Uniting Hindus in Minnesota
The Hindu community in Minnesota is steadily growing, alongside its opportunities, challenges, and responsibility to uphold and promote Dharma. What began as an informal conversation between this author and a CoHNA official, fueled by shared purpose and the tireless efforts of volunteers, has now culminated in a milestone moment: the formal launch of the Minnesota Chapter of CoHNA, titled “Strengthening Unity to Preserve Dharma.”
This marks an organizational launch and the awakening of a deeper identity—a new chapter for the ‘Hinduspora’. This phrase is not often used, but it represents a global community of Hindus living outside their ancestral homelands who remain rooted in the spiritual and civilizational ethos of Sanatan Dharma. From temples to town halls, professionals to entrepreneurs, Hinduspora shapes the societies in which they live while staying anchored in their heritage.
On May 10, around 100 Minnesota Hindus gathered in unity and purpose, taking the first step toward building a collective, strategic, and shared vision under the MN-CoHNA banner. A unified Hindu voice is more necessary than ever. Hinduspora must not remain easy targets for hate, ridicule, erasure, or neglect—especially by those who weaponize vague constructs like “South Asia” to dilute Indian and Hindu identity. This language, even adopted by local groups, often conceals agendas that undermine both India’s legitimacy and Hindu civilization’s unique contributions, all under the guise of inclusivity.
Let’s be honest: some organizations broaden their scope to include “South Asians” for visibility or funding, but in the process, they often sideline Hindu identity. Strategic ambiguity must be met with strategic clarity.
Even before its official debut, MN-CoHNA organized a vigil for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and led community discussions about protecting Hindu temples from hate speech and threats. The May 10 launch was historic, with a virtual address by CoHNA President Nikunj Trivedi and the in-person attendance of General Secretary Shobha Swamy. Alongside Chapter Director Neha Markanda, they emphasized CoHNA’s four pillars: public policy, education, civil rights, and youth engagement. Community leaders, law enforcement, Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Jewish Rabbi, and youth speakers added weight and momentum to the occasion.
Most significantly, Minnesota Hindus now have a dedicated platform—rooted locally and resonating nationally—to protect, preserve, and promote Dharma. As Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is local.” MN-CoHNA will allow the community to confront challenges head-on, while amplifying its voice and values on a broader stage. It can now be a GO-TO source for Hindu advocacy and countering anti-Hindu narratives.
Why was this chapter necessary?
Years ago, the Saint Paul City Council passed a resolution denouncing India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), falsely branding it as anti-Muslim. The motion, driven by the local CAIR chapter, was met with muted voices from the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) and the Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN), citing “South Asian” neutrality or their apolitical charters as nonprofits. But when Hindu dignity is publicly questioned, silence becomes complicity.
That silence is beginning to break. Just a couple of days ago, amid India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack, IAM posted a controversial statement on Facebook. Although the Facebook page is now removed, the text and summary of comments can be seen here. Following dozens of community responses—and perhaps nudged by MN-CoHNA’s emergence—IAM later affirmed in another Facebook post, “We stand firmly with India.” That shift amply justifies that Hindu unity is already working.
This moment is about more than policy. It’s about reclaiming narratives around Hinduism, Hindutva, and Hinduphobia—terms increasingly misused in academic and political spaces. MN-CoHNA is poised to join the broader Hinduspora in challenging these distortions, both locally and globally.
A call to action
May 10 marks more than an event—it marks a turning point. Minnesota Hindus have begun the vital work of organizing, advocating, and building. The MN-CoHNA chapter is now a living platform for proud Hindus to think globally and act locally. Its future should focus on uniting diverse Hindu voices, empowering the community to stand up and speak out.
Like the legislative resolution on Hinduphobia passed in Atlanta, MN-CoHNA can begin engaging and educating local political leaders toward a similar outcome in Minnesota. Above all, its shared agenda must address the gaps that have long existed—lack of organization, a unified voice, and effective advocacy.
Let this be the dawn of an unapologetic, informed, and values-driven Hinduspora—grounded in Dharma, guided by truth, and unafraid to stand for justice.
Jai Shri Ram. Jai Hind.
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
3. The reflections in this article are those of the author and not of CoHNA-MN, although he is part of the local team.
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Formerly, a researcher in Italy, Japan, and France, he has widely travelled and came to the US in 1978. He was a faculty and academic administrator in several different universities in PA, TX, NJ, MN, WI, and NY, and an Executive Fellow in the White House S&T Policy during the Clinton administration.
