S. A. Hemanth
New Delhi, April 2: The US state of Georgia Assembly has passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, making it the first US state to take such a legislative measure.
Condemning anti-Hindu bigotry, the resolution stated that Hinduism is one of the world’s largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect and peace.
The bill was introduced by Lauren McDonald and Todd James from Forsyth County in the suburbs of Atlanta.
Both McDonald and James claimed that there were instances of hate crimes against Hindu-Americans over last few decades across the country, the resolution said Hinduphobia is exacerbated and institutionalized by some in academia who support the dismantling of Hinduism and accuse its sacred texts and cultural practices of violence and oppression.
It may be recalled Hindu temples had come under attack in some parts of US recently by Non-Hindus. At the same time, the Sikhs have been attacking temples and Hindus of late. Banners proclaiming formation of Khalistan nation had also come up near several temples in US.
The Atlanta chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America had organized the first-ever Hindu Advocacy Day on March 22. The event had attracted about 25 lawmakers. Both Republicans and Democrats were present at the event that helped understand the community’s concerns.
Indian-origin Americans assert that such mass movements to protect the interests of Hindus and Hindu religious institutions will be held across the country in the coming days in order to mount pressure on the States to pass similar resolutions – like the one passed by the State of Georgia.
USA has scores of associations consisting of Hindus from different states in India. Most of these organisations working in US are either caste-based or language-based. Now, these organisations without diluting their identity, have decided to work unitedly in the interests of the Hindus, irrespective of language, caste and community.
EOM
