Hindus are emphasizing the vital need of a Hindu chaplain at prestigious Ivy League research university Dartmouth College in Hanover (New Hampshire).
Currently, Dartmouth has a Christian chaplain, a Muslim chaplain and a Christian “multi-faith advisor”.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that in view of substantial number of Hindu students at Dartmouth, a Hindu chaplain was urgently needed to provide spiritual and pastoral care, guidance, counselling, open respectful ear, ethical leadership, help in character formation and find the meaning; coordinate worship services; support them through various life changes; inspire spiritual growth and explore spirituals dimensions; enrich their faith and intellectual life; build a vibrant community of Hindu students; foster optimum whole-person development; assist in their social and emotional well-being; be a mentor; channel their energy; bring wisdom to the seekers; or simply be there for them as a trusted confidant.
Spiritual and religious needs of Hindu students are quite unique and only a Hindu chaplain can effectively feel and implement what is required for their spiritual flourishment; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, points out.
Rajan Zed urged Dartmouth President Philip J. Hanlon that if Dartmouth was wholeheartedly and seriously interested in the wellness and spiritual health of its Hindu students, it should immediately bring in a Hindu chaplain.
Zed further said that it was time to act instead of just claiming to be “One of the world’s greatest academic institutions” with “Dartmouth embraces diversity” listed under “Core Values”.
Founded in 1769, Dartmouth, whose tagline is “Be Extraordinary Here”, offers over 40 academic departments and programs.