Hindu American Foundation Participates in Religious Newswriter Meeting

October 3, 2005

Source: Hindu American Foundation

http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/Content/Achievements/media_press_release_newswriter_meeting.html

On October 3, 2005 a Hindu American Foundation Press Release reported, "Members of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) interacted with several prominent journalists at the annual Religion Newswriters Association (RNA) meeting held in Miami Beach, Florida on September 29, 2005... 'With over 300 newswriters attending the RNA conference, who reach millions of readers throughout the U.S., HAF was able to put across its message of the need for balance, context and perspective in covering Hinduism as a culture, to an influential audience,' said Ambika Behal, a member of HAF and a freelance journalist... Discussing specific issues with religion newswriters and editors, both on the panel and in individual meetings, HAF representatives encouraged the seeking of analyses from experts and academics who are practicing Hindus. 'Too often, journalists rely on academics that study Hinduism to provide insight into Hindu practice and beliefs,' said Ms. Shukla. 'We encouraged RNA members to seek out academics and spiritual leaders that actually practice the religion and do not just approach Hinduism as an object of exotic or ethnographic study.' HAF announced its plans to continue engaging RNA members at the annual conference and the foundation will be represented at the next meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah in September, 2006."