Join Us for a Hindus for Human Rights Chapter Meeting Near You! |
Join Us for a Hindus for Human Rights Chapter Meeting Near You! This month, we’ve been energized by successful chapter organizing meetings across the country, bringing together progressive Hindus and allies to build community, strategize, and take action. From coast to coast, we’ve seen incredible engagement, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going!
Looking ahead, our next chapter meetings will be in Seattle and Philadelphia in February—we hope you’ll join us! Now more than ever, it's critical to strengthen our networks and organize for justice. Check out our upcoming events and be part of the movement! |
Going South—A New Podcast Exploring South Asia’s Big Questions! |
The world’s most dynamic region just got a new platform. Going South, the bold new podcast from Hindus for Human Rights, is here to unpack South Asia’s culture, politics, and human rights struggles—one conversation at a time. Kicking off this journey is a must-listen debut episode featuring Aakar Patel, journalist, author, and former head of Amnesty International India. With India’s democracy under strain and transnational repression making global headlines, Patel breaks down the critical questions shaping South Asia today: Is India still a democracy? How does Modi’s global influence impact human rights? What does this mean for the U.S. and beyond?
With host Ria Chakrabarty, HfHR’s Senior Policy Director, Going South will feature thought-provoking interviews with historians, journalists, scholars, and activists—bringing the sharpest minds to the most urgent issues. From free speech crackdowns to the rise of religious nationalism, we’ll explore the forces reshaping South Asia and its diaspora.
Don’t miss out! Tune in now and be part of the conversation. |
HfHR: A Progressive Hindu Voice in Washington, DC |
As Trump’s cabinet nominations move forward, our policy team in DC is working hard to ensure a progressive Hindu voice is heard. We are calling on the Senate to reject Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence, citing her ties to the BJP and India’s transnational repression. |
The State of the Republic – Voices from the Street |
As India marks Republic Day and Martyr’s Day this week, what do everyday people think about the state of the nation? In our latest MOOD India episode, we hit the streets to hear real voices on democracy, rights, and daily struggles in 2025. Watch the video and read our latest blog post to take the pulse of the Republic. |
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How Will Trump’s Second Term Impact South Asian Americans? |
In an interview with Amir Suleman on BBC Sounds, Pranay Somayajula, Director of Organizing & Advocacy at Hindus for Human Rights, discusses the divided reactions within South Asian communities to Trump’s presidency, the impact of his immigration policies, and shifting U.S. relations with India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. From H-1B visa restrictions to concerns over birthright citizenship, this conversation sheds light on key issues shaping the future for South Asian Americans.
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This calendar outlines all Hindus for Human Rights and partner events -- from local meetups, chapter organizing meetings, film screenings, book clubs, author talks, and more! Be sure to keep up with the calendar to see what's happening near you. |
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Satya Dharam Samvad Spreads a Message of Love |
| Our 2024 Swami Agnivesh Memorial Award Winners, Satya Dharam Samvad, spread a message of progressive Hinduism and using religion as a means to spread interfaith peace and unity, rather than hate. |
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Hindus for Human Rights Responds to Rutgers University Decision on Caste Discrimination |
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Hindus for Human Rights strongly supported the Rutgers University Task Force’s call to add caste as a protected category, launching an email campaign urging senior officials to act. While disappointed that the administration didn’t adopt this essential civil rights policy, we welcome their first explicit acknowledgment that caste discrimination is prohibited at Rutgers. We urge them to follow through on their promise to clearly communicate this to the campus community. Read more about this issue below in an article by our co-founder Raju Rajagopal |
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RECLAIMING THE DREAM: An Interfaith Call to Action |
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On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, HfHR Executive Director Sunita Viswanath joined interfaith leaders at Riverside Church for Reclaiming the Dream: An Interfaith Call to Action. Standing where Dr. King once spoke against war and injustice, the gathering reaffirmed that faith-based resistance remains vital in the fight for civil rights and democracy. HfHR continues to be a space where spiritual traditions inspire action, solidarity, and a vision for a just world. |
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Faith in Action: A Multifaith Call for Justice
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On MLK Jr. Day, as the 47th U.S. president took office, HfHR Board Member Sravya Tadepalli joined a Multifaith Prayer Circle, reflecting on the challenges ahead and the urgent need for justice. Rooted in MLK’s vision of mutuality, faith leaders stood in solidarity with Palestinians and called for collective liberation. Co-sponsored by interfaith justice groups, the gathering was a powerful reminder: we are not alone in this work. Let’s recommit to building a world of dignity and safety for all.
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A Victory for Justice: HfHR Stands with Ravi Ragbir
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Hindus for Human Rights was proud to be part of the movement advocating for a presidential pardon for immigration rights activist Ravi Ragbir. President Biden’s pardon brings long-overdue relief after years of uncertainty for Ravi and his family. His tireless work supporting immigrant communities has inspired many, and this victory reaffirms the power of collective action. We celebrate this moment and remain committed to the fight for justice for all immigrants. |
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Welcome Vivek! As our Western Regional Organizer! |
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We were excited to announce this month that after nearly a year as HfHR’s part-time Bay Area Community Organizer, Vivek Kembaiyan has officially joined our team full-time as Western Regional Organizer!
In this role, Vivek has been leading our base-building and local organizing efforts across the Western region, helping grow HfHR’s presence and develop local chapters. We look forward to the impact he’ll continue to make in strengthening our movement for justice and progressive Hindu values! |
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Building Community, Taking Action: HfHR Chapter Meetings Across the USA |
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This month, Hindus for Human Rights chapters across the country have come together in powerful, energizing gatherings—bringing progressive Hindus and allies into deeper community, strategy, and action. From NYC to DC to Chicago, we’ve seen incredible engagement, thoughtful conversations, and a shared commitment to justice that continues to grow.
With each meeting, our movement strengthens. More voices are joining the call for an inclusive, progressive Hinduism—one that stands for human rights and challenges the forces of hate and division. The energy is electric, and we’re just getting started. Check out photos from our chapter meetings, and stay tuned—big things are ahead! Let’s keep building, organizing, and showing up for a Hinduism rooted in justice and liberation. |
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HfHR co-founder Raju Rajagopal highlights the growing recognition of caste discrimination, despite Rutgers University’s decision not to list caste as a separate category. The university’s acknowledgment that caste falls under existing protections, along with commitments to training and surveys, marks real progress. Meanwhile, corporate and academic institutions continue to add caste to anti-discrimination policies. The fight isn’t over, but the momentum is clear.
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| "We hope this revelation pushes the UK to tackle Hindu nationalism." – HfHR UK Director Rajiv Sinha
A leaked UK Home Office report identified Hindu nationalist extremism as a factor in the 2022 Leicester riots—marking the first time Hindutva has been addressed in a major policy document. While the government has distanced itself from the findings, the report reinforces long-standing concerns about Hindutva’s threat to social cohesion. HfHR remains committed to exposing and countering its global spread. |
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HfHR Speaks Out Against Padma Bhushan for Hate Preacher Sadhvi Rithambara We strongly condemned the Indian government’s decision to award the Padma Bhushan to Sadhvi Rithambara, a known hate preacher responsible for inciting anti-Muslim violence and playing a key role in the Babri Masjid demolition. We voiced our opposition in multiple media outlets, highlighting how this honor emboldens hate and undermines India's secular values. At a time when religious nationalism fuels division, we remain committed to challenging bigotry and standing for justice. | |
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Hindus for Human Rights proudly joined 160 academics, activists, and filmmakers in signing a letter demanding the release of Umar Khalid and other anti-CAA activists unjustly imprisoned under draconian laws. Their continued detention is a grave violation of democratic rights. We stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice and urge the Indian government to end its crackdown on dissent. |
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| President Trump’s executive order eliminating DEI programs in federal agencies has sparked widespread criticism, with concerns that it will deepen inequities
HfHR Co-founder Raju Rajagopal responded, “My sympathies with Hindu supremacists who voted for Trump… Their ‘hard work’ has finally paid off: the Indian American community has become an ugly target of hate and mockery.” HfHR ANZ is closely watching for similar rhetoric in Australia. As DEI comes under attack, we remain committed to fighting for justice and inclusion. |
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Become an HfHR Member Today! |
An HfHR membership gives you access to a community of progressive, change-oriented Hindus, our exclusive WhatsApp community, affinity groups, weekly community calls, merch discounts, local organizing groups, and more. Join today! |
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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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