Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar Announces Formation Of 'Hindu Caucus' In US Congress

Shri Thanedar, an Indian-American Congressman, has announced plans to form a 'Hindu Caucus' in the United States Congress.

This initiative aims to bring together like-minded members of Congress who share a common goal of protecting the Hindu community in the country from hate and bigotry.

The announcement was made by Thanedar, who represents the 13th District of Michigan, at the inaugural Hindu American Summit at the Capitol Visitor Center on Wednesday (14 June).

"It is important that every person has a right to choose a religion, pray (to) a God that he or she chooses without persecution, without discrimination, without hate or for those who may choose not to pray to a God. These are freedoms that are fundamental. These are fundamental human rights," Thanedar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Thanedar said that the purpose of the Hindu caucus is "not only to ensure that there is no hate against Hinduism, to ensure that there is no bigotry and no discrimination towards (the) Hindu religion and those who practise Hindu religion".

Congressional caucuses are groups of members of the US Congress that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.

Caucuses are formed as Congressional Member Organisations through the US House of Representatives and governed under the chamber's rules.

When asked about how far the caucus has progressed, Thanedar said it is at the early stages and they are inviting all members of the Congress to join.

Originally from Belgaum in Karnataka, Shri Thanedar immigrated to the United States in 1979. He obtained his PhD in polymer chemistry from the University of Akron (1982).

Thanedar then worked as a post-doctoral scholar at the University of Michigan. Shri also worked as a Polymer Synthesis Chemist and Project Leader at the Petrolite Corporation in Saint Louis.

He then ventured to entrepreneurship building several companies.

Thanedar entered politics when he ran in the 2018 Michigan gubernatorial election as a Democrat.