The Kautiliya Endowment Fund

The Kautiliya Endowment Fund was named after Kautilya (also known as Chanakya, c. 350-275 BCE). He was an Indian statesman and philosopher, chief advisor and Prime Minister of the Indian emperor Chandragupta, the first ruler of the Mauryan Empire. He is credited as being the author of Arthashastra.

This fund was created to support the Hindu American Foundation's Congressional Internship program. Read the details about this program below.

HAF's Congressional Internship program is an exciting opportunity for six young Hindu American students to spend eight weeks working in Congress over the summer. In this brief video, the 2013 interns share the importance of this program with HAF supporters.

What are HAF Awareness Events all about? Why should you attend? Get a glimpse of the excitement at the Northern California Awareness Dinner and hear what members have to say about it. Join HAF at the next awareness and fundraising event in your area!

Hindu American Congressional Internship Program

Are you interested in...

...public policy?

...being a Hindu American advocate?

...building an active Hindu American voice in government?

If so, look no further than the Hindu American Congressional Internship, an eight-week internship program sponsored by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). This unique opportunity places six Hindu American undergraduate and/or graduate students as interns in Congressional offices over the summer in Washington, D.C. Interns work in a fast-paced environment where they experience firsthand the inner workings of our nation’s legislative body.

The internship is unpaid, but Housing arrangements are covered by HAF and organized through Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH). HAF also provides each intern with a living stipend to cover basic expenses as well as a one time travel stipend.

In addition to gaining experience in Congressional offices, interns also learn more about HAF and its advocacy efforts on behalf of the Hindu American community. Interns begin their summer by joining the national HAF team at the annual DC Advocacy Days - where they learn firsthand what it means to be an advocate for the community. Over the course of the eight weeks, HAF organizes lunches and events for interns to interact with various staffers, lobbyists, journalists, and advocates.

Minimum Requirements

U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident

At least 18 years old

Enrolled in good standing at an accredited university or college

Minimum GPA: 3.2

Basic Qualifications

Strong organizational skills with an ability to multi-task

Strong team player

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken

Ability to network in various settings

Solid knowledge base of Hinduism and its practice

Strong interest in Hindu American advocacy

Application Process

There are two stages involved in the program:

1: HAF Application: First, applicants must apply to HAF to be considered for the program itself. Applications for the 2014 program will be available at www.HAFsite.org soon. Selected applicants will go through at least two rounds of interviews (phone or in-person) with HAF staff and alumni of the program. HAF extends offers to approximately six students each year.

2: Congressional Office Application: Once the interns accept HAF’s offer, HAF begins the process of placing the interns in Congressional offices. Interns may be required to complete additional applications, essays, as well as interviews for the Congressional offices. Each Congressional office has a different process, so interns must be flexible and willing to comply to their fullest with additional application requirements.

Questions? Email us at internship@hafsite.org

The Kautiliya Endowment Fund is fund #25.