The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Relations Service (CRS) to enhance Hindu representation and safety. This collaboration marks the first time CRS will engage specifically with the Hindu American community in its 60-year history.

The program, titled “Engaging and Building Relationships with the Hindu American Communities,” aims to educate mainstream Americans about Hindu culture and promote a more inclusive understanding of Hindu Americans.

“This is a historic moment for our community,” said Nikunj Trivedi, President and Co-Founder of CoHNA. “For too long, Hindus in the U.S. have been excluded from institutional frameworks designed to address community concerns and prevent discriminatory practices. We are honored to help fill this gap and provide much-needed representation.”

The four-hour training program will educate participants on Hindu customs, beliefs, identity, and civil rights issues impacting the community. It will also provide practical strategies for strengthening engagement and communication with local Hindu communities.

CoHNA expressed confidence that the DOJ has incorporated their feedback into the program materials, which are still pending release. The organization believes this initiative is crucial for fostering mutual respect and cultural awareness between Hindu Americans and their fellow citizens.

This text was edited with the assistance of an AI Tool, and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.