A groundbreaking event called the Hindu-American Summit for Political Engagement will take place at the US Capitol, organized by a coalition of influential Indian-Americans from across the country. The summit, scheduled for June 14, aims to bring attention to the concerns of the Hindu community among lawmakers. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is among the notable speakers who will address the summit.
Over 130 leaders from various Indian and Hindu organizations representing regions like Florida, New York, Boston, Texas, Chicago, and California will attend the event. Dr. Romesh Japra, the founder and chairman of the Americans4Hindus Political Action Committee (PAC), expressed the belief that Hindu Americans are thriving in many aspects but are lagging behind politically. He highlighted the efforts of organizations like Equality Labs and CARE, which he claims seek to undermine Hinduism.
Dr. Japra pointed out that the Seattle City Council passed a motion earlier this year to include “caste” as a protected category in their non-discrimination policy, making Seattle the first city in the US to recognize caste-based discrimination. Hindu organizations and leaders voiced concerns that this recognition could lead to increased legal scrutiny of the community.
In response to these issues, Dr. Japra emphasized the need for Hindu Americans to unite and present their case to Congress. The Hindu-American Summit at the Capitol aims to gather leaders, executive heads of organizations, and all Hindu Americans to advocate for their interests and discuss hindrances like Hinduphobia, Hindu hatred, and immigration problems.
Aside from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, several other Congressional leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties are expected to speak at the conference. Dr. Japra also mentioned the community’s efforts to establish the first Hindu Caucus in the House of Representatives, inviting senators and representatives to join.
Americans4Hindus PAC, operating as a non-partisan Super PAC and Hybrid PAC since October 2019, has recently become a Multi-Candidate PAC. The organization has endorsed and funded candidates in past elections, including Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and others who align with Hindu values and principles.
The Hindu American Summit will see participation from numerous organizations, such as the American Hindu Coalition, American Hindu Federation, Americans for Equality PAC, Ekal Vidyalaya, Federation of Indian Americans, Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies, Hindu Action, Hindu Action PAC of Florida, Hindu PACR, Hindu Swyamsevak Sangha, Hindu University of America, Kashmir Hindu Foundation, Patriot America, Sewa International, US India Relationship Council, and World Hindu Council.
The main objectives of Americans4Hindus PAC include raising awareness about Hinduism, advocating for its recognition, and acknowledging the contributions of the Hindu community to America. Additionally, the organization aims to address concerns such as Hindu hatred, Hinduphobia, immigration, education, the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus and Kashmiri Pandits, and Indo-US relations.
