The American Hindu Coalition (AHC) endorsed Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick at a gathering at Samarpan Temple Community Hall, according to a statement from the organization.
Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki, AHC’s national advisor, represented the organization and delivered its endorsement. AHC is led by founding chairman Shekhar Tiwari.
The event brought together elected officials, Hindu American community leaders, senior citizens, and residents from Bucks County and surrounding communities, the statement said.
Attendees included Fitzpatrick, State Senator Frank Farry, State Representative Kathleen “KC” Tomlinson, Bensalem Judge Michael W. Gallagher, and former Bucks County Sheriff Frederick A. Harran.
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According to the statement, Fitzpatrick praised Hindu Americans for their educational achievements and contributions to their communities and the nation. He also expressed his commitment to supporting the community.
Tiwari emphasized the importance of greater civic awareness and participation among Hindu Americans, particularly following an alleged plot targeting the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, Illinois, that authorities thwarted, the statement said.
He said Hindu Americans are becoming more engaged in civic life and that candidates are increasingly recognizing their participation by reaching out to the community.
Dr. Thalanki highlighted the Hindu philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which holds that the world is one family, emphasizing unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
She described Fitzpatrick as a regular visitor to Samarpan Temple and said his engagement reflected the principle of universal oneness. She said AHC supports candidates who embrace that principle and work toward world peace, according to the statement.
Dr. Thalanki said a growing number of members of Congress and candidates were seeking AHC’s endorsement, reflecting increased recognition of Hindu American voters, particularly in competitive congressional races. She welcomed opportunities to build lasting relationships with elected officials and candidates who engage with the community.
She also said Hindu American voters could provide a decisive margin in closely contested races and called for officials to engage with the community throughout the year. She encouraged community members to recognize their civic influence and participate actively in shaping the future of their communities and the nation.
Dr. Thalanki presented Fitzpatrick with a murti, or sacred image, of Goddess Lakshmi as a gesture of goodwill and wished him success in his reelection campaign. Fitzpatrick accepted the gift and thanked her, the statement said.
The gathering was organized through collaboration among AHC, Samarpan Temple leaders, senior citizens, and community members.
Sunny Patel of the Indo-American Senior Citizens Association of Bucks and Surrounding Counties worked with AHC and temple leaders to bring community members together. Others involved included Yagnesh Patel, president of AHC’s Pennsylvania chapter, Kiran Patel, Rajesh Patel, Praful Ajmera, Usha Patel, Hemal Shukla, Pankaj Patel, Ripal Patel, Paresh Birla, and Mukesh Parmar, according to the statement.
