Lawmakers and Hindu American Leaders Feted at Reception on Capitol Hill

September 17, 2007

Author: Press Statement

Source: Hindu American Foundation

http://www.hafsite.org/media_press_release_dc2007.htm

United States lawmakers and influential Hindu Americans shared the dais at the annual Capitol Hill reception hosted in Washington, D.C. last week by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). For the fourth consecutive year, leaders of the foundation and nearly 150 supporters gathered under the rotunda of the United States Capitol building capping a day of face-to-face meetings on the Hill discussing issues of concern to Hindu Americans.

At the reception, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was honored with the Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism and addressed the attendees on his commitment to religious diversity and his deep appreciation for India and Hinduism's pluralistic traditions.

"It is an honor to be recognized alongside committed activists dedicated to promoting religious tolerance and human rights," said Sen. Brown in his address. "While religious liberty is a fundamental right in the U.S., Hindus in many countries face discrimination, forced conversions, and disenfranchisement. I will continue to work with the Hindu American Foundation on these vital issues." Also recognized with the Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism was Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), who was presented with the award in his Senate office. Both Senators spent a considerable amount of time at their offices speaking to the Foundation regarding human rights, as well as local issues concerning Hindu Americans.