India Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF) Canada

India Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF) Canada is an international nonprofit humanitarian organization registered in Canada under the business number 891858334RR0001. It operates as a registered charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency, supporting a broad range of cultural, educational, environmental, and humanitarian initiatives rooted primarily in Indian heritage and values.

History and Leadership

IHRF was founded and is chaired by H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, a respected spiritual leader and humanitarian known for his contributions to the establishment of Hindu and Jain temples and cultural centers globally, including the Hindu-Jain Temple in Pittsburgh and the Minto Shiva Temple in Sydney. The foundation emerged from Swamiji’s vision to compile an authoritative encyclopedia on Hinduism and foster programs for cultural preservation, social upliftment, and environmental stewardship[3].

Mission and Activities

The foundation’s work emphasizes the empowerment and upliftment of disadvantaged communities, with a particular focus on women and children. IHRF runs free educational programs, including residential gurukuls and day schools for impoverished boys and girls. It also conducts frequent free medical camps in rural and underserved areas, particularly around Rishikesh and the Ganga river basin[1].

Key Programs

• Encyclopedia of Hinduism: One of IHRF’s landmark achievements is the compilation of the first comprehensive Encyclopedia of Hinduism. This multi-volume work involved over a thousand scholars worldwide and provides an extensive and authentic repository of Hindu traditions, philosophy, and culture[3].

• Women’s Empowerment and Education: IHRF organizes and supports various free educational initiatives, including residential and day schools, aimed at improving literacy and opportunities for underprivileged children and empowering women through community programs[1].

• Medical and Health Services: The foundation regularly hosts medical camps providing free healthcare services to poor populations in India, focusing on rural and marginalized communities[1].

• Environmental Conservation: IHRF actively promotes environmental protection through tree planting drives, climate change awareness campaigns, and sustainable rural development programs, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions such as the banks of the Ganga and the hilly areas of Uttarakhand[1][3].

• Rural Development: Special rural development programs aim to create eco-friendly and self-sufficient communities, contributing to the sustainable development of the region and enhancing the quality of life for rural residents[1][3].

• Emergency Relief: IHRF has been involved in disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts, including the rebuilding after the 2004 South India tsunami and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, providing both immediate aid and long-term support[1].

Cultural and Spiritual Engagement

IHRF also organizes cultural conferences, youth camps, and international gatherings to promote cross-cultural understanding and inter-ethnic sensitivity. It has established ashrams in sacred locations such as Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash in Tibet, supporting spiritual seekers and pilgrims with essential facilities where previously none existed[1][3].

Recognition and Registration

As a Canadian registered charity, IHRF Canada complies with the regulations of the Canada Revenue Agency and is authorized to receive tax-deductible donations. Its charitable registration enables it to mobilize resources effectively to support its diverse humanitarian and cultural projects internationally[5].

India Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF) Canada stands as a significant organization fostering the preservation and dissemination of Indian heritage and culture, coupled with dedicated humanitarian service, environmental consciousness, and spiritual outreach.

[1] https://ihrf.com [2] https://ihrf.com/contact/ [3] https://pujyaswamiji.org/seva/ihrf/ [4] https://app.candid.org/profile/12134906 [5] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/india-heritage-research-foundation-ihrf-canada/