Hindus for Human Rights Calls for Ceasefire at Multi-Faith Diwali Gathering on Capitol Hill

Nov 16

Written By HfHR

Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal Share Messages of Peace while Police Attack Protestors Demanding Ceasefire Outside the DNC

Amidst the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the Middle East and South Asia, the Hindus for Human Rights second annual Multi-Faith Diwali event at the Rayburn House Office Building served as a poignant gathering point. At the event, which aimed to foster solidarity and community in the midst of profound global unrest, HfHR staff and community members called for a ceasefire in Gaza and expressed their solidarity with the anti-war vigil and demonstration happening nearby outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters, where Capitol Police brutally and violently assaulted peaceful protesters who had gathered to demand a ceasefire.

Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation and HfHR Advisory Board Member opened the event with a call to action, saying:

"The best way to observe Diwali—a festival that honors the triumph of good over evil, of love over fear, of liberation from bondage —is to rise up for justice, equity, peace, and the rights of oppressed people everywhere, including in Gaza."

He shared Diwali greetings from HfHR’s co founder and executive director Sunita Viswanath, who was unable to attend the event because of a court date in New York for her arrest along with 450 other protesters during the October 27th civil disobedience action at Grand Central Station, led by Jewish Voice for Peace and others, where thousands of activists peacefully occupied the station demanding a ceasefire in Gaza

In her remarks, HfHR’s Policy Director Ria Chakrabarty framed the event as a call to justice, based in the Hindu themes of good vs. evil:

"This is a dark Diwali, and one all of us at HfHR have struggled to celebrate. We’ve all turned to the stories in Hinduism of good over evil to ground ourselves this year. And I’ve been reminded of Kali’s fight for justice and the ways my community honors the sacred, righteous, feminine anger that we celebrate during Kali Puja... This terrifying goddess is one of Bengal’s most beloved figures - a reminder that anger, when it is righteous and productive, can drive us to create a better world for everyone."

Addressing ongoing violence and injustice in Sudan, Ukraine, Pakistan, Manipur, and the Gaza Strip, she emphasized the Hindu tradition of ahimsa, or nonviolence, and called on elected officials to support a ceasefire in Gaza.

The event was attended by Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ro Khanna, who delivered remarks to attendees, while Representative Pramila Jayapal shared a written statement. In her statement, which was read by HfHR’s Director of Research and Advocacy Campaigns Pranay Somayajula, Rep. Jayapal said:

"This year, however, we celebrate [Diwali] in a time of great crisis, with so many of our South Asian community, including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus, feeling afraid. Many are being targeted by hate crimes as the Israel-Gaza war continues and people question if they matter and have value, just like after 9/11. That was a difficult time for our communities, but it’s also when I got my start in organizing. ."

In the context of global unrest, Rep. Tlaib remarked in her speech:

"Wherever our background is, we all believe that light triumphs. We all need to strive to make that true in our own time. For those of us who come from communities that have suffered discrimination or disposition or just any form of oppression, it is a moving testament to courage and faith in injustice as we come together. For all of us, the light of lamps, lighting of lamps throughout our communities is a reminder again of that."

HfHR was honored to have Representative Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, in attendance. Her unwavering stance and brave advocacy for peace and justice in the face of incessant attacks inspire us deeply. Click here for the whole speech.

Rep Khanna spoke of his own personal understanding of an expansive and inclusive Hinduism based on the teachings of Gandhi:

“My understanding of Hinduism is shaped by Gandhi and that means it's a faith that is open to all people, all interpretations, against caste, for pluralism - and we need that voice and we need to be understanding that voice today, especially in this world. So I appreciate your being here, and your standing for those principles” Click here for the whole speech.

The event also featured a musical performance by vocalist, musician, and HfHR member Sathvik Nair, who performed musical arrangements of two poems from South Asian poets and activists with themes of justice and liberation.

The event was cosponsored by: Bangladeshi Americans for Political Progress, Buddhist Council of New York, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, Center for Pluralism, Dalit Solidarity Forum, Emgage, Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America, Greenfaith, Indian American Muslim Council, International Commission for Dalit Rights, Interfaith Center of New York, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Kairos Center, Muslims for Progressive Values, New York State Council of Churches, North American Manipur Tribal Association, Sadhana, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Sikh Coalition, and Tasveer. - reflecting the diversity of traditions during this festival.