HAF Gala Shines Spotlight on Public Education & Advocacy
Hindu American Foundation staff and volunteers celebrate after a successful annual gala on April 12, 2025.
HOUSTON: The Hindu American Foundation delighted a sold-out crowd with an evening as thought-provoking as it was entertaining at its annual Houston Fundraising Gala on Saturday, April 13th. Held at the Bayou City Event Center, the program emphasized HAF’s commitment to ensuring fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of Hindus and Hinduism in Texas public education. The event was hosted by HAF Executive Director Suhag Shukla and National Leadership Council Member Priya Pandit, with appearances from Board of Directors Member Rajiv Pandit and Texas Policy Fellow Nimai Shukla.
HAF volunteer Lavannya Pandit explains the HAF “Spin the Wheel” trivia game to Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers
The evening wove together powerful storytelling, community connection, and a live-action “Whodunnit”
mystery game that kept the audience engaged and energized. It underscored how narratives can be a tool for advocacy, mirroring HAF’s own strategic work in shifting how Hindu Americans are perceived and portrayed.
The program featured an in-depth presentation outlining HAF’s priorities nationwide, including legal advocacy, curriculum reform, and media engagement. Special attention was given to the Foundation’s expanding efforts in Texas, where they have educated the Texas State Legislature regarding the most pressing issues facing the Hindu community and were instrumental in having Holi recognized for the first time in Texas. Guests also heard about recent wins and ongoing challenges, particularly the urgent need to counter anti-Hindu bias in K-12 materials and higher education, where misinformation and stereotyping remain common.
HAF Board Members Rajiv Pandit (left), Rishi Bhutada, Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, Coretta Middleton, and Kiran Rao.
HAF’s leadership emphasized that community involvement is the key to long-term change and empowerment, and highlighted their Dharma Advocates and Dharma Ambassadors programs, which equip citizens to step into advocacy roles in their community with the support of HAF’s trainings and toolkits.
Nearly 300 attendees filled the room with enthusiasm and generosity, raising significant funding in support of HAF’s mission, both in Texas and nationwide. A raffle added to the excitement of the evening, featuring exclusive items such as tea for two at Kiran’s, an acclaimed Indian restaurant in Houston. The gala concluded with a delicious dinner from Daawat Catering, a division of Madras Pavilion, giving guests a chance to unwind and connect with fellow advocates and supporters.
HAF extends deep gratitude to local partners Hindus of Greater Houston and DISHA, for their ongoing support and to the Houston chapter team for organizing another impactful event. HAF looks forward to continuing its work in Texas and beyond to create a more informed and inclusive future for Hindu Americans.
Stay up to date with HAF’s work in education, advocacy, and community empowerment by visiting hinduamerican.org and follow us on social media: @ hinduamerican on all platforms.