The Hinduism Today editorial staff has formed a Internet news-service called the Hindu Press International (HPI) which is e-mailed to subscribers.

 HPI summarizes news reports on Hinduism appearing on web sites of newspapers, wire services, and magazines culled around the world. Reports of events, exhibitions, cultural issues, breaking news, law, art, cultural performances, and religious leaders are HPI's mainstay.

 Hinduism Today's publisher, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami said he felt a need for a daily announcement of developing news and other timely stories which could not be published by the bi-monthly Hinduism Today. The Swami said he hopes to "broaden the minds of media (people)."

 "The news media tend to take a negative point of view on Hinduism," said Subramuniyaswami. "Most religious news is slanted to the other faiths, not Hinduism."

 Arumugaswami, the managing editor of Hinduism Today, directs the daily operations of HPI. He said HPI is free and operates with a volunteer staff, most of whom are disciples of Subramuniyaswami.

 "HPI is for newspapers, religion editors, Hindu leaders, educators,
 religious institutions, theological seminaries, in fact, anyone interested in matters relating to India or to Hindu communities throughout the world," said Arumugaswami
 Issued approximately twenty times monthly, HPI is available on the web and by e-mail. Subscribing is simple. All one needs to do is send any message to <hpi_list-on@hindu.org>

 Within days e mails will start arriving with between three and eight
 synopses and links to complete stories. From reports of the earthquake and reconstruction of Gujarat, to the Hindu musical elephant orchestra of Thailand, to the reported seventy million people worshiping at the Kumbha Mela, HPI covers a broad spectrum of Hindu based news. Currently HPI e mails
 to more than 1600 subscribers.

 "People can get involved by sending e-mail addresses of news-media, newspapers, magazines, etc.; they can translate items into English from regional media, and e-mail us the text, or report on important Hindu events in their community or country, " said Arumagaswami. "If you are an experienced journalist, you can also submit ready-to-post news digests as your own public service."

 Subramuniyaswami agreed that a non for profit project of this magnitude needs volunteers. "Partner with us in giving Hinduism a place of pride in the world media," said the Swami

 Subscribing to HPI is easy. All one needs to do is send a message to hpi_list-on@hindu.org

 Visit the archives at http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/
Send news items to hpi@hindu.org.