"America The Land Of The Free And Home Of The Brave": Congressman Shri Thanedar Launches
Congressman Shri Thanedar launched US Congress, a caucus aiming to ward off religious discrimination and enhance religious freedom for Hindus, Budhists, Jains and Sikhs. The caucus was held on Friday, says a report.
“We are not merely congregating to initiate another caucus. We are assembling to pioneer a movement. One that strives for understanding, inclusion and affirmative policy action”, Mr. Thanedar said to reporters.
He added that America is the “land of free and home of brave”. He said US Congress is a movement that says “every community has a place in America”. He said, “A movement that says every faith, every culture and every community has a place in America – the land of the free and the home of the brave. My name is Shri Thanedar. I am proof of America”s diversity in Congress”.
He also said that it is not just a formal procedure but rather a statement of commitment. “Today is significant for many reasons. To many of you, the launch of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain American Congressional Caucus may seem like a formal procedure, but let me assure you it is so much more. It is a statement of commitment, a commitment to stand against the religious discrimination, to propel the wheels of inclusion and to cultivate a nation where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated”, said Mr. Thanedar.
Mr. Thanedar said that the HBSJ (Hindus, Buddhist, Sikhs and Jains) American Congressional Caucus is for accomplishing four fundamental objectives. That are, empowerment and well-being, combating religious discrimination, addressing cultural misunderstandings and accurate representation and inclusion. According to him 27 Congressmen from both Democratic and Republican parties have joined the US Congress.
Mr. Thanedar also added that, America have around 1000 Hindu temples, 1000 Buddhist temples, 100 Jain temples and 800 Sikh gurudwaras which act as a centre for community development, philanthropy and spiritual well being of the people. According to him, America is home to “3 million Hindus, 1.2 million Budhists, 500,000 Sikhs and 200,000 Jains”, says report.
With inputs from agencies.
