Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Lieu seconds the mayor’s commitment during a community discussion on civil rights and religious inclusion.
Geeta Sikand
IRVINE, Calif.: A celebration marking America’s 250th freedom anniversary at the Irvine Hindu Mandir became the setting for a significant civic discussion on religious liberty and equal protection, culminating in Irvine Mayor Larry Agran’s public pledge that he would not support future legislation containing the word “caste.” Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Lieu immediately voiced her support for the mayor’s commitment.
The America250 celebration brought together elected officials, community leaders, and residents to reflect on the nation’s founding principles of liberty, equality, and civic participation while recognizing the contributions of Hindu Americans to the broader American story.
In his opening remarks, Mayor Agran reflected on the enduring ideals of the nation’s founding.
“Two hundred and fifty years ago, a bold idea took root—that a nation could be built on the enduring promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. Today, as we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honor not only the journey that brought us here, but also the shared responsibility to carry that promise forward for generations to come.”
Councilmember Melinda Lieu echoed those themes, emphasizing inclusion and shared civic responsibility.
“As America begins its next 250 years, may we continue building a nation that draws strength from its diversity, remains faithful to its highest ideals, and ensures that every person has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.”
Throughout the event, speakers drew connections between American democratic values and Hindu philosophy.
Serving as emcee, Hindu American community leader Puja Someshwar said the principles celebrated during America’s anniversary closely mirror values found in Hindu tradition.
“For Hindu Americans, these ideals resonate deeply with the values of our own tradition. Hindu philosophy teaches Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. It teaches seva, (selfless service); dharma (responsible conduct and duty); and respect for the many different faiths through which people seek the truth.”
Deepak Sharma, President of the Irvine Hindu Mandir, said those principles naturally complement the American civic tradition.
“These values align naturally with the American promise: that people of diverse faiths, cultures, and experiences can live together, contribute together, and build a better future together. But citizenship is more than personal achievement. It is also a responsibility to participate, to serve, and to care about the well-being of the entire community.”
Mandir Director Suresh Lohiya, who led the Celebration250 initiative, described the event as an expression of both cultural heritage and civic pride.
“We are proud of our Hindu heritage, proud to be Americans, and proud to call Irvine our home.”
The event’s most notable exchange occurred during the audience question-and-answer session.
Geeta Sikand, Senior National Vice President for Communications at Americans4Hindus, discussed California’s SB 403, the 2023 legislation that sought to add caste as a protected category, under state anti-discrimination law, before Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed it. Sikand argued that the bill unfairly singled out Hindus and urged Mayor Agran not to support future legislation containing the word “caste,” which she described as a “Trojan horse” that stereotypes the Hindu community.
Sikand also said that many American students receive an inaccurate understanding of Hinduism by equating it with caste oppression, creating stereotypes that can affect Hindu Americans in educational and professional settings. She further argued that California’s existing civil rights laws, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act, already prohibit unlawful discrimination in the ancestry category, making caste-specific legislation unnecessary and not neutral.
In response, Mayor Agran publicly pledged that he would not support future legislation containing the word “caste.” His statement drew sustained applause from the audience, after which Councilmember Melinda Lieu publicly affirmed the commitment.
For many attendees, the exchange represented one of the defining moments of the celebration. An event honoring America’s 250-year legacy of freedom also became an opportunity for Hindu Americans to engage elected leaders on issues they view as central to equal treatment, religious liberty, and civic participation.
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