Los Angeles Meetup – Unpacking Hinduphobia

Theme: What is Hinduphobia? How is it weaponized by the right wing? And how do we fight back?
📅 Date: Saturday, June 8, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00–6:30 PM PT
📍 Location: Near Leimert Park, Los Angeles (Exact address shared upon RSVP)
🔗 RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/hfhrjunemeetup

Right of Return Pilgrimage

Date & Time: Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Location:
Starting Point: Islamic Center of Alameda
Ending Point: West Berkeley Shellmound
(Bay Area, CA – 22 miles total, divided into 7 legs)

Event Description:
Join Interfaith4Ceasefire for a daylong pilgrimage in public witness for the Palestinian Right of Return. This 22-mile walk, split into 7 legs, begins at the Islamic Center of Alameda and ends at the sacred West Berkeley Shellmound.

We walk in solidarity with Palestinians demanding the right to return to their homes and families—and in broader solidarity with immigrant, Indigenous, student, unhoused, transgender, and BIPOC communities.

All are welcome to register for one or more legs of the journey.

Registration link: bit.ly/RightofReturnPilgrimage

SANGAT – Qais Essar & Sonny Singh Live at Wyldflowr Arts

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM PT
📍 Location: Wyldflowr Arts, 809 37th Street, Oakland, CA 94608
🎟️ Tickets: $30 General Admission
🔗 More Info & Tickets

Afghan American rabab virtuoso Qais Essar and Sikh American trumpeter/vocalist Sonny Singh come together in SANGAT—a powerful new collaboration that dissolves musical, political, and spiritual boundaries.

Los Angeles Meetup – Combating Right-Wing Hindutva Rhetoric
Date: May 18, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM PT
Location: Near Leimert Park, Los Angeles (Address shared after RSVP)
🔗 RSVP Here: https://tinyurl.com/LAHfHRMeetup

Join Hindus for Human Rights for a powerful community meetup in Los Angeles. We’ll explore critical questions about the Hindu American Foundation’s role within the broader U.S. right-wing landscape, and strategize together on how to challenge right-wing rhetoric—both within and beyond our Hindu communities.

This gathering is a space to build community, deepen understanding, and empower one another to stand for justice, pluralism, and truth.

• How does the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) operate as part of the broader right wing?

• How can we combat right-wing rhetoric both inside and outside our Hindu community?

Kashmir and India-Pakistan War Games 2025

11:30 am EDT / 9:00 pm IST / 8:30 pm PKT

Register via Zoom

In light of escalating tensions in South Asia, this timely webinar will examine the background of the recent military confrontations between India and Pakistan and their devastating impact on Kashmir. As war posturing, media jingoism, and nationalist rhetoric escalate, Kashmiri lives continue to be marginalized, erased, and silenced.

Our expert panel will address:

• The use of hate speech and Zionist tactics in stoking war

• The suppression of press freedom and Kashmiri voices

• The human toll of occupation and militarization since 2019

• Issues of international law, climate degradation, demographic shifts, and human rights

• The urgent need for demilitarization and a just, permanent resolution in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiris

For over seven decades, Kashmiris have been treated as pawns in the India-Pakistan conflict. This conversation seeks to recenter their voices and advocate for peace, dignity, and sovereignty.

Speakers:

• Dr. Omer Aijazi, University of Manchester

• Robert Fantina, Author and journalist

• Imraan Mir, Attorney, writer, and researcher

• Dr. Ather Zia, University of Northern Colorado

Organizers:

South Asian Diaspora Action Collective (SADAC), Kashmir Scholars Consultative Advocacy Network (KSCAN), Just Peace Advocates (JPA)

Co-sponsors include:

Academics for Palestine-Concordia, Alliance Against Islamophobia (Australia), Canadian Foreign Policy Institute, Canadian Voices for Palestinian Rights, Hindus for Human Rights, India Labour Solidarity, InSAF India, Justice For All Canada, PAJU, South Asia Solidarity Group (UK), World BEYOND War — and more.

📍 More details: Facebook Event Page

Reclaiming the Republic: Challenges & Prospects for Indian Democracy
🗓 Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM PT
📍 Location: The Backroom, 1984 Bonita Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
🎙 Speaker: Yogendra Yadav, Activist, Politician, and National Convener of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan
🔗 RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/mayyadav
🎗 Sponsored by: Hindus for Human Rights

Event Summary:
Join us for a timely conversation with Indian political thinker and activist Yogendra Yadav as he reflects on the state of Indian democracy and the urgent need to reclaim its constitutional foundations. In an era of democratic backsliding and rising authoritarianism, what are the real prospects for resistance, reform, and renewal?

This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with a key voice from India’s democracy movement—right here in Berkeley.

RAM KE NAAM: Documentary Screening + Discussion

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: The New Parkway Theater
474 24th Street, Oakland, CA 94612

Join Hindus for Human Rights Bay Area, IAMC, and ASATA for a free community screening of the award-winning documentary "Ram Ke Naam." The film explores the rise of Hindutva, the right-wing ethno-nationalist movement in India. Following the screening, participate in an engaging discussion on how communities can collectively address and counter this growing movement.

Learn more and RSVP here.

San Fernando Valley Community Building Pop-Up
Hosted by: Latino & Muslim Unity + Burbank for Palestine
📍 Burbank Islamic Center
7838 San Fernando Rd, Sun Valley, CA 91352
📅Saturday May 3
🕔 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Join us for an evening of connection, solidarity, and collective care at the San Fernando Valley Community Building Pop-Up, hosted at the Burbank Islamic Center.

This event will feature opportunities to engage with neighbors, learn about community resources, and stand together in support of justice, dignity, and mutual aid.

Schedule Highlights:

• 5:00–6:00 PM: Meet & Greet with Councilmember Konstantine Anthony
  Learn about your constituent rights and connect with local leadership.

• Additional programming and community activities to be announced!

🎟️ RSVP or learn more: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/53-burbank-no-other-land-oscar-winning-documentary

roject Prithvi Beach Cleanup

Hosted by: Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus
Co-Sponsored by: Hindus for Human Rights and Caribbean Equality Project
In Partnership With: Gateway National Recreation Area

🗓 Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Jamaica Bay’s North Channel Bridge
(Meet at red brick pavilion in the North Channel parking lot, south of the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge. GPS: "Crossbay Kiteboarding Launch Area")

🧤 Details:
Join us for a community beach cleanup rooted in the Hindu principle of seva (selfless service). Gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be provided, along with a light lunch. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Bring your own water bottle.
Verification letters available for students and community service.

😷 COVID-19 Safety Protocols:

• Masks required (provided if needed)

• Social distancing enforced

• Limited attendance—registration required

• Self-health check before attending

📝 Register at: tinyurl.com/projectprithvivolunteer
📞 Contact:
Aminta – 718-300-4888
Rohan – 917-683-8261

🧭 Overflow parking available on the east side of Cross Bay Boulevard.

HfHR Los Angeles Meetup

Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM PT
Location: Near Leimert Park, Los Angeles (Exact address shared upon RSVP)
🎟 RSVP: https://secure.everyaction.com/PJrKrs3Oa02W4xl4bmGGHw2

Baithaks for Liberation: Can Hindus Annihilate Caste?

Description:
Join us for an important Baithak to engage Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s powerful critique of caste and Hinduism. We’ll explore the possibilities of building an anti-caste Hinduism rooted in justice and liberation.

Date:
Saturday, April 26, 2025

Time:
12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT

RSVP Link:
https://tinyurl.com/AprBaithak

Standing Up – Your Rights with ICE & Law Enforcement

Part of the Engaged Communities Series by SAAPRI & SAAJCO

🗓 Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2025
⏰ Time:

• 3:00 PM PT

• 5:00 PM CT

• 6:00 PM ET

📍 Location: Online (Zoom)
🔗 Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/ecsstandingup
📧 More Info: community@saapri.org

Description:
This session is focused on educating our communities about their rights when interacting with law enforcement and immigration (ICE). Legal experts will provide clear, practical information to help you understand your rights and protect yourself in encounters with police and other authorities.

👩‍⚖️ Moderator:

• Indira Kehra

🎙 Panelists:

• Zahra Billoo, Executive Director, CAIR-SFBA

• Kulmeet Galhotra, Criminal Defense Attorney & Civil Rights Advocate

Hosted by:
SAAPRI (South Asian American Policy & Research Institute)
SAAJCO (South Asian American Justice Collaborative)

Sponsored in part by:
Foundation for Civic Leadership • Indiaspora • Saba Foundation

Caste Across Borders: Legal Legacies, Grassroots Resistance, and Solidarity for Global Justice

🗓 Date & Time:
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET

Location:
Cardozo School of Law, Room 512
55 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10003

🔗 Registration:
Scan QR code on flyer or register here

🗣 Speakers & Participants:
Opening remarks: Anupama Rao, Christina Dhanuja, and others
Panelists: Guha Krishnamurthi, Shrujana Shridhar
Moderator: Ramya Jawahar Kudekallu

📝 Description:
Hosted collaboratively by the Ambedkar Initiative at Columbia University’s Institute for Comparative Literature and Society (ICLS) and the Cardozo Law Institute in Holocaust and Human Rights (CLIHHR), with support from the NYC Bar Association’s International Human Rights Committee, this timely in-person event explores the legal and societal impact of caste across borders.

This program brings together legal scholars, artists, and grassroots advocates to examine caste as a global system of oppression—from South Asia to the Caribbean, the U.S. to the Middle East. Discussions will explore how caste shapes identity, human rights, and state obligations, while also highlighting legal legacies and community-based resistance in honor of Dalit History Month.

🥗 Light refreshments will be served.
🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏾 Open to the public.

Zara Chowdhary | The Lucky Ones: A Memoir

A Spotlight on the Gujarat Muslim Genocide (Book Talk)

Date: April 18, 2025

3:30 – 5:00 PM
223 Moses Hall, IIS Seminar Room, UC Berkeley

Presented by:
Institute for South Asia Studies & Center on Contemporary India

UgadiEidSter: The Ultimate South Asian Interfaith Spring Celebration

Date: Sunday, April 13th, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Baha’i Center Beaverton
5355 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005

Details:
Celebrate spring with a joyous interfaith gathering blending Ugadi, Eid, and Easter traditions. Organized by a coalition of South Asian faith and community groups, this family-friendly event features entertainment, food, and kids’ activities.
Partners:
Bilal Masjid Beaverton Oregon, Sri Mukambika Mahadeva Hindu Shrine, India International Church, Afghan Support Network, The Immigrant Story, Hyderabad Hub, Oregon देसीइवेंट्स, Hindus for Human Rights
🎉 Free and open to all!
RSVP: tinyurl.com/ugadieidster

Babasaheb Dr. B.R Ambedkar 134th Birth Anniversary Celebrations

Location: 4100 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
RSVP: bit.ly/2025jayanthi

Event Highlights:
Inspiring & Informative Talks – Discussions on caste-related legal battles in the U.S. and the recognition of caste as a protected category in workplaces and educational institutions.
Cultural Extravaganza – Dance and musical performances celebrating India's rich diversity.
Creative Expressions – Card-making competition for children to showcase their artistic talents.
Networking & Collaboration – Connect with like-minded anti-caste advocates and explore efforts across the Bay Area for an equitable society.
Career & Community Building – Learn about new opportunities and strategies to advance your career while contributing to social justice.

Join us in honoring Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy!

Hanuman Jayanti Festival

🗓 Date: Saturday, April 12
📍 Location: Neem Karoli Baba Bhakti Dham, Highlands Ranch, CO
🔗 www.nkbbhaktidham.org/events

🕒 Schedule:

• 11 Hanuman Chalisas Chanting: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Prasad Lunch: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• Kirtan with Sharanam Anandama: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  (*Donations for Kirtan are welcome but voluntary.)

🙏 All are welcome!
All events are free at Neem Karoli Baba Bhakti Dham. Come celebrate the divine energy and devotion of Hanuman with chanting, food, and music.

Navigating the Early Days of the Trump Administration 2.0
(Part of the Engaged Communities Series)

🗓 Date: Wednesday, April 10
🕕 Time: 3 PM PT | 5 PM CT | 6 PM ET
🔗 Register Here: tinyurl.com/293dzhct

📌 Description:
Join SAAPRI and SAAJCO for a timely discussion on what President Trump’s potential second term could mean for South Asian communities. We’ll examine immigration policies, legal challenges, and broader implications for civil rights.

🎙 Panelists & Hosts:

• Shobhana Verma, Executive Director, SAAPRI (Co-Host)

• Kalpana Peddibhotla, Executive Director, SAAJCO (Co-Host & Panelist)

• Amol Sinha, Executive Director, ACLU-NJ (Panelist)

🎤 Moderator:

• Sufyan Sohel

🤝 Sponsored by:

• South Asian American Policy & Research Institute (SAAPRI)

• South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO)

• South Asian Bar Association Foundation

• Indiaspora

Hindutva and Christian Nationalism – Religious Nationalisms and the Threat to Democracy

🗓 Date: Wednesday, April 9th
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM ET
📍 Location: Brothers College Lounge, Drew University, 36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ

🎙 Speakers Include:

• Rev. Neal Christie (The Religious Nationalisms Project)

• Zahir Adil (Justice For All)

• Rev. Peter Cook (NY State Council of Churches)

• Pieter Friedrich (Author)

📝 Description:
Join us for a critical conversation exploring the global rise of religious nationalism. This event will examine the parallels between Hindutva and Christian Nationalism, and how their interconnected ideologies are eroding democracies and human rights across the world.

🎓 Hosted by: Justice For All
🤝 Sponsored by:

• Indian American Muslim Council

• Students for Justice in Palestine

• Muslim Students Association

National March for Palestine: Stop the Repression, Stop the Genocide
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: Washington, D.C. (exact location TBA — see website)
Details:
Join the historic March on Washington for Palestine to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza, an arms embargo on Israel, and justice for Palestinians facing repression across the globe.

Endorsed by a wide coalition of justice and faith organizations — including Hindus for Human Rights — this national mobilization sends a clear message: Stop the Repression. Stop the Genocide. Free Palestine.

📢 Bring signs, bring your voice, bring your community.
🚌 Transportation info, flyers, and organizing tools available at:
🔗 https://www.marchforpalestine.org

Socialist Night School: The Hindu Supremacist Movement in India and the U.S.

📅 Date & Time: March 27, 2025 • 6:00 PM
📍 Location: West End Library, Washington, D.C.
🔗 RSVP:tinyurl.com/SNSHindutva

Join Hindus for Human Rights, the MDC DSA Internationalism Working Group, and the MDC DSA Political Education Working Group for a crucial discussion on the rise of Hindu supremacism in both India and the U.S. This session will explore the ideological roots, transnational influence, and political impact of Hindutva, as well as the resistance movements fighting against its spread.

This event is part of the Socialist Night School series, providing a space for deep political education and discussion.

Who should attend?
🟢 Activists, organizers, scholars, and community members concerned about the global rise of religious nationalism.
🟢 Those interested in understanding the links between Hindutva and broader far-right movements.
🟢 Anyone seeking to stand in solidarity with movements for justice, democracy, and secularism.

For more details, visit: tinyurl.com/SNSHindutva

Countering Hindu Supremacy and the Multiracial Far Right Amidst the Authoritarian Onslaught

Date & Time: March 27, 2025 | 2:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM PST
Location: Online Webinar
Hosted by: Political Research Associates (PRA) & Savera – United Against Supremacy
Join Political Research Associates (PRA) and Savera for a critical briefing on the rise of Hindu supremacy and its intersections with the multiracial far right in the U.S. and beyond. This discussion will examine the authoritarian threats posed by these movements and explore strategies for resistance and advocacy.

Register Here:
bit.ly/CounteringHinduSupremacyWebinar

Spread the word! Let’s work together to dismantle supremacist ideologies and advocate for justice.

Baithaks for Liberation: Feminist Hinduism in Action
Resisting Brahmanical Patriarchy Through Inclusive Ritual and Practice

Date & Time
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
12:00 PM Eastern / 9:00 AM Pacific

RSVP
tinyurl.com/MarBaithak

Description
Join us for the second installment of HHfR’s “Baithaks for Liberation: Conversations on Building a Liberatory Hinduism.” In honor of Women’s History Month, this discussion uplifts the voices of two pioneering panditas who are at the forefront of challenging Brahmanical patriarchy in Hindu ritual and practice. We’ll delve into their journeys to leadership, their resistance to gatekeeping in sacred spaces, and their contributions to fostering radically inclusive spiritual practices—affirming a liberatory Hinduism rooted in gender justice for all.

Mata Ki Chowki
Presented by Shridevi Arts

Location:
Shaanti Bhavan Mandir
109-10 98th St, Ozone Park, NY 11417

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM

Join us for an evening of devotion and celebration at Mata Ki Chowki, a special spiritual gathering filled with bhajans and prayers dedicated to Mata Rani.

Envisioning a Constitutionally True India
Upholding democratic values and the role of diaspora

Date & Time:
March 21, 2025 | 7:30 - 9:30 PM

Location:
University of Toronto Mississauga

Speakers:

• Harsh Mander(Virtual)

• Sunita Viswanath(In person)

• T.M. Krishna(Virtual)

Presented by:
The Centre for South Asian Critical Humanities & Canadians for Indian Democracy

Event Description:
Join us for an insightful discussion on the importance of democratic values and the role of the diaspora in shaping a just and inclusive India. Featuring renowned human rights advocate Harsh Mander, HfHR Executive Director Sunita Viswanath, and celebrated musician and public intellectual T.M. Krishna, this event will explore pressing issues of democracy, constitutional values, and transnational activism.

Register now for the event on Eventbrite!

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/csach-and-cid-present-envisioning-a-constitutionally-true-india-tickets-1264306989239

Feel free to share this with your friends in Canada.

Organizers:
University of Toronto - Centre for South Asian Critical Humanities