FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Juneau, Wisconsin, U.S., October 6, 2024. / REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

As a Hindu American, I’ve witnessed this country’s seismic shifts over recent years. Now, more than ever, it’s clear that the values we hold dear—freedom, opportunity, and respect for culture—are at a crossroads. In President Trump, we found a leader who understands these values and actively defends and promotes them. His presidency wasn’t just a period of economic growth but a time of real progress for our community, marked by a genuine commitment to cultural respect and religious freedom.

Economic Growth and Opportunity

President Trump’s tax cuts were a decisive catalyst for growth in industries where Hindu Americans thrive—healthcare, technology, and finance. These fields are essential to our community’s success, and under his leadership, jobs were created, and innovation flourished. Trump’s vision empowered entrepreneurs, leading to new achievements in venture capital, real estate, and tech startups. His policies didn’t just stimulate the economy; they allowed our community to thrive and expand in critical sectors.

Respect for Culture and Religious Freedom

President Trump’s connection with Hindu Americans transcends economics. He has consistently demonstrated a deep respect for our culture and values throughout his career. In 1976, he supported ISKCON’s Jagannath Rath Yatra Parade in New York City, a significant Hindu festival celebrating Lord Jagannath’s annual chariot journey, symbolizing the soul’s journey toward salvation. More recently, in 2022, Trump made a historic commitment to build a Hindu Holocaust Memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring the resilience and struggles of Hindus worldwide. These actions reflect his sincere understanding of our heritage and his willingness to protect religious freedom for all faiths.

Under his leadership, the U.S. government was among the first to spotlight the persecution of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Trump stood firm, while others remained silent, defending religious freedom globally.

Strong Foreign Policy and Dharmic Alliances

Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy strengthened ties with Dharmic nations like Bharat (India), Nepal, and Tibet, standing up to Chinese aggression. His signing of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Tibet’s spiritual leadership and religious freedom, reinforcing shared values of peace and non-violence.

Educational and Judicial Achievements

In education, President Trump’s Supreme Court appointments led to decisions that uphold merit-based admissions. In 2023, the court upheld merit in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, a victory for high-achieving students disadvantaged by race-based policies. This ruling was a win for those who believe in merit, hard work, and individual achievement—values central to our community.

The Harris Contrast

Kamala Harris, however, stands in stark contrast. Aligned with the woke agenda, Harris champions race-based admissions policies that undermine merit and skill. These policies penalize high-achieving students in the name of “equity,” which only diminishes individual accomplishment.

Her foreign policy positions are equally troubling. In 2019, Harris declared that, as Commander- in-Chief, she would “intervene” in the Kashmir conflict. Her deliberate use of the term Commander-in-Chief was not accidental. As a former attorney general and a highly educated lawyer, Harris knows the implications of invoking military authority. This reckless statement signaled a willingness to bypass diplomacy and involve U.S. forces in a foreign conflict. She has yet to rescind these dangerous remarks, which deeply unsettle those of us who value Ahimsa (non-violence) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

Under the Biden-Harris administration, Hinduphobia has surged, with attacks on temples and increasing hostility toward our community. Their foreign policy choices, including meddling in Bangladesh, have destabilized the Asian subcontinent, putting Hindus and other minorities at risk. Their stance on Ukraine has brought the world to the brink of another global conflict, while Trump’s approach prioritizes diplomacy and de-escalation—using force only as a last resort.

A Call to Action

As we face crucial decisions about our nation’s future, we need leaders who will uphold and unify our shared values. Now is the time to vote for President Trump and Senator JD Vance. This ticket is supported by an outstanding team of voices—Vivek Ramaswamy, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—all dedicated to advancing peace and economic prosperity.

Together, they are poised to shape America’s future for the better, rooted in the principles that align with Hindu American values. Let’s rally together and ensure that America’s brightest days are yet to come.

The author is the Founder and Chairman, Hindus for American First PAC

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)