Americans4Hindus Hosts “Meet & Greet” to Strengthen Hindu Civic Engagement with Congressional Leadership
In a historic and symbolic moment for religious inclusion and civic engagement, Jim McGovern, U.S. Representative, MA-2 visited Sri Lakshmi Temple on March 21, 2026, engaging directly with the Hindu American community in Massachusetts.
The event was hosted by Americans4Hindus (A4H), under the leadership of Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder & Chairman of A4H a nationally recognized leader advancing Hindu civic and political empowerment across the United States.
The event was organized by Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki, President, A4H PAC Massachusetts Chapter, who highlighted key Hindu values of unity, inclusivity, and mutual respect, drawing from principles such as “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
Leadership & Distinguished Participation
The evening was honored by the presence of Jim McGovern, who addressed attendees at the temple, emphasizing inclusive representation, mutual respect, and active civic participation as essential pillars of democracy. As part of the program, he presented a formal congressional citation honoring Gaurishankar Chandrashekhar for over 25 years of excellence in music education and community service. Temple leadership, including Ganesh Krishnan, President of Sri Lakshmi Temple, along with priests, also honored Congressman McGovern with traditional mementos as a gesture of goodwill and cultural respect.
The gathering also featured Guest of Honor Ramesh Vishwanath Kapur, President, U.S.-India Security Council and trustee-level contributor to Americans4Hindus, who emphasized the importance of U.S.-India relations and appreciated Congressman McGovern’s continued support for the Indian American community.
Representing national leadership, Pramit Maakoday, Global President, A4H PAC, attended the event and reinforced the vision of building a strong, unified, and politically engaged Hindu American voice nationwide.
Other attendees included:
Ram Gupta, Trustee-level supporter, A4H
Naimesh Kotadia, A4H member and volunteer
Srinini Pylore, Director, Temple Outreach Committee, A4H MA Chapter
Community Participation & Impact
The event drew participation from respected community leaders including Priya Samant Parulekar, Nayana Sahasrabuddhe, Pratima Penamurthy, Ramkrishna Penamurthy, and Dr. Harini Aiyer, candidate for Massachusetts State Legislature (Middlesex 17th District), along with volunteers and founding members such as KG Narayan and Ranjani Ramaswamy, also attended, reflecting growing civic engagement within the community.
Sri Lakshmi Temple, Ashland, MA
Sri Lakshmi Temple serves as a key spiritual and cultural center for the Hindu community in New England, fostering religious, cultural, and community engagement initiatives
Closing Statement
This event highlights the growing civic presence of Hindu Americans and reinforces the importance of meaningful engagement between communities and elected leadership in shaping an inclusive and representative future.
About Americans4Hindus (A4H)
Americans4Hindus is an independent, non-partisan national political organization with a Federal Super PAC, Hybrid PAC, Multi-Candidate PAC, and over 25 state PACs. A4H is dedicated to empowering Hindu Americans through political education, leadership development, strategic endorsements, and community mobilization.
