Honoring Service and Spiritual Leadership: Sunita Viswanath Recognized by Shri Saneeshwara Temple, New York
On December 7, 2025, the Sarvamangala Shri Saneeshwara Temple in New Hyde Park, New York, held its Annual Benefit Gala Luncheon—a gathering that blended devotion, culture, and community with a shared commitment to sustaining the temple’s spiritual life. This year’s event carried a special significance for Hindus for Human Rights: our Executive Director, Sunita Viswanath, was honored with the Heritage & Humanities Award, a recognition of her lifelong dedication to human rights, progressive Hindu values, and service to diverse communities.
The gala, which welcomed guests including civic leaders, elected officials, and members of the broader Hindu diaspora, celebrated both the richness of Indian spiritual traditions and the many individuals whose service supports them. In the midst of festive performances, prayers, and community fellowship, Sunita’s award stood out as a testament to the bridge she continues to build between faith and justice.
The plaque presented by Temple President Rupa Sridhar praised Sunita’s “exemplary services to our community” and her “remarkable commitment” to preserving heritage while inspiring others through her steadfast moral leadership. The inscription recognized Sunita not only as the founder of Hindus for Human Rights but also as co-founder of the Sadhana Coalition for Progressive Hindus, acknowledging decades of work to cultivate a Hinduism rooted in compassion, equality, and care for the vulnerable.
The honor was accompanied by a New York State Assembly Citation from Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, commending Sunita’s service to immigrant communities, her leadership in organizations supporting Afghan women and marginalized groups, and her lifelong dedication to a vision of Hinduism grounded in dignity and justice. The citation affirmed what many in the room already knew: that Sunita’s work resonates far beyond the Hindu community—it strengthens the social fabric of New York and embodies the best of the state’s values.
For Sunita and for HfHR, this recognition carries a deeper meaning. At a time when religious nationalism seeks to narrow identities and divide communities, Shri Saneeshwara Temple chose to honor a Hindu leader committed to a more expansive ethical horizon—one rooted in the teachings of dharma, ahimsa, and seva. In celebrating Sunita, the temple affirmed a truth that animates our work every day: that Hinduism is strongest when it is generous, inclusive, and devoted to justice for all people.
Receiving this award in a sacred space devoted to Shani Deva—protector, teacher, and embodiment of discipline and integrity—added another layer of resonance. As Sunita shared afterwards, “May Shani Deva’s blessings guide us toward integrity, humility, and service to all.” The moment was both personal and collective, an affirmation of the values that anchor HfHR’s mission and a reminder of the spiritual foundations that sustain resistance to injustice.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shri Saneeshwara Temple, its leadership, and its community for recognizing Sunita’s decades of work and for continuing to nurture a Hindu spiritual life grounded in compassion. Their generosity reflects a deep and enduring truth: that faith communities, when at their best, call us not toward division but toward the shared labor of healing and justice.
Jai Shri Shani Deva.
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