Concern over rising Hinduphobia in the US

The United States of America which portrays itself as the flag bearer of secularism and human rights often finds itself on the wrong side of history, given the misdeeds done by the successive governments there, in terms of both principles.

- SAURABH SHARMA

According to estimates, the United States is home to approximately five million people of Indian origin, with a significant portion identifying as Hindu. The rise of Hinduphobia in the U.S. is an alarming trend, but it rarely finds its appropriate space, whether in media or in the political circles.

Ahead of the presidential elections on November 5, Hindus for America First, a newly created grassroots organisation, has announced its support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for his 'Pro-India' policy but whether his victory will erase the Hinduphobia is a matter that only time will tell.

Several experts discuss how Hindu Americans often face harassment and prejudice in public life, including during political campaigns and even in the educational sphere. According to them, many Hindu American students feel socially isolated due to their religious identity, with significant numbers reporting negative experiences related to discussions about Hinduism in schools, and they highlight that this is largely due to the "bias against Hindus in educational institutions starting from schools".