Raja cautiously embraces the DOJ program focused on building stronger ties with Hindu Americans

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The Community Relations Service (CRS) of the U.S. Department of Justice has introduced a new initiative titled the “Engaging and Building Relationships with Hindu American Communities Program.” This program aims to strengthen the connections between law enforcement, educational institutions, and public entities with Hindu American communities, specifically addressing issues of underrepresentation and the prejudice that many community members have reported. On January 22, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), one of the few Hindu Americans in Congress, expressed his support for the initiative. He emphasized the importance of the program in addressing the concerns of Hindu Americans who have often encountered discrimination and bias. Krishnamoorthi noted the numerous appeals he and other Hindu American leaders have made for initiatives aimed at combating hate crimes and improving relations with law enforcement agencies.

Krishnamoorthi acknowledged the Hindu American Foundation for its essential contribution to the development of this program, while also stressing the need for ongoing commitment to its success, especially during periods of administrative change within the Department of Justice. The CRS initiative includes a comprehensive five-part training session lasting four hours, which is designed to inform law enforcement and public organizations about Hindu philosophy, the effects of misinformation, and effective strategies for fostering trust and communication within communities. This training, developed with the collaboration of Hindu American organizations, is provided at no cost, ensuring accessibility for a diverse array of organizations and individuals nationwide.