India Post News Service
MILPITAS, CA: The Hindu American Foundation’s Silicon Valley chapter honored businessman Yogi Chugh, long term resident of Bay area and Commissioner on the Fremont Economic Development Commission, with the 2018 HAF Pride of the Community Award for consistently addressing the concerns of Hindu Americans and other minorities. Over 300 people attended the HAF’s annual Silicon Valley gala held September 30 at the India Community Center in Milpitas. These included political, community and interfaith leaders.
Chugh, who works in real estate, is also a member at large of the Fremont’s Economic Development Commission and a member of the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club, said the honor was unexpected. “I have been doing community service for a long time. Why would I need an award for this. I was a little bit surprised,” Chugh said, adding that the honor was gratifying all the same.
He spoke about his respect for HAF’s advocacy work. “I think they are recognizing that we have our story to tell,” he said. “People have to understand our values, our beliefs, our faith and way of life. Having an organization to do that, it certainly has a profound impact.” Chugh said he supported HAF when it weighed in on proposed edits in the K-12 textbook curriculum about Hinduism. He had also worked with the organization’s interfaith efforts.
HAF also honored Garth Pickett, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Founding Member and Treasurer of the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council with the 2018 HAF Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Pluralism.
Founded in 2003, HAF is a non-profit advocacy organization for the Hindu-American community and educates the public about Hinduism, speaks out about issues affecting Hindus worldwide.
“This was an historic event for HAF in California given the diverse array of government, interfaith, and community leaders, as well as artists and entertainers in attendance supporting HAF’s mission of promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism,” said Easan Katir, the Hindu American Foundation California Advocacy Director. “With the generous support of the community, the future is bright for Hindu American advocacy.”
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
