#United States #Columbus #CoHNA #Hinduphobia #Mathura Sridharan

A Celebration Marred by Hatred

In a significant step toward representation in Ohio’s legal field, Mathura Sridharan has been appointed as the state’s 12th Solicitor General. Ms. Sridharan, who comes from a proud Hindu background as the daughter of Indian immigrants, embodies the ideals of meritocracy upheld in the United States. With impressive qualifications, including degrees from top-tier universities and a commendable track record in public service, her accolades speak volumes.

However, this milestone for Ohio and the Hindu community has been overshadowed by a troubling wave of Hinduphobic vitriol directed towards her, particularly concerning her cultural expression, as highlighted in the recent statement from the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA).

The backlash has notably targeted the bindi she wears—a sacred symbol in Hindu culture—alongside accusations linked to her ethnicity and the significance of her name. This incident draws parallels to the historical 'Dotbusters' gang in the 1980s, which infamously harassed Hindu individuals, particularly women, for their attire and cultural markers. The current wave of online harassment reflects an unsettling increase in anti-Hindu and anti-immigrant sentiment across the nation, which aims to delegitimize the presence of individuals from diverse backgrounds, even when they possess exemplary credentials.

Nikunj Trivedi, the President of CoHNA, expressed his deep disappointment regarding the attacks Ms. Sridharan has faced, stating, "It is shameful and un-American for a distinguished public servant to be demeaned based on her skin color and her cultural identity through the bindi she wears. Freedom of religion is a foundational principle of our great country, yet we are witnessing these unacceptable acts of prejudicial targeting against American Hindus."

CoHNA commends Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost for his commendable defense of Ms. Sridharan amid this controversy. Because Hinduphobia presents a significant societal challenge today, CoHNA advocates for other elected officials, media executives, and institutions to actively denounce this phenomenon in any form—whether online or in face-to-face interactions.

The organization underscores the urgency required to address this emerging societal theme by calling upon lawmakers, law enforcement, and media professionals nationwide to collaborate with Hindu organizations to combat this escalating issue. Ms. Sridharan's appointment stands as a proud moment for many; it shouldn't be eclipsed by prejudice.

This situation exemplifies a broader issue of discrimination that still lingers in contemporary America, where cultural symbols and expressions are sometimes misconstrued as points of contention rather than pride. The attacks serve as reminders of the work yet to be done to foster a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America, in its mission, aims to promote awareness and understanding of Hindu heritage and teachings within the North American landscape. More details about their ongoing campaigns and advocacy efforts can be found on their official website, along with platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

In these troubling times, as we celebrate diversity and the various cultural narratives that shape our society, incidents like these should prompt a collective call to action—a reminder of the journey toward achieving equality for all cultural identities within the American tapestry.