An Indian American woman is among 12 faith leaders to be honoured as “Champions of Change” by the White House for their efforts in protecting environment and communities from the effects of climate change.

Sunita Viswanath, the only Indian American to figure in the list, has been selected for her work to encourage Hindus to take care of the environment.

Highlights

• Sunita is co-founder and active board member of the 14-year-old front-line women’s human rights organisation, Women for Afghan Women.
• Sunita is also co-founder and board member of Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, living and building a Hinduism that prioritises social justice, and upholding the Hindu principles of ekatva (oneness), ahimsa (non-violence) and sadhana (faith in action).
• I have always been secure in my identity as a Hindu. Growing up, I thought a lot about faith and religion, but I also had a very strong sense of social justice–what was fair, she concluded.
• The project of Sadhana is Project Prithvi – a grassroots green project, which mobilise Hindus, especially the youth, to live out the principle of ahimsa by taking care of the environment.
• Currently, they are working on a project to clean up specific beaches in Jamaica Bay where Hindus worship and litter the place.