Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has announced intentions to organise a ‘Hindu Caucus’ in the US Congress, bringing together like-minded people to ensure no hatred and discrimination towards Hindus.
Overview
The first-ever Hindu-American Summit was held in Capitol Hill, the seat of the US government, on Wednesday, with many Congressional leaders and political advocacy groups supporting the community. Several US lawmakers attended the event to express their support for the Hindu-American community.
Leaders of the Hindu community from across the country convened in the US Capitol for the summit, which was hosted by Americans4Hindus and supported by 20 other organisations. The Hindu-American Summit commenced with Vedic prayers reverberating in the dome of the US Capitol.
Ramesh Japra was the main organiser of the Hindu-American summit. “Our Hindu values are completely aligned with US Constitutional values. They resonate with the Bhagavad Gita. That’s why we are committed to giving Hindu Americans a voice,” he said at the event.
Thanedar, who represents Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, announced on Wednesday during the first-ever Hindu American Summit, “It is important that every person has a right to choose a religion, pray (to) a God that he or she chooses without persecution, without discrimination, without hate or for those who may choose not to pray to a God.”
“These are freedoms that are fundamental. These are fundamental human rights,” Thanedar remarked.
Congressional caucuses are members of the US Congress who meet to promote shared legislative goals. Caucuses are constituted as Congressional Member Organisations through the US House of Representatives and are governed by the chamber’s rules.
Thanedar stated at the summit, “With that thought in mind, I am pleased to work with Dr (Ramesh) Japra, I am pleased to work with Americans4Hindus to form a ‘Hindu Caucus’ in the United States Congress.”
📢 Indian-American Congressman to form 'Hindu Caucus' in US Congress
— Swarajya (@SwarajyaMag) June 15, 2023
- Aims to protect Hindu community from hate
- Congressional caucuses meet to pursue common legislative objectives
- Caucus at early stages, inviting all members of Congress to joinhttps://t.co/NlsejbvaJ4
‘Caucus Believes in Religious Freedom’
Thanedar, a Democrat in the US Congress, stated, “The purpose of this caucus is not only to ensure that there is no hate against Hinduism, to ensure that there is no bigotry and discrimination towards (the) Hindu religion and those who practise Hindu religion.” He further clarified that the caucus is not against anybody or any religion.
Community leaders praised Thanedar for taking the initiative in establishing the caucus, which would be accessible to members of both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Thanedar declared, “Everybody’s welcome. This is an inclusive caucus. This is a positive caucus, not a hate caucus. We are not against anybody. We are for all people and for improving the quality of life, opportunities for all. That is what we are going to focus on.” Thanedar indicated that it is still in its early stages and that all members of Congress are welcome to join.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said she would remain an ardent supporter of the Hindu-American community and recalled her visit to Gandhi Ashram in Gujarat’s Sabarmati with John Lewis. The lawmaker said she was looking forward to meeting Indian PM Narendra Modi next week.
Modi will arrive in Washington D.C. on 21 June for a three-day state visit. The welcoming ceremony, state dinner, and an address to the Joint Session of the US Congress are scheduled for 22 June.