Professional Development Services

The Center for Advancing Pluralism improves the understanding of the Hindu Dharma traditions through education and professional development.

Who We Are

Pluralism is the core ethic of the Hindu Dharma Traditions.

Since its founding in 2003, the Center for Advancing Pluralism* has empowered institutions with comprehensive cultural literacy training and services about Hindus and the Hindu Dharma Traditions. Inspired by the core Our mission is to create pluralistic environments by enhancing your cultural intelligence about Hindus and the Hindu Dharma Traditions.

With over two decades of experience, the Center for Advancing Pluralism is a trusted leader in the field of education. Our extensive partner base includes corporate, government, and educational professionals from across the country.

Mission Statement

If there is one word that sums up the entirety of the Hindu Dharma traditions, it is pluralism – the idea that in matters of philosophy, practice, or perspective, there is no one-size-fits-all.

If there is one word that sums up the entirety of the Hindu Dharma traditions, it is pluralism – the idea that in matters of philosophy, practice, or perspective, there is no one-size-fits-all.

Pluralism is the foundation and the key to understanding and living with our differences. Pluralism embraces the varieties of personalities, experiences, and circumstances, allowing each individual the freedom to explore, question, and pave their own spiritual and personal path.

At the Center for Advancing Pluralism, we educate about the central role of pluralism in the Hindu Dharmas, historically and today, as well as its importance broadly, to those who teach our children, protect our communities, and manage our workplaces to foster understanding and acceptance of Hindu Americans.

Who We Are

Pluralism is the core ethic of the Hindu Dharma Traditions.

Since its founding in 2003, the Center for Advancing Pluralism* has empowered institutions with comprehensive cultural literacy training and services about Hindus and the Hindu Dharma Traditions. Inspired by the core Our mission is to create pluralistic environments by enhancing your cultural intelligence about Hindus and the Hindu Dharma Traditions.

With over two decades of experience, Diversity Resources is a trusted leader in the field of diversity and inclusion. Our extensive customer base includes corporate, government, and educational professionals from across the country.

We have trained over

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Across the country, Center for Advancing Pluralism has positively impacted:

The educational and social experience of over 100,000 students across the country
How Hindu Dharma traditions are taught in schools across states — such as CA, TX, MD, and VA — through expert review services
The relationships of over 500 law enforcement personnel and the communities they serve
The wellbeing of countless Hindu Americans

“I was able to see how the book does place a certain negative connotation on Hinduism. So, this was definitely eye opening. It was awesome and the presenter was amazingly honest and engaging.”

"Some of my teachers have very limited background knowledge. Our standards changed to include things like moksha that aren't necessarily in our textbook. This training really helped fill the gaps.”

“It was the most beneficial session I received all day. Very informative and engaging. Thank you!”

“Loved this presentation. I have never felt comfortable with my understanding of Hinduism and have a much better basic grasp as of now. Thank you!”

I just don't have a great background on the subject and I have so many students that are practicing Hindus that I am constantly worried I'm saying something incorrect. I appreciate your materials and use some of them in my teaching.

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Your Partner in Progress

Practical solutions for those making an impact every day

Educators

I’m in the middle of teaching the unit on Hinduism to my 9th grade students and have received multiple complaints from parents that I’ve gotten things all wrong. They may go to the principal now. I need a 101 to better understand their concerns.

Employees

We’re pitching a big deal to a client. One of my colleagues wears a large Indian dot on her forehead. I’m worried the client may be put off by it or make assumptions about our competence. How can the team lead or HR handle this sensitively?

Law Enforcement

The local temple is celebrating a big Hindu festival next week. We’re getting calls from neighbors, worried about traffic jams and noise throughout the night. How do I handle this sensitively?

College Administrators

I work in our campus’ DEI office. Tensions between two groups of students and faculty are at an all time high over a recent incident in South Asia. I’m looking for information to better understand the history of the region and tips on facilitating constructive dialogue. Can you help me?

Case Studies

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A middle school teacher came to CAP for our teacher training course after some of her Hindu students approached her in distress. They were being bullied because of some of the images and information on India in their social studies textbook.

Empowered with a more academically robust and nuanced understanding of Indian history and the Hindu Dharma traditions, she gained a new understanding of these complex topics and tools to recognize biases inherent in the way not only Indian history is presented but all history. She now starts every social studies lesson with a reminder to her students to think critically about what information is presented and how it might be impacted by the perspectives or experiences of the authors. She’s also been able to facilitate a culture of intellectual curiosity with some of the techniques we shared on applied pluralism. Now her students feel empowered to share their own experiences in an environment of curiosity and understanding, and critically engage with and challenge all kinds of content.

A senior at a private university put up a brass swastika he’d pick up on his travels through India in the common room of his frat house.

Students complained and in an effort to demonstrate their zero tolerance for hate, university administrators took swift action and began the process of expulsion. The student’s parents came to us for our consultation services. We provided the history and importance of the symbol for so many South Asians to university officials, helping them allay potential litigation, saving the young man’s future prospects over a misunderstanding, and creating a more inclusive campus for Hindu and other Dharma students.

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Services

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Benefits

Well informed classrooms lead to greater understanding and fewer incidents of ethnic and religious bullying
More inclusive offices lead to happier employees and greater productivity
Safer neighborhoods leads to more community engagement and cultural exchanges
Applied pluralism leads to greater understanding of differences and diversity that’s deep and genuine.

Who we have worked with

Facilitator Bios & Credentials

Mr. Devala Rees

B.A. Religious Studies (Minnesota)

Mr. Rees currently works in education research and has experience teaching about Hindu traditions in the high school classroom setting. Additionally, he has over six years experience in teaching about Hindu Dharma traditions online to a variety of audiences, from novice to somewhat familiar, with his writings receiving over 90 million views.

Dr. Vijay Satnarine

Ph. D. Literatures, Languages and Cultures of Asia (Edinburgh)

Dr. Satnarine has over 15 years of research and teaching experience in UK and U.S. higher educational institutions, serving in both academic and administrative capacities. He has supervised Ph.D. students, created and instructed courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, and has worked with state and district education bodies conducting teacher trainings and providing content review services. He currently serves as a subject matter expert to produce material, in collaboration with other academics, suitable for K-12 audiences.

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