Hindu Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill Celebrates America 250

Bipartisan concern for rising Hinduphobia, a celebration of America at 250 and Hindu youth voices were among the highlights of the 5th Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill, hosted by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). Over 130 Hindus from 15 states gathered to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, explore its history, and hear heartfelt testimony on what it means to be an American—from young students, veterans, entrepreneurs, researchers and lawmakers. Seven Congressional representatives and 12 staffers from both parties, joined to hear about issues impacting the community.

Ahead of the event, Hindu delegates held more than 50 meetings with the staff of Senators and Congressional Representatives. They also visited over 120 Congressional offices to educate and to connect lawmakers with their Hindu constituents.

“It was a powerful day on Capitol Hill. We came together as Americans, sharing stories, and building relationships and singing the national anthem,” said Nikunj Trivedi, president of CoHNA. “American Hindus come from all walks of life—students, entrepreneurs, cab drivers, pharmacists, homemakers, retail workers, engineers, bankers and scientists. We are thinkers, teachers, writers and veterans. It was an honor and privilege to share insights, to educate, and to come together with our lawmakers and our interfaith allies to celebrate the grand anniversary of our country.”

Community Voices

Allies from the Armenian and Jewish communities as well as a city council member from Maple Grove, MN, spoke at the event. A youth panel featuring the CoHNA Youth Action Network (CYAN)’s Rutgers University chapter shared the learnings from their multi-year journey of college advocacy—starting with the battle to secure representation, protest Hinduphobic campus events, engage with the administration and finally to host their own academic conference on Hinduism. A CYAN national level leader discussed Hinduism in American history dating back to the Founding Fathers and American Hindus shared their diverse life journeys.

Hindu veteran Ruchir Bakshi spoke about his combat service in Afghanistan and Iraq during his years in the U.S. Army, and how the Bhagavad Gita taught him that true service means acting with discipline and integrity without attachment to outcome. And self-mastery can guide civic engagement—without giving up one’s Hindu identity.

Bipartisan Congressional Support

Lawmakers from both parties called out the need to confront rising anti-Hindu hate and hailed CoHNA’s efforts on this issue. They also joined in the celebration of America 250, affirming the community’s place in the American story.

Marking America’s 250th anniversary, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) noted that “Freedom of religion is one of our greatest rights,” and condemned temple vandalism. He thanked Hindu Americans for their role in “this great experiment of democracy”.

Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) also highlighted the contribution of immigrant communities to “America’s greatness,” and urged the Hindu community to “demand respect for our contributions in science, medicine, academia, and politics.”

Speaking directly to the young Hindus in the audience, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) called upon them to call out hate and not stay silent. “Embrace who you are as Hindus,” explaining that “being different becomes cool later in life—be proud now.”

All the lawmakers specifically addressed the rise in temple vandalism, hateful rhetoric, and debates affecting Hindu Americans. In addition, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) warned that caste-based legislation risks deepening discrimination rather than solving it. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), one of the most senior members of the House, said in no uncertain terms that “Hinduphobia is un-American,” and called out Georgia as the first state to condemn it.

He and other Georgia lawmakers also pointed to their state as an example of how advocacy can translate into action for change. Rep. Brian Jack (R-GA) highlighted how “Georgia is leading the way against Hinduphobia,” referencing the state’s pioneering recognition of anti-Hindu hate. He also emphasized the importance of sustained civic engagement: “Your annual CoHNA Advocacy Day matters enormously.”

Closing the day on a note of optimism, Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) praised Hindu Americans for their many successes and contributions. He said Hindu Americans were “hardworking, intelligent, family-oriented, robust—that’s the American Dream.”