US lawmaker launches caucus to protect interests of Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs | World News

Washington, Sep 30 (PTI) Over two dozen US lawmakers have joined the bipartisan Congressional Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain American Caucus, its founder and Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar has stated.

Thanedar on Friday formally launched within the US Congress the caucus that goals to fight spiritual discrimination and promote spiritual freedom for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains.

A congressional caucus is a bunch of members of the United States Congress that meet to pursue frequent legislative aims.

“We are not merely congregating to initiate another caucus; we’re assembling to pioneer a movement—one that strives for understanding, inclusion, and affirmative policy actions,” Thanedar informed reporters at a information convention right here.

“A movement that says every faith, every culture, and every community has a place in America— the land of the free and the home of the brave. My name is Shri Thanedar. I am proof of America’s diversity in Congress,” he stated.

He was flanked by a bunch of eminent Indian Americans who had gathered on the steps of the US Capitol from throughout the nation.

“Today is important for quite a few causes. To many of you, the launch of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain (HBSJ) American Congressional Caucus might seem to be a proper process, however let me guarantee you, it’s so rather more,” he stated.

It is a press release of dedication. A dedication to stand towards spiritual discrimination, to propel the wheels of inclusion, and to domesticate a nation the place variety is not only tolerated however celebrated, Thanedar stated.

“This caucus will create a platform to have the discourse, have interaction in motion, dispel the misinformation and disinformation of our tradition and society, to specific spiritual freedom, protect our existence, and converse the reality about who we’re by pushing again on hate and bigotry,” he stated.

Thanedar famous that as many as 27 Congressmen from each the Republican and the Democratic events have joined the most recent caucuses of the US Congress.

“To illustrate the urgent need for this caucus, it’s important to put some numbers into context. We are not talking about abstract communities or conceptual problems. These are real issues affecting real people—our friends, our neighbours, and our constituents,” he stated.

Approximately 3 million Hindus, 1.2 million Buddhists, 500,000 Sikhs, and 200,000 Jains enrich our nation’s cultural and religious life, he stated.

About 1,000 Hindu temples, 1,000 Buddhist temples, 800 Sikh gurdwaras, and 100 Jain temples are unfold throughout America, performing as facilities for neighborhood improvement, philanthropy, and religious well-being, Thanedar stated.

“So, when we speak about these communities, we are speaking about a substantial portion of our nation’s populace—a segment that contributes significantly to the American fabric yet often remains underrepresented or misunderstood,” he stated.

Thanedar stated HBSJ American Congressional Caucus goals to fulfill 4 elementary aims; combating spiritual discrimination, correct illustration and inclusion, addressing cultural misunderstandings and empowerment and well-being.

Romesh Japra, founder and chairman of Americans for Hindus described it as a momentous event.

There was an extended felt want of the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains within the nation. The new caucus would assist in elevating the causes and defending the interests of these minority communities within the US, Japra stated.