House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, Congressman Pete Sessions along with 16 other House members make history with the launch of the Congressional Hindu Caucus

By: Vandana Jhingan

The Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) hosted the Congressional Hindu Caucus to celebrate its official inauguration and for a celebration of Diwali on November 15 at The Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. In front of over 600 Hindu American Leaders from across the United States, RHC Chairman and Caucus Policy Advisor Shalabh ‘Shalli’ Kumar served as host to caucus Co-Chairs Elise Stefanik and Pete Sessions, and 16 other members of congress.

For the first time ever, a large number of members of the US Congress will meet frequently to pursue legislative objectives important to Hindu and Indian Americans, US and India bilateral relations, and serve as a bridge between the Hindu-American community and US policymakers and leaders; serving as a major conduit between the largest democracy in the world and the oldest democracy in the world.

RHC Chairman Kumar emphatically stated during his speech, “This will be one of the largest caucuses in the US Congress that would be actively engaged in enacting legislation and passing resolutions important to the Hindu American community.”

Highlighting the enduring ties between the United States and India, the event underscored the multifaceted growth in political, economic, and cultural relations over nearly seven decades. The substantial contributions of over six million Hindu Americans and four and a half-million Indian-Americans in various fields have played a pivotal role in shaping the fabric of American society. Kumar illuminated the impressive educational and professional achievements of the Hindu American community, “More than 75% have a Bachelor’s degree, more than 55% have a Master’s degree, one out of eight medical professionals are Hindus, one out of ten has some kind of a business enterprise, and there is not a field of human endeavor where Hindus are near or at the top.” Kumar further underscored, “Lately more than 20% of all high-tech start-ups are owned by Hindu Americans and the list of Fortune 100 Hindu CEOs, CTOs, CFO’s is growing every day. The innovation and success of the recent landing by India on the south pole of the moon at one tenth the normal cost speaks volumes about Hindus and Sanatan Dharma.”

As the event concluded, the emphasis on the thriving spirit of innovation and success among Hindu Americans resonated. This community is represented at the highest level and now has a voice in American politics.