Dr. Abhilash Maroju
WASHINGTON D.C.: A series of high-profile events hosted by Americans4Hindus (A4H) in the heart of the nation’s capital underscored the growing political and cultural influence of the Hindu community in the United States.
These events, designed to empower American Hindus politically and promote the values of Sanatana Dharma, came to life under the visionary leadership of Dr. Romesh K. Japra, the Founder and Chairman of A4H. A renowned cardiologist, philanthropist, and community leader, Dr. Japra has spent years dedicating his life to political advocacy, community outreach, and cultural preservation.
Through A4H, Dr. Japra continues to champion his mission of engaging with American Hindus politically, empowering democracy with Hindu values, and fostering multi-ethnic alliances across various faiths and communities.
The organization’s initiatives, including the Hindu Rajneeti Academy, the Hindu Voter Guide, and alliances with diverse communities such as Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Latinos, Jews, Blacks, and Asians, have gained momentum in recent years. This series of events in Washington D.C. further solidified A4H’s commitment to strengthening political empowerment for Hindus and creating a unified voice for the community.
1. National “Rajneeti Conference” – January 19, 2025
The prestigious Rajneeti Conference, held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Rajaji Indian Restaurant in Washington D.C., marked the beginning of a series of impactful gatherings. The event saw an enthusiastic crowd of over 200 attendees, including prominent community leaders, dignitaries, and members of the A4H Board of Trustees.
Dr. Romesh K. Japra warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, highlighting the vital role of political engagement for the Hindu community. His speech set the tone for the event, emphasizing the need for youth empowerment through the Hindu Rajneeti Academy—an initiative aimed at training the next generation of political leaders in the United States. His address was met with resounding applause, with attendees praising the clarity of his vision and the depth of his commitment to bringing Hindu values into American politics.
The conference was graced by several prominent political leaders, each of whom shared their strong support for A4H’s mission:
- Shri Thanedar, U.S. Representative from Michigan’s 13th District expressed his firm commitment to economic development and immigration advocacy, emphasizing that his support for the Hindu community would always remain unwavering. “Americans4Hindus represents the kind of political engagement that will ensure our community’s voice is heard at the highest levels,” he remarked, receiving widespread applause from the audience.
- Suhas Subramanyam, U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, was another highlight of the event. Having dedicated his career to public service—first as an EMT and firefighter, and later as a state legislator—Suhas has long advocated for women’s healthcare, responsible gun ownership, and environmental protection. “The work that A4H is doing to engage with American Hindus politically is vital for the future of our nation,” he said, pledging his support for A4H’s efforts.
- Haley Stevens, U.S. Congresswoman from Michigan’s 10th District, captivated the audience with a powerful speech focused on the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and community development. “The work A4H is doing is not just about the future of our community; it is about the future of America itself,” she said, reinforcing her unwavering support for the organization.
Key figures from A4H, including Rajiv Sharma (A4H PAC President, Virginia Chapter), Navneet Sharda (A4H PAC Vice President, Virginia Chapter), Akhil & Madhu Govil (A4H PAC Vice President, Virginia Chapter), Pramod Thanedar (A4H PAC President, Michigan Chapter), Hema Rachmale (A4H PAC Vice President, Michigan Chapter), Seema Lokre (A4H PAC President, Kansas Chapter), Neeraj Kashalkar (A4H PAC President, California Chapter), Sartaj Singh Sekhon (A4H PAC President, Sacramento Chapter), Amar Upadhyay (A4H PAC President, Illinois Chapter), Vidya Mishra (A4H PAC Executive Vice President, Maryland Chapter), Raman Sood (A4H PAC Chief Advisor, Maryland Chapter) Sandeep Deswal (A4H PAC Official Spokesperson & Media Chief), Dr. Abhilash (A4H Associate Director), along with other Trustees and members, played an instrumental role in making the event a resounding success. Their active participation and shared enthusiasm left a lasting impact on the attendees.
2. Hindu & Latino Gala – January 19, 2025 (Evening)
The evening of January 19, 2025, saw the grand collaboration of Americans4Hindus and the American Hindu Coalition (AHC) at the Hindu & Latino Gala, held at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. This gathering brought together an eclectic mix of cultures, uniting over 1,500 attendees from various ethnic backgrounds, including Hindus, Latinos, and other multi-ethnic communities. The Gala was a celebration of unity, culture, and shared values, showcasing the rich diversity that makes up the fabric of American society.
Attendees were treated to a dazzling array of performances, including traditional songs, dances, and cultural exchanges that highlighted the event’s theme of inclusivity. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by a delectable selection of food, bringing together a perfect blend of Indian and Latin American cuisines.
Throughout the evening, members of A4H stood out in their branded tags, scarves, and badges, serving as a beacon of unity and community strength. The event was an excellent platform for A4H to extend its outreach, with many attendees showing interest in joining the organization and supporting its initiatives. The Gala was a clear testament to the collective spirit of the Hindu community, and it underscored the growing support for A4H across various ethnic and cultural lines.
3. Presidential Inauguration – January 20, 2025
The pinnacle of the series of events took place on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol with the Inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. This prestigious event, held within the Capitol Building, witnessed thousands of dignitaries, politicians, and citizens in attendance, with a heightened sense of excitement and anticipation.
Despite the tight security measures, which included protocols discouraging self-driving and cab services, the ceremony was flawlessly executed. A4H members were present in full force, proudly displaying their branded attire, and greeting participants throughout various locations in Washington D.C.
Dr. Romesh Japra, along with other A4H leaders like Sandeep Deswal, was interviewed by several prominent news channels, including Aaj Tak and international outlets from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Dr. Japra spoke with pride about the ongoing support the Hindu community has received from President Trump and the importance of continued collaboration between India and the United States. “The bond between India and the U.S. is not just political but rooted in shared values, and it is through this unity that we can support our community here in America,” Dr. Japra stated.
A4H members also attended Congressman Shri Thanedar’s inauguration, showing their continued support for his leadership and his work on behalf of the Indian-American community.
The inauguration ceremony, which was broadcast globally, was a momentous occasion not only for the U.S. but also for A4H, as it provided yet another platform to showcase the strength and unity of the Hindu-American community.
In Conclusion:
The series of events organized by Americans4Hindus in Washington D.C. in January 2025 was a resounding success, blending political engagement with cultural celebration. Dr. Romesh K. Japra’s leadership continues to inspire and mobilize American Hindus, forging new alliances and empowering the community in ways that will leave a lasting impact on U.S. politics. With initiatives like the A4H Rajneeti Academy, A4H is ensuring that the voice of the Hindu community is heard and that its values are preserved and promoted for generations to come.
The events in Washington D.C. were a clear demonstration of the power of unity and the potential of political empowerment for the Hindu community in America. As Dr. Japra so eloquently put it, the time to Protect, Engage, and Empower is now—by embracing both cultural values and political participation.
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