Our Story
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Founded in 2018 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hindu Community Institute (HCI) is the first-of-its-kind service-learning institution designed for the global Hindu diaspora.
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HCI is a California non-profit 501(c)(3) founded by professionals driven by a need to develop much-needed community service solutions. HCI provides a strong platform for training and universal community service founded on Hindu tradition and wisdom.
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The founding group recognized that the highly accomplished and affluent global Hindu diaspora community also needs institutions to train Hindu Counselors and Hindu Chaplains, as well as to pass on to the future generations the spirit of giving back to the community. The founding principle for HCI is one of “by the community, for the community.
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Mission and Vision
The core mission of HCI is to offer training and services in spiritual care and quality of life, founded on Hindu tradition and wisdom, for the benefit of the community at large-
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “ The world is one family”.
The vision of HCI is to become a highly respected, accredited institution that continually develops and offers innovative solutions related to its core mission. HCI’s vision also encompasses a sharp focus on excellence that continues to attract top talent to its Board, Management, and operations.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “ The world is one family”.
The vision of HCI is to become a highly respected, accredited institution that continually develops and offers innovative solutions related to its core mission. HCI’s vision also encompasses a sharp focus on excellence that continues to attract top talent to its Board, Management, and operations.
Values and Beliefs
Model Institution: The governance, operations, and community services of HCI will follow the highest standards, such that other institutions and communities may also find it attractive to replicate.
Inclusiveness & Equality: Initiatives will be inclusive and respectful of all schools of thought, philosophies, beliefs, and practices of the “Hindu diversity”. At the individual level, the use of the term ‘Ji’ or equivalent will be the equalizer.
Authenticity: Course curriculum, programs, and services will be consistent with authentic Vedic teachings that are the common ground of all Hindu practice traditions and sampradayas.
Relevance: Programs will focus on practical aspects of life and living, spanning all stages of life – from childhood through school and college, family life, parenting, and elder years.
Community Engagement & Sustainability: HCI will actively engage the community through volunteer recruitment, financial contributions, and outreach programs.
Collaborations: HCI will endeavor to enhance its value to the community by collaborating with various partner organizations, including but not limited to colleges, universities, Hindu/Vedic spiritual groups & interfaith institutions.
Inclusiveness & Equality: Initiatives will be inclusive and respectful of all schools of thought, philosophies, beliefs, and practices of the “Hindu diversity”. At the individual level, the use of the term ‘Ji’ or equivalent will be the equalizer.
Authenticity: Course curriculum, programs, and services will be consistent with authentic Vedic teachings that are the common ground of all Hindu practice traditions and sampradayas.
Relevance: Programs will focus on practical aspects of life and living, spanning all stages of life – from childhood through school and college, family life, parenting, and elder years.
Community Engagement & Sustainability: HCI will actively engage the community through volunteer recruitment, financial contributions, and outreach programs.
Collaborations: HCI will endeavor to enhance its value to the community by collaborating with various partner organizations, including but not limited to colleges, universities, Hindu/Vedic spiritual groups & interfaith institutions.
HCI Program Offerings
HCI offers innovative and critically needed community services programs.
Training of Hindu Counselor and Hindu Chaplains
Open to all, HCI’s Counselor of Hindu Tradition (CHT) 9-month weekend course is the flagship program. It prepares individuals for 1) volunteer service to their communities and 2) qualified post-graduate degree holders for admission to the Interreligious Chaplaincy Program (ICP) at the prestigious theological university GTU (www.gtu.edu). It should be noted that this is the first clear pathway for a Hindu to attain chaplaincy credentials. Vertical Divider
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Free Dial-in Volunteer Services
Available to all, HCI’s trained volunteers offer free phone guidance on matters relating to Hindu tradition for life events (such as the passage of life, last rites, celebrations), and non-obligatory referrals in areas of wellness such as elder care, yoga, meditation, and nutrition. Activities are well underway to extend these services utilizing a robust system named Ananda Corps (AC) in H2 2022. Some of the services will be available globally and others locally. After a successful introduction in the SF Bay Area, AC will become available to other communities that become ready to receive and manage it. Vertical Divider
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Free Yoga and Meditation Classes
HCI offers several daily free programs online for yoga and meditation with popular teachers from around the world. We also have an active 60+ virtual forum. Our distinguished panel of mentors and SMEs are available to answer your questions. Vertical Divider
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