CoHNA Hosts First Hindu Advocacy Day at Minnesota Capitol

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) hosted Minnesota’s inaugural Hindu Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on April 21, 2026, bringing together community leaders, youth volunteers, and representatives from legislative offices for a day of engagement and dialogue.

According to a statement from CoHNA, the event provided opportunities for “bipartisan engagement” with lawmakers and staff, including Senator John A. Hoffman (D) and Representative Kristin Robbins (R), and facilitated discussions on issues affecting the state’s Hindu community.

The event also drew participation from a range of stakeholders, including the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, the Governor’s Office, an interfaith representative, and members of the public.

CoHNA noted that the advocacy day comes amid the recent introduction of Resolution SF 4115 in the Minnesota Legislature, which seeks to condemn anti-Hindu hate, bias, and discrimination. More than 600 Minnesotans and religious freedom advocates have signed a community petition supporting the resolution, reflecting growing awareness and engagement on the issue.

“It was a historic day for Minnesota’s Hindu community. We showed up at the Capitol, made our voices heard, built greater relationships with those who represent us, and educated them on our concerns,” said Neha Markanda, director of CoHNA’s Minnesota chapter. “We are grateful to leaders from organizations such as Gujarati Samaj, the Rajasthan Association of Minnesota, Hindu Milan Mandir, and Geeta Ashram, among others, for joining this grassroots effort.”

Held in the Capitol Rotunda and the Governor’s Dining Room, the event featured interactive exhibits and discussions on issues including “religious discrimination, temple safety, and the need for broader awareness of Hindu identity and civil rights in the United States.”

Participants also referenced documented incidents affecting temples and individuals across the country, including in Minnesota. “These examples underscored the importance of visibility, improved reporting mechanisms, accurate representation in anti-bias training, and stronger community engagement through diversity initiatives and interfaith dialogue,” the statement said.

Research and federal data, including from the FBI and academic institutions such as Rutgers University, according to CoHNA, have highlighted concerns about the prevalence of anti-Hindu bias in the United States.

“The rash of attacks on individuals and on Hindu temples, from New York to California, have made the issue more immediate and tangible, contributing to fear within the community and, in some cases, affecting individuals’ ability to freely practice their faith,” according to the statement.

CoHNA said a key highlight of the day was the strong participation of youth volunteers, many of whom engaged directly with the legislative process for the first time. Community leaders emphasized the importance of continued civic participation to ensure that the Hindu community’s contributions across public service, education, and seva are recognized and represented.

“The Hindu Advocacy day was a great way to participate in the exercise of democracy,” said Pandit Shastri ji from the Geeta Ashram. “It was wonderful to chat with my representative, Senator Hoffman, as we learned more about one another.”

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