Category: Media

PRESS RELEASE: HinduVote Unveils American Hindu Agenda for the 2024 Elections & Launches Comprehensive Community Outreach Programs to Engage Over 1,000 Candidates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2024
Chicago, IL – HinduVote, a project of HinduPACT (an initiative of the World Hindu Council of America, VHPA), has officially released its American Hindu Agenda for the 2024 Elections, which aims to inform and influence political discourse on issues critical to the American Hindu community. The agenda outlines vital legislative priorities and policy goals that reflect the interests of Hindu voters across the country, ranging from addressing Hinduphobia to promoting U.S.-India relations.
The American Hindu Agenda for 2024 includes the following significant points:
Combatting Hinduphobia: Advocate for legislation to bar Hinduphobic rhetoric and defund academic institutions that actively promote anti-Hindu sentiments.
Protecting Hindu Temples: Support FBI investigations to identify and address the systemic causes behind vandalism targeting Hindu temples and Mahatma Gandhi statues across the U.S.
Repatriation of Stolen Artifacts: Push for legislation to repatriate stolen Hindu artifacts from museums and private collections back to their countries of origin.
Strengthening U.S.-India Relations: Promote a multifaceted partnership with India, ensuring non-interference in their sovereign rights, and appoint Hindu representatives to faith-centric U.S. agencies such as the USCIRF.
Fair Immigration Policies: Advocate for removing country-based caps on H1B visas and expedited green cards for highly skilled immigrants while protecting children with H4B visas from deportation.
Human Rights Advocacy: Hold religious theocracies, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, accountable for human rights abuses and halt U.S. aid to these nations until reforms are enacted.
Fairness in Education and Employment: Support merit-based educational opportunities and endorse the Fair Admissions vs. Harvard verdict.
Environmental Responsibility: Promote policies that advance environmentally sustainable development.
Alongside the agenda, HinduPACT has developed a 36-page comprehensive guide for 501(c)(3) organizations, including temples and community groups, outlining permissible activities during election periods. This guide explains the importance of these entities’ civic engagement while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Additionally, HinduPACT has created a 24-page guide for Hindu voters that offers clear, practical information on navigating the election process and making informed choices that align with their values and priorities.
Both these guides are available for download on the hinduvote.org website.
Community Outreach and Candidate Questionnaire
HinduPACT has sent a comprehensive questionnaire to approximately 1,000 U.S. House of Representatives and Senate candidates. The questionnaire, aligned with the American Hindu Agenda for 2024, aims to educate the voters about the candidates and ensure that the voices of Hindu Americans are heard in the halls of power.
“The HinduVote initiative and the American Hindu Agenda for 2024 mark a new chapter for our community’s civic engagement,” said Deepa Karthik, Executive Director of the HinduVote project. “We are empowering Hindu voters with the resources and information they need to make informed decisions and encouraging political candidates to take a clear stance on issues that matter to the Hindu community.”
Deepti Mahajan, Co-Convenor of HinduPACT, said, “We hope that our temples become centers of the broader community around them. Our Elections Guide for Temples and Organizations provides these organizations with clear guidelines on election-related activities they can engage in to fulfill this important role in society.”
Ajay Shah, President of VHPA and Co-Convenor of HinduPACT, said,
“American Hindus have made tremendous contributions to our nation across all spheres of life. This agenda is not only aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the community but also addresses issues that will benefit all Americans, not just Hindus.”
September 10, 2024
Press Release: HinduPACT Condemns Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh

August 5, 2024
HinduPACT vehemently condemns the recent spate of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, culminating in the brutal murder of two councilors and the vandalization of the sacred Kali temple and ISKCON temple during anti-government protests.
This appalling act is not just an attack on individuals but a direct assault on the Hindu community for their pluralistic beliefs. We stand in solidarity with the Hindu community in Bangladesh and demand immediate action from the Bangladeshi government to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
The international community must also take note of these heinous crimes and support measures to protect religious minorities worldwide. We call upon human rights organizations and governments around the globe to condemn these acts and work towards safeguarding the rights of all minority communities.
Deepti Mahajan, co-convenor of HinduPACT, said:
With the coup in Bangladesh, the 10 million Hindus are sitting on a ticking bomb of genocide. Reports are coming in from inside Bangladesh of unimaginable torture, killings, and burning of Hindi temples. This instability in the region is extremely dangerous for democracies like India and an inevitable threat to the Hindus in Pakistan as well. We need the eyes and ears of all Western countries at this instability in Asia and demand the safety of the minorities in Bangladesh.
Ajay Shah, President of VHPA and co-Convenor of HinduPACT commented:
This incident is a grim reminder of the atrocities committed against Hindus during the 1971 genocide, where an estimated 3,000,000 Hindus were brutally killed. The echoes of such historical horrors underscore the urgent need for vigilance and protection of religious minorities.
HinduPACT remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of Hindus globally and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice is served in this grievous matter.

August 5, 2024
Press Release: HinduPACT Condemns Assassination Attempt on President Trump and Calls for Non-Violence in Democracy

July 14, 2024
Chicago, IL — HinduPACT strongly condemns the recent assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump. We stand united in our belief that violence has no place in a democratic society and that our political processes must be safeguarded from such heinous acts.
The recent assassination attempt conjures up images of darker times in American history, such as the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, which shook the nation to its core and left a lasting scar on the American psyche. Such acts of violence undermine the very fabric of our democracy and hinder our progress as a nation.
In stark contrast, America is at its best when peaceful debates happen. A prime example is the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas engaged in a series of debates on important issues facing the nation. These debates, conducted with respect and civility, showcased the strength of democratic discourse and set a high standard for political engagement.
Democracy thrives on open dialogue, respectful debate, and peaceful resolution of differences. These principles are deeply embedded in Hindu Dharma traditions, which have advocated for deliberation and discussion for thousands of years. This is exemplified by the robust discussions and debates about policies and governance practiced in ancient Indian republics known as Mahajanapadas.
HinduPACT calls upon law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this attempt and bring the perpetrators to justice. We also extend our thoughts and prayers to President Trump and his family during this challenging time.
Together, let us work towards a future where our differences are resolved through understanding and cooperation, upholding the principles of democracy and non-violence that form the bedrock of our society.

July 14, 2024
Representative Thanedar: “We must show that we will not tolerate fear and hate, and we will spread the truth about Hindu Dharma.”

April 15, 2024
Rep. Shri Thanedar exclusively appeared on HinduPACT’s HinduLounge show hosted by Tejal Shah (Convenor Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council and Jt. Gen. Secy. World Hindu Council of America, VHPA) and Sudha Jagganathan HinduLounge co-host and a prominent American Hindu community organizer this week, emphasizing the critical need to protect personal freedoms and take serious actions against incidents that undermine the freedom to practice one’s religion. Highlighting the challenges faced by the Hindu community, Rep. Thanedar discussed the underutilization of government programs by the community, including Homeland Security grants that support sophisticated security systems for religious institutions during special events.
Rep. Thanedar firmly stands against terrorism, violence, and vandalism, condemning these acts as direct attacks on peaceful religious practices. He pointed out that while Hindu dharma is a peaceful religion, its passive nature is often mistakenly perceived as a weakness. This perception underscores the urgency for increased involvement of the Hindu community in mainstream politics and activism to safeguard their own freedoms and those of future generations.
In his commitment to combating Hinduphobia and hate crimes, Rep. Thanedar has introduced Resolution HR 1131 and formed a Hindu caucus in the U.S. House. He advocates for greater civic involvement among Hindus and stresses the importance of building strong relationships with local elected leaders, not only in times of crisis but as a continual effort.
Rep. Thanedar calls on the community to develop political influence, stating, “We must show that we will not tolerate fear and hate, and we will spread the truth about Hindu Dharma.” He also emphasized that this responsibility extends beyond the Congressional Hindu Caucus to every individual within the community.

April 15, 2024
HinduPACT Responds to US State Department and Ambassador Garcetti’s Criticisms of India’s Decision to Implement CAA

The following press release was issued by HinduPACT (an initiative of VHPA) on comments by the US State Department and US Amb. Eric Garcetti on India’s decision to implement CAA.
March 16, 2024
Considering recent criticisms from the US State Department and the US Ambassador to India regarding implementing India’s Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA), Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective (HinduPACT) reaffirms its unwavering support for the CAA. The legislation provides expedited citizenship to persecuted Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi minorities from India’s neighboring countries. It underscores India’s dedication to safeguarding individuals and families against religious persecution, resonating with global humanitarian principles.
We are astonished that the US State Department and the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, are ignorant of similar US laws. India’s CAA is modeled after the Lautenberg Amendment to the Jackson–Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974. Enacted on November 21, 1989, this amendment specifically provides refugee status in the United States for nationals from the Soviet Union and later the former Soviet Union, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania who are Jews, Evangelical Christians, Ukrainian Catholics or Ukrainian Orthodox; as well as nationals of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia; and Jews, Christians, Baha’i, and other religious minorities from Iran.

Ajay Shah, Founder and Co-Convenor of HinduPACT, said,

CAA does not impact any citizen of India. The characterization of this law as being non-secular is unfounded. Hindu minority is discriminated against and decimated in India’s neighborhood. As Americans, we are disappointed that instead of standing for American values and the human rights of the persecuted, our government has chosen to oppose this humanitarian effort.
Deepti Mahajan, Co-Convenor of HinduPACT, said,
“It is shocking to see the lack of empathy towards the plight of little girls from Hindu, Sikh, and Christian minority communities in Pakistan. According to the UN Human Rights Commission, BBC, and APPG reports, on average, 1000 girls a year, as little as ten years old, get abducted, converted, and become victims of sex slavery and forced marriages in Pakistan. Instead of calling out the government of Pakistan for its complicity in this ongoing heartbreaking act, the State Department seeks to criticize the Government of India’s effort to help these innocent victims.”

March 16, 2024
SB-403 Veto by California Gov. Newsom is a Victory for Privacy, Equality, and Fairness for all Californians and a Strong Statement Against Hinduphobia

SB-403 Veto by California Gov. Newsom is a Victory for Privacy, Equality, and Fairness for all Californians and a Strong Statement Against Hinduphobia
Danville, CA – HinduPACT today thanked Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing blatantly Hinduphobic SB-403, a bill that would have weakened California’s privacy protections. Following are key Hindu leader statements:
Ajay Shah, Convenor, HInduPACT and President of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) said:
“When politically motivated California assembly and senate succumbed to an 18-year long systematic multi-pronged attack engineered by forces inimical to Hindus in various forms, Hindus kept their struggle for truth, justice and equality alive. Today, we thank Gov. Newsom for rejecting Hinduphobic SB-403. SB-403 would have targeted Hindus kids in the elementary schools and Hindu professionals and business owners. It would have led to the bullying of Hindu children and baseless and yet relentless persecution and prosecution of Hindu professionals as we have seen in the CISCO case.
We acknowledge the relentless work by thousands of volunteers who worked at the grassroots, the AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) and AASOA (Asian American Store Owners Association),and other Hindu advocacy Hindu organizations for their work on creating awareness about SB-403. I want to especially remember community organizer Milind Makwana who sacrificed his life as he fought against this Bill.”
Rakhi Israni, HinduPACT Executive Director, Legal said:
“We are grateful to Governor Newsom for standing up for the privacy of Californians. SB-403 would have made it easier for companies to collect and sell our personal information without our knowledge or consent. This is a critical issue, and we appreciate the Governor’s leadership in protecting our privacy. Governor Newsom’s veto of SB-403 is a victory for privacy. It sends a clear message that California will not stand for companies that track and sell our personal information without our consent. We urge the Legislature to sustain the Governor’s veto.”
Amitabh Mittal, General Secretary of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) said:
“Thank you, Gov Newson, for vetoing this draconian bill that attempted to harass and divide the entire Hindu community under the garb of a non-existent “caste” issue in the US. Congtulations to all Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain American Community members for this crucial victory. We’re proud of all the Leaders who worked relentlessly to make it happen. Nefarious designs of hate, divide and destroy have no place in these United States.”
Tejal Shah, Convenor of HMEC (Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council), an initiative of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), representing hundreds of North American temples said:
“The impact of SB-403 on the Hindu temples and culture would have been devastating. Chanting of Sanskrit mantras during prayers would have been construed as castetist act. Today, we thank Gov. Newsom for protecting the right of Hindus to practice their religion in privacy and freely.”
Deepti Mahajan, Executive Director, CHINGARI initiative of HinduPACT said:
“As Californians, we are thankful to Gov. Newsom for his veto of SB-403. We hope that the California legislative energy can now be focused on issues that really matter to Californians, such as homelessness, rising inflation and law and order. We are also hopeful that Gov. Newsom will lend his voice to global human rights issues such as the plight of minority girls in Pakistan.”
Jai Bansal, Convenor of HIndudvesha (Hindu-hatred) initiative of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) said:
“We are thankful to Gov. Newsom for his veto of SB-403. As Californians, we now urge that the California Department of Education remove inaccurate and Hinduphobic references to so-called “caste” from its textbooks.”
Shyam Tiwari, Spokesperson for World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) said:
“We are glad that Gov. Newsom has vetoed SB-403. VHPA has always strived to bring communities together and resist the forces of division. We hope that the proponents and the opponents of SB-403 will now come together and find ways to help shape the society that is fair, just and equitable.”

October 7, 2023
AHAD and HinduPACT Demand Removal Bhagavad Gita Shloka from the Movie “Oppenheimer”

The following press release was issued by American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) and HinduPACT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28. 2023
We are deeply offended by a scene in the Christopher Nolan’s Hollywood movie Oppenheimer that shows the eponymous character having sex while reading out verses from The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered and sacred Hindu scriptures. As representatives of one of the oldest and the largest American Hindu organizations, we strongly urge the producers of the film and the distributor, Universal Pictures to remove the shloka from the movie.
A shloka is a sacred verse from Hindu scriptures that carries profound spiritual significance to the Hindus. It is not merely a piece of background music to be used for dramatic effect in a movie; rather, it holds immense religious sanctity and is meant to be recited with utmost respect and reverence. By using the shloka from the Bhagavad Gita without the appropriate religious context, the producers of “Oppenheimer” are trivializing and commodifying a central aspect of Hindu spirituality. This not only shows a lack of understanding of the cultural and religious sensitivities of the Hindu community but also amounts to cultural appropriation, which is deeply disrespectful and offensive.
Commenting on the inappropriate use of shloka, Ajay Shah, Convenor of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) and Convenor of AHAD and HinduPACT said:
“Hollywood must resist the urge to use Hindu scriptures as props in their movies. In 1999, Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” used a shloka from the Bhagavad Gita during an orgy scene. After our protest, this scene was removed from most locations. We would have hoped that after almost a quarter century after “Eyes Wide Shut,” Hollywood producers are more enlightened, more aware of religious and cultural sensitivities and more attuned to the global audience they serve. Evidently, they remain as tone-deaf as they were twenty-five years ago, and perhaps as prejudicial towards Hindus as the colonialists who ruled India for a thousand years. We call up on the producers and United Pictures to remove the offending scene immediately. “
(News item about the “Eyes Wide Shut” protest is available here)
As consumers and supporters of the entertainment industry, we call on the producers of “Oppenheimer” to uphold the principles of cultural sensitivity and religious respect by promptly removing the shloka from the movie. AHAD is launching an online campaign to advocate for the removal of the scene.

July 28, 2023
Press Release: Thousands of Indian American Businesses and Hindu Temples Unite, Join HinduPACT in Urging California Senate to Reject Caste Bill SB 403
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thousands of Indian American Businesses and Hindu Temples Unite, Join HinduPACT in Urging California Senate to Reject Caste Bill SB 403

Major Hindu and Indian businesses and temples have united to issue the following statement to oppose the proposed California Caste Bill SB 403. The bill, introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab seeks to amend the anti-discrimination policy under the Unruh Civil Rights Act by adding caste as a protected category.

The signatories to this statement include, Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the largest hotel owners association in the nation with 20,000 members who own 60% of the hotels in the United States, responsible for 1.7% of nation’s GDP, Asian American Store Owners Association (AASOA) representing over 8300 store owners throughout the nation, Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC) an umbrella organization of Hindu temples in North America with participation of 600 temples in its conferences, Hindu Business Network (HBN), and, Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective (HinduPACT), an initiative of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), the oldest and one of the largest Hindu organization in the US.

We oppose California SB 403 for the following reasons:

The Bill presents a convoluted and broad definition of “caste.” The definition of “caste” in this Bill makes every person of Indian subcontinent and businesses run by them suspect of discrimination, including those who practice vegetarianism!
The Bill perpetuates the colonial narrative of “caste,” introduced by Portuguese and promoted by British colonialists.
This bill will lead to harassment, discrimination, bullying and violence against Hindus.
The promoters of “caste” narrative, have malevolent intentions as demonstrated by their public statements. One statement, for example, says, “Hindus are sick people of India, it is their religious books who train the mind.”
This Bill is built on unsubstantiated data and an unproven court case.

Kalpesh Joshi Board Member of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) said, “AAHOA is strongly against SB 403. We believe that it will disproportionately impact Indian hotel and motel owners.”

Vipul Patel, President of Asian American Shop Owners Association (AASOA) said,
“As a one of the largest small businesses owner associations we strongly oppose California SB 403. This bill is based on the fabricated narrative of caste discrimination in America. This bill is misguided and will promote prejudice against all Indian Americans small business owners including shop owners who form the backbone of California economy in these challenging economic times. We fear that this bill, if passed will encourage frivolous lawsuit against small businesses, causing many of them to go out of business.”

Tejal Shah, Convenor of Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC) said,
“The organizations and individuals behind SB 403 have made their disdain for Hindu customs and traditions very clear. Common Hindu greeting “Namaskar” (“I bow to the divinity within you”), traditional Hindu practices such as classical dance, music, and sacred festivals such as Diwali and Holi have been vilified. Passage of SB 403 will legitimize this assault on the freedom of religions and make Hindu temples more vulnerable to physical attacks.”

Nirav Patel, Convenor of Hindu Business Network (HBN) said,
“The implications of SB 403 on Hindu and Indian businesses is shocking. Small business owners came to the US to achieve their American dream of equal opportunity and entrepreneurship. It will also deter companies from hiring Indian Americans. If SB 403 passes, Hindu and Indian businesses will have to deal with politically and religiously motivated lawsuits. We believe that many of these businesses will not survive the frivolous lawsuits. We request the California senators to reject SB 403.”
Ajay Shah, Convenor of HinduPACT said,
“SB 403 is deeply flawed, ill-intentioned and targets children and youth from the Indian Subcontinent and those who follow the Hindu dharma (Hinduism),” said Ajay Shah, Convenor of HinduPACT. “These youth and children will be branded as “upper caste” and then bullied in their schools. They will be deprived of many academic, opportunities. They will made to feel guilty for their supposed privileged lives. When the grow up, they will be deprived of employment and business opportunities” he added.
The signatories of this statement believe that the existing laws in California are sufficient to address any instance of discrimination if they arise. We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee California legislature to reject SB 403. This bill is harmful, unnecessary, and based on a false narrative.
Website of signatory organizations:
Asian American Home Owners Association
Asian American Shop Owners Association
Hindu Business Network
Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference
HinduPACT
April 26, 2023
Press Release: HinduPACT Launches Petition Asking Senate to Reject Nomination of Eric Garcetti as Ambassador to India

March 14, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C – HinduPACT has launched a petition asking citizens to urge their Senators to vote against President Joe Biden’s nomination of Eric Garcetti as the next Ambassador to India. The petition highlights Garcetti’s poor understanding of India and the Indian subcontinent, as well as his undiplomatic, sanctimonious attitude that is likely to alienate the majority of Indians which he.
During the confirmation hearings, Mayor Garcetti made it clear that he plans to bring up India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as a “core” piece of engagement. The CAA grants expedited asylum to persecuted Hindu minorities, and Mayor Garcetti has claimed that it is a human rights violation that discriminates against other groups in India. His statements are not only untrue but also unwarranted interference in India’s internal affairs.
The Quad member democracies like the US and India must unite to counter the expansionist China. Mayor Garcetti’s untruthful, sanctimonious, and undiplomatic attitude will not only harm persecuted Hindu minorities in India but also cause severe damage to US-India relations when it is needed the most. The petition calls on citizens to sign and urge their Senators to vote against Garcetti’s nomination as the next Ambassador to India.
The petition is a collaborative effort of concerned citizens who believe that Mayor Garcetti’s nomination as the next Ambassador to India is not in the best interest of the US or India. It seeks to draw attention to the dangers of Garcetti’s appointment and encourage Senators to vote against it.
The petition can be found here: https://hindupact.org/2023/03/14/reject-garcettis-as-ambassador-to-india/

March 14, 2023
Press Release: Toronto District School Board Must Reject Proposed Addition of ‘Caste’ to its Anti-Discriminatory Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C – HinduPACT implores the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to reject a motion to add “Caste” to its anti-discriminatory policy. On March 8th, as Hindus around the world celebrate Holi – the biggest festival in Hinduism – the TDSB is set to vote on this discriminatory motion.
This proposed legislation sets a dangerous precedent for Hindus everywhere, and it follows a recent racist Caste ordinance that was passed by the Seattle City Council on February 21st that includes “caste” as a specific category as prejudice. This is a direct violation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. While Seattle’s Caste ordinance is perilous, Wednesday’s vote in Toronto is even more dangerous because it is not just a resolution but an actual piece of legislation.
Ajay Shah, Convenor of HinduPACT,
HinduPACT believes that the addition of “Caste” to the anti-discriminatory policy will lead to the further stigmatization of the Hindu diaspora and communities throughout North America and the perpetuation of stereotypes that are both false and harmful.

Tejal Shah, Convenor of the Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC) and Jt. General Secretary of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA),
Recent vandalism of Hindu temples in North America, and the caste resolutions such as these further an agenda of Hinduphobia. Toronto Districe School Board has an opportunity to reject this caste motion and take a stand against discrimination and violence against Hindus
It is crucial to note that “Caste” is a colonial construct that was imposed upon Hindus by the British during their colonial rule over India. The word “caste” traces its lineage to Portuguese and Spanish and was invented and used as a tool of racial discrimination against converted Jews and to maintain racial and genetic purity of Spanish and Portuguese Christians. There is no reference to the concept of “caste” in any of the religious or philosophical teachings that originated from the Indian subcontinent.
HinduPACT urges the TDSB to reject this motion and to uphold the principles of equality and justice for all. We call upon all Hindus and allies to stand with us in opposition to this harmful legislation.

March 6, 2023