WASHINGTON (Diya TV) – The Congressional Hindu Caucus, spearheaded by House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and Congressman Pete Sessions, marked its official launch during a festive Diwali celebration on Wednesday. Hosted by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) at The Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, 16 other members of the US Congress joined the festivities to mark the growing importance of Hindu Americans in politics.
The RHC says 150 members of the US House of Representatives have committed to being part of the Congressional Hindu Caucus. The caucus aims to actively engage in enacting legislation and passing resolutions crucial to the Hindu American community by fostering stronger ties between the two largest democracies in the world— the US and India.
Shalabh “Shalli” Kumar, RHC Chairman and Caucus Policy Advisor, declared “this will be one of the largest caucuses in the US Congress actively engaged in enacting legislation and passing resolutions important to the Hindu American community.”
The inauguration highlighted the significant contributions of the Hindu American community, with over six million members playing pivotal roles in various fields, from medicine to entrepreneurship. Kumar spotlighted their impressive educational achievements, with over 75% holding bachelor’s degrees and more than 55% attaining master’s degrees.
Moreover, Kumar emphasized the secular and tolerant nature of Hinduism, describing it as a way of life and culture rather than a religion. Kumar says the Hindu American community is committed to free enterprise, fiscal discipline, strong family values, and a firm foreign policy against radical forces was underscored as guiding principles.
The event also highlighted support of Hindus for Israel in the face of challenges from radical Islam, President Trump’s recognition of the Hindu community, and the announcement of the Hindu Genocide Museum construction initiative.
