City Hindus Network

The City Hindus Network (CHN) is a non profit-making organisation created to promote networking, education and charity amongst Hindu professionals. It was founded in 2005 and its current Chairperson is Pratik Dattani, who took over from founder Dhruv Patel in October 2010. ^[1] The organisation a member of the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) ^[2] and Hindu Council UK (HCUK) ^[3] British Hindu umbrella bodies. The CHN is focussed on building closer relationships between professionals working in the City of London of a Hindu or Indian background. ^[4]

History

Following CHN's establishment, it became a member of the HFB and the HCUK (the two major Hindu organisation umbrella bodies in the UK) in 2006. The CHN's first major event was held by the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, for the British Hindu community, at City Hall in London. ^[5]

Since then, the CHN has organised networking events, talks on Hindu philosophy and spirituality, a mentoring scheme, charity and volunteering events for Hindu professionals and taken part in community and government liaison on behalf of the Hindu community. Many of its events have been in conjunction with the accountancy and consulting firms and investment banks in London, alongside other Hindu community partners and charities such as the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS), Sewa International, the Vaishnava Professionals Network (VPN), National Sewa Day, Swadhyay Parivar, Children in Need India, the Asian Foundation for Philanthropy, IndiCorps and Connect India.

The following is a brief overview of the events organised by the CHN since 2006:

• 9 May 2007: Mayor of London’s Reception, at City Hall, London^[6]

* 25 February 2010: “Hinduism in the City,” hosted by investment bank Barclays Capital [7]

• 7 August 2010: ‘Day of Leadership from Indian Source, hosted by the OCHS ^[8]

• 15 September 2010: “Sanksrit: an ancient inspiration for modern society,” hosted by financial corporation State Street ^[9]

• 21 November 2010: Three events for National Sewa Day, taking place across four London Boroughs ^[10]

• 24 November 2010: ‘Faith in the Workplace’ multifaith discussion, hosted by law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner ^{[11] [12]}

• 3 March 2011: “Hinduism and Science: Conflict, Co-existence or Cooperation?” hosted by consultancy and outsourcing firm Accenture ^[13]

In 2010, the CHN published its Constitution for the first time, which includes its committee rules. In October 2010, Dhruv Patel stepped down as Chairperson and Pratik Dattani took over. The current CHN committee is made up of 8 members from London, including Vice Chair and Treasurer Aekta Mahajan, who has been a committee member since 2006. Click on the links below to read the messages to members from Dhruv Patel and Pratik Dattani in October 2010:

• 26 October 2010: Pratik Dattani introduction email to all members.
• 24 October 2010: Dhruv Patel steps down as Chair and Pratik Dattani appointed.

CHN principles

The CHN Chairperson’s message to members in 2010 upon taking over as Chairperson said: “As Hindus, we have made a large contribution to the economic, cultural and social life of Britain. Hinduism teaches us tolerance and respect for others; it teaches us the importance of family, community and education; it teaches us the fundamental importance of Dharma and Sewa in everything we do. Through the City Hindus Network, I want to inspire others to learn more about Hindu philosophical thought, build relationships and networks and contribute to the sustained betterment of our community.” ^[14] The CHN Constitution and its website define the following set of principles that each event or association by the CHN must be consistent with:

• Philosophy: Be apolitical and promote the principles of the Sanatan Dharma philosophy and culture.
• Networking: Promote the development of personal relationships and professional growth amongst members.
• Education: Establish education events and a mentoring scheme to provide members with access to experienced professionals.
• Sewa: Provide and promote volunteering and charitable opportunities.
• Solidarity: Promote solidarity amongst Hindus, and promote mutual learning with other beliefs.
• Representation: Represent the socio-economic and political interests of Hindu professionals to governmental and other bodies.

References

1. ^ “City Hindus Network, a saffron revolution in the City of London?” Red Hot Curry – 4 November 2009. Retrieved 2011-05-01.>
2. ^ “Hindu Forum of Britain website” Retrieved 2011-05-01.>
3. ^ “Hindu Council UK affiliates list” Retrieved 2011-05-01.
4. ^ “Five on Five” India Incorporated
5. ^ “City Hindus Network, a saffron revolution in the City of London?” Red Hot Curry – 4 November 2009. Retrieved 2011-05-01. >
6. ^ “Britain’s Hindu community goes places” Hindustan Times 2007-05-10. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
7. ^ “Barclays Capital hosts a Hinduism in the City event in London” Red Hot Curry, 2010-02-05. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
8. ^ “A Day of Leadership” OCHS 2010-08-08. Retrieved 2011-05-01
9. ^ Asian Voice, page 18, 2010-09-29. Retrieved 2011-05-01
10. ^ “City Sikhs take part in National Sewa Day” SikhNet.com, 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2011-05-01; “National Sewa Day” City Hindus Network,2010-11-21. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
11. ^ “Faith in the workplace” Board of Deputies of British Jews 2010-11-24. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
12. ^ “Faith in the Workplace: A Conversation for Young Professionals” Interfaith Week 2010-11-24. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
13. ^ “Hinduism and Science: Conflict, Coexistence or Cooperation?” City Sikhs Network. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
14. ^ City Hindus Network Retrieved 2011-05-01.

External links

• City Hindus Network website