April Roundup Newsletter

June 28, 2023

HfHR's Monthly Newsletter serves as your guide to our progressive Hindu advocacy over the past month! Read on to learn about our webinars, podcasts, articles, advocacy updates, anti-caste initiatives, and more.

A "Wild Runaway" Month of Work (nod to Kabir)

Dear Friend,

Leaning in to our quote from Kabir - June has been a 'wild runaway' month for Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), filled with remarkable achievements and a broad range of impactful work. We have passionately engaged in human rights advocacy, focusing on alternative visions, practical solutions, and savvy media strategies for activating the conversation on Indian Democracy and upholding human rights for all citizens - no longer a given in Modi's India.

One of our standout accomplishments was the impactful Rally to Save Indian Democracy, held at BLM Plaza in front of the White House. Co-MC'ed by Sunita Viswanath of HfHR and Husnaa Vohra of IAMC, the rally raised awareness about threats to democratic values and human rights in India, serving as a platform to express solidarity with the people of India and underscoring the need to protect democracy and religious freedom. HfHR played a pivotal role in organizing the event, forming a robust coalition with IAMC, Dalit Solidarity Forum, North American Manipur Tribal Association, and Friends of Indian Democracy amongst other groups.

Featuring powerful speeches, political theater, and cultural performances, the rally highlighted the significance of democratic values, human rights, and religious tolerance. Esteemed figures such as Aakashi Bhatt, Lien Gangte, Dr. Jebaroja Singh, Reverend Sarah Anderson, Arjun Singh Sethi, and Niranjan Takle shared their experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by democracy in India.

At the beginning of the month, we engaged with Rahul Gandhi's visit to the United States, igniting discussions on alternative strategies to safeguard Indian Democracy. Despite acknowledging the Indian Congress Party's imperfections, it is crucial to explore alternatives in this historical moment. Our focused human rights advocacy with Congress and the Biden administration placed us at the center of the discussion.

As we move forward, HfHR remains dedicated to raising awareness about human rights conditions in South Asia and the USA - particularly for marginalized communities and religious minorities. We will continue amplifying voices, advocating for change, and supporting those fighting for human rights.

We express sincere gratitude to everyone who supported and participated in the rally. Your dedication has been instrumental in raising awareness and demanding accountability for democracy and human rights in India.

Stay connected with HfHR through our website and social media channels for updates and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can make a lasting impact as we strive for a better future.

In solidarity and growth,
HfHR

This Month's Work Was Epic

A concerted and organized effort by an expansive coalition of organizations across the USA, in which HfHR played a major role, spent all their time meeting with representatives, holding rallies, throwing benefits, organizing protests, conducting teach-ins, and pitching and placing endless op-eds and story after story in the media. The goal -- brilliantly achieved -- was to shift the narrative from a superficial celebration that ignored Modi's crimes to highlighting India's pivot into authoritarianism and the violations of human rights against minorities. Our voice was strong and recognized as such in the halls of power and across the media landscape.

Fundraising Drive

In the aftermath of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States, we continue to hold him accountable for threatening Indian democracy and promoting authoritarian religious fundamentalism. Our voice is now being called upon to advise on policies regarding the treatment of religious minorities and human rights across South Asia. This important work is needed throughout the region, and it underscores the crucial role that diaspora voices must play in advocating for change.

The urgency to keep our work going has never been greater, as the Indian government's alarming actions, including retaliatory raids, expulsions, internet shutdowns, and disregard for justice. As a human rights Hindu organization, we refuse to be silent bystanders -- and our voice is stronger than ever.

Your generous support is crucial for our ongoing efforts in organizing rallies, protests, media campaigns, and advocating for justice. Every donation, regardless of the amount, brings us closer to our goals of raising our voices, demanding accountability, and safeguarding Indian democracy and human rights. Please contribute today and help us continue making a difference.

Donate here

Letters and Boycotts and Guess Who Is Not Coming to Dinner

70 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WROTE A JOINT LETTER URGING BIDEN TO DISCUSS PROTECTION HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC VALUES IN INDIA AS HE MEETS WITH MODI.

We garnered support for Rep. Jayapal and Senator Van Hollen's letter to President Biden regarding the human rights situation in India. Thanks to your help, we were able to encourage congressional representatives to add their name to the document and hold Prime Minister Modi accountable for the critical concerns plaguing the nation. Together, we made a significant impact and took a stand for justice and equality.

We worked with Brown Girl Magazine to reach a broad swathe of our younger constituency in an Instagram Live with the unique reach, skills and voice to let the online world know how many in our communities are insisting we stand for human rights and democracy-- during Modi's unacceptable red carpet reception by the Biden administration.

They published as an op-ed, our Open Letter to President Biden in Light of Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to the States -- which was signed by 58 organizations and over 200 individuals and delivered to the President's desk earlier this month.

BOYCOTTED MODI'S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

Our recent conversations with Congress people across DC led to a clear and resounding stance against the invitation extended to the Indian leader to address both Houses of Congress. The representatives who boycotted were:

Jamaal Bowman (D-NY)
Cori Bush (D-MO)
Summer Lee (D-PA)
Kweisi Mfume (D-MD)
Alexandria Ocasio Cortex (D-NY)
Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)
Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)
Greg Casar (D-TX)
Al Green (D-TX)

“When it comes to standing up for human rights, actions speak louder than words,” Bush and Bowman said in a joint statement with Tlaib and Omar. The statement blasted the decision to invite the Indian leader adding that “by bestowing Prime Minister Modi with the rare honor of a joint address, Congress undermines its ability to be a credible advocate for the rights of religious minorities and journalists around the world.” The lawmakers added that they “stand in solidarity with the communities that have been harmed by Modi and his policies.” “We must never sacrifice human rights at the altar of political expediency and we urge all Members of Congress who profess to stand for freedom and democracy to join us in boycotting this embarrassing spectacle.”

HfHR Attacked by the BJP

Desh Videsh Conversations: Kashmir Part 2

Join us for the second part of our Bay Area Desh Videsh Conversation Series on Kashmir. In March We organized a successful Desh Videsh Conversation on "Untold Stories from Kashmir" and now in May this important conversation continues with "Untold Stories from Kashmir Part 2" with Kashmiri Muslim voices!

Fight for Reproductive Rights and Justice

HfHR member Sandhya Gupta represented the organization at an interfaith prayer gathering for reproductive freedom organized by Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The prayer gathering was held at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, DC, on Saturday April 15th, and was co-convened by Catholics for Choice, Faith for Black Lives, National Council of Jewish Women, Heart, Sacred, Women of Reform Judaism/Religious Action Center, and of course, Hindus for Human Rights. Below is an excerpt from Sandhya's speech.

"Since the faith and interfaith spaces are the ground zero for the assault on our democracy and the human and civil rights we hold sacred, we must ensure a robust, unwavering, and indivisible interfaith resistance to it.

Whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Hindu, the religious right is exclusivist and strives to divide us and move us to mistrust, hate and harm towards each other. The most formidable resistance to the religious rights and the hate it pedals in, is to be undivided from each other, across our differences. To be a rainbow alliance of resistance rooted in justice and love."

Read more of what Sandhya shared here!

And, in light of the recent Texas court decision, denying FDA approval for a safe and effective abortion drug —and ultimately outweighing medical professionals’ evidence-based judgement—we appeal to you in support of reproductive rights. Together we can work towards equitable access to medication and effectuate policies that safeguard medically sound outcomes while protecting our right as individuals to make choices regarding healthcare decisions. Join Hindus for Human Rights and add your name to Planned Parenthood's People's Brief now.

Opposing Caste Discrimination

HfHR joined a coalition of Ambedkarite, Dalit, and other South Asian organizations in Sacramento to support California State Senator Aisha Wahab and SB 403's passage through the Senate Judiciary Committee. We succeeded in our advocacy, as SB 403 passed committee unanimously, and will now be sent up to the Appropriations Committee, where once it passes, it will come up for a floor vote in the California State Senate. If all goes well, we repeat this process in the Assembly. This win could not be possible without our robust coalition. We are so proud of our community and our coalition partners including

Ambedkar International Center, and Ambedkar King Study Circle, for standing on the right side of history. And of course, we thank Senator Aisha Wahab for her fearless leadership on this bill.

As Hindus of conscience, our dharma guides us to oppose all forms of oppression and discrimination, especially caste discrimination. #SB403 does not harm us, it only strengthens our fight for anti-caste Hinduism.

Take Action:

Join the Email Campaign:

The California Coalition for Caste Equity urges you to take 2 minutes to send an email to all of the California legislature so that they know why caste equity matters to you!

Rising Religious Violence in Pakistan

Hindus for Human Rights and coalition partners have released a press statement on the growing violence against religious minorities in Pakistan. Join us in advocating for:

Repeal of Pakistan's blasphemy laws
Fair portrayal of religious minorities in Pakistani school textbooks
Protection of all religious minority places of worship

Read and share the letter to raise awareness.
Let's promote peace and understanding among different communities!

Other Advocacy

Hindus for Human Rights and the Indian American Muslim Council jointly released a statement expressing concern about Georgia Assembly's House Resolution 701 condemning Hinduphobia. They urge the Assembly to reconsider the resolution as it may lead to attacks on academic freedom and violence against critics of Hindu supremacist policies. The organizations remain committed to promoting pluralism, civil and human rights, and social justice for all people in South Asia and North America.

Meet Our New Staff

We're excited to introduce some great new talent to the Hindus for Human Rights team! Join us in welcoming saahil m., our Education and Outreach Director; Angelica Razak-Francis, our Administrative Coordinator; and David Kalal, our Communications Director.

Community Updates

This past month we've had the opportunity to gather with many of our coalition partners in DC, New York, and the Bay Area! We've come together with our friends from Indian American Muslim Council, India Civil Watch International, our new staff members, and friends from other advocacy partner organizations.

We'd also like to wish a bittersweet farewell to our Deputy Executive Director Nikhil, who after 2 years with HfHR, is moving on to new adventures. Nikhil joined as HfHR's first staff member in 2021 and worked to build up our organization into what it is today. We are so grateful for Nikhil's contributions and leadership, and we'll miss him dearly as he embarks on his next big journey!

HfHR in the News

It's been a thrilling month of progress and positive change here at Hindu for Human Rights, with your support driving us to create an ever-more bold, inclusive public platform advocating human rights for all.

We look forward to our continued partnership in the future as we strive together towards making marginalized communities' voices heard. Let us move onwards into this journey united: please donate generously today so that we can make each step count on the way there!

With immense love and appreciation from HfHR Board & Staff members - thank you again heartily for being part of these incredible strides forwards.

Angelica, Bidisha, David, Deepak, Harita, Nikhil, Preeti, Punya, Raju, Ria, saahil, Shanti, Sravya, Sunil, Sunita, Swati, Swathi, Urmila, Vijay

Join Us

Interested in co-creating a pluralistic, inclusive and compassionate world based on human rights and values?

Come, join us as a donor, staff, volunteer, or even as a blogger by writing to us at info@hindusforhumanrights.org!

We urge those of you who can to become monthly subscribers, for at least $50 per month for the next year. Sustained financial support from progressive allies like you is more crucial than ever to ensure that we can do this work without interruption, and without being intimidated by the resourced right wing.

Donate here

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