Pratima dharm biography of michael lewis

She feels the same decades later. The U. Dharm, 40, has been named the first Hindu chaplain to serve the Department of Defense. Hinduism, with nearly a billion adherents worldwide — but fewer than 1, active servicemembers, according to Pentagon statistics — was the largest of the world faiths not represented by a chaplain. Though the Army hasn't yet publicized her appointment, the rumor has spread among Hindu servicemembers around the world.

Still, most of her time at Walter Reed is spent reaching across faiths to minister to anyone who needs it. That's a key responsibility of military chaplains, she said.

U.s. army chaplain corps

Dharm speaks easily of Christian teachings. A unique aspect of her story is that until this year, she wore the cross of a Christian chaplain on her battle fatigues. When she started on active duty in , she was endorsed by the Pentecostal Church of God, based in Joplin, Mo. A Washington, D. But — and perhaps it is hard for some Western Christians to understand — she hasn't rejected Christianity either.

An Indian-American Army Reserve veteran said that during his years in the service, he was always comfortable meditating in Christian services and talking to non-Hindu chaplains about spiritual matters. But having a Hindu chaplain available, even if only by email, will make one important group very happy — military mothers who want to make sure their children can practice their faith properly.

Sometimes that means explaining cultural fine points.