Press Conference on Planned Inclusion of Anti-Muslim Hate Symbol in NYC India Day Parade

Media Contact:
Husnaa Vohra
husnaa.vhora@iamc.com

NEW YORK— A coalition of civil rights and interfaith organizations representing Indian-American Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Dalits, and allies will host a press conference to express strong opposition to the planned inclusion of the Ram Temple float, an anti-Muslim hate symbol, in an upcoming India Day Parade in New York City on August 18th.

India’s Ram Temple stands on the ruins of the historic Babri Mosque, which was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a mob of over 150,000 right-wing Hindu militants. The demolition sparked widespread riots across India, resulting in the deaths of thousands, predominantly Muslims. In 2024, during and after the temple’s consecration ceremony, Hindu mobs celebrated by unleashing anti-Muslim violence across India, including the desecration of mosques.

Due to this history, the Ram Temple is widely considered a symbol glorifying the demolition of Indian mosques and violence against Muslims. 

Concerningly, the plan to include float is being led by the far-right Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), an offshoot of India’s Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and has been designated as a “militant religious organization” by the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) World Factbook. Georgetown University’s Bridge Initiative identifies VHPA as an Islamophobic group. 

Along with VHPA, the event is organized in collaboration with the Indian consulate and Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), an organization that is under active FBI investigation for forced labor and exploitation of oppressed-caste laborers from India.

The event will also feature Manoj Tiwari, a politician from India’s ruling far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as Guest of Honor.

The press conference will provide:

• An overview of the symbolism of the Ram Temple and its impact on Muslim communities both in India and abroad.
• Insights into the broader context of Hindu supremacist activities in the U.S. and their repercussions on civil rights and interfaith harmony.
• Statements from community leaders, civil rights activists, and faith representatives who will highlight the urgent need to oppose the inclusion of hate symbols in public events.

We invite members of the media to attend the press conference to gain deeper insights into the issue of Hindu supremacist activity in the United States and its impact on minority communities.

What: Press Conference
When: Wednesday, August 14th at 10:00 a.m
Where: New York City Hall
City Hall Park, New York, NY 10007
Who: Representatives from civil rights organizations and diverse faith groups

If you’re interested in interviewing our guest speakers or panelists, please send us an email at media.info@iamc.com.