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A letter by a reader, P. Thomas, was published in India Abroad, January 5th, 2007. The writer asserted that the newspaper was publishing a large number of positive articles and reports on Hindus and Hindu-American organizations, and that those reports did not inform readers about the nature and culture of Hindu-Americans, and the agendas of Hindu-American organizations. The writer targeted the Hindu American Foundation in particular. The letter, in poor taste, and lacking credibility was printed prominently in the letters to the editor page, accompanied by a cartoon complementing the letter. India Abroad, in its subsequent issues, printed letters challenging the claims and assertions of P. Thomas. In its issue of February 2, 2007, India Abroad published HAF's letter rebutting Thomas' claims. It is unfortunate that mainstream media countenances bigoted and hateful attacks on Hindus and Hindu-American organizations in general, and the HAF in particular. Free speech is a precious right that Americans are guaranteed; however, HAF believes that the misuse of free speech rights to spread hateful and bigoted messages should be condemned.
The following letters have been repoduced below:
HAF's Letter to the Editor (Published February 2, 2007)
The Hindu American Foundation's Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Mr. P. Thomas (India Abroad, January 5, 2007) falsely accuses the Hindu American Foundation of being a "front organization of the Parivar". By claiming that the Hindutva organizations in India advocate "violence against Muslims and Christians", and that the HAF is a front organization of the Parivar, he is accusing HAF of advocating violence against Muslims and Christians. It is regrettable that you are helping purvey such mischievous and ignorant lies.
The writer claims that "these are people with an anti-American ideology". The directors of the HAF are all second generation Indian-Americans who are both proud of their Hindu heritage and their American citizenship. HAF's reports on human rights have been endorsed both by Republican and Democratic representatives and academics in American universities, and has gained the
respect of federal organizations like the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. HAF's amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court in the Texas Ten Commandments case was in support of the stand of American organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and Texas citizens who were seeking clear separation of church and state as guaranteed in the American Constitution.
HAF's complaint about Governor Rick Perry's remarks just before the November 2006 elections was also neither unique nor petulant. The Governor's remarks were first reported and criticized by major Texas dailies, and HAF rightly complained about the narrow, dangerous and sectarian remarks of the Governor who, just before the elections, was trying to pander to right-wing Christian fundamentalists.
Hindus in Uganda (who had lived there for generations) and contributed to the economic and cultural growth of that country were driven out by one of the most vicious dictators of the twentieth century, Idi Amin. Hindus in Fiji, who have lived there for generations, led a government in 1987 which was immediately overthrown in a coup by Col. Rabuka. He later helped author a Constitution that debarred Hindus/Indo-Fijians from holding the office of Prime Minister. HAF, in its 2005 human rights report, has noted in detail the continuing discrimination and violence against Hindus in Fiji. To say, as the writer does, that Hindus "wherever they go they will not mingle with the local people (and) it created problems in Uganda and Fiji" is both despicable and irresponsible.
Finally, the writer says that "they (Hindus) frequently ask followers to emulate the Jews" and that "the Jews have tremendous influence in the U.S." Such anti-Semitic and anti-Hindu diatribes should not find a place in your esteemed weekly. Perpetuating stereotypes of Hindus, Hindu-Americans, and Hindu activists will surely make them targets of jingoists and religious supremacists.
Thank you.
Ishani Chowdhury
Executive Director
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