Our Story in Brief
Hindu Community Institute (HCI) was founded in 2018 as a first-of-its-kind, non-profit, service-learning institution by professionals. HCI addresses the community’s needs for selfless service (the ancient Hindu philosophy of karma yoga) and modern-day spiritual care in the Hindu diaspora countries.
HCI provides two graduate certificate courses globally to professionals of all backgrounds: one for service as volunteers in their communities and the other a post-graduate pre-chaplaincy course that enables admission to the Interreligious Chaplaincy Program (ICP) at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU). HCI also raises funds for fellowships for qualified applicants who aspire to become Hindu Chaplains.
Among the unique features of HCI are 1) over 100 expert volunteers perform all operations and teach at HCI, 2) HCI maintains a strong interchange with interfaith and other Hindu organizations in the community service and spiritual support space, and 3) HCI is building a global network of spiritual care leaders of the future.
HCI provides two graduate certificate courses globally to professionals of all backgrounds: one for service as volunteers in their communities and the other a post-graduate pre-chaplaincy course that enables admission to the Interreligious Chaplaincy Program (ICP) at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU). HCI also raises funds for fellowships for qualified applicants who aspire to become Hindu Chaplains.
Among the unique features of HCI are 1) over 100 expert volunteers perform all operations and teach at HCI, 2) HCI maintains a strong interchange with interfaith and other Hindu organizations in the community service and spiritual support space, and 3) HCI is building a global network of spiritual care leaders of the future.
Training of Hindu Counselor and Hindu Chaplains
Open to all, HCI’s Counselor of Hindu Tradition (CHT) 9-month weekend course is the flagship program. It prepares individuals for 1) volunteer service to their communities and 2) qualified post-graduate degree holders for admission to the Interreligious Chaplaincy Program (ICP) at the prestigious theological university GTU (www.gtu.edu). It should be noted that this is the first clear pathway for a Hindu to attain chaplaincy credentials. |
Free Dial-in Volunteer Services
Available to all, HCI’s trained volunteers offer free phone guidance on matters relating to Hindu tradition for life events (such as the passage of life, last rites, celebrations), and non-obligatory referrals in areas of wellness such as elder care, yoga, meditation, and nutrition. Activities are well underway to extend these services utilizing a robust system named Ananda Corps (AC) in H2 2022. Some of the services will be available globally and others locally. After a successful introduction in the SF Bay Area, AC will become available to other communities that become ready to receive and manage it. |
Free Yoga and Meditation Classes
HCI offers several daily free programs online for yoga and meditation with popular teachers from around the world. We also have an active 60+ virtual forum. Our distinguished panel of mentors and SMEs are available to answer your questions. |