Washington: On Wednesday, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar condemned recent attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, saying such incidents should not be tolerated. “We should not tolerate any type of phobia, including Hinduphobia. Religions are based on love, helping one another, and doing good for others. And I strongly condemn the attacks on Hindu temples; we must not tolerate them. I am a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and I am discussing with my colleagues how religious organizations can improve their performance. Provide them with the funds and resources they require to protect religious organisations and combat any form of Hindu phobia or hatred that we witness,” Thanedar stated.
Thanedar spoke with ANI at the ‘Ramayana across Asia and Beyond’ event on US Capitol Hill in Washington DC, and he also commented on the opening of Ram Mandir on January 22, calling it ‘historic’. He also stated that the construction of the temple is a proud moment for every Indian. “I believe it has significant implications. It is historic, and every Indian should be proud to see that temple built. I’ve seen pictures of it, and they’re amazing. We bring people together through the epic Ramayana. This is a cultural bond that we share with like-minded people, and we can see that Ramayana is now celebrated in 15 different countries across Asia-Pacific. It is practiced, and the Ramayana brings.
Tanee Sangrat, Thailand’s ambassador to the United States, stated that the opening of Ram Mandir is a ‘delight’ for people from many countries, and celebrations are already underway as the event approaches. “It is the delight of people not only in Thailand but with many countries across Southeast Asia and across Asia Pacific that our common culture is being celebrated and the coming home of the Rama,” the Thai ambassador said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to come and share our culture through the Ramayana, which is a great story that we share in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also an excellent opportunity for us to discuss the story of good and evil with the diplomatic core, community members, congressmen, and staff,” he added.
HinduACTion’s landmark event, ‘Ramayana Across Asia and Beyond,’ on Capitol Hill on Wednesday brought together a unique group of distinguished diplomats and US lawmakers, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary geopolitics. The event was attended by Thai Ambassador Tanee Sangrat and India’s Ambassador to the United States, as well as US Congressmen Jim Baird (R-IN), Max Miller (R-OH), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI). Key embassy staff from Bangladesh and Guyana, as well as representatives from Congressman Gerry Connolly’s (D-VA) and Sarah Jacobs’ (D-CA) offices, were also in attendance.
The conference’s main message was the integration of Ramayana teachings into modern governance. The distinguished members praised HinduACTion for foresight in highlighting the need for a better understanding of the Indo-Pacific region’s civilizational characteristics and values. This insight will help American policymakers develop nuanced relationships with the region’s 16 nations.
Think tank members from Sri Lanka also shared their perspectives on the importance of strengthened Indian cooperation in the Indian Ocean, which is based on shared historical values and ideals. In a moving speech, the Thai Ambassador discussed the Ramayana’s eternal influence on Thai society and its philosophical significance. Similarly, the Indian Ambassador emphasised the Ramayana’s role in fostering morally sound geopolitical practices.
A cultural dance performance of the Ramayana beautifully complemented the backdrop of exhibition panels, illustrating how the epic is interpreted in various Indo-Pacific countries. Members of the Afghan Hazara community spoke about their experiences protecting Buddhist and Hindu monuments in Afghanistan from the Taliban, which was a significant highlight.
In a show of cultural appreciation, HinduACTion presented each dignitary with a Tibetan shawl, symbolizing the event’s spirit of unity and respect for diverse traditions. HinduACTion is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that works to empower American pluralism by combining STEM, meditation, and yoga with Hindu civilizational wisdom to promote inclusive policies, media accuracy, and community engagement.