News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know CoHNA Hosts 4th Annual Hindu Day Of Advocacy At U.S. Capitol, Highlights Rising Hindu American Voice T he Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) held its 4th An- nual Hindu Day of Advocacy on July 22, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol, bringing together lawmakers, com- munity leaders, and advocates to highlight growing Hindu American visibility and concerns. The event served as a platform to “showcase and advocate Hindu pride” and raise awareness on issues impacting Hindus globally. “This year, our presence fills us with hope and strengthens the voice of Hindu American community,” said General Secretary of CoHNA, Shobha Swamy. She emphasized the momentum the organiza- tion is building year after year. Swamy also called for a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack, as well as Hindus persecuted in Bangladesh and elsewhere. In his remarks, President of CoHNA, Nikunj Trivedi, reflected on the organiza- tion’s journey since its founding in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is indeed a proud moment,” he told the gathering noting the upcoming five-year anniversary celebration. CoHNA will host a grand gala in New Jersey on September 20 to mark the milestone and outline future plans, he said. Trivedi also highlighted the historical contributions of Hindus in the United States, dating back to the 19th century, long before the tech industry boom. “Like many other communities…we did our work that we continue to do, and we have risen up in the in the echelons of the soci- ety very rapidly.” He emphasized the importance of advocacy, calling CoHNA’s grassroots mobilization its “biggest achievement” to date. Among the accomplishments he cited was CoHNA’s successful effort to help pass the first-ever County Resolution in Georgia condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu hate in March 2023. Several members of Congress partici- pated in the event, voicing support for the community and shared values. Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick of (GA-7) spoke about the strong relation- ship between former President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Naren- dra Modi, praising the U.S.-India partner- ship. “We build an economy based on a simi- lar constitution. We’re doing this together, and that’s why I’m here. Because I am your friend. I am your family, and together we will triumph,” he said. Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) underscored the vital contributions of immigrants to the United States. “America cannot be great without the immigrant population,” he stated. Addressing the rise in hate crimes against immigrant communities, he noted his efforts to introduce legislation aimed at protecting them. He also reiterated his call for the Biden administration to impose sanctions on Bangladesh in light of ongoing human rights violations. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) encouraged young attendees to be proud of their identity. “There is no need to apologize for being Hindu,” he said. “I always tell my non-Hindu friends in the U.S. that you don’t know much about Hinduism, but you’re probably already practicing it,” he said citing yoga, medita- tion, mindfulness, and ancient scriptures. Pointing to human rights issues all across the world, he said “We certainly want to make sure that we are champion- ing Hindus here and abroad and their rights.” -(Used under special arrangement with SAH) PHOTO:T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman,SAH CoHNA members and guests pose for group a picture with Congressman Shri Thanedar during the 4th Annual Hindu Day of Advocacy on July 22, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington DC. By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald Community News India Times (July 26, 2025 - August 1, 2025) August 1, 2025 7 NYC Mayor Eric Adams Will Visit Hindu Temples A s NewYork City’s race to elect the next Mayor intensifies, current Mayor in Office, Eric Adams, is continuing with his regular visits and meetings with the Indian community. Adams will visit the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Flushing on Sunday, July 27, during the regular Satsang Sabha in the evening. The Swaminarayan Temple holds Hindola event for the whole month of Shravan. The Satsang Sabha generally has inspirational talk by Swamis and other cultural programs presented by children and young adults, followed by a dinner. The weekly Satsang has been reportedly drawing between 2,000 and 3,000 devotees. The same evening, Adams will also visit the Hindola Utsav at the Vaishnav Shreenathji Temple of NewYork, and will stay for the ren- dering of Haveli Sangeet and other prayers. His scheduled visits to the Hindu Bengali Temple in Elmhurst and the Nepali Temple in Queens are not yet confirmed. The month of Shravan is considered auspi- cious for Hindus and Gujarati temples are decorated for Hindola and for special Shiva puja. Adams has been visiting Hindu temples during his cur- rent term participating in special events including Diwali, Hindu NewYear and the flag hoisting ceremony on India’s Independence Day. In August 2022, Adams had been part of the rally against vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi ‘s statue outside the Hindu temple in South Richmond Hill. The statue, located in front of Shri Tulsi Mandir on 111th Street in Richmond Hill, was spray painted and sledgehammered. Later, in January 2024, he joined Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar in unveiling a new statue at the same location. “Today, we stood with the community to say in one voice: Hate has no place in our city,” Adams had said at the unveiling which was also attended by Assembly Member DavidWeprin, Council Member Lynn Schulman, and Pandit LakhramMaharaj, founder of Shri Tulsi Mandir. Adams has not only supported Rajkumar in pushing for official Diwali holiday in NewYork public schools, but also participated in Diwali celebrations with various organizations and temples, hosting a special Diwali reception in 2024 where he announced it as an annual event. “You are continuing to see your political strength. You are continuing to see what you are capable of doing. This is one of the most well- educated communities and business leaders. What you did during COVID with your doctors and medical professionals like other immigrant groups, you kept this city going.” In April 2024, Adams visited various faith based organizations of NewYork City and met with their leaders at churches, temples, syna- gogues and mosques. Adams was sworn into office in 2022 and is currently running for reelection as an independent candidate for Mayor of NYC. By Archana Adalja H indorla Utsav Vaishnav Temple of NY July 27 th Sunday 6:00 PM Gujarati Samaj of NY Cordially invite you to join bhajan Sandhiya at Vaishnav temple during Hindola Guest of Honor Mayor Eric Adam 7:00 PM Anil shah - Chairman VTNY Harshad Patel - Pakaji - President GSNY Kumarbhai Mathuria - President VTNY Tea and snack will be serve Committee Members - VTNY - GSNY Invitation 100 lakeville Road New Hyde park 11040 venue