By: Vandana Jhingan

On November 15, over 1,000 attendees, including Republican leaders and community figures, gathered at the Rana Reagan Community Center in Carol Stream, Illinois, to celebrate the historic victory of Trump 2.0. The event, co-hosted by Krishna Bansal and Vandana Jhingan of the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC), along with Haribhai Patel of Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago, paid tribute to the pivotal role Hindu Americans played in securing President Trump’s second-term victory, especially in key battleground states.

The celebration began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by speeches from influential leaders. Vandana Jhingan expressed her gratitude for the Hindu American community’s efforts in mobilizing voters, emphasizing how the victory would have a positive impact on the global Hindu community, particularly by ending atrocities in Bangladesh and strengthening ties between the U.S. and India. She highlighted how the victory signals a brighter future for both countries.

Krishna Bansal reflected on the Republican Hindu Coalition’s history, noting how Hindu Americans had become an increasingly influential community in U.S. politics. He pointed out that the community’s growing political power played a key role in shifting the national election results, especially in swing states. He also stressed that Hindu Americans are now among the most educated and successful groups in the country, contributing significantly to political campaigns at all levels. Bansal expressed hope that more Hindu Americans would be appointed to positions in President Trump’s Cabinet and pledged continued involvement in U.S. politics.

Kathy Salvi, Chairperson of the Illinois Republican Party, thanked the Hindu community for their unwavering support, acknowledging their growing political influence. She praised the successful organization of the event, underscoring the community’s ability to make a substantial impact in a short period of time. Senior Republican leader Jeanne Ives, who has attended similar events in the past, was overjoyed with the turnout and expressed optimism about continuing the momentum to win Illinois in future elections.

The guest of honor, Shalabh ‘Shalli’ Kumar, founder of the Republican Hindu Coalition, received a standing ovation as over 40 community leaders honored him for his leadership. Kumar reflected on his two-decade-long journey advocating for Hindu and Indian causes and credited his efforts, along with those of the community, for helping secure President Trump’s second-term victory. The event concluded with a joyful, nostalgic dance to the YMCA song, recreating the celebratory atmosphere of the Trump Victory Celebration at the West Palm Beach Convention Center.

Haribhai Patel also took a moment to recognize Shalabh Kumar’s leadership in bringing Hindu Americans to the forefront of American politics and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the celebration. The event underscored the community’s growing influence in shaping the nation’s political landscape and their dedication to continuing their efforts to “Make America Great Again.”