New Jersey's inaugural Hindu Advocacy Day garners bipartisan support

CoHNA's event placed additional emphasis on the escalating issue of anti-Hindu hate and Hinduphobia.

Politicians gathered at the event organized by CoHNA. / Courtesy Photo

More than 15 State Senators and Assembly Members, both Democrats and Republicans, attended the first-ever Hindu Advocacy Day in New Jersey, hosted by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) on May.21.

New Jersey, home to one of the largest Hindu communities in the US, hosted this bipartisan event to highlight the community's numerous contributions across various sectors. Lawmakers, who attended the event, pledged support for the Hindu Heritage Month resolution for New Jersey, which has passed the Assembly and is now moving to the Senate.

Following the introduction of resolution SCR 104, the resolution condemning Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and intolerance, CoHNA's Hindu Advocacy Day placed additional emphasis on the escalating issue of anti-Hindu hate.

Indian-American Senator Vin Gopal, the primary sponsor of the bill, participated in the Hindu Advocacy Day event and reflected on taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita during his swearing-in ceremony, emphasizing the importance of not tolerating hate in any form. He expressed gratitude to CoHNA for collaborating with his office on the resolution and invited attendees to the Senate voting session for recognition.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to the Hindu community for the significant scale, depth, and impact of their contributions to their districts, New Jersey, and the US as a whole.

FBI data and research from universities such as Rutgers have documented the increasing hate directed toward Hindus in America. The surge in attacks on individuals and Hindu temples from New York to California has brought this issue to the forefront in a deeply visceral manner, causing trauma within the community and hindering some individuals' ability to freely practice their faith.

Upendra Chivukula, the first Hindu Assembly member ever elected in New Jersey, offered insights from his decades of experience on the importance of representation and the significant progress the community has achieved.

"If we don't ask, others will ask for us. Whoever gets to the lawmakers first will get their attention first," he said, thanking CoHNA for organizing the event and bringing the community to Trenton to meet public officials.

CoHNA is a grassroots advocacy and civil rights organization committed to enhancing the understanding of Hinduism in North America. They focus on addressing issues concerning the Hindu community and educating the public about Hindu heritage and traditions.