National Transgender Day: Defending the Promise of NALSA |
This week’s National Transgender Day marks the anniversary of NALSA v. Union of India, the 2014 Supreme Court judgment that recognized transgender people’s right to self-identify and affirmed gender identity as part of dignity, autonomy, and full personhood. In 2026, that legacy is under serious threat. New amendments have sparked protests across India, with trans communities and allies mobilizing in cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow, and Madurai against efforts to narrow recognition and push identity back under medical and bureaucratic control. This week is not only a time to honor a landmark victory, but to stand with those defending the freedom to live openly, safely, and as oneself.
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Inside the West Bengal Voter Roll Crisis |
Ahead of elections in West Bengal, millions of voters were deleted from the rolls in a process that has raised serious concerns about disenfranchisement, discrimination, and the future of Indian democracy. Our Instagram explainer looks at what happened, who was hit hardest, and why this moment should concern anyone who cares about voting rights and equal citizenship. |
Let's Learn to Reimagine Ritual with Justice and Care
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What can a Hindu wedding look like when it fully reflects love, dignity, and inclusion? This new three-part course with pandita and scholar Sapna Pandya explores how Hindu wedding rituals can be rethought for interfaith, inter-caste, and queer couples while staying rooted in tradition. Part of HfHR’s Samadarshini Project, the class offers an introduction to the meaning of marriage in Hinduism, the structure of wedding ceremonies, and ways to make rituals more gender-inclusive and anti-caste. To join, become a member of Hindus for Human Rights, or register by paying the $100 course fee
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Rajeev on Why He Joined the HfHR 2026 Membership Drive |
Rajeev’s testimony speaks to why this work matters: the fight for dignity, justice, and liberation is part of our past, present, and future. When you become a member of Hindus for Human Rights, you help power a growing community advancing a bold, progressive vision of Hinduism grounded in human rights. Join us today. |
HfHR and the Coalition that Stopped This Library Event Linked to the VHPA |
Hindus for Human Rights was proud to stand with the Indian American Muslim Council, the Sikh Coalition, Dalit Solidarity Forum USA, No Hindutva Maryland, and Peace Action Montgomery in a successful coalition effort that helped stop Montgomery County Public Libraries’ planned event connected to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA). This was an important win not only because the event was canceled, but because it made clear that public institutions like libraries must be vigilant about unknowingly partnering with groups tied to hateful, exclusionary politics under the cover of culture or community programming.
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A Morning of Devotion, Welcome, and Prasad in NYC this Weekend |
Join us on the morning of April 19 at Sarvamangala Sri Saneeswara Temple in New Hyde Park, NY for a beautiful, inclusive havan where we gather to pray as one. This special gathering will feature a performance by Pandita Pratima Doobay (@shrideviarts), a devotional singer and interfaith Hindu priest, and will make space for prayer, reflection, and shared community.
Everyone is welcome here, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, or religion, and all are invited to stay afterwards for prasad. The program runs from 10 AM to 12 PM at 1616 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (entrance at the rear of the building). |
Joe Sacco on India, Palestine, and the Machinery of Violence |
Coming up in May, we’re honored to welcome Joe Sacco to New York and DC for a series of timely events on war, witness, and resistance. Wednesday, May 13 | 6–9 PM | People’s Forum, NYC
Join Joe Sacco in conversation with Hindus for Human Rights and 1804 Books for an urgent discussion on Hindu nationalism, anti-Muslim mob violence in India, and the broader questions of war and witness that shape his work on Palestine and beyond. Thursday, May 14 | NYC
Join us for an exclusive fundraiser where supporters will have a chance to meet Joe Sacco. Friday, May 15 | Bol Bookstore | DC/DMV
For our DC/DMV community, Joe Sacco will also appear at a special book event at Bol Bookstore. Save the dates. More details coming soon. Stay tuned. |
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HfHR Joins Multi-Faith Lawsuit Over Trump Religious Commission
Hindus for Human Rights is part of a multi-faith and secular coalition suing the Trump administration over its White House Religious Advisory Commission, arguing that the body is unlawfully dominated by a narrow evangelical Christian viewpoint and has operated without the transparency required by federal law. The suit calls attention to the dangers of using “religious liberty” as a cover for exclusion, secrecy, and the privileging of one religious vision over a truly pluralistic democracy.
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| Built by Faith, Marked by Exploitation
New reporting on the BAPS Akshardham temple in New Jersey has brought fresh attention to devastating allegations from workers who say they were exposed to dangerous dust, paid shockingly low wages, and left without care after becoming ill. Hindus for Human Rights has renewed its demand for compensation, medical support, and accountability—and its response carries the weight of years of advocacy, from earlier coalition work for exploited Dalit laborers to broader organizing against caste discrimination in the temple-building industry.
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Become an HfHR Member Today! |
An HfHR membership gives you access to a community of progressive, change-oriented Hindus, our exclusive WhatsApp community, affinity groups, weekly community calls, merch discounts, local organizing groups, and more. Join today! |
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The HfHR weekly digest serves as your weekly guide to progressive Hindu advocacy. Find things you can do to take action, articles to read, podcast episodes to listen to, and more!
*Note: Readings are curated from a diverse range of sources and do not necessarily represent the views of HfHR.
Let us know what you think of our weekly digest! If you have ideas for news items you want to see included, or suggestions for action items or articles to highlight, let us know via the button below. |
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