“Hindu Prayer Room” at Brown University?

India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Indian Americans have pitched for a dedicated Prayer Room at Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League and research institution in Providence (Rhode Island, USA).

Brown already has designated Catholic, Muslim and Jewish spaces.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Brown should respond to the requirements of Hindu students to provide a designated prayer-meditation hall for rituals, quiet reflection, festivals and spiritual exercise; which would help in their personal growth.

Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that Hindu Prayer Room would be a step in the positive direction in view of the presence of a substantial number of Hindu students at Brown; as it was important to meet the spiritual needs of these students.

The pitch was that the Hindu Prayer Room preferably should have a shrine containing murtis (statues) of popular Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu.

Zed urged Brown President Christina H. Paxson and Chancellor Brian T. Moynihan to seriously look into this issue of unfair treatment

Brown, whose Mission includes “serve the community” and which claims to be the “first Ivy League school to accept students from all religious affiliations”, should be more receptive to the needs of its diverse student body and staff; Rajan observed

Hinduism is one of the oldest and third largest religion of the world, with about 1.2 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought; and it should not be taken frivolously.

Brown needed to recognize the intersection of spirituality and education, which was important in Hinduism; Rajan Zed added.

Founded in 1764 and seventh-oldest college in the USA, Brown has about 11,005 total students, representing over 113 nations and territories and 50 US states, and speaking over 69 languages. It offers over 2,000 undergraduate courses and 47 doctoral programs. Its acceptance rate is 5.4%.  Reverend Janet Cooper Nelson is the Chaplain.

Moksh (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism and there are about 3.5 million Hindus in the USA.

Also Read: Hindu Prayer Room sought at Brown University