hungry and providing job training in the food service industry.
It encompasses a series of events in the Washington, D.C. area and Atlanta, jointly led by the three organizations.
Also on October 1, the Heartfulness Institute hosted an event titled ‘Peace and Non-Violence through Yoga and Meditative Practices’ at Montgomery Blair High School in Bethesda, MD.
Other events that are part of the WeAreOne campaign include:
October 7, 2023, 8 am to 3 PM:
The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and Restoring One’s Hope of Atlanta will host “The Community Fair for the Homeless,” offering services and support to the unhoused community.
October 7, 2023, 10 am to noon:
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple and Angarai Cares CBO will distribute groceries to those in need with the help of volunteers and public officials (Open to the public).
October 8, 2023, 8 am to noon:
The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and Restoring One’s Hope of Atlanta will lead the delivery of food and supplies to the unhoused community, followed by Sunday service at the Ebenezer. Subsequently, the Gandhi Foundation of the USA will lead a visit to the Mahatma Gandhi statue, and the King Center will host a visit to Freedom Hall, featuring rooms honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. & Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi (Limited size).
The “WeAreOne” campaign has received support from a range of organizations, including the American Jewish Committee, the Art of Living Foundation, DC Central Kitchen, the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, the Gandhi Foundation of the USA, the Global Sikh Foundation, the Heartfulness Institute, Indiaspora, the International Buddhist Association of America, and the Jain International Trade Organization, among others, DhIA said in the release.
The Dharma Into Action Foundation (DhIA), based in Bethesda, brings together Dharmic American leaders, tech entrepreneurs, business executives, and philanthropists to spearhead action-oriented programs that tackle community needs while upholding secular and inclusive values. DhIA’s heritage is rooted in the four Dharmic traditions that originated in India: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
Individuals interested in registering or volunteering for any of the events may contact coordinator@dhiafoundation.org or reach out to Niru Raghavan at 479-381-3527.
