Statement on the India Day Parade Float by the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

Chicago, IL – In response to recent concerns raised by the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) regarding a planned Ram Mandir float at New York City’s India Day Parade, we wish to address and counter these allegations from the perspective of the American Hindu community.

Honoring Diversity and Unity

The India Day Parade is a cherished celebration that honors India’s rich cultural heritage and the diverse contributions of its people, including the American Hindu community. This event showcases various aspects of Indian culture, history, and traditions, promoting tolerance, unity, and harmony among all communities.

Intent of the Parade

The IAMC has mischaracterized the float in question as “anti-Muslim.” We unequivocally condemn this assertion in the strongest terms. The float is intended to depict historical events and figures significant to Indian culture and history. It is neither designed nor intended to target or denigrate any religious group. The parade committee ensures that all representations are pluralistic, respectful, and inclusive, celebrating the mosaic of the Indian diaspora.

The Significance of Shree Ram

Shree Ram symbolizes righteousness, virtue, and devotion.  Shree Ram holds a revered place in the hearts of over a billion Hindus worldwide. Additionally, in dozens of countries, including Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia, Ramayana and Shree Ram are a source of moral and spiritual guidance.  Approved by the Supreme Court of India, the temple at Shree Ram’s birthplace in Ayodhya is a sacred site that has been central to Hindu faith and spirituality for thousands of years. Recognizing and celebrating such figures is integral to our cultural and religious expression.

Commitment to Pluralistic Values and Inclusivity

As American Hindus, we uphold the values of freedom of religion and inclusivity enshrined in the American Constitution. The India Day Parade is a testament to our commitment to these principles. However, gross misinterpretations can vitiate the spirit of unity that the parade seeks to foster.

Addressing Hinduphobia and Religious Freedom

The IAMC’s mischaracterization of the float as “anti-Muslim” is not only inaccurate but also perpetuates Hinduphobia. Such statements infringe upon our freedom of religion by misrepresenting our cultural expressions and heritage. Respecting and understanding the significance of religious symbols and narratives to all communities is essential.

Countering Disingenuous Innuendos

Innuendos linking the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) to various organizations and activities are disingenuous and meant to attack Hindus by proxy. We are an American organization and not an “offshoot” of any organization anywhere in the world.  Such attempts to malign the VHPA and, by extension, the broader Hindu community are devoid of any facts but are based on a divisive narrative that promotes hatred and disunity. We stand against these misleading accusations and affirm the VHPA’s positive contributions to promoting cultural and social harmony in over 50 years of our history.

Ajay Shah, President of the VHPA, stated,

“IAMC’s full-time job is to malign mainstream Hindus and their faith. Their problem is not with a single temple but all temples. IAMC’s issue is not with one deity; their problem is with the Hindu way of worship itself. They are not only against the tolerance that Hindu dharma offers, but also their problem is that the VHPA promotes the Hindu idea of spiritual freedom. Their invectives and diatribes have more to do with the fact that over 800 temples welcomed Ram Lalla murti across America. IAMC’s real issue is with the fact that after a thousand years of slavery, Hindus are finally free.

 We call upon Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams to recognize the Hindu hate and reject the calls to malign the Hindu faith and its practitioners who have enriched every aspect of the lives of residents of New York City, the State of New York, and indeed all of the USA. ”

Shyam Tiwari, VHPA National Spokesperson, said,

“It has become a routine for IAMC to plug in their Hinduphobic rant at every possible event that Hindu organizations/Temples and Hindus in general celebrate. It reminds Hindus of IAMC’s strong underpinnings on the past barbaric iconoclasm by Islamic invaders in Bharat (India), for they consistently tend to replicate the same behavior pattern in the form of intellectual iconoclasm instead.”

Encouraging Constructive Dialogue

We invite IAMC and other concerned parties to engage in constructive dialogue to address any misconceptions and work towards a common understanding. We aim to ensure that the India Day Parade remains a celebration of unity, peace, and mutual respect.

Fostering Civility, Harmony, and Understanding

We call upon all communities to join us in celebrating India’s independence and the values of tolerance, respect, and harmony intrinsic to Indian and American cultures. Let us work together to promote a narrative that strengthens our bonds and highlights the shared heritage that unites us.

About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA):