Acts of hate have no place in our communities

India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Federation of Indian Association, Condemns the racially motivated physical and verbal assault on a group of Indian American in Texas. The attack is yet another disgraceful anti-Asian hate crime that has shattered the sense of safety amongst Indian Americans across the United States. We urge the law enforcement agencies to protect our Indian-American community and aggressively pursue these acts as hate crimes as a deterrent to others who choose to act on their irrational hatred for other people who differ from them in any way. No one should be targeted because of who they are or where they are from.

This is a crime against humanity. When someone is targeted because of their race or ethnicity, it tears apart the fabric of brotherhood, and questions the society that ideally treats everyone equally. We believe in “Vasudhiv Kutumbakam” which means would is one family. These events demonstrate the necessity of working together as a community and demonstrating solidarity to help each other, says Rakesh Malhotra, President of the Federation of Indian Association, Chicago. He urged members of the Indian American community to stay alert and vigilant and promptly report acts motivated by hate without any fear so that law enforcement can address civil rights violations, as well as hate and bias incidents. Failure to respond to hate crimes may jeopardize public safety.

The Indian American community is the best educated, highest earning and fastest growing ethnic group, and their contribution is widely appreciated and such acts cannot undermine our spirit, freedom and commitment. As long as we are united, determined and strong, we will lift the dark threat of violence racist rant and hatred from our people and our future.

Federation of Indian Association (FIA), Chicago is the largest non-profit Indian American Organization. It was established in 1980 to primarily serve the community and promote and educate Indian Cultural Heritage while making meaningful contributions to America’s growth. More than 50 Illinois-based community organizations and nonprofits are members of the Federation. Besides engagement with various organizations across Chicagoland, the FIA also takes a lead role in bringing the community together to celebrate various events of historical importance to both the United States and India.

Also Read: Texas Hate Crime – A Letter from Indiaspora