Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has emerged as a prominent voice condemning the recent spate of hate crimes and attacks targeting Hindu temples across the United States. Speaking on the House Floor at Capitol Hill, Subramanyam highlighted incidents at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana and the Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah, describing these acts as part of a disturbing national trend of division and violence against faith communities. Born in Houston, Texas, to Indian immigrant parents, Subramanyam is the first Indian-American from Virginia and the East Coast elected to the US Congress. His advocacy underscores the need for protecting religious institutions and combating hate.
Suhas Subramanyam: Early life and political journey
Suhas Subramanyam was born in Houston, Texas, to parents from Bangalore and Chennai, India. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Tulane University and a law degree with honours from Northwestern University School of Law. Before joining Congress, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates and the State Senate, becoming the first Hindu elected to Virginia’s House. He also worked as a White House technology policy adviser during the Obama administration, focusing on cybersecurity, technology regulation, and government IT modernisation. In 2024, he made history as the first Indian-American from Virginia and the East Coast elected to the US Congress.
Condemning attacks on Hindu temples
During his address at Capitol Hill, Subramanyam condemned acts of vandalism at the BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, and the ISKCON Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. He emphasised that these incidents are not isolated but part of a broader rise in hate and division affecting religious communities nationwide. The Congressman called for a comprehensive response, urging increased funding and resources to protect places of worship and stressing that every American deserves the right to safely practise their faith without fear.
Advocacy and international significance
As a member of the “Samosa Caucus,” a group of Indian-American lawmakers, Subramanyam has consistently supported India-US relations while focusing on community-facing issues in the US. His condemnation of anti-Hindu attacks reinforces the importance of public figures defending minority communities and raising awareness about hate crimes. Subramanyam’s stance reflects both his Indian-American heritage and his broader commitment to human rights, community safety, and religious freedom.
The wider context of anti-Hindu attacks in the US
The BAPS Mandir in Indiana and the ISKCON temple in Utah were among multiple Hindu temples targeted in the past year. Acts ranged from vandalism to shootings, causing significant property damage and emotional distress to worshippers. Religious organisations and advocacy groups have called these incidents hate crimes, emphasising the need for stricter protections and proactive measures against rising religious intolerance.Subramanyam urged law enforcement, policymakers, and communities to collaborate on safeguarding religious institutions. His message reinforces the importance of vigilance, increased security funding, and public awareness to prevent future attacks. By speaking out, Subramanyam not only represents his constituents but also amplifies the call for justice and safety for all faith communities across the US.
