HinduPACT

Tag: HinduVote

  • Press Release: HinduPACT Launches HinduVote.Org Website Just in Time for Midterms

    Press Release: HinduPACT Launches HinduVote.Org Website Just in Time for Midterms

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 12, 2022

    WASHINGTON, D.C – Following months of research, dedication and perseverance, HinduPACT has officially launched its HinduVote.org website to help voters select Federal candidates based on their support for issues that are important to the Hindu diaspora.

    The comprehensive website, the first of its kind in the history of the American Hindu community, consists of location-based listing of candidates for the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, biographical and social media details of the candidates, responses from the candidates on a Hindu-focused questionnaire, and HinduPACT’s assessment of legislative votes that are deemed of importance by the incumbents and federal candidates.  

    The website uses the power of crowdsourcing to express the sentiment of the Hindu community by providing the constituents with an opportunity to rate the candidates based on the positions they have taken.

    All Federal incumbents and candidates will receive the questionnaires this week. This questionnaire covers the issue of growing haten campaigns against Hindus across the country. It also addresses concerns about U.S. foreign policy that affect Hindu communities across the world. 

    Rakhi Israni, Director of Legal for HinduPACT, said,

    “The American Hindu community is peaceful, affluent and productive. They are, in many ways, the model community in any society in which they reside. They have held massive economic power in their hands for sometime now. This HinduVote initiative is the first step in claiming the political power that they should have been afforded a while ago.” 

    Convener of HinduPACT, Ajay Shah, said,

    “There are six million Hindus in America and an additional six million followers of dharmic traditions (Buddhist, Jain and Sikhs).  Conservatively, we estimate that around 5% of the voters are the followers of dharmic traditions. In battleground states, and in close races elsewhere, these voters can decisively impact the outcome. HinduVote.org is a community resource to inform and educate the Hindu community and to ensure a Congress that understands, respects and fulfills the aspirations of the American Hindu community.”

    HinduPACT Executive Director Utsav Chakrabarti said, 

    “As the fastest growing immigrant population in the U.S. amongst all religious groups, American Hindus now constitute one of the most decisive voting groups in at least five states. That means many close Senate races will be decided by the Hindu voter. Because of concentrated voters in many districts, a lot more House seats will be decided by Hindu voters. HinduVote.org will change the way constituents evaluate, engage with and ultimately vote for candidates.”

  • Article: The Hindu vote will carry historic weight in the midterm elections

    Article: The Hindu vote will carry historic weight in the midterm elections

    By: Utsav Chakrabarti. September 08, 2022 

    The 2022 midterm elections are arguably the most consequential in setting the stage for the future of the American Hindu diaspora’s involvement in deciding elections.

    To understand the Hindu community in America, one needs to look no further than the last presidential election. The wants and needs of American Hindus, an important voting bloc, have only intensified during this period with the lack of adequate representation. What this means is that people can anticipate a more historic American Hindu turnout this November than in any year past.

    The earliest Hindu immigration to the United States was recorded in the 1600s. In 2018, it was estimated that there were 2.5 million Hindus in America. Today, it is believed there are close to 6 million Hindus in the U.S., accounting for about 2% of the total population. This figure is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.

    As executive director of the Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective USA, I interact with lawmakers and everyday constituents to communicate what our community is seeking from our elected officials. Part of this includes my involvement in creating the Hindu Voter Guide. The 2022 Hindu Voter Guide will help voters determine the compatibility of each candidate with universal Hindu values and the candidates’ views on policies that are important to American Hindus. It serves as a tool to help constituents be more judicious in their selection of candidates.

    As part of this, my team at HinduPACT and I have developed a series of questions over the last two years that address the concerns and hopes of the American Hindu communities and the expectations they have from their candidates. It also examines the intra-community dynamics, based on my interactions with hundreds of people in a cross-section of thought-leaders within the community. The questions cut across party lines and address the needs of Hindus who are registered with both the Democratic and Republican parties as well as unregistered constituents. HinduPACT is actively working to drive up the number of Hindu voter registrants.

    As the largest and fastest-growing diaspora community, Hindus are becoming critical in deciding the elections in Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, and Virginia. The American Hindu vote has been more prominently on display during the last two election cycles and is expected to play an even bigger role in the midterm elections, particularly as the U.S.-India relationship is highlighted as tensions persist between America and China. Chief among things sought from American Hindu constituents is a candidate who will protect American Hindus’ constitutional and civil rights and honor their contributions across the U.S. Statistics show that over 80% of highly skilled immigrants who are eligible for green cards are Hindu. This is an important part of the workforce and should continue to be protected.

    Another important facet that Hindu voters are seeking in their representatives is that they will ensure that textbooks and instructional materials that promote Hinduphobia and reflect misrepresentation of the Hindu faith in publicly funded school textbooks and educational materials are removed in consultation with American Hindu organizations.

    Lastly, India is a strategic U.S. ally. Hindu voters are seeking candidates who will support India’s role in a new vision for the Indo-Pacific to counterterrorism and work toward replacing China with India as a global manufacturer and a key component in our supply chain so we can advance our shared security and economic interests in the region.

    With this sizable population on the rise, it is important for incumbents and future legislators to pay close attention and appeal to the Hindu demographic. Their candidacy and victory may depend on it.

    Utsav Chakrabarti is the executive director of HinduPACT, a nonprofit policy research initiative based in Washington, D.C.

  • HinduPACT Outlines Hindu Agenda for First 100 Days of Biden/Harris Administration

    HinduPACT Outlines Hindu Agenda for First 100 Days of Biden/Harris Administration

    January 21, 2020

    American Hindus played a key role in the battleground states during the 2021 Presidential elections with an estimated 60 percent of American Hindus voting for candidates on the Democratic ticket.  HinduPACT, one of the key organizations representing Hindus in the US, urges the Biden administration to take action on the following issues that are of importance to the Hindu community in the first 100 days of their administration:

    1. Ensure legal protection for DALCA (Deferred Action for Legal Childhood Arrivals) kids. DALCA kids are comprised of more than 150,000 hard working Hindu kids who fear the possibility of ageing out at 21 through no fault of their own or of their parents. Unfortunately, the DACA regulations do not apply to DALCA kids since these regulations only help kids who entered the US illegally.  The DALCA kids, on the other hand, entered the United States lawfully and legally.  We request that the DACLA kids be considered for permanent residency within first 100 days.
    1. Expedite green cards for high-skilled professionals. The high-tech economy of today has enormous need for scientific and technical talent. US has been able to attract exceptional scientists and technologists from around the world, a vast majority of whom are Hindus from India who come to the US on H1B work visa.  The path to legal permanent residence for these legal residents is torturous and can take up to two decades.  We request that that in the first 100 days the Biden administration expedite the permanent residency process for H1B visa holders
    1. Support the human rights of persecuted religious minorities in authoritative theocracies. Certain vulnerable religious communities are facing organized and brutal pogroms like Yezidis in Iraq and Syria and Hindu Rohingyas in Muslim majority Rohingya refugee camps.  As one of the world’s super powers, the United States has a moral duty to help those who are suffering on a regular basis in their home countries, especially in cases in which the home country does not follow the democratic ideals that allow and ensure that all citizens have a voice.  The Biden administration must immediately grant prioritized asylum to these persecuted minorities as part of its first 100-day agenda.
    1. Facilitate strong policy reform on religious-based bullying on both state and federal levels. Bullying has been linked to many negative ills found among our youth in society, including extreme impacts on mental health, substance abuse, and suicide.  According to a recent Hindu American Foundation study, one third of the Hindu youth surveyed said they had been bullied simply because of their religion, while half of those surveyed expressed feeling social isolation and awkwardness simply because they practiced a faith with a different mode of worship.  The Biden administration must launch a study on reforming federal and state bullying laws to ensure the mental health and safety of all youth.  
    1. Prohibit state-funding of universities to suppress free speech on college campuses. In recent years, there have been numerous vicious attempts to target courses and instructors of Hindu Studies as well as publicly admonish Hindu students from expressing their views on topics related to Hinduism.  University campuses should allow for the free expression and exploration of thoughts and ideas.  Within first 100 days, the Biden administration must issue a directive to make the federal grants to the universities contingent up on them honoring and protecting the rights afforded under the First Amendment.
    1. Balance Merit and Equal Opportunity in Academics. American Hindus fully embrace the allocation of resources to ensure that every child and youth in America has fair and equal access to the best educational institutions in America.  We endorse the idea of early childhood education and special supplemental educational facilities for those who need.  We, however, do not believe that the importance of merit should be diminished.  The de-emphasis of merit in academics adversely impacts Asian American students, including Hindu students.  The Biden administration must form a commission within first 100 days to reimagine federal government’s role in promoting merit and equal opportunities to all deserving youth.
    1. Ensure equal healthcare access to all and inclusive clinical trials. It is appalling that in one of the most highly developed and civilized countries in the world almost 30 million Americans did not have health insurance at one point.  It is imperative that the reduction of health care disparities in the country, which include clinical trials, be a focal point of this new administration.  It is well understood that people of different races and ethnicities are not uniformly affected by a given disease and the drugs work differently among patients of diverse background.  The federally funded clinical trials and the criterial for approval of drugs must ensure that the clinical trials include diverse populations.
    1. Provide greater capital access for faith-based communities, including American Hindus.
      Faith-based communities play a critical role in providing social capital and community resilience in our society. Unlike other faith communities, the Hindu community has had little access to capital because of which the Hindu organizations have remained under-resourced in their community revitalization and disaster relief capabilities. The Biden administration must ask FEMA to actively work with the Hindu community organizations to ensure their inclusion in all future relief efforts.
    1. Promote a carbon neutral American economy. Hindu ethos prescribes theological impetus to a worldview that allows humanity to pursue universal wellbeing in harmony with the Nature. We hope that these ethos become integral to the new administration’s framework to rework and further strengthen the American economy. Within the first 100 days, the Biden administration must create a plan to set measurable environmental goals leading to a carbon neutral American economy that balances protection of the environment with the creation of more American jobs.
    1. Respect the sovereign rights of India, a democratic ally, to govern and manage its own laws for the benefit of its people. America and India are two of the most prominent democracies in the world.  For all Hindus, regardless of their race and nationality, India is a dharmabhoomi (sacred land).  As the people of India have always been respectful to the United States and to its democracy, Hindu Americans ask the Biden administration to also respect India and its democracy and to not interfere in the domestic affairs of India at the behest of extremist groups in America.
    1. Finally, refer to Indian Americans as “Indian Americans”. As Americans would likely not wish to be labeled as North Americans, Indian Americans do not wish to be referred to as South Asians.  South Asian label robs Indian American of their unique Indian identity.

    As one of the most successful communities in America, the Hindu American community stands as a testament to the success of the American dream.  Undoubtedly, Hindus in America are strong and positive contributors to the American economy and to the societies in which they live.  We hope that the Biden administration will recognize the success and contributions of our community and further engage with HinduPACT to address the concerns of our community as listed above. 

    We wish the Biden administration a very successful and fruitful term in office. 

    About HinduPACT USA

    Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective, USA – HinduPACT USA is an initiative of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA). HinduPACT (hindupact.org) aims to bring Hindu ethos and dharmic values of unity in diversity, plurality, compassion and, mutual respect amongst religions to policy and advocacy for human rights, environmental protection, racial and gender equality, and, interfaith dialog.  HinduPACT activities include voter education (hinduvote.org), and weekly live show on contemporary American Hindu issues HinduLounge (hindulounge.com). 

    About HinduVote.Org

    HinduVote.Org, a project of HinduPACT USA is dedicated to engagement of voters in American electoral process at local, state and federal levels.  HinduVote promotes voter education, voter registration, and, get-out-the-vote efforts.   HinduVote engages legislators at all levels to ensure that issues important to American Hindus are addressed.

    About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in the USA.  Founded in 1970, it has chapters across the country.   VHPA runs educational programs for Hindu children and youth in addition to community service (Seva) activities, and initiatives such as Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC), Hindu Womens’ Network, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective USA (HinduPACT).

  • HinduPACT Press Release on the Riots at Capitol Hill

    HinduPACT Press Release on the Riots at Capitol Hill

    The following statement was issued by HinduPACT, an initiative of World Hindu Council of America
    (VHPA).

    HinduPACT has stood for the democratic right to peaceful protest. However, the events this week at the Capitol Hill are not reflective of peaceful protests. We believe that such riots undermine the democracy and democratic processes and must be denounced by all. We also believe that there is no place for flags of any country other than the USA at these protests. We note that attempts to link the Indian flag to Hindus by Hinduphobes has failed after the identity of the person carrying the flag was revealed.

    Commenting on the Capitol Hill riots, Ajay Shah, the President of VHPA and Convenor of HinduPACT stated:

    “American Hindus are categorically against any rioting. We believe that riots and anarchy have no place in a democracy. We believe that the right to peaceful protest is sacrosanct and an orderly transfer of power is essential for the survival of democracy. HinduPACT was against the Antifa takeover of public spaces during the past summer, and we are against the breach of Capitol Hill by the rioters in Washington DC this week. We note with dismay that an Indian flag was seen at the demonstration. We believe that the Indian flag, or a flag of any country, had any place at the demonstrations when issues at stake are internal to that country. This is again, consistent with the stand we had taken when foreign flags were seen during protests and riots in summer. “

    Utsav Chakrabarti, Executive Director of the HinduPACT commented:

    “It is truly unfortunate to see the events that unfolded at the Capitol Hill yesterday. These events highlight the point that street justice has no place in the democratic process. Unfortunately, this form of grievance redressal was glorified and used a successful tactic for mobilization during the run up to the election by one side. A tactic that successfully worked for one side, is bound to be picked up and applied by the other side, in a situation where both sides have little desire or space to reconcile.”

    About HinduPACT USA

    Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective, USA – HinduPACT USA is an initiative of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA). HinduPACT (hindupact.org) aims to bring Hindu ethos and dharmic values of unity in diversity, plurality, compassion and, mutual respect amongst religions to policy and advocacy for human rights, environmental protection, racial and gender equality, and, interfaith dialog. HinduPACT activities include voter education (hinduvote.org), and weekly live show on contemporary American Hindu issues HinduLounge (hindulounge.com).

    About HinduVote.Org

    HinduVote.Org, a project of HinduPACT USA is dedicated to engagement of voters in American electoral process at local, state and federal levels. HinduVote promotes voter education, voter registration, and, get-out-the-vote efforts. HinduVote engages legislators at all levels to ensure that issues important to American Hindus are addressed.

    About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in the USA. Founded in 1970, it has chapters across the country. VHPA runs educational programs for Hindu children and youth in addition to community service (Seva) activities, and initiatives such as Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC), Hindu Womens’ Network, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective USA (HinduPACT).

  • HinduPACT Press Release on Presidential Elections

    HinduPACT Press Release on Presidential Elections

    The following statement was issued by Ajay Shah, Convener, HinduPACT USA:

    While the official elections have yet to be certified, the media has projected Vice President Biden and Sen. Harris as winners of the elections.  If these results eventually hold, on behalf of American Hindus we congratulate the Democratic ticket.  We want to commend a record number of voters who turned out to vote for elections in the 2020 Presidential election cycle.  We anticipate that a record number of American Hindus also voted in these elections.  The American Hindu community was more informed and more engaged than ever before.  We thank American Hindus for tuning into various HinduLounge shows and debates to understand both sides of the issues and utilizing resources available on our voter education website HinduVote.org to make an informed decision.

    We heard from both the campaigns in this closely fought election that the American Hindu vote would play the most critical role in ten battleground states.  This should serve as a reminder that promises made to the American Hindus during the elections should now be kept

    We want to remind tentatively President-elect Biden that while his campaign did not create a website with an agenda for Hindus (like it did for other faiths), his likely administration will abide by the promises given by his surrogates in various forums and address genuine domestic and international Hindu issues.  These include reduction of wait time for H1B visa holders (an issue disproportionally affecting Hindus), providing protection to children of H1B visa who attain adulthood (DACLA kids), reining in of blatant Hinduphobic resolutions by various Democrat-run city councils, Department of Education that ensures fair and accurate representation of Hindu dharma in federally funded educational institutions, fight against radical Islamic terrorism and advocacy for persecuted Hindu minorities globally.

    This election cycle has also seen many American Hindu candidates elected.  HinduPACT will issue a separate press release on Congressional election results.

    About HinduPACT USA

    Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective, USA – HinduPACT USA is an initiative of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA). HinduPACT (hindupact.org) aims to bring Hindu ethos and dharmic values of unity in diversity, plurality, compassion and, mutual respect amongst religions to policy and advocacy for human rights, environmental protection, racial and gender equality, and, interfaith dialog.  HinduPACT activities include voter education (hinduvote.org), and weekly live show on contemporary American Hindu issues HinduLounge (hindulounge.com). 

    About HinduVote.Org

    HinduVote.Org, a project of HinduPACT USA is dedicated to engagement of voters in American electoral process at local, state and federal levels.  HinduVote promotes voter education, voter registration, and, get-out-the-vote efforts.   HinduVote engages legislators at all levels to ensure that issues important to American Hindus are addressed.

    About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in the USA.  Founded in 1970, it has chapters across the country.   VHPA runs educational programs for Hindu children and youth in addition to community service (Seva) activities, and initiatives such as Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC), Hindu Womens’ Network, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective USA (HinduPACT).

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