Missing the Mark: NBC and The New York Times Overlook Progressive Hindu Voices in the Ram Mandir Controversy

Recent media coverage by NBC and The New York Times on the Ram Temple float at the India Day Parade has unfortunately framed this issue as a simplistic “Hindu versus Muslim” conflict, neglecting the crucial voices of progressive Hindus who oppose religious nationalism and bigotry. Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) and Sadhana, who co-led efforts to condemn the float, were barely mentioned, leading to a distorted portrayal of the Hindu community as uniformly supportive of such divisive symbols. This narrative not only misrepresents the situation but also undermines the broader ideological battle within the community against intolerance. It's essential that media coverage reflects the diversity of thought within the Hindu community, highlighting those who are working to uphold inclusive and pluralistic values.

Below are two letters to the Editor that we recently sent to NBC and The New York Times, which, unfortunately, were not published. We're sharing them here and on social media to highlight the critical issue of accurate reporting and representation in the coverage of the Ram Mandir controversy. It's vital that the voices of those within the Hindu community who oppose religious nationalism, casteism and bigotry are represented in the coverage

Dear Editor,

The article titled "Float Planned for N.Y.C. India Day Parade Is Condemned as Anti-Muslim" rightly highlights the troubling implications of the Ram Temple float in the India Day Parade. However, it is disheartening that the article presents the issue of the Ram Mandir float as a “Hindu versus Muslim” issue even though two Hindu organizations, Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) and Sadhana, co-led and participated in the press conference covered.

It is crucial for the media to provide a more balanced coverage that includes the voices of progressive Hindus who are committed to upholding the true essence of our faith and ensuring that it is not used as a tool for hate.

This is especially important as Indian Americans are emerging as a significant force in the political landscape in America, particularly in the current presidential race where questions around Hinduism, faith, community, and ethics are being widely discussed. By presenting all Hindus as supporters of Hindu nationalism, the narrative becomes skewed, inadvertently supporting the very forces progressives are fighting against.

Sincerely,

Sunita Viswanath
Executive Director, Hindus for Human Rights

Dear Editor,

The article titled "Indian Independence Day parade in NYC is marred by controversial Ram temple float”
rightly highlights the troubling implications of the Ram Temple float in the India Day Parade. However, it is disheartening that the article and its misleading tagline, “To the Hindu majority, the float represents a sacred site. But to others, it represents hatred of Muslims,”
presents the issue of the Ram Mandir float as a “Hindu versus Muslim” issue. 

Two Hindu organizations, Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) and Sadhana, co-led and participated in the press conference covered in this piece.

We urge NBC to provide a more balanced coverage that doesn’t present the Hindu community as a monolith, and includes the voices of progressive Hindus who are committed to the inclusive tenets of our faith and ensuring that it is not used as a tool for hate.

This is especially important during an election season where Indian—and specifically Hindu—Americans are emerging as a significant force in the political landscape. 

Sincerely ,

Sunita Viswanath 

Executive Director, Hindus for Human Rights