Dhanak of Humanity Condemns Haridwar and Delhi hate speeches

by | Jan 3, 2022 | Dhanak

Dhanak of Humanity makes a sincere and urgent appeal to all leaders to invest in safeguarding our pluralistic and secular nature by making those spreading hatred and advocating violence accountable for their hate speeches

Two recent events have been of utmost concern for all who believe in humanity and non-violence. One by the Dharma Sansad, at Haridwar December 17-19, and the other event held by the Hindu Yuva Vahini in Delhi on December 19. Both the events have endorsed violence against religious minorities and called for a Muslim Genocide. The alarming thoughts expressed at the events to wipe out a particular community for achieving a Hindu nation go against the conscience of our country that prides itself in being a secular and democratic state.

At Dhanak of Humanity, a not-for-profit organization supporting individuals who wish to exercise their constitutional right to choose whom to marry or live with, these events are cause for deep concern. The atmosphere is, unfortunately, having secular couples think twice about their life choices, though as citizens, they can rightfully seek and expect support and protection from law enforcement, the judiciary, and the state. It is indisputable that individuals belonging to any religious minority also have the Right to Life, Liberty, and Security (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 3).

Dhanak of Humanity condemns the provocative statements and violent acts by organizations and religious leaders, including other faiths, in unequivocal terms. We humbly urge all leaders to immediately and forcefully call for peace and unity. Let us recall and reaffirm that our strength and richness are in our diversity and inclusiveness. At this moment, we should also recollect the wisdom of our religious leaders and public figures who have called for unity, non-violence, and peace throughout the history of this country. Let humanity prevail.

We end our heartfelt appeal with this mantra: (Source: The Spirit of Vedanta)

The one who loves all intensely

begins perceiving in all living beings

a part of himself.

He becomes a lover of all,

a part and parcel of the Universal Joy.

He flows with the stream of happiness

and is enriched by each soul.

(Yajur Veda, one of the four Vedas, and one of the scriptures of Hinduism)

(Published in countercurrents.org on 02/01/2022)

Swami Agnivesh Memorial Award – 2021

by | Dec 20, 2021 | Dhanak

December 19, 2021, In the News

The inaugural Swami Agnivesh memorial award was announced by the Hindus for Human Rights, (USA) organization during their annual virtual holiday gala “Celebration of Hope” on December 18, 2021.

“Dhanak of Humanity, a not-for-profit organization comprising of interfaith couples, inter-caste couples, and individuals who believe in Dhanak’s cause is the first-ever recipient as an organization to be recognized with this award for its work.
“Dhanak of Humanity advocates for an individual’s right to exercise their constitutional and human right to choose their partner, whether in marriage or to be in a relationship without having to fear any ill consequences. Founded by a few interfaith couples, Dhanak began as a support group in 2004. It was registered in 2012 under the Societies Registration Act.
“Dhanak has evolved organically, and over the years it has emerged as a champion organization working for an individual’s Right to Choose in matters of Marriage or Relationships, against Religious Conversion for the sake of marriage, against Honour-Based Crimes, and against Forced Marriages in India. Dhanak is the only organization in India working on a spectrum of issues and challenges faced by interfaith and inter-caste couples, LGBTQIA couples, and individuals who choose to assert their autonomy.
“Over the years, Dhanak has touched the lives of over 5000 individuals. Dhanak’s expertise developed based on real-life experiences of struggling couples; be it dealing with their own value system and stereotypes, their families, or with the administration and legal systems.”

Asif Iqbal, co-founder, and Shailaja Rao, a Dhanak member, were present at the virtual event to accept the prestigious award. They expressed their gratitude and reaffirmed their shared vision of working towards achieving a more pluralistic society. Two inter-caste couples and an interfaith couple who received support and guidance from Dhanak were showcased in the event.

Please visit: https://www.hindusforhumanrights.org/en/blog/hfhr-awards-inaugural-swami-agnivesh-memorial-awards-at-second-annual-gala

Announcement

by | Dec 7, 2021 | Dhanak

  • Dhanak is a not-for-profit organization. 
  • Dhanak does not charge any fees towards its services. 
  • Dhanak does not facilitate solemnizing religious marriages.
  • Dhanak is a membership-based organization wherein its members play a crucial role be it as volunteers, as change-makers, or participating in the peer-support and solidarity group.
  • We believe in maintaining a long-term association with our members. We are aware that challenges do not end with the registration of marriage. Couples and families seek support and solidarity throughout their early married lives, as well as when their family grows. We encourage couples to become members of Dhanak to enjoy benefits such as free support, counseling,  access to our virtual and off-line seminars and sessions, events, fun and awareness-raising trips, publications, etc. 
  • To establish your association with Dhanak and become a member of our secular and gender-just Dhanak family, a token contribution of Rs. 2400 will be charged beginning January 1, 2022. This small but significant contribution will help us to sustain and extend our help and support to cater to more couples and families-in-need. By contributing you will receive personalized support as well as help Dhanak in reaching out to others in need.
  • Annual membership of Rs. 2400 (100 rupees per person, per month) is charged for continued association and availing benefits.
  • Couples staying at the Dhanak Safehouse are required to contribute Rs. 100 per day towards maintenance, electricity, gas, etc.

Announcement: Dhanak receives the Mahatma Award 2020 for Human Rights and Equality

by | Feb 3, 2021 | Dhanak

Dear friends – We are overjoyed and honoured to share with you that Dhanak of Humanity has been awarded the Mahatma Award 2020 for Human Rights and Equality. The Mahatma Award recognizes change-makers across the globe making a social impact and leading the way to a sustainable future. We give our heartfelt thanks to social entrepreneur and philanthropist Amit Sachdeva and others at Mahatma Award for this prestigious recognition.