WASHINGTON: In a significant move, prominent US lawmakers have publicly endorsed a House resolution that celebrates the contributions of the Hindu-American community to the United States and unequivocally condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and attacks on places of worship belonging to the community.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the resolution, which was formally supported by Congressman Ro Khanna on Monday, was initially introduced by Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar, a Democrat representing Michigan. The legislative measure, first presented on January 24 last year, has since garnered support from 32 lawmakers, including notable figures like Raja Krishnamoorthi and Suhas Subramanyam.
Resolution Highlights Contributions and Condemns Bigotry
Congressman Khanna, a Democrat representing California and of Indian descent, announced his backing for the resolution via a social media post. He stated his pride in cosponsoring H.Res.69, a bill introduced by Representative Shri Thanedar. The resolution aims to acknowledge and celebrate the ongoing contributions and the vibrant diversity of the Hindu-American community within the United States, while also reinforcing efforts to strengthen the nation’s multiracial democracy.
The text of the resolution underscores Hinduism as one of the world’s most ancient and largest religions, with a global following exceeding 1.2 billion adherents spread across more than 100 countries. It emphasizes that Hinduism encompasses a wide spectrum of diverse traditions and belief systems, all of which promote universal values such as acceptance, mutual respect, and peace. Since the 1900s, the United States has welcomed over four million individuals identifying as Hindu from various parts of the world, representing a rich tapestry of racial, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds.
The resolution asserts that the United States has significantly benefited from the contributions of Hindu Americans across all sectors of the nation’s economy and various industries. It highlights that Hindu traditions and practices have notably enriched American society through their influence on philosophy, Ayurveda, arts, music, dance, fashion, meditation, yoga, and community service initiatives.
Addressing Rising Hinduphobia and Hate Crimes
Despite these positive contributions, the resolution draws attention to the growing concerns regarding Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, hate, and intolerance within the United States. It notes that Hindu Americans frequently encounter stereotypes and disinformation concerning their heritage and symbols. Furthermore, the resolution points out instances of bullying faced by members of the community in educational institutions, including schools and college campuses, as well as experiences of discrimination, hate speech, and bias-motivated crimes.
The resolution also references the profound influence of Mahatma Gandhi and his teachings, particularly on Martin Luther King Jr. It acknowledges that King Jr. himself recognized the positive impact of nonviolent civil disobedience, principles originating in Hindu philosophy, on the American civil rights movement. Citing data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hate Crimes Statistics Report, the resolution indicates a year-on-year increase in anti-Hindu hate crimes targeting both temples and individuals. This rise in hate crimes is unfortunately paralleled by a growing prevalence of Hinduphobia in American society.
In essence, the resolution serves to celebrate the historical and ongoing contributions of Hindus and Hinduism to the United States. It recognizes the significant role that Hindu culture plays in enhancing America’s diversity and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to being a welcoming place for Hindu Americans.
The Chenab Times News Desk