Florida declares Nov as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’

Broward County in Florida has declared the month of November as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’, acknowledging Hinduism as one of the world’s largest and oldest religions. The County also acknowledged the various contributions of Hindu religion, Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts and more, and its impact on various American people, leaders and intellectuals. “Hinduism is one the world’s largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems. also known as ‘Sanatana Dharma’, with core values of acceptance, mutual respect, freedom and peace,” the resolution by the School Board of Broward County, Florida stated. The resolution stated that the people from the Hindu community have contributed majorly to diverse sectors such as information technology, medicine, science and engineering, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade and more. “Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions,” the resolution added. It added that the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta has inspired many American intellectuals and leaders such as President John Adams, Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau. “Hindu philosophy of Vedanta and ideals such as Seva (selfless service), Ahimsa (non-injury or non-violence) etc have inspired many American intellectuals and leaders such as President John Adams, and Martin Luther King. Jr., Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Walt Whitman. J.D. Salinger. Aldous Huxley, Christopher Isherwood, Huston Smith, John D. Rockefeller and numerous others,” the resolution read further. The Broward County added that the members of the American Hindu community have worked hard, followed the law and have been exemplary citizens of their adopted nation with deep respect for educ