The US state of Georgia has officially declared October as Hindu Heritage Month to honor the contributions of the vibrant Hindu-American community in the state. Governor Brian Kemp issued a proclamation recognizing the cultural traditions and diverse spiritual roots of Hinduism in India. The proclamation stated that the Hindu heritage would be celebrated by focusing on its rich culture and the various spiritual traditions rooted in India.
The proclamation, dated August 23, stated, ‘The vibrant Hindu American community has contributed tremendously to the vitality of the State of Georgia by enriching the lives of its citizens.’ This move was met with appreciation and gratitude by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a Hindu advocacy group in the US. CoHNA thanked Governor Kemp for recognizing the Hindu community’s significant contributions in diverse sectors.
CoHNA also expressed gratitude to the Hindus of Georgia Political Action Committee (PAC) for their dedication in making this proclamation possible. The Hindu group further acknowledged that Hinduism has greatly contributed to the cultural milieu of America.
Earlier this year, the Georgia Assembly passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia, making it the first American state to take such a legislative measure. The resolution highlighted the contributions of the Hindu community in enriching American society through various aspects such as Yoga, ayurveda, meditation, food, music, and arts.
While CoHNA appreciated the recognition by Georgia, it expressed dissatisfaction with the recently passed anti-caste discrimination bill in the California State Assembly. They stated, ‘It is gratifying to see Georgia recognize the contribution of Hindu-Americans and Hinduism at the same time that California is targeting us with #SB403.’ The bill in question aims to combat caste discrimination and strengthen protections for marginalized communities in California.
Hindu Heritage Month (HHM) is a global movement that highlights Hinduism as a tradition and its contributions to human society. The month of October is significant as it marks the birth month of Mahatma Gandhi and is when major Hindu holidays like Navaratri and Diwali are celebrated. It is important to note that Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, with approximately one billion devotees globally and around three million residing in the United States.
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