political activism is necessary for religious freedom - shri sanjay puri, dr. surabhi garg (s11-2)
TRANSCRIPT
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD
Session 11Is Media Covering Us Adequately
and Fairly
Political Activism is Necessary for Religious Freedom?
Sanjay Puri
USINPAC
September 11-13, 2009
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 2
Some Facts about Indian Americans
Approximately 2.7 Million People of Indian Origin live in the US
Indian Americans own nearly half of all budget hotels in the US
There are more than 40,000 Indian American physicians
Indians form the highest number of students from any single country (greater than 83,000)
Indian Americans are driving innovation in the Silicon Valley markets technology, investments and renewable energy
Over 5,000 tenured Professors of Indian Origin in the US
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 3
Why be Politically Active?
Political recognition reduces the perception of minority religions being cults
Political activism is important for dealing with authorities on the issue of zoning, approvals etc. which come up due to lack of awareness and a vulnerability perception
In a democracy, a minority community needs to be politically active to get its view points across e.g. the Jewish American community, Cuban Americans etc.
Political activism leads to bridges with other religious organizations that reduces communication issues
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 4
Examples of How Religions and Cultures Suffer
Fiji and Uganda persecuted Indians due to their perceived success.
Ethnic cleansing of Jews in the Holocaust. Six Million Jews were killed.
Killing of over a million Armenians in Turkey.
Destruction by demolition of Bamian Budhas in 2001 is an example of religious Intolerance.
Attacks against Sikhs after 9/11
Dot Busters in NJ area in 1987 where some racists attacked Indian women because of racial prejudice. The victims could be easily identified by the Tilak or Bindi they wore on their forehead.
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 5
Political AwarenessHow it works: Grassroots
In politics perception is reality!
Temples have a built-in grassroots base for creating a perception. This can be used to invite local political and community leaders to key events, not to discuss politics but to recognize a community that worships!
Your average worship base is 5,000 and to a successful politician 5,000 votes is a very large base
Get your worshippers in the habit of calling/writing and building relationships with their local politicians
Do NOT go to your local leader only when you need him to do something for you!
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 6
Political AwarenessHow it works: Media
Media is a key component of politics. Cultivate the local media by inviting them to your events
Find out if any of your worshippers are journalists or citizen journalists (bloggers) and if so get them to write about the temple/practices. Awareness will reduce myths!
Letting the media know that you will not put up with slander or ignorance about your culture and religion is a very important step towards political clout!
Relationships matter in politics and media!
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 7
A message for temples and its leaders!
Get involved with your local leaders
Do NOT just accept things, SPEAK UP & SPEAK OUT!
Activate your worshippers to speak out on local/national issues
If your local Congressman/Senator or leader knows about your culture/religion/practices he will be much more capable to fight for you and your causes!
Make it easy for your leaders to find you by establishing an outreach committee!
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 8
USINPAC: What do we do?
USINPAC is a 8 year old bipartisan, federally regulated, political action committee with full time staff and a Washington DC office
USINPAC is the political voice of the 2.7 million Indian Americans on Capitol Hill, The Administration and State Capitols
USINPAC reflects Indian American community’s views and defends its interests.
USINPAC supports Indian Americans running for offices
USINPAC effectively pools the political contributions and voices of its members. USINPAC helps you to dramatically multiply your contribution impact on the political process.
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 9
Why USINPAC?
Politicians pay more attention to organizations rather than individuals e.g. labor unions, NRA etc.
For interacting with politicians you need professionals who do this and have done this
Like everything else Politics too is about relationships and USINPAC has built relationships at the Federal/State and Local level
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 10
Contact Information
Sanjay Puri
Chairman & Founder
Surabhi Garg
VP, Operations & Finance
(202) 276-7946
www.usinpac.com
Thank you!