January Newsletter: Auspicious Beginnings

January 31, 2021

Namaste Dear Friend,

The start of 2021 has been a pivotal time in the United States as the new Biden administration takes charge after the shocking attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. It's a tumultuous time in India as well, as the farmer's protest at the Delhi borders has now completed two months. HfHR has been busier than ever, and we are charged up by the need of the hour, and the promise of a new beginning.

Thanks to your incredible generosity in the last months of 2020, we were able to announce the full-time DC-based Advocacy Director position, and are in the final stage of our interview process. We will be excited to announce our new team member within a week or two.

Connecting to the US Civil Rights Movement

As a US-based human rights organization, it is imperative to connect our work to the to the US civil rights movement. HfHR is on the organizing committee of the 56th Anniversary Commemoration of the Selma Bloody Sunday on March 7th, 1965 when a group of over 500 African Americans demanding their right to vote were met with horrific police brutality.

Recognizing the importance of ensuring that the younger generation connects their own lives and identities with the history of the nation, HfHR, along with our partner Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), has announced an Essay and Art Contest for South Asian-American students, Grades 6 - 12. The topic is "Civil Rights, Black Lives and Your South Asian Identity." We have exciting cash prizes, and an accomplished panel of judges. The deadline for submissions is February 28th, and we invite diverse South Asian youth to participate. Contest Details here. PLEASE REGISTER HERE TODAY!

#ReleaseSanjivBhatt #ReleaseAllPoliticalPrisoners

Former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt has been languishing in jail accused of the murder of a man he never even met. The real reason for his arrest is that he was the main whistleblower, alleging Narendra Modi’s complicity in the 2002 Gujrat pogrom. MP Shashi Tharoor, Filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, and actor and dancer Mallika Sarabhai were among the speakers in a press conference HfHR and IAMC organized on January 18th to raise awareness about Sanjiv ji's upcoming bail hearing. HfHR is committed to fight for the release of Sanjiv Bhatt and every political prisoner.

Love is not a crime!

HfHR volunteers Brandon, Aminah and Vagisha reflected on the newly introduced “Love Jihad” laws introduced by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh governments.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

As Indian comedian Munawar Faruqui celebrated his 30th Birthday in jail for a joke he did not crack, our friend and guest blogger Jyoti Bachani reflected on his arrest from a Hindu perspective. Reclaiming India, a coalition of diaspora organizations including HfHR, is organizing a solidarity stand-up comedy show for Munawar. Please stay tuned!

Solidarity With India's Farmers

Republic Day saw farmers and supporters rally in cities all across India, in support of the farmers protest at the Delhi border, which is over two months old. Our own board member Vijayendra participated in the solidarity protest in Bangalore. Earlier today, 31st January, HfHR is co-hosted a solidarity event and press conference for the Indian farmers who are protesting for their rights. Here is our statement of solidarity.

HfHR will continue to bring you weekly digests with suggested readings and action items, and a lengthier monthly newsletter to update our supporters of the work we are currently engaged in.

HfHR is committed to adding a Hindu voice and force to resistance to injustice in India, the United States and beyond. Our work would not be possible without you, our supporters. We thank you for your generosity, and ask you to continue to support us.

—HfHR Board of Directors
Deepak, Punya, Raju, Sunil, Sunita, Urmila, Sravya, Vijay

Please Join Us

As Always, Get Involved. We would love to hear from you — write to us. Volunteer. Start a chapter. Hold a birthday fundraiser and raise both awareness and money!

Please consider a donation to HfHR. We are still $20,000 away from our $100,000 year-end target. Any donation, small or large, will be timely and welcome.