Indian-American leader Suhag Shukla responded to Shashi Tharoor’s statement on silence of migrants. Through HAF, she is strengthening Hindu rights and India-US relations.
Hindu American Foundation (HAF): Suhag A., the voice of Hindu rights in America. Shukla recently reacted sharply to the statement of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor had questioned the “silence” of Indian-American immigrants, especially on H-1B visa fees, tariffs and India-US relations. He said that the Indian diaspora is not raising enough voice for India’s interests in America. But Suhag Shukla called it wrong and inappropriate. He said that the Indian-American community has been working for years to strengthen India-US relations within US law and regulations. Shukla wrote, “We are not a proxy of the Government of India.” He meant that the diaspora can have its own independent opinion and his main focus is to strengthen the Hindu community and its image in America.
Who is Suhag Shukla and what does she do in America?
Suhag A. Shukla is an Indian-American Hindu activist. She is the co-founder and executive director of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). HAF was established in 2004 and its purpose is to protect the rights of the Hindu community in America and promote Hindu culture. Suhag Shukla has worked on issues like education, health and religious freedom. She is continuously working towards teaching Hindu history properly in schools, stopping anti-Hindu discrimination and highlighting Hindu contributions. That is why he is often called ‘Hindu Rights Warrior’.
What did Suhag Shukla say on Shashi Tharoor’s statement?
Tharoor had expressed hope from the diaspora that they would raise their voice against America’s policies in the interest of India. To this, Suhag Shukla replied that the loyalty of the expatriate community is towards America, but they are always busy in presenting a positive image of India. He said that Tharoor’s statement underestimates the hard work of migrants and their credibility.
Is the Indian diaspora really inactive?
According to Suhag Shukla, this notion is wrong. The diaspora is continuously working for Hindu rights in America and to strengthen India-US relations. He says that migrants have an independent voice and are not direct advisers on India’s political issues.
Why did Suhag Shukla’s support increase on social media?
After Suhag Shukla’s statement, debate started on social media on the role of India-America diaspora. Many are recognizing that the voices of the diaspora are independent and responsible, and that they contribute positively to India despite living in the US.