interfaith humanitarian network

Interfaith Humanitarian Network

Disaster Prevention & Relief

Founded under the vision and leadership of HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the Interfaith Humanitarian Network is a Trust to reduce the impact of natural disaster, build bridges to prevent conflicts, and respond in times of crisis.

IHN’s work began as Project Hope, a project of the India Heritage Research Foundation, which was founded by Pujya Swamiji in 2004. Later, Project Hope combined forces with the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, giving rise to the Interfaith Humanitarian Network.

In light of the growing threat of disaster, the mission of IHN is turning to prevention-based capacity development, advocacy, and community building, so that local communities may be better enabled to prevent crises. When unfortunate circumstances do occur, our teams may be found on the scene to provide immediate- and long-term relief interventions.

Major interventions have included:

The Mass Himalayan Flood Disaster in Uttarakhand, India (2013)

Ganga is not only a river. She is a Divine Mother, giving freely to all with no discrimination, hesitation or expectation. She irrigates not only our farms, but also our hearts, minds and souls. Yet, the Ganga is also one of the most polluted rivers and endangered rivers in the world. Understanding that people won’t pollute the same place that they worship, Pujya Swamiji began a mission to initiate Ganga Aarti ceremonies (lighting ceremonies) up and down the banks of Ganga and to convince as many ashrams as possible to turn their river fronts into places of worship.

The Ganga Aarti held every night at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, draws people of all faiths from across the world to enjoy a serene sunset ceremony of song, inspiration and lights.

Pujya Swamiji has also been the inspiration and founder of Ganga Aarti ceremonies in Varanasi (on the eve of the turn of the Millennium with H.H. the Dalai Lama and numerous other saints), as well as in Allahabad, Gangotri, Uttarakashi, Dev Prayag, Rudraprayag, Jwalapur, and many other locations.

The Nepal Earthquake (2015)

Immediate Interventions: through medical teams, relief supply trucks, the provision of clean water, and other humanitarian measures.
Long-Term Interventions: included direct rebuilding assistance; WASH consultations and education; women’s and children’s vocational training assistance; the provision of medical services; and the complete rebuilding of a temple.

Tsunami in South India (2004)

Short and Medium-Term Interventions: included the provision of direct humanitarian aid and medical assistance immediately after the crisis.
Long-Term Interventions: included construction of an orphanage, school, medical clinic, women’s vocational training centre, the complete construction of 100 homes, and the renovation of a residential centre for widows and disadvantaged women in Tamil Nadu.

The Muzaffarnagar Riots (2013)

Interventions included: a targeted Interfaith Unity March and Peace Programme at the peak of the riots, in the heart of the riot area, with participants including foremost Muslim, Hindu and Jain leaders; as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance.

VISIT PARMARTH NIKETAN’S WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE.

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