The“Hindu Dharma, Hindutva and Hindudvesha” conference series kicked off last weekend in coordination with and in celebration of Hindu Heritage Month. The virtual conference showcases the diversity of views within the Hindu world, feature friends of the Hindu community, and address a troubling trend of anti-Hindu sentiment (Hindudvesha or Hinduphobia) which has more recently plagued the Hindu diaspora in the United States, Canada and other parts of the world.

This conference is organized by American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) an initiative of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) and Dharma Civilization Foundation (DCF). The conference began on Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 11AM-1PM and will help attendees understand the true nature and meaning of Hindu Dharma and Hindutva. 

The second day of the conference took place on Sunday, October 17, between 11AM-1PM EST and will focus on Hindu dharma(religion and culture) and the Hindutva Movement and Christianity, Race and the Hindu World. The entire conference will take place on every consecutive Saturday and Sunday over the course of four weeks.

“Hindudvesha is a global phenomenon, stemming from a disdain for Hindu practices and traditions,” explained HinduPACT Executive Director Utsav Chakrabarti. “It is now becoming increasingly visible in the public square and in academia as Hindu communities around the world decolonize and express themselves. Our effort is to understand, analyze and counter it in an informed manner.”

In a joint statement, Kalyan Viswanathan, President of the Hindu University of America and VHPA Vice President Dr. Jai Bansal said: “Hindus are a deeply spiritual and peace-loving community. At one billion strong globally and roughly four million in the US, they represent a growing immigrant minority community in the United States. Historically, Hindus have never invaded, conquered, or enslaved others nor confiscated land or property. On the contrary, Hindus have repeatedly been victims of colonization and invasions. Perhaps their greatest characteristic is that they live and let live. At the core of Hindu dharma is a certain foundational embrace of plurality which honors diversity and fosters co-existence. Unfortunately, as they are being repeatedly and increasingly maligned in unprecedented ways, it is important that Hindus speak up to set the record straight to contest the lies and misinformation circulated by those seeking to undermine them.”

Convenor of AHAD and HinduPACT Ajay Shah said, “Hindu hate is either due to ignorance of Hindu dharma or hatred towards it.  Attacks on Hindutva, or essence of Hindu dharma is a new weapon of choice for those who are against the universal ideals of freedom and peace espoused by the Hindu dharma.  This conference is an opportunity for those who seek to learn about Hindu dharma and the drivers for Hindu hatred.”

To register for the conference, click here.

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