Some "Indian Americans" are changing their self-identification to "Hindu Americans," and they intend to introduce their rebranded group as a political force at a "summit" on Capitol Hill, the site of the US legislature, in late september to communicate with the elected officials there. The event, titled "Hindu American Summit for Political Engagement," would feature discussions about how to actively participate in the US political system by the leaders of the "spirited American Hindu community," according to a flier sent by the organisers that also doubles as an invitation.
However, the rebranding initiative actually reflects a rising discomfort among indian Americans about being associated with the policies and stances adopted by the indian government and about being perceived by Americans as speaking for them. Additionally, although still having religious ties to their nation of origin rather than political ones, they feel the need to declare their "Americanness" while doing so.
Representatives from the national, California, and texas units of "Americans 4 Hindus," the national, New York, and florida units of "Hindu American PAC," the Hindus of georgia PAC, Hindu PACT (World Hindu Council of America), the vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, and the "American Hindus Coalition" will attend the summit, which is being organised by the two openly Hindu organisations.
However, the rebranding initiative actually reflects a rising discomfort among indian Americans about being associated with the policies and stances adopted by the indian government and about being perceived by Americans as speaking for them. Additionally, although still having religious ties to their nation of origin rather than political ones, they feel the need to declare their "Americanness" while doing so.
Representatives from the national, California, and texas units of "Americans 4 Hindus," the national, New York, and florida units of "Hindu American PAC," the Hindus of georgia PAC, Hindu PACT (World Hindu Council of America), the vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, and the "American Hindus Coalition" will attend the summit, which is being organised by the two openly Hindu organisations.
