Ro Khanna backs bill honoring Hindu-American community and condemning Hinduphobia

Highlights:

• Ro Khanna has joined as a co-sponsor of House Resolution 69.
• The resolution was introduced by Congressman Shri Thanedar.
• It condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and attacks on temples.
• The measure recognizes the contributions of Hindu Americans to US society.
• Thirty-two lawmakers have now co-sponsored the resolution.

One of the prominent congressman Ro Khanna, has endorsed a House resolution that celebrates the contributions of the Hindu-American community to the United States and condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and attacks on Hindu places of worship.

Ro Khanna, a Democrat representing California, announced his support for House Resolution 69 on Monday (1). The resolution was introduced by Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Michigan, on January 24 last year.

The measure has now gained support from 32 lawmakers, including Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Suhas Subramanyam.

Khanna announced his backing for the resolution through a social media post.

“I'm proud to cosponsor @RepShriThanedar's bill H.Res.69 that celebrates the continued contributions and vibrant diversity of the Hindu-American community in the United States as we work to strengthen our nation's multiracial democracy,” said Khanna, who is also of Indian descent.

The resolution notes that Hinduism is one of the world's oldest and largest religions, with more than 1.2 billion followers in over 100 countries. It highlights that Hinduism includes a wide range of traditions and belief systems that promote universal values such as acceptance, mutual respect, and peace.

According to the resolution, the United States has welcomed more than four million Hindus from around the world since the 1900s. These communities represent diverse racial, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds.

The resolution states that Hindu Americans have contributed significantly to every aspect of the US economy and across a wide range of industries. It also emphasizes that Hindu traditions and practices have enriched American society through philosophy, Ayurveda, arts, music, dance, fashion, meditation, yoga, and community service.

The measure strongly condemns the rise of “Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, hate, and intolerance” in the United States. It says that despite their positive contributions, Hindu Americans continue to face stereotypes and disinformation related to their heritage and religious symbols.

The resolution also notes that members of the Hindu-American community have experienced bullying in schools and on college campuses, as well as discrimination, hate speech, and bias-motivated crimes.

It further recognizes the influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on Martin Luther King Jr. The resolution notes that King acknowledged the impact of nonviolent civil disobedience, rooted in Hindu philosophy, on the American civil rights movement.

Referring to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hate Crimes Statistics Report, the resolution states that anti-Hindu hate crimes targeting temples and individuals have been increasing annually. It adds that Hinduphobia in American society is also on the rise.

The resolution celebrates the historical and ongoing contributions of Hindus and Hinduism to the United States. It recognizes the role of Hindu culture in strengthening and enriching America’s diversity and reaffirms the country’s commitment to welcoming Hindu Americans.