Georgia first US State to pass resolution against Hinduphobia

A resolution passed in the United States has condemned Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, while stating that Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions.

It said that Hinduism has over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, peace and mutual respect.

The resolution was introduced by Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones from Forsyth County in the suburbs of Atlanta, which is home to one of the largest Hindu and Indian-American diaspora community in Georgia.

The resolution said that the American-Hindu community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors such as science, engineering, medicine, information technology, hospitality, academia, finance, energy, manufacturing, retain trade among others.

The resolution took note of the community's contribution to Yoga, ayurveda, meditation, music, food, arts and said that it has enriched the cultural fabric and has been widely adopted in American society. It has enhanced the lives of millions, it also noted.

The resolution said that there has been documented instances of hate crimes against the Hindu-Americans over the last few decades. It said that Hinduphobia is exacerbated and institutionalised by some in academia who support the dismantling of Hinduism and accuse its sacred texts and cultural practices of violence and oppression.

This move was spearheaded by the Atlanta chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America. The first-ever Advocacy Day was held on March 22 at the Georgia State Capitol. It was attended by 25 lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats.

Rajeev Menon, vice presidency to the CoHNA said, "it was a true honor to work with Rep McDonald and Rep Jones as well as other lawmakers who guided us through the whole process of getting this County Resolution passed."

"We also heard that all the lawmakers had been working really long hours given the amount of legislative items on the agenda, but still decided to join us at the Advocacy Day to show how much they value the Hindu community," he also said.

"The issues faced by Hindu Americans in Georgia and the rest of the country via false, Hinduphobic narratives are negatively impacting a community that has been hardworking, law-abiding and enriching the fabric of America," Shobha Swamy, general secretary of CoHNA said.

"We urged for their help in combating such bigotry which advances hatred and creates the idea that Hindus and people of Indian-origin need special laws and monitoring due to allegations around some inherent propensity to discriminate," she also said.