Author:
Publication: Indian Muslim Council-USA
Date: April 28, 2003
URL: http://www.imc-usa.org/cgi-bin/PressRelease.cfm?PRID=F
The Indian Muslim Council-USA held
a briefing on Sunday, April 27 at the Council of American Islamic Relations
(CAIR) Leadership Conference on Hindutva in America.
The purpose of the forum was to
educate executive CAIR staff members, guests, and policy makers about the
rise of the Hindutva in America and its long term detrimental implications,
both for the US and India.
The event was attended by over 60
people and was moderated by Jason Erb, Director of Government Affairs for
CAIR. Zahir Janmohamed, Outreach Director for the Indian Muslim Council-USA,
spoke about IMC-USA's efforts over the past eight months in engaging policy
discussion on India.
Janmohamed began his speech by emphasizing
that Hindutva is not Hinduism. He said, "Hindutva is a political perversion
that has distorted the tolerant ethos of Hinduism. It is imperative that
we do not confuse the two terms. If we begin generalizing, then we fall
into the same cycle of intolerance that has engulfed the Sangh Parivar."
Janmohamed also cautioned about
the rise of the political influence of the Hindutva groups. He noted, "As
America pushes for democracy throughout the world, we should be concerned
that Hindutva groups here are advocating that America turn a blind eye
as India's slips away from its democratic and pluralistic roots."
He commended and thanked CAIR for
their support of IMC-USA and urged CAIR chapters to continue raising awareness
about the rise of Hindutva and its possible threat the cherished American
values of tolerance and democracy.
CONTACT: Zahir Janmohamed
Indian Muslim Council-USA
(202) 368-8914
info@imc-usa.org
