A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of Hinduism, and cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a very positive and forward-thinking person. Living in the United States since 1969, he considers the US his Karmabhoomi but does not forget his Mathrubhumi India even for a minute.
Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US. Keeping those principles in mind, he co-founded an organization, the VIP (Volunteers of India’s Progress) Club, in Clifton, New Jersey, in 1972. Since then, he has been instrumental in promoting several community organizations.
Raj has written several articles on a wide variety of subjects, like Hinduism, Indian culture, Hindu weddings, and Indian festivals. He has also written two books titled The Chronology of Hinduism: Documenting the History of the World’s Oldest Religion and Understanding Hinduism: The Basic Facts about Hinduism and Frequently Asked Questions. He has also written several children’s books like We Love Diwali , Holi Hai, The Immortal Characters of Mahabharat, The Immortal Characters of Ramayan, Coloring and Understanding Hindu Symbols, The Complete Mahabharata in 100 Tweets, The Complete Ramayan in 100 Tweets, Welcome to our Beautiful Mandir , The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita, 365 Life-Changing Inspirational & Spiritual Messages, The Vision of PM Modi
Since retiring from his computer business, Advanced Microcomputer Systems Inc., Raj works full-time as Managing Editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine, which he founded in 1993 with his wife Aruna Shah. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hindu University of Americas South Florida campus and as the founding Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Hindu University (IHU).
Raj agrees with an Arnold Palmer Golf Champion when he says, “If the mark of happiness is loving what you do and doing what you love, then I am the happiest man who ever lived.”
Raj, the granddad of four lovely grandchildren, is a family man and strongly believes in the old Hindu concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: “The whole world is one family.”
“All Religions Are the Same”—So Why Should I Follow Hinduism? How Parents Can Teach Respect for Every Religion While Helping Children Remain Rooted
If you are raising a Hindu child in North America, this scene has probably played out in your home. If your kids are under 6 or 7 years of age, prepare for questions like these. Your middle schooler comes home from social studies class, sets down their backpack, and says with absolute, earnest confidence: “Mom,
Living Fully, Leaving Peacefully
A Hindu-American Guide for Seniors Preparing for the Next Journey By Dr. Mohini Shinde and Raj Shah Aging is not an end—it is a sacred transition. For Hindu-American seniors, the later years of life bring unique questions: How do we prepare not just physically and financially but spiritually for the next journey? How do we
BEYOND THE RAMAYANA – The Sītāyana
A Timeless Journey of Women’s Strength, Resilience, and Self-Discovery Dr. Mohini Shinde & Raj Shah “The Ramayana has been told for four thousand years. In all that time, nobody asked Sita what she thought. This book gives her a chance to tell her side of the story.” For four thousand years, the Ramayana has been
Hindu Parenting in the USA: Raising Dharmic Children in a Modern World
By Raj Shah Raising children is among the most noble and fulfilling responsibilities. For Hindu parents in the United States, the journey is uniquely meaningful. Living amidst the dynamics of American life while carrying forward the ancient spiritual legacy of Sanatana Dharma requires a conscious, creative approach—one that goes beyond rituals and textbooks to offer
Learning Hinduism: A Step-by-Step Guide for the New Generation
Discover Hinduism with Joy, Pride, and Purpose! A Joyful Journey Through Hinduism—For Children Ages 6 to 13 The book “Learning Hinduism—A Step-by-Step Guide for the New Generation” is a warm and engaging introduction to Sanatan Dharma, commonly known as Hinduism, created especially for children ages 6 to 13 who are growing up outside India but want to
The Hindu Home: Where Character, Culture, and Confidence Grow By Raj Shah
Raising children has never been simple. Raising Hindu children outside India brings its own meaningful responsibility. Parents must help their children navigate two worlds while creating a home where love, values, identity, and cultural traditions remain strong. For Hindu parents, the question is not simply how to raise successful children. It is how to raise