CHICAGO, IL(TIP): Over the two days leading up the launch of the World Hindu Congress (WHC) 2018 in Chicago, delegations from Organization for Minorities of India (OFMI) visited U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s (D-IL) district office in Schaumburg and his Capitol Hill office in Washington, D.C. to register protest against the congressman’s presence at the event.
“The World Hindu Congress is a point of concern for us as citizens, as voters, and also as advocates of those who are underrepresented because the World Hindu Congress, under the guise of a religious event, is actually a partisan political event,” remarked activist Jada Bernard in a September 6 meeting at the Schaumburg office.
In conversation with Staff Assistant Yasmeen Bankole, he said the WHC was organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and featured Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders as its keynote speakers. Describing how these groups fall under the umbrella term “Sangh Parivar,” he explained, “Sangh Parivar groups represent Hindutva, which is Hindu supremacy. That ideology is responsible for violence in the past, and because it’s responsible for violence in the past, any association with this group in the present could damage elections in the future. That’s pretty much our warning. Voters care about lives, even if the Sangh Parivar groups don’t.”
On the previous day, Pawan Singh visited Krishnamoorthi’s D.C. office. In a meeting with Legislative Director Sam Morgante, he explained how the RSS engages in violence against minorities in India. Discussing the groups involved in the conference, Singh named Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), pointing out that the HSS is the international wing of the RSS.
“When Mr. Morgante asked me if the RSS in India is any different from the HSS, I told him no,” says Singh. “Everything falls under the RSS shell organization. I told him our concern is that events like this are trying to legitimize the genocides of minorities committed by the RSS. Our concern is that these terrorist groups should not be given a platform on American soil.” Speaking in Illinois, Bernard added, “We also want to make other congressional representatives aware of this, but we also want to kind of give a warning because, when congressional representatives show up at events like this, it associates them with the ideology.”
Both Bernard and Singh presented the offices they visited with an 18-page information packet. The executive summary of the packet states, “The organizers and many keynote speakers are part of a militant religious nationalist movement which, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, ‘holds non-Hindus as foreign to India.’ As per reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the U.S. State Department, these groups persecute India’s minorities (especially Muslims and Christians), sponsor pogroms, and are implicated in daily acts of violence against marginalized peoples who do not participate in their supremacist agenda.”
On Capitol Hill, Singh also visited the offices of Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA), Ami Bera (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Jeff Denham (R-CA), David Valado (R-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), and Tom McClintock (R-CA), and had a brief personal meeting with Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI).
Subsequently, on September 8th and 9th, protestors demonstrated outside the WHC for several hours each day. One protestor, a local Muslim man, commented on a placard which read, “VHP, RSS, BJP carried pogrom of Gujarat.” Describing how the Sangh Parivar groups perpetrated violence against Muslims, he said, “I would like the city of Lombard and our congressman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, to not share dais with these killers and hate-mongers.”
Adding that he had previously voted for the congressman, he said, “I was very much impressed when he came out at O’Hare to talk about anti-immigration when Trump administration banned visas for six Muslim nations. I like the speech which Raja Krishnamoorthi gave at O’Hare. I’m a big supporter of his speech.” In conclusion, he suggested that “I would, definitely” continue supporting the congressman if he had withdrawn from the WHC, as did Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who called it a “partisan Indian political event.”
Organization for Minorities of India was founded in 2006 to advance individual liberties of Christians, Buddhists, Dalits, Muslims, Sikhs, and all Mulnivasi people of South Asia by encouraging secularism, progressive human rights, liberation of oppressed peoples, and universal human dignity. Visit OFMI.org for more information.
(Based on a Press Release issued by OFMI)
Aavant produces the best photography, event and theatre backdrops in the world and works for almost all the biggest players in the world. Being in backdrops industry for last two decades it is the largest player in the world, providing highest quality backdrops to every buyer from USA to Australia.
Aavant produces the best photography, event and theatre backdrops in the world and works for almost all the biggest players in the world. Being in backdrops industry for last two decades it is the largest player in the world, providing highest quality backdrops to every buyer from USA to Australia.
Very interesting details you have noted, appreciate it for posting. “I’ve made a couple of mistakes I’d like to do over.” by Jerry Coleman.
Unquestionably imagine that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest factor to keep in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get irked at the same time as other people consider issues that they just don’t understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing with no need side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks
Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great layout.
I am curious to find out what blog system you happen to be using? I’m having some minor security problems with my latest website and I’d like to find something more secure. Do you have any recommendations?
It’s the best time to make some plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this publish and if I may I desire to counsel you some fascinating things or tips. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles regarding this article. I want to learn even more things about it!
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
I was reading some of your articles on this website and I think this site is very informative! Keep on posting.
I conceive this web site contains some very wonderful information for everyone. “The best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.” by Aristotle.
Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include approximately all significant infos. I’d like to look extra posts like this.
Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Hi my family member! I wish to say that this post is amazing, great written and come with approximately all vital infos. I’d like to see more posts like this .
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. Nevertheless think about if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could definitely be one of the best in its niche. Superb blog!
Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last several posts have been kinda boringK I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Great work! That is the kind of information that should be shared across the net. Shame on Google for now not positioning this submit higher! Come on over and seek advice from my web site . Thank you =)
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic info being shared freely out there.
Lovely website! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also.
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.
I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you set to create the sort of wonderful informative web site.
I am glad to be a visitor of this double dyed website! , thankyou for this rare information! .
But wanna remark on few general things, The website design is perfect, the content material is rattling fantastic. “Some for renown, on scraps of learning dote, And think they grow immortal as they quote.” by Edward Young.
Hi! I’ve been following your website for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!
Great awesome things here. I’m very satisfied to see your article. Thanks so much and i am looking ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
I’d must verify with you here. Which isn’t one thing I usually do! I enjoy studying a submit that will make individuals think. Also, thanks for allowing me to remark!
Thank you for some other informative site. Where else may just I am getting that type of info written in such a perfect manner? I’ve a mission that I am simply now operating on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info.
Hello there, just became alert to your weblog thru Google, and located that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate should you proceed this in future. Lots of people might be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent, let alone the content!
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a perfect site.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
I wish to point out my affection for your generosity giving support to individuals who really want help with this topic. Your very own commitment to getting the message up and down had become unbelievably helpful and has in most cases enabled some individuals just like me to attain their pursuits. Your useful guideline signifies a lot to me and further more to my colleagues. Thank you; from all of us.
I like this blog very much, Its a real nice position to read and get info .
You need to take part in a contest for among the best blogs on the web. I will advocate this website!
You have brought up a very great details, thankyou for the post.
I was examining some of your content on this website and I believe this website is very informative! Keep on putting up.
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! “All the really good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.” by Grant Wood.
Loving the info on this web site, you have done great job on the articles.
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
Great goods from you, man. I have take into accout your stuff prior to and you are simply extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have bought here, really like what you’re saying and the best way in which you are saying it. You’re making it entertaining and you continue to care for to stay it wise. I can not wait to learn much more from you. That is actually a great site.
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright transparent idea
I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am happy to express that I’ve an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most undoubtedly will make sure to don’t omit this website and provides it a glance regularly.
Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch as I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My blog discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!
I am glad to be one of many visitants on this outstanding internet site (:, thankyou for putting up.