By Sujata Seth
Chinmaya Mission West (CMW) proudly announces the historic appointment of Pandit Shyam Maharaj as a full-time active-duty Hindu Chaplain in the United States Army. Commissioned as an officer on May 13, 2025, Chaplain Maharaj becomes only the second Hindu chaplain to serve on active duty in U.S. military history, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of Hindu spiritual care within mainstream American institutions.
This appointment underscores the growing recognition of Hindu chaplaincy across diverse sectors of American society, including military bases, healthcare facilities, government offices, and community organizations nationwide.
Breaking Barriers in Interfaith Military Service
Chaplain Maharaj holds a Master of Divinity from Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta and brings a unique multicultural perspective to his role. Born in California to a family with Indo-Fijian roots, he was trained by his gurus as a pandit at an early age in Sanskrit, pujas, and music, and he has been providing spiritual care in Hindu temples as well as professionally as a hospital and hospice chaplain. Maharaj’s diverse background equips him to provide spiritual care to military personnel across all faith traditions.
"Hinduism offers profound wisdom on dharma, spiritual discipline, and service to others," says Chaplain Maharaj. "The teachings of Hindu tradition can provide invaluable guidance for individuals navigating the complex moral and spiritual challenges inherent in military service."
Hindu Wisdom for Modern Challenges
The Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone of the Hindu religion, was taught on a battlefield and offers particularly relevant guidance for military personnel, emphasizing righteous action, duty, and maintaining inner equilibrium.
Swami Swaroopananda Ji, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, blessed Chaplain Maharaj's appointment and advised him: “Keep true to your daily spiritual practices and deep study of the Gita. This will foster resilience, moral clarity, and compassionate leadership in you, and will enable you to provide the most meaningful support to the soldiers.”
Expanding Hindu Chaplaincy Across American Institutions
Since 1997, Chinmaya Mission West has served as the sole Department of Defense recognized endorser of Hindu chaplains, pioneering the integration of Hindu spiritual care in American military institutions.
"CMW is preparing additional Hindu chaplains for service in the U.S. military," explains Vilasini Balakrishnan, CMW's ecclesiastical endorser. "Awareness of this field of service is steadily growing among Hindu chaplains, and we expect to see several more with this calling to follow in Maharaj's footsteps in the near future."
Rigorous Training for Comprehensive Service
U.S. military chaplains complete extensive preparation, including a three-year Master of Divinity degree, which includes specialized training in interfaith ministry, as well as meeting the requirements of their faith endorsers. Hindu chaplains are uniquely positioned to serve not only Hindu service members but also to provide spiritual support and counseling to personnel from all religious backgrounds, drawing upon Hinduism's inclusive philosophical traditions.
Following commission, Chaplains are required to attend the Chaplain Basic Leader Course to gain military knowledge, process and history to best serve soldiers of all faiths either in the Guard, Reserves or Active Duty. Maharaj is now embarking on this training.
About Chinmaya Mission West
Chinmaya Mission West serves as the official endorser of Hindu chaplains for the U.S. military, maintaining Department of Defense recognition since 1997. Through its partnership with the Chinmaya International Foundation in Kerala, CM offers comprehensive Certificate in Hindu Spiritual Care programs, which train chaplains to serve in military, healthcare, educational, and community settings across America and internationally.
