Austin City Council commemorated Hindu Heritage Month in a special meeting, highlighting the significant contributions of the Hindu community to the city. Council member Mackenzie Kelly, representing District 6, expressed her pride in the diverse cultural landscape of Austin, particularly the vibrant Hindu American population. She noted the importance of October, which features major festivals such as Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, with the latter being celebrated on November 1st.

During the meeting, Kelly read a proclamation recognizing Hindu Heritage Month, emphasizing the community's contributions across various fields, including education, science, and the arts. The proclamation also acknowledged the challenges faced by Hindu Americans, including discrimination and hate crimes, calling for increased awareness and prevention efforts.

Prachi Behar, representing the Indian American Association of Austin and the Hindu American Foundation, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the community. She highlighted the historical presence of Hindus in the U.S. and their contributions to American culture, including yoga and meditation. Behar expressed gratitude for the city's support and encouraged unity among diverse communities to foster a pluralistic society.

The meeting concluded with a call for celebration and collaboration among all Americans, reinforcing the values of inclusion and acceptance within the city of Austin.