US lawmakers unite against Hinduphobia, bias faced by Indians

US lawmakers unite against Hinduphobia, bias faced by Indians

Listen to Story Hindu-American leaders and lawmakers have pledged their support to Indian-Americans in combating increasing Hinduphobia and discrimination against the minority Hindu community in the US. This commitment was highlighted during the 3rd National Hindu Advocacy Day, organised by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). CoHNA is a grassroots advocacy and civil rights organisation representing the Hindu community of North America. The event brought together Hindu students, researchers, and community leaders to address the challenges faced by Hindus living in the US. Hindus have encountered various attacks this year, including the persistent use of stereotypical colonial frameworks, gaslighting, verbal slurs, and the vandalism of several temples, according to CoHNA, reported news agency PTI. At the event held on June 28, attendees heard personal testimonies from a powerful panel of Hindu students from Stanford, UC Berkeley, and the University of Georgia. These students shared the challenges they face with Hinduphobia on campus, in classes, and even in their dorms, showing how it affects their lives and decisions. Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar, who introduced House Resolution 1131 (H. Res 1131), condemned Hinduphobia and attacks on temples while celebrating the contributions of the Hindu-American community. "We are here, and we are fighting," Thanedar declared, adding, "The voice you all have, the voice the Hindu community has in Congress... I will not tolerate Hinduphobia, discrimination, or other forms of hate." Earlier in March, Thanedar joined Hindu organisations to speak against the growing "Hinduphobia" in the US . At the event, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur recounted how Indian-Americans were racially profiled and stereotyped. Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat, celebrated the growth of the community's advocacy over the past decade. "Be proud of who you are," Khanna encouraged, congratulating the audience on attending an event in Washington DC that exemplified pride in their heritage and roots. Other lawmakers, including Republican Congressmen Rich McCormick and Max Miller, expressed their support for the Hindu-American community. "I welcome the continued and growing engagement of the Hindu-American and Indian-American community in policy making and its potential to transform the future of America," McCormick stated, reported PTI. Miller assured, "If anything were to happen to your community, I'll be there, standing shoulder to shoulder with you," urging the community to "stand strong and never back away from your values."