First Hindu American summit to be held on June 14 at US Capitol

Digital Desk: A team comprised of influential Indian-Americans from throughout the country have come together to hold the first-ever Hindu-American Summit for Political Engagement at the US Capitol, which organisers said would be addressed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, among others.

The Hindu-American Summit, hosted by the newly created Americans4Hindus political Action committee in collaboration with over 20 other diaspora organisations, will be held at the US Capitol on June 14 to bring the Hindu community's issues to the attention of lawmakers.

Around 130 Indian American leaders from Florida, New York, Boston, Texas, Chicago, and California are attending the event, representing 20 Hindu and Indian organisations.

Speaking about the event, Cardiologist Dr Romesh Japra on Saturday stated that "Politically, we believe we have never faced discrimination and that we are doing well. However, the tides are changing. I'm from California, where they now want to add caste to the discriminating factors." 

He claimed that NGOs such as Equality Labs and CARE are attempting to demolish Hinduism.

"They are directing many of these (anti-Hindu activities). So, in response to a query, Japra stated, "We thought we should get together, unite all the Hindu Americans, all the leaders, all the executive heads of the organisations, and come here on Capitol Hill, come to the powerhouses, the Congress, and put our case forward."

Several other Congressional leaders, both Democratic and Republican, are slated to speak at the conference alongside McCarthy, he said. McCarthy would deliver the keynote talk, he said. Indian American legislators are prominent among them.

Dr. Japra stated that the community is striving to establish the first Hindu Caucus in the House of Representatives, which would be a group of members dedicated to preserving the interests of Hindu Americans.

He stated that the community will support and sponsor Congressional leaders who agree with Hindu ideals and values and are prepared to help the community and discuss Hindu phobia, Hindu hatred, and immigration problems.

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 are among the organisations participating in this Hindu American Summit.