RECAP  NEWSLETTER 

We are thrilled to announce that we have launched the Hindus for Human Rights Membership Program!

Now more than ever, we need a robust grassroots movement of Hindu Americans and allies who are committed to resisting Hindu supremacy and fighting for our shared values of shanti (peace), nyaya (justice), and satya (truth). As the only organization in the country that is providing a progressive Hindu voice for this cause, HfHR is working to build that movement.

Will you join us in this fight by becoming an HfHR member?

Left: Our Director of Organizing and Advocacy, Pranay Somayajula, and our NYC Organizer, Nikhil Arur, with Indian historian, intellectual, and journalist Vijay Prashad. 

Last weekend, our Director of Organizing and Advocacy, Pranay Somayajula, and our NYC Organizer, Nikhil Arur, traveled to Detroit, Michigan, for the three day People's Conference for Palestine. Pranay and Nikhil joined in community with thousands of organizers, thinkers, and artists with a common goal of Palestinian liberation.

As Hindus, we draw on our rich political history of resistance along with the liberatory possibility of our faith that demands we organize in this moment. When we say Palestine is freeing us all, we understand that such oppression never occurs in vacuums and indeed is a function of global systems, and we see innumerable links between the Palestinian struggle and those against caste oppression and Hindu nationalism in our homelands. 

Last week, our Director of Organizing and Advocacy, Pranay Somayajula, joined Matt Clark, Former Chair of Jewish Voice for Peace Detroit at the AMDA Masjid in Sterling Heights. Pranay and Matt spoke to mosque attendees about the importance of interfaith solidarity and the interconnected fights against Zionism and Hindutva, as well as the work that JVP and HfHR are doing to support these fights. We are looking forward to deepening our engagement with supporters of all faiths in the Detroit area as we continue working to build a robust base of members who can come together to fight Hindutva in their communities!

Last week's event featured panelists discussing their personal experiences with discrimination as Hindus in the USA and how these experiences shape their views on identity and faith. This conversation opens up important questions about addressing hate crimes and bias effectively. There are Hindu American groups vigorously pursuing state and national legislation to condemn "anti-Hindu bias." Will this legislation genuinely address hate crimes, or will it empower Modi supporters to label critics of the BJP and those challenging caste as biased?

Watch our latest Desh-Videsh Conversation for a unique opportunity too witness a compelling exchange of diverse perspectives, and respectful engagement with differing opinions on this crucial discussion.

Attention all students in grades 6-12!

Are you passionate about social change and have a talent for writing or art? We have an exciting opportunity for you!

Hindus for Human Rights and Dalit Solidarity Forum are hosting an art, essay, and multimedia contest on the topic of: “As a South Asian, what traditions of peacemaking do you find inspiring?”

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the world is family" is a universalist idea that competes with dominant, exclusivist Hindu notions of caste. Filmmaker Anand Patwardhan explores this ideology against the backdrop of growing Hindu nationalism and right-wing rhetoric, and re-interprets the values he grew up with as more than mere nostalgia amidst the changing political currents. 

His film will have its NYC premiere on June 1st at Theatre 3, Village East by Angelika. Do join Anand and some of the HfHR team for a personal and inspiring afternoon of looking to childhood memories of the past to create a more inclusive, welcoming India today. 

Please join us in welcoming Mallika Sarabhai to our Advisory Board! Mallika Sarabhai has been one of India’s leading choreographers and dancers for over four decades. Always an activist for education and women’s empowerment, Mallika uses her work for societal change. 

We are committed to human rights, justice, and fighting oppression. Our representatives walked out on the Vice President during the IA Impact Summit to highlight the importance of engaging with our public figures on significant moral issues, particularly the violence in Gaza and the use of starvation as a tool of war—practices made possible by the current administration.

May 18, 2024, marks the fifteenth anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War, a 26-year-long conflict between the Sinhalese-dominated Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers, who sought an independent Tamil state. To understand this complex history and its ongoing impact, explore our guide—a useful primer for reporters and a valuable resource for everyone.

Our new student encampment solidarity and resource page is up! 

Find your local encampment, plan a local teach-in on Hindu Supremacy and Zionism, know your rights as a protestor, and more! 

California hate crime hotline gives Hindus more evidence of shortfall in FBI reporting

We find the California Civil Rights recent report’s findings on anti-Hindu discrimination alarming, and are committed to understanding the causes of this trend, and the data behind the report.

Kamala Harris says more Indian American representation is needed in government NBC covered our walk-out during Kamala Harris' speech during the Desis Decide summit, in which we followed in the footsteps of our inspirations like Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar and used peaceful protest to speak out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

As the Indian Elections wrap up, we continue our campaign aimed to spread harmony, light, and understanding during this divisive time. To spread unity amidst this time of uncertainty, we want to share our favourite film clips that remind us of the themes of unity, peace, and community that India was founded upon.

We want to see your favourite Filmi Flashbacks: the Bollywood songs that make you nostalgic and happy, and that remind you of peace and harmony. Take to social media and share your favourite #FilmiFlashbacks and use the hashtag #UnitingforPeace24. 

Check out one of our favourite #FilmiFlashbacks above!

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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Hindus For Human Rights
300 Paseo De Peralta
Suite 107
Santa Fe, NM 87501
United States      

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