The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

The Regional Indo-American Community Center (RIACC), a non-profit, tax-exempt organization was established in Kingsport, Tennessee in 1992. According to the RIACC website, the mission of the Center is:
"1. To promote religious, educational, social, and cultural activities based on Indian philosophy of peace, love, justice, and harmony;
2. To develop and maintain mutually beneficial friendships and goodwill among all people and with other charitable organizations with similar objectives;
3. To regularly hold congregations and celebrate special occasions of interest to the community; and
4. To support Hall of Worship and Amy Community Center, built for multiple faiths."

Hall of Worship and Amy Community Center

Part of the mission of RIACC is a commitment to being a center for religious, educational, social, and cultural activities. The Hall of Worship and Amy Community Center was established in 2002. Located in a residential area in Kingsport, it is the main location where the community gathers. Though the Hall of Worship and Amy Community Center was intended to host festivities from multiple faiths, the prominent religion of the community is Hinduism.

Services

RIACC sponsors special events such as their annual summer picnic, musical programs, and fund raisers. The community occasionally hosts saints, gurus, and philosophers. Other special activities have also included yoga, meditation classes, cultural programs, and religious education. The Center's normal operating hours are 11:00 AM–1:00 PM on Sundays and 6:30 PM–7:30 PM on Wednesdays. Sunday School is held from 10:30 AM -12:30 PM. Classes are conducted with Chinnamayan philosophy and include prayer, story-telling, religious discussions, and bhajans.