Dr. Mihir Meghani, a prominent Indian-American physician, emphasizes that Hinduism is not just a religion but a way of life. He has committed $4 million to support Hindu advocacy and awareness causes in the U.S. As the founder of the Hindu America Foundation (HAF) two decades ago, Dr. Meghani pledged an additional $1.5 million at the Silicon Valley gala, making his total contributions $4 million over 20 years.
In an interview, Dr. Meghani clarified that his donations come from a sense of duty, as he and his wife are not high earners. The commitment to pro-India and Hindu organizations is their Dharma, or duty. He co-founded HAF in 2003, aiming to address the lack of understanding about Hinduism in the U.S., where most people come from an Abrahamic background.
Dr. Meghani stressed the importance of Hindus embracing both their Indian and Hindu identities, promoting understanding among coworkers and neighbors. HAF’s early success was getting Diwali recognized in the U.S., now celebrated in the White House and Congress. The foundation, initially volunteer-based, now has a $2.5 million annual budget and aims to reach $5 million next year and $20 million by the end of the decade.
