To the Editor,

I write in strong agreement with Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria's recent article regarding Pieter Friedrich's treatment of Hindu Americans and Hindu organizations. I express my views as a proud Hindu American and support the work of genuine Hindu organizations and Hindu places of worship that seek to protect, preserve, and promote the values and traditions of Hinduism.

What concerns many like-minded individuals and me is not legitimate criticism or debate. We live in a democratic society in which scrutiny of organizations, political movements, and public figures is entirely appropriate. The concern is the repetitive tendency of portraying the Hindu community and religious identity, family networks, and cultural institutions as inherently suspicious.

Too often, Friedrich's work begins with association and ends with insinuation. Hindu camps, community organizations, religious leaders, elected officials, and private citizens are frequently linked together through networks of relationships rather than through evidence of wrongdoing. This approach creates stigma around Hindu identity itself and does not advance understanding.

Hinduism, which is often differentiated from Hindutva by self-described Hindu activists, is not merely a subject for academic or political interpretation. It is a living civilizational tradition practiced by more than a billion people worldwide. Those who seek to define Hinduism solely through the lens of "Hindu nationalism" often fail to understand the depth, diversity, and lived reality of Hindu life.

More troubling is the role played by some self-described Hindus and Hindu-sounding organizations that claim to promote human rights while lending credibility to narratives that portray Hindu organizations and Hindu Americans as uniquely suspect. Disagreement within the Hindu community is healthy and should be welcomed. However, disagreement should not become a vehicle for legitimizing broad-brush attacks against an entire faith community.

The question we should ask is simple: Are individuals and organizations being judged based on evidence, actions, and actual conduct, or are they being judged based on their associations, religious identity, and community ties?

No community should be subjected to guilt by association. I would reject such treatment if directed at Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, or any other religious group. Hindus deserve the same standard.

One example that illustrates my concern is Friedrich's presence in Minnesota during Hindu Advocacy Day activities and the debate surrounding a resolution addressing Hinduphobia, efforts in which I personally participated. He was publicly aligned in opposition to the Hinduphobia resolution supported by nearly 600 Hindu Americans in Minnesota. That is certainly his right. However, it raises legitimate questions about the extent to which he functions as an activist versus an independent journalist.

Readers deserve transparency regarding the organizations, networks, and funding sources that support repeated advocacy and/or lobbying efforts, as well as travel related to these campaigns. There is nothing improper about advocacy, but there should be clarity when advocacy and journalism intersect.

As Hindu Americans become increasingly engaged in public life, including civic institutions, education, and politics, debates about ideas and policies are likely to arise. Those debates should be welcomed. But, they must be grounded in facts, fairness, and intellectual honesty, not suspicion masquerading as journalism.

The Hindu community in America is diverse, confident, and increasingly willing to speak for itself. Voices such as that of Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria's are important because they challenge narratives that seek to reduce a vibrant and complex community to political caricatures. Hindu Americans should never be expected to remain silent when their faith, institutions, and community networks are subjected to standards that would be considered unacceptable if applied to any other religious group.

Sincerely,

Dr. Vijendra Agarwal

Co-founder and President, Vidya Gyan (EIN #47-2172026) and

Former Professor of Physics and Dean of the College