October Roundup Newsletter
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Nov 2, 2023

October Roundup Newsletter: HfHR in the UK, Bay Area Diwali, Twitter Ban in India
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.
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Dear Friend, 

October has proved to be a rollercoaster of a month. We celebrated a significant achievement with the inauguration of our UK chapter, a pivotal advancement for our organization. Simultaneously, the heartbreaking events unfolding in the Middle East required our urgent attention and participation in the international call for an immediate ceasefire, underscoring our commitment to the global movement for peace.The situation in South Asia was also tumultuous ranging from the terrible earthquakes in Afghanistan, to the alarming raids on the offices of Newsclick in India, the latest step in media suppression in the country.  Bringing this very close to home, our own Twitter account in India was unexpectedly banned following a 'legal demand' from the government. This incident only strengthened our resolve to continue our advocacy for human rights and freedom of expression as we challenge this ban in the Indian courts.

In the midst of these trials, we found solace and strength in our traditions, immersing ourselves in the celebrations of Navratri and Diwali. These festivities reminded us of our commitment to promoting peace, human rights, and the triumph of good over evil. We recognize that the struggle is a vital part of our journey towards light and truth, inspiring us to persist in our advocacy and uphold our vision for a just world.

In unity and purpose,

The Team at HfHR

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HfHR Launches in the UK
Hindus for Human Rights has proudly expanded its global presence with a landmark launch event in the United Kingdom. The event featured influential figures such as renowned historian and HfHR advisory board member Rajmohan Gandhi, his wife Usha Gandhi, and dedicated human rights advocates Aakashi Bhatt, Imran and Yusuf Dawood, both featured in the BBC documentary "India: The Modi Question." This gathering transcended international boundaries, sparking a beacon of hope and solidarity. Discover more about this pivotal moment and its profound impact by reading the full story here.
BJP Bans Our Twitter Account in India

Hindus for Human Rights  and our allies at the Indian American Muslim Council are currently facing challenges as our Twitter account has been withheld in India due to a legal demand from the Government of India. This incident is part of the Modi regime's broader crackdown on dissent, as seen in the recent raid on Newsclick’s offices and the decade-old charges against activist Arundhati Roy.

Despite this setback, our determination to uphold our voice in India advocating for human rights remains unwavering and we are pursuing a legal challenge to this ban.
Read our full Press release here 
Bay Area Diwali - This Sunday!

🎉 Celebrate Diwali with Hindus for Human Rights! 🎉

Join us this Sunday for a festive and heartwarming Diwali celebration, embracing progressive and pluralistic values. Don’t miss out on the joy, lights, and community spirit!

Get your tickets here

Let’s light up the Bay Area together!
Azadi Conference  - This Weekend!

Join The Azadi Project for the transformative two-day conference "Rethinking Migration: Azadi to Coexist"! in New Delhi and online!

🗓️ When: Nov 3-4, 2023 (All times IST)
📍 Where: Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi (and virtually!)
🔗 Register Here: Azadi to Coexist Event Link online

Dive into discussions on migration and displacement with experts, activists, and community leaders. Don’t miss our Executive Director, Sunita Viswanath, speaking on "Misinformation, Marginalization, and Discrimination of People on the Move" on November 4th! Embrace the spirit of Azadi and coexistence - Be part of the change!

Call Congress for a Ceasefire now!
We are deeply saddened by the violence in Israel and Palestine, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. Guided by 'Ahimsa'—the Hindu principle of non-violence in deeds, words, and thoughts—we find the ongoing conflict tragic and unacceptable.  We join with so many of our allies and call for an immediate ceasefire and immediate release of the hostages. Let us come together to foster a world where peace prevails, honoring the sanctity of life and the teachings of non-violence that lie at the heart of our shared humanity. Read our Statement here.

Jewish Voice for Peace is spearheading a campaign emphasizing the urgent need for the U.S. to de-escalate and prevent further loss of life, rather than escalating the situation by sending more weapons to Israel. Learn more and take action here.
 
HfHR Statements in October
During this tumultuous month we have been working in coalition and cooperation with our partners and friends on a multitude of issues ranging from the safety of  the Sikh community to the terrible decision by California's Governor to veto Sb403, from the formation of a deeply unrepresentative 'Dharmic' caucus in Congress to the raids on the Indian press and the expulsion by Pakistan of its Afghan refugees.

Statement Denouncing Pakistan's Expulsion of 1.4 Million Refugees

Solidarity Statement With Sikh Americans and
Our Sikh American Partners

Joint Statement on the New Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and
Jain Congressional Caucus

Statement Condemning Governor Newsom's Veto of SB403

Statement Condemning Indian Police Raids on Newsclick Offices and Journalists’ Homes

 
Social Media / Digital Platform Survey
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ESSAY AND ART CONTEST WINNERS
Pramila Jayapal Announces Winners of the 2023 Essay & Art Contest
on Civil and Human Rights

This month we were thrilled to present the winners of the Third Annual Essay and Art Contest on Civil and Human Rights. This national contest was sponsored by Hindus for Human Rights and Dalit Solidarity Forum. The 2023 theme was: Which South Asian Social Justice Activist Do You Admire and Why?

 High School Essay Winners:
* First Prize: Samara Desai, “Guruchand Thakur”
* Second Prize: Saraah Zaheer, “Rana Ayyub”
* Third Prize: Titas Mukherjee, “Kavita Emmanuel” High School
Art Winners:
* First Prize: Kommali Kommana, “Kailash Satyarthi”
* Second Prize: Eshita Lahiri, “Seema Hari”
* Third Prize: Neha Srinivasan, “Kiran Bedi”
Middle School Winner: * Megan Gurung, “Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar” 

See and Read All the Winners here in Skipping Stones Magazine
American Kahani is publishing the winners individually see the first one here
 
HfHR in NYC, DC and New Jersey
Explore insights from our time at the 2023 Muslims for Progressive Values Conference – a beacon of interfaith unity against religious extremism. Leaders and activists, including our own Sunita Viswanath, discuss challenges and the power of empathy. Read our recap

HfHR was proud to represent a Hindu voice at this year's White House Protecting Places of Worship Interagency Policy Committee (IPC), featuring a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (CISA) Faith-Based Facilitated Tabletop Exercise. 

We joined an amazing group of NGOs and thousands of folks from our community in New Jersey for Light Up Montclair: A Diwali Celebration a day full of connection, relationship building and such good food!
 
Podcast on Hindu Nationalism
Ria Chakrabarty, HfHR's Policy Director joins other experts on a deep dives into Hindu nationalism's impact on India's religious minorities in this podcast that talks about the struggle to hold India accountable for transnational repression. Listen to the podcast here
 
HfHR  Op-eds

Faith Communities Must Resist Their Extremists
Our Executive Director shares a powerful call to action in her latest piece on The Wire, detailing her experiences as a Hindu American married to a Jewish American and their joint activism efforts. Their work with organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace and are own Hindus for Human Rights serves as a testament to their commitment to fostering a world of tolerance and justice. Read more here.
The Veto of SB403 in the Context of Civil Rights
Read our own Raju Rajagopal's op-ed where he draws parallels between Sen. Strom Thurmond's 1960s civil rights opposition and Governor Gavin Newsom's recent veto of SB403, a bill addressing caste discrimination in California. Despite broad support, Newsom vetoed the bill, reigniting debates on discrimination and legislative protection. Full Op-ed here

Reflecting on Leadership and Ethics through Ancient Wisdom
How do the actions of Prime Minister Modi and President Biden measure up against the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita? Explore this unique perspective on leadership and human rights in Raju Rajagpoal's  piece, delving into the concepts of ‘karma’, ‘akarma’, and ‘vikarma’, and their relevance in today's political landscape. Don’t miss this thought-provoking read! 
DESH VIDESH - The State of the Indian Media
Dive into our enlightening session from the Desh Videsh Conversation Series, held on October 10, 2023, where we explored the critical state of Indian media in light of the upcoming 2024 elections. Due to high demand, we extended our reach with an online Zoom option, allowing global participation. Our esteemed panel featured Kalpana Sharma, Anuradha Bhasin, and Raghu Karnad, supported by UC Berkeley, Hindus for Human Rights, and The Alliance of South Asians Taking Action. Watch the recorded session here.
 

Hard Conversations with Friends
Join us in a brand new 'Ulti Pulti Baat' as Raj and Priya's friend Sunny from Canada discuss the latest India-Canada situation - with PM Trudeau accusing the Indian Government of being involved in the assassination of a Sikh Canadian.  Things get heated! Have you had similar conversations? We put together a discussion guide on the complex and sensitive topic here.
Afghanistan Earthquakes - How to Help
Our hearts ache for Afghanistan after multiple damaging earthquakes took place this month. With so many lives lost and injured in a devastating disaster, communities are shattered. They urgently need our compassion and support.
Navaratri Women Human Rights Defenders
This October, we shared our Navaratri Women Human Rights Defenders campaign with enthusiastic audiences worldwide, showcasing nine remarkable women fighting for justice worldwide. Each was paired with a form of goddess Durga, embodying strength and resilience. The campaign gained traction and was featured in the Indian press, highlighting these courageous women and their stories during the sacred Navaratri festivities.
 
COME WORK WITH US!
We're hiring a Community Organizer in NYC to champion progressive Hindu values. Collaborate with partners to address Hindu nationalism, Islamophobia, and caste discrimination across city and state levels. Lead rapid campaigns, nurture local chapters in NY & NJ, and represent progressive Hinduism in civil and governmental spheres.

Thank You!

As October moves into memory, we reflect on a month filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Your unwavering support has been crucial as we navigated through challenges and celebrated milestones, amplifying our voice in the fight for human rights worldwide.

Your alliance is essential. With your help, we've been able to stand up for the oppressed and maintain our commitment to inclusivity at the forefront of our mission. Together, we are building bridges toward a future filled with justice and compassion.

With heartfelt appreciation and determination, the HfHR Board & Staff extend our deepest thanks. We are invigorated by our collective efforts and look forward to the positive change we can continue to create together.

Here's to our shared vision and the brighter days ahead.

David, Deepak, Harita, Prabodh, Pranay, Punya, Raju, Ravi, Ria, Sandeep, Shanti, Sravya, Sunil, Sunita, Swati, Swathi, Urmila, Vijay 

 
Join Us
Interested in co-creating a pluralistic, inclusive and compassionate world based on human rights and values? 

Come, join us as a donor, staff, volunteer, or even as a blogger by writing to us at info@hindusforhumanrights.org! 

We urge those of you who can to become monthly subscribers, for at least $50 per month for the next year. Sustained financial support from progressive allies like you is more crucial than ever to ensure that we can do this work without interruption, and without being intimidated by the resourced right wing.
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Hindus for Human Rights · 4575 Dean Martin Drive, Suite 1604 · Las Vegas, Nevada 89103-8207 · USA