During a recent government meeting, representatives from the Hindu Soym Sevak Sangh (HSS) addressed the rising concerns of anti-Hindu sentiment and violence in the United States. Speaking on behalf of over 4 million American Hindus, the representative highlighted the significant contributions of Hindu traditions to American culture, including philosophy, natural medicine, and the arts.

The representative condemned the increasing incidents of anti-Hindu hate crimes, citing a 2019 study indicating that one in four American Hindu students reported being bullied due to their religious beliefs. A report from Rutgers University in July 2022 detailed how hate messages on social media have led to real-life threats against Hindus. Notably, two attacks in August 2022 involved vandalism at a Hindu temple in New York, where activists damaged a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

The representative also pointed to a troubling trend of attacks on Hindu places of worship, with six temples desecrated in California between December 2023 and January 2024. The situation for Hindus in Bangladesh was also raised, emphasizing the need for security for minority communities facing targeted violence.

In light of these issues, the HSS urged members of Congress to support House Resolution 1131, which aims to address these concerns and promote the safety and rights of Hindu and Christian communities in Bangladesh. The representative concluded by calling for unity in upholding the values of diversity and inclusion that strengthen the nation.