Our speakers shared personal insights and stories as well as philosophical frameworks that highlighted the multi-faceted, heart-centered nature of this form of spiritual accompaniment. We should have our conference recordings accessible soon. If you registered for the conference then they will be free to you; otherwise they will be available for purchase. 

Since our launch, the NAHCA Board has been meeting virtually at least once a week. We are in the process of fine-tuning NAHCA’s mission and scope, assessing and collating resources and establishing organizational partnerships. We have read through our members’ feedback and are considering all the ways we can support individuals interested in learning about and/or pursuing a career in spiritual care-giving through a Hindu lens. We welcome hearing more of your input.

We are now incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-stock non-profit in Connecticut and are working towards establishing ourselves as a Federally recognized independent organization.  

In closing I want to extend my deep gratitude to those of you who have joined as charter members of NAHCA - signalling your enthusiasm and endorsement for this work. We are delighted to share this journey with you. Please continue to be in touch with your thoughts and suggestions as we move forward establishing our Association.

Membership includes:

- opportunities for professional development, mentorship & networking

*webinar series (see note from Professional Development chair below)

- training guidelines for hiring institutions and to aspiring Hindu chaplains

- written and electronic resources on Hindu spiritual care and Hinduism.

(see note from Resource Development chairs below) 

- scholarships and awards (to be announced)

-support in our functioning as an endorsing body for Hindu chaplains aspiring to work in higher education, healthcare, military, corrections and community settings. 

Please contact me at : vedantik@yahoo.com with any questions about membership. 

RESOURCES AND UPDATES FROM BRAHMACHARI and VINEET:

The Resources Committee is delighted to help NAHCA members connect with opportunities to learn and grow. Whether one is already working as a chaplain, is on the path to becoming a chaplain, or is simply interested in learning more, we are happy to provide relevant and reliable ways to build a powerful toolkit.  

We serve in three main ways:

• Helping to define Hindu chaplaincy and develop the standards for well-rounded, prepared chaplains;

• Identifying pathways for endorsement and equivalency for Hindu chaplains or those interested in exploring chaplaincy as a vocation; 

• Creating curricula for professional development and learning opportunities around Hindu approaches to spiritual care and chaplaincy. 

We are currently developing partnerships with educators and institutions of learning to better equip NAHCA members with viable opportunities and resources.

These partnerships allow us to endorse Hindus who would wish to pursue clinical training as well as those who would want to become Professional Chaplains. 

We are also looking to partner with the Hindu mandirs across the USA. If you are a Hindu Mandir leader or work with Hindu Mandir leaders and would like to explore how a Hindu Chaplain can serve the temple community as well as how the temples can be an important partner to NAHCA, please get in touch with me at shama.mehta7@gmail.com. 

On July 24, we held our second webinar that explored Approaches that Accommodate Ritual and Social Justice. Along with Mr. Tahil Sharma, I gave new light to how ritual can ignite and support our action.  * These are available at the cost of attendance and you can email me to request purchase. 

Please join us for our final 2 of the summer series: 

Hindu Chaplaincy in the Temple Community with Mr. Sanjay Mathur
Friday August 28 at 7 PM EDT

Media and Content Strategies with Mr. Brian Landau
Friday September 25th at Noon EDT

We are currently formalizing our Fall webinar schedule and request themes, topics, and speaker suggestions. Please email preeta@whiteleafadvisors.com

CONCEPT :

Circle Shape : Represents the concept of “Oneness” Everything comes in full circle in some way or time and to represent togetherness. 

Lotus flower : In Hinduism a lotus flower represents purity and divinity, many deities are depicted holding, with, or seated in them. Hence a lotus flower with the symbol Ohm.

Prayer hands : Namaste or Namaskar means “I bow to the divine in you” also a gesture of giving care, compassion, and chaplaincy.

Color Palette : Inspired by South Indian Hindu temples, I used a bright color palette to evoke feelings of joy, gratitude, and happiness.