SAN JOSE, Calif. (Diya TV) — The Coalition of Hindus of North America, known as CoHNA, hosted a community safety event in San Jose aimed at helping Hindu residents understand how to report hate incidents and work with law enforcement agencies to improve public safety.
The event, called Suraksha, took place at the Shreemaya Krishnadham Temple. Officers from the San Jose Police Department and representatives from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office joined community members for discussions on hate crimes, victim support, and public safety.
The gathering came after four temple attacks in California raised concerns among Hindu communities across the state. Organizers said the event focused on education, awareness, and building trust between residents and law enforcement.
“This kind of engagement is critical,” said Manan Rawal, director of CoHNA’s Bay Area chapter. “Ensuring that our community understands how to report incidents, and that law enforcement understands Hindu community concerns, is an essential step toward building trust and improving safety outcomes.”
San Jose police officers Lt. Anthony Kilmer and Sgt. Kassey Padia led a session explaining how authorities define and investigate hate crimes and hate-related incidents. The officers said hate crimes involve criminal acts motivated by bias against religion, race, or identity. Hate incidents may not meet the legal definition of a crime, but police still document and track them.
Officials encouraged residents to report all incidents, even those they consider minor. They said reporting helps police identify patterns, allocate resources, and prevent future crimes. The officers also explained how community members can report incidents, when to contact emergency services, and how to document non-emergency situations.
Many attendees said the discussion helped them better understand the legal process and available resources.
Representatives from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office also addressed the audience. Chief Trial Deputy Daniel Okonkwo and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Adam Flores discussed how hate crime cases move through the justice system.
They explained the legal differences between hate crimes and hate incidents and described support services available to victims. Officials highlighted programs offered through the District Attorney’s Victim Services Unit and the California Victim Compensation Board. They said these programs help victims access counseling, financial assistance, and legal guidance.
The speakers also shared a message from Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, who has said that “hate has no home here.” According to prosecutors, hate crimes affect entire communities, not only individual victims. Officials said strong prosecution sends a message that bias-driven violence will not be tolerated.
Pushpita Prasad, CoHNA’s chief communications officer, spoke about growing concerns within the Hindu community. Her presentation focused on anti-Hindu hate online and in public spaces. She also discussed a recent assault involving a San Jose State University student and addressed misunderstandings surrounding the sacred swastika symbol in Hinduism.
Organizers said misinformation and a lack of awareness often create confusion about Hindu religious practices and symbols. They stressed the need for education to reduce prejudice and improve understanding. Community members at the event said direct interaction with police officers made them feel more comfortable approaching authorities.
“What stood out to me was the emphasis on reporting, even when incidents may seem minor,” said Nabeena, a San Jose resident who attended the session.
She said many immigrants hesitate to contact the police because they fear language barriers or misunderstand the legal system.
Police officials responded to those concerns during the event. They said translation services and multilingual officers are available to assist residents. Officials also said immigration status does not affect police response or access to help.
The San Jose meeting was part of CoHNA’s larger Suraksha initiative. The word “Suraksha” comes from Sanskrit and means protection.
The program aims to improve community safety through education and partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada.
CoHNA has organized similar events in cities including New York City, Edina, Minnesota, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. Organizers said they plan to continue expanding the initiative as concerns about hate crimes and community safety grow.
CoHNA officials also encouraged local Hindu organizations and temples to host future Suraksha events. The group said it provides resources, planning support, and guidance to help communities work effectively with law enforcement. Leaders at the event said continued dialogue between police departments and community groups can strengthen trust, improve reporting, and help prevent future acts of hate.
