Standing for Democracy and Light: Hindus for Human Rights Joins Interfaith Leaders at the No Kings March
On October 18, 2025, millions of Americans took to the streets across 2,600 locations to affirm democracy, dignity, and the rule of law in a nationwide No Kings March.
In New York City, faith leaders from diverse traditions—Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and more—gathered at Columbus Circle for an interfaith prayer vigil organized by the Interfaith Center of New York and the Interfaith Alliance. Among them was Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director of Hindus for Human Rights, who offered a Hindu prayer and reflection before joining the march to Times Square.
Sunita’s message connected the march’s purpose to the upcoming festival of Diwali, calling on all Americans to “be the light that prevails”—a reminder that light conquers darkness not only in scripture but also in our shared civic life.
In her remarks, she said:
“As a Hindu of conscience, as an American and as an Indian, with my eyes open and my heart awake, I say a resounding ‘no’ to the growing tide of authoritarianism here, there and everywhere, from Delhi to Washington.”
The event brought together some of New York’s most respected interfaith leaders, including the Rev. Chloe Breyer of the Interfaith Center of New York, the Rev. Winnie Varghese of St. John the Divine, Rabbi Ayelet Cohen of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Hussein Rashid of Union Theological Seminary, and others. Together, they stood in solidarity to affirm that moral courage and compassion—not power and fear—must guide the nation’s future.
For Hindus for Human Rights, participation in the No Kings March reflects our deep commitment to interfaith partnership and the belief that faith must serve freedom and justice.
As Diwali begins, let it remind us that the festival’s light shines far beyond India, South Asia and its diasporas —it illuminates every struggle for truth, equality, and human rights.
