Hindu Society of North Carolina

Author(s): Hindu Society of North Carolina
Publisher: Hindu Society of North Carolina

Page 24

22 PORE
INFLUENCE OF INDIAN COMMUNITY ON AMERICAN SOCIETY
Dr. Gangadhar Sharma
Forty-six or more years ago, living in U.S was a little tough for an Asian Indian compare to today. For a totally vegetarian (not eating eggs, meat, onions and garlic) to get a good evening meal in a restaurant was a nightmare. Stores selling Indian groceries were scanty. Wheat flour was available only in some food stores such as A and P store. Not many spices were available, we were using caraway seeds instead of cumin seed 'jeera'. Look at the situation now, we get nearly everything we use in the kitchen every day. Even several varieties of fresh Indian vegetables and fruits are available in our state in not only Indian stores but also at grocery stores like Harris Teeter, Kroger, and Food Lion etc. Practically all mid-size and large cities now have sever al Indian grocery stores. This has made the life of a vegetarian much easier. An interest in vegetarian meals has spread amongst the American population too. As a result, most restaurants now offer some vegetarian dishes on their menu. Even you can get a vegetarian hamburger at fast food places. There is a Vegetarian Society in this country now. Some of their members eat only vegetables at least once a day. The medical profession has also recognized the importance of vegetarian diet. Some kind of marked change has happened in the eating habits of this country. Even in many official dinners you can request for a vegetarian meal. Indian dances have become more common at Indian festivals, wedding ceremonies and at many other functions. Americans did not know about Bhangra and Garba dances previously. But now they like to see them, even like to participate in them. Nearly all our Indian movies have songs and dances and have contributed a lot towards the mixing of young boys and girls in America through these dan ces. A cosmopolitan society is emerging due to participation of American youngsters in these activities. TV channels, through dish network, are increasing the interest in these dances. These TV channels have also increased visibility of Indian activities in this country, for example, when Prime Minister of India addressed a joint session of Senate & Congress and when President Bush welcomed him at the White House, they were shown on the TV the same day.
Our wedding festivities are exposing Indian culture to the American Society. Some of our weddings are very elaborate with varieties of food and cultural programs. All of these activities have created some interest in American society towards Indian culture and traditions. As a result, the number of jewelry stores has increased a lot, particularly in big cities. Popularity of artificial & silver jewelry has gone up too. American girls are often seen wearing anklets and toe rings. Specially, American girls like to use Henna (Mehndi) paste on their hands. You often see long lines at the Henna counter during International festivals. Tolerance towards the Hindu Religion in this country has improved some too, but has a too long way go yet. Presence of Hindu temples nearly in most of the major cities has contributed towards this. Yoga and meditation have also become common and popular in this country. Somehow there is an interest in the American Society to know more about Hindu religion. They often visit our temples to see Hindu services. Even few Universities have Sanskrit Department with full Professor, for example, the University of Indiana, Bloomington Campus, has a Chair called Ravindra Nath Tagore. There is a Hindu University at Orlando, Florida offering many different courses in Hindi and Sanskrit and also train Pandits for temples located in the U.S.
Now there is a trend among Indians to take part in the American political process. Some already hold elective offices at State and Federal level, including a US Senator, and many others are preparing to run for other elective offices. What to say about Indian Physicians, they are liked by majority of Americans, and they practice practically in every city in America. Indians contribute millions of dollars to political candidates and as a result several Indians are occupying important positions at the White House.
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The Indians have made remarkable contributions to the American Society in the Information Technology field. The leaders in U.S. Congress recently recognized the contributions made by the Indian IIT graduates to the American people. So far Indians have made their visibility in every aspects of American Society that is beneficial to each other. It is an on going process, every year Indians are contributing in countless ways to this country.
God Bless India and America.
HINDU SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA CELEBERATION AND APPRICIATION (1976-2006)