Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA welcomes the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to close its investigation without charges against Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) or the Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville, NJ.

What began in 2021 as baseless allegations of caste discrimination grew into a troubling attempt to target Hindu beliefs and tarnish a peaceful, law-abiding community. This effort sought to shame a micro-minority that has long stood for inclusion, service, and the timeless value of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.

We commend BAPS for its integrity and unwavering faith throughout this ordeal. We thank Hindu individuals and organizations nationwide who responded with unity, dignity, and resolve. Their example reflects the best of our tradition and our commitment to America’s pluralistic values.

We call on public leaders to reflect on the damage such unfounded narratives can cause. We urge sincere engagement with practicing Hindu voices to ensure that decisions impacting our community are informed, respectful, and just.

Let this be a turning point—for deeper understanding, greater inclusion, and continued contributions of Hindus to the American story.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA strongly condemns the recent attack on the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Hindu Temple in Chino Hills, California.

Over the past five years, there have been 15 to 20 incidents of vandalism targeting various Hindu temples across cities and towns in the United States. Alarmingly, six of these—including the most recent case—have specifically targeted BAPS Hindu temples.

Despite these repeated attacks, no perpetrators have been apprehended or brought to justice. This wave of vandalism is compounded by ongoing social media bullying and misinformation campaigns against American Hindu communities and organizations. Such unchecked hostility emboldens those who seek to use violence as a means of making political statements against the Hindu community. It also fuels a divisive agenda that fosters unwarranted fear and misunderstanding about Hindus, a peace-loving community that actively contributes to American society through social service, arts, culture, entrepreneurship, education, and economic growth.

We firmly believe that this rising climate of hostility does not affect Hindus alone—it threatens the fabric of American society as a whole. Hatred, when left unchecked, transcends boundaries and endangers the principles of pluralism and coexistence that define this nation.

We urge elected officials, community leaders, media, educators, and law enforcement authorities to recognize the gravity of this attack. Addressing such crimes requires not only thorough investigation and accountability but also a broader effort to raise awareness and combat hate through education and responsible media coverage.

Now more than ever, it is crucial for all sections of society to stand together in solidarity, uphold the values of peaceful coexistence, and serve as a model of unity for the rest of the world.

Devastating wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, CA, in early January. Inspired by the principles of “Serving Humanity is Serving God” and “The Whole World Is One Family,” HSS volunteers in the area, including those affected by the fires, took up the task of serving their community in crisis. On January 8th HSS volunteers from Pasadena, Temple City, and Arcadia helped set up Pasadena Convention Center as an evacuation zone by sorting and organizing relief materials. On January 12th, teen volunteers assisted Sewa International and Pasadena YMCA in transporting rehabilitation materials to evacuation centers near Pasadena City College. On January 25th, HSS, in collaboration with the Hindu Temple & Heritage Foundation and Sewa International, organized a Donation Drive at Pasadena Hindu Temple, supporting 70 families with essential supplies kits. Additionally, HSS volunteers established crisis helpline centers to assist evacuees with accommodation guidance, evacuation zones, and relief centers. HSS families also opened their homes to temporarily shelter displaced community members.

Several chapters of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh hosted African American guest speakers to commemorate February as Black History Month. These events were opportunities for Hindu Americans to learn about the history and struggles of Black Americans in shaping their successes and challenges of today.

• Volunteers of Sri Krishna Shakha, Folsom in Sacramento, CA observed Black History Month by inviting US airforce veteran & current President of the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, Chris Clark for a presentation. He spoke about his family’s experiences and struggles, while also emphasizing community engagement, the need for a conscious effort to learn about other cultures, and how people in power can influence building stronger communities

• Jijamata Shakha volunteers in Peoria, AZ, honored African American community leaders in a special session. Corporate leader Bridget Reeves was the chief guest. Bridget spoke about several instances of the Black Community’s contributions in the areas of innovation, science, and lesser-known fields. The session was highly interactive, and Bridget answered several questions from HSS volunteers

• Volunteers of Aadi Shakti Shakha in Harrisburg, NC celebrated Black History Month in a specially organized event. Three District Judges, a State Senator, a State House Member, and the head of the International Minority Coalition of Charlotte joined and shared their experiences with the group