RECAP  NEWSLETTER 

The ill-conceived NRC/CAA have already caused wide-spread suffering; with deaths, fake charges, incarcerations, bulldozing of homes, confiscation of property, etc., with the Modi government refusing to acknowledge the violence by its cadres.

Whether or not you are for or against the CAA, we encourage all to be better informed about the law and its devastating consequences on the poor and underserved communities. Join the experts --- Prashant Bushan, Teesta Setalvad, Ayan Gupha, and Tripti Poddar -- for a live discussion on Friday, April 16th at 9:30 am ET.

As incidents of hate speech soar, Hindus for Human Rights stands against the weaponization of faith in politics and the endangerment of India's foundational secular values and minority safety.

The Lok Sabha elections are underway! Check out our election guide to understand the ins and outs of the current state of Indian democracy.

We stand in strong solidarity with the courageous student organizers currently setting up Gaza solidarity encampments at universities across the United States, from Columbia to NYU to Yale and beyond. 

Watch our full message from our Director of Research and Advocacy Campaigns below. 

"Uniting for Peace: Share the Light" is an ambitious global campaign coordinated by Hindus for Human Rights, designed to foster a more positive narrative around culture and politics in India as we approach the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This inspiring initiative emphasizes peace, social cohesion, and unity, striving to reshape the divisive political landscape.

With collaborative efforts from our HFHR chapters in Australia/New Zealand and the UK, along with partners like The Humanism Project, The London Story, UK Indian Muslim Council, and Scottish Indians for Justice, we are poised to make a significant impact. As we gear up for an important seven-week election period, we warmly invite you—whether as an individual or an organization—to join us and contribute to our growing movement. Let’s come together to make a lasting difference! 

The campaign is premised on the idea that the vast majority of people choose peace and social cohesion and the divisive forces are a small minority, albeit a loud one. We hope to counter the hate, othering and loudness with an equally robust clarion call for peace, drawing on popular culture, nostalgia, the arts and creativity, and have as many people and organisations join us as possible. 

This initiative leverages a series of themed activities - ranging from poetry and art to dance and personal pledges - to highlight and reinforce visions of peace, unity, and understanding at both micro and macro levels.

This spirited and satirical dialogue bounces back and forth between two friends, Raj and Priya, as they navigate the complexities of political funding in India through the lens of electoral bonds.

 Their witty exchange not only sheds light on the controversial aspects of political donations but also reflects the everyday conversations of young Indians trying to make sense of their political landscape. Join them as they discuss, laugh, and ponder the true cost of political funding, all while heading to the ATM.

This past weekend at the Judson Memorial Church was a vibrant testament to the power of dialogue, diversity, and determination. The Hindu Muslim Harmony Fellowship made possible through a generous grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, presented an exhilarating recap of the fellows' activities over the past year. The event, titled "The Art of Creating an Interfaith Campus," was an increasingly inspiring afternoon as the breadth and ambition of the fellows work on their campuses became more evident with every presentation. In a year of immense challenges - they innovated and challenged themselves and their communities to work on interfaith harmony and understanding.

Last Friday marked an extraordinary evening in the vibrant heart of Ozone Park, as the Shri Shakti Mariammaa Temple opened its doors for the very first OM Night—an open mic event that promises to revolutionize the way we gather, share, and celebrate diverse voices in our community.

Nestled on 101st Avenue, the temple became a haven for poets, singers, storytellers, and comedians eager to share their craft. The night was not just about performances but also about community building within the innovative and sacred walls of the temple. It was a vivid testament to inclusivity, where art and spirituality merged seamlessly, creating a sanctuary for expression and connection.

On the occasion of Earth Day 2024, the Union Theological Seminary hosted "An Inter-Faith Gathering" on Monday, April 22, at its historic Broadway location in New York City. The solemn assembly, beginning at noon, was a testament to the collective spirit of various faiths uniting for the preservation and honor of our planet. As part ot the Interfaith prayers and meditation, our Communications Director, David Kalal, offered a reading of the Shanti Mantra a guide for peace and goodwill. 

Last week we welcomed Vivek Kembaiyan, our new Bay Area Organizer!  Prior to joining HfHR, Vivek worked for a decade in law and politics, including as a public defender in Oklahoma, and as a press secretary on Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. He is passionate about social justice and loves movies. Vivek received a B.A. in History from Yale College, and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. We're thrilled to have Vivek bring his wealth of experience and dedication to our team, and we look forward to the positive impact he'll make in advancing our mission for social justice.

HfHR is proud to be a member of Savera, an interfaith, multiracial, anti-caste coalition committed to resisting hatred and combating Hindutva. Savera just launched their second report in which it debunks the VHP-A’s false claims of being an “independent organization” from the VHP to try and distance itself from its Hindu supremacist origins in India.

10 Point Plan for Social Media Corporations during India’s Elections

Our UK organizer Rajiv Sinha called on social media corporations, particularly Meta, to accept complicity in the spread of hate, violence, and extremism in the run-up to the Indian elections.

How ‘Monkey Man’ offers another vision of Hinduism

Our Operations & Programs Manager Thrisha Mohan speaks with CNN on how Dev Patel's new film, 'Monkey Man', offers a vision of Hinduism that is inclusive and welcoming.

Bay Area Diaspora Closely Watching India’s Upcoming Election

Our co-founder Raju Rajagopal spoke with KQED radio about the future of Indian democracy and the current Indian Lok Sabha elections. 

It's Indian election season, and with that, comes a sense of uncertainty and anxiety for the future of Indian Democracy.

During this time, we like to look to our South Asian forefathers (and mothers!) who helped shape the vibrant, diverse, and beautiful diaspora that exists today. One of our favourites is Rabindranath Tagore -- multi-hyphenate extraordinaire, perhaps best remembered for his poems and writings. Tagore's 'The Gardener' expresses a wish for peace and light, and during this election cycle, we couldn't agree more. We share Tagore's piece as our wish for community, love, peace, and light in South Asia, the diaspora, and beyond. 

What is a poem that brings you a sense of calm and hope? Through what medium do you choose to express your wishes for peace? 

Join our campaign #UnitedforPeace24 by sharing your favourite poem about peace, or writing one of your own! Use the hashtags #PoemsofPeace and #UnitingForPeace24 and tag us and we'll share your message of peace. We can't wait for you to join us in sharing the light! 🕯️

HfHR's Monthly Newsletter serves as your guide to our progressive Hindu advocacy over the past month! Read on to learn about our webinars, podcasts, articles, advocacy updates, anti-caste initiatives, and more.

Let us know what you think of our monthly recap! If you have ideas for news items you want to see included, or suggestions for action items or articles to highlight, let us know with the button below.

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