An Indian-American Democrat Congressman, Shri Thanedar, has aligned with a coalition of Hindu leaders and organizations to address the escalating issue of "Hinduphobia" in the United States.
Thanedar, a Democrat representative, has taken a firm stance against the surge in hate crimes targeting the Hindu community in the US. He emphasized the urgent need to combat discriminatory attitudes and actions directed towards Hindus, citing instances such as California's SB403 bill, which bans caste discrimination, as well as recent attacks on Hindu temples.
Speaking at a gathering convened by HinduAction at the US Capitol, Thanedar underscored the imperative of safeguarding religious rights and fostering inclusivity, stressing that hatred has no place in American society.
Suhag Shukla, representing the Hindu American Foundation, echoed Thanedar's sentiments, highlighting the prevalence of anti-Hindu bias, particularly on college campuses. She also raised concerns about a lack of understanding of Hinduism among law enforcement agencies and institutionalized discrimination exemplified by legislation like California's SB403.
Furthermore, Shukla drew attention to the Khalistan movement's involvement in recent temple attacks, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to counter such hate-driven agendas.
The event also featured personal accounts of individuals who have faced discrimination and violence due to their Hindu identity. Sunder Iyer, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, recounted his experience of being racially profiled and stereotyped by a civil rights agency, urging Congress to investigate such injustices. Tejal Shah of the Hindu Temple Empowerment Council shared stories of emotional distress and trauma inflicted by attacks on Hindu temples, emphasizing the urgent need for action and accountability.
In solidarity, HinduAction and the Namaste-Shalom Multifaith Alliance issued a joint statement urging Congress to formally acknowledge and address the rising threat of anti-Hindu hatred through a resolution.
