More than one hundred years back, Swami Vivekanand introduced Hindu, Hinduism and Hindustan to Americans. Americans, when addressed as “Sisters and Brothers of America” by Swami Vivekanand in 1893, tasted the unique inclusiveness of Hinduism.

In 2021, When Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, met POTUS, Joe Biden, he spelled 5Ts of US- India ties in the years ahead. The five T’s included Tradition, Talent, Technology, Trade, Trusteeship. That is and that has been Hindu, Hinduism and Hindustan (aka India, Bharat), steeped in tradition but in the forefront of change.

Indeed, Hindus through the eyes of Americans have been seen exactly the same way. The proof lies in the superlative language used in the declaration of more than one State of the United States of America, October as the Hindu Heritage Month.

Please sample (as of the day of publication):

Excerpts from the State of Florida Declaration:

“Whereas Hindu Americans have made significant contributions across all fields, including Science, education, medicine, law, Politics, business, culture, sports, and more”

“Whereas Hindu heritage, culture, traditions, and values have enriched our great State”

Excerpts from the State of Texas Declaration:

“Hinduism has contributed greatly to our State and Nation through its unique history and heritage”

Excerpts from the State of Ohio Declaration:

“Whereas, during the month of October, the culture, history, traditions, achievements and contributions of Hindus are recognized and celebrated throughout the United States, and Whereas American Hindus have made numerous positive contributions in all aspects of society, from Science to business to politics to spirituality”

Excerpts from the State of Massachusetts Declaration:

“Whereas Hindus Represent one of the newest and the fastest growing immigrant communities in the United States, backed by a rock-solid family structure and love for education, they are fully integrated into every aspect of their adopted society, and”

“Whereas the Hindu heritage, culture, traditions,  and values provide invaluable solutions to  many of life’s problems and often serve as a source of inspiration , reflection and contemplation for the millions of individuals who look to the teachings of  Hinduism for guidance.”

Excerpts from the State of New Jersey Declaration:

“The Leaders and members of the Hindu community throughout this State are especially commended for their active participation in our cultural, political, economic and social life, as well as making profound  and noteworthy contributions to our ongoing prosperity.”

Excerpts from the State of Georgia Proclamation:

“Whereas the Hindu heritage, culture, traditions,  and values provide invaluable solutions to  many of life’s problems and often serve as a source of inspiration , reflection and contemplation for the millions of individuals who look to the teachings of  Hinduism for guidance.”

“The vibrant Hindu American Community has contributed tremendously to the vitality of the State of Georgia by enriching the lives of its citizens.”

Excerpts from the State of Nevada Recognition

In recognition of the Hindu Americans that have made and continue to make significant contributions in all aspects of society, including science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture, sports, and more. As Governor of the Great State of Nevada, thank you for continuing to share your rich traditions, cultural perspectives, and captivating history within our Silver State.”

Excerpts from the State of North Carolina Proclamation:

“Whereas the Hindu heritage, culture, traditions,  and values provide invaluable solutions to  many of life’s problems and often serve as a source of inspiration , reflection and contemplation for the millions of individuals who look to the teachings of  Hinduism for guidance.”

“Whereas , our vibrant Hindu American community has contributed tremendously to the State of North Carolina by enriching the lives of its citizens;”

Excerpts from the State of Pennsylvania Proclamation:

“Whereas, the Hind- American community constitutes a vital dimension of the commonwealth’s diverse ethnic and social fabrics whose languages, cultures and religious beliefs have enriched communities in all parts of the State; and Whereas, through Hindu- Americans’ love of family, community, and hard work, they have helped to hold the founding principles of our commonwealth for generations. Hindu- American entrepreneurs strengthen our economy and our communities through their dedication and ingenuity, inspiring the next generation of American innovation by example; and Whereas, Pennsylvania continues to address the needs and concerns of its citizens and remain committed to a proactive stance that seeks solutions to problems such as prejudice, discrimination, and violence.”

The State of California has been, year after year, declaring October as the month of Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month.

It is not the first time that Hindu heritage, culture, values and contributions have been recognized and celebrated. It has been going on for many year in USA and even across the borders.

Let me close with a quote from Dr. David Frawley:

Thank you Americans. God Bless America. God Bless Us All.

Note: The Head Photo is representative. (Courtesy: Mr. Mahesh Chamaria)

DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text.