CHICAGO: California based noted Indian physician Dr Mihir Meghani has announced a hefty donation of $100,000 to the Hindu American Foundation to give a boost to its efforts to train more public school teachers to teach Hinduism accurately and strengthening relationships with lawmakers to ensure that the community voice is heard on issues impacting it, and grow HAF’s presence across the county.
In his bid for larger community participation, Dr Meghani has urged the community members at large to contribute in whatever way they can. He does not expect them to donate a matching amount but hopes that “they will donate something, even a $101 membership. “This will help HAF meet its budget and also plan ahead for 2017,” he said.
“It’s important for us to increase our membership and donor base. Having a strong membership will actually help us when we negotiate contracts, organize corporate sponsorships, apply for grants or advocate in Washington D.C. in 2017.
We have a long road ahead with the recent rise in hate crimes, shocking results of our anti-bullying survey of students, and continued threats to replace India with South Asia and replace Hinduism with other terms in school textbooks.” He observed HAF is ready to tackle this but needs strong support to proactively take on these issues and be ready to take on even more.
Born in Philadelphia to parents from India, Meghani was inspired to service by his family background – Mahatma Gandhi was a relative on his mother’s side and Zaverchand Meghani, a Gujarati freedom fighter and author was on dad’s side. The message of “seva” or service of Swami Vivekananda sharpened his desire for community service.
He claims that his broad Hindu religious and cultural upbringing has taught him to believe in ”Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – The Whole Universe is One Family, and ”Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha Vadanti” – Truth is One, Sages Call it by Various Names. “I strongly believe in cultural and religious pluralism, acceptance, and tolerance,” he says.
Since joining Kaiser Permamente in 2000, he has been an active member of the Emergency Departments in Hayward and Fremont, besides working some shifts in Modesto and Manteca. Kaiser has awarded him the Hero Award, Community Service Award, Asian Association Award, and Everyday Hero Award.
As a member of the U.S. Bay Area Disaster Medical Assistance Team (now part of Homeland Security); he served for two weeks at the World Trade Center site after the terrorist attack.
SC Shah
