Modi Visits the U.S. | Calls to Action and Resources (June 2023)

Resources

On June 13, 2023, community advocates and organizations held a National Teach-In on Modi’s visit to the U.S. The panelists discussed anti-democracy efforts underway in India; discrimination and violence against minority communities including Muslims; human rights abuses; caste oppression; and other issues. More than a dozen U.S. based advocacy organizations sponsored the conversation and more than 175 people attended. If you weren’t able to attend, here is an article from Ethnic Media Services about the key points made.

Calls to action related to the Modi visit

Please consider taking two of the below action steps over the next two weeks. (Sources: Howdy Modi; Hindus for Human Rights).

Attend and support events protesting the visit and Hindutva ideology:

DC: Press Conference at The National Press Club, June 21 (press release)

NYC: City Winery, June 21 (buy tickets here)

DC: Rally at Black Lives Matter Plaza, June 22 (flier)

Learn about India’s human rights record and combat disinformation:

  • Watch the BBC documentary with family and friends
  • Read and share reports from governmental entities and human rights groups that document the targeting of minority groups (below)
  • Share your concerns via an op ed, letter to the editor, blog post, or social media, based on the following message: “We must oppose anti-democracy efforts and targeting of vulnerable groups everywhere, including in India.”
  • Join a letter (for individuals and organizations) from Hindus for Human Rights to President Biden.

Begin courageous conversations on Hindu supremacy/Hindutva ideology now and beyond:

  • Read primers to understand the spread of Hindutva ideology and caste oppression (see below)
  • Discuss ways to recognize and eliminate caste bias within our own communities, families, faith groups, and workplaces
  • Create local networks of concerned people and groups to combat Hindutva ideology
  • Ask your organization, workplace, and academic institution to include language against caste oppression in their policies

Ask elected officials to speak up during Modi’s visit:

  • Contact your Member of Congress: ask them to (1) join statements and letters that express concerns about India’s record, and (2) to not attend the joint address.
  • Contact the White House and ask POTUS to publicly raise concerns about India’s record during upcoming events with Modi.
  • Ask your local city council members to pass resolutions and legislation against caste bias; read about similar efforts in Seattle and California.

1. The caste system and caste discrimination in the U.S.

Introductory

Intermediate

2. The global Hindu supremacist movement

Introductory

Intermediate

3. The chilling of speech, press & forced internet shutdowns

Introductory

Intermediate

4. Human rights abuses in India

Introductory

Intermediate