Indian-American philanthropist Ramesh Bhutada has pledged a donation of USD 1 million to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) to support Hindu causes in the United States, NDTV reported. The commitment was made during a recent gala event hosted by the HAF in Houston, where Bhutada announced his intention to donate USD 1 million over the next four years.
This is not the first time Bhutada has demonstrated his support to Hindu education and advocacy in the US. In March 2023, he donated USD 1 million to the Hindu University of America, based in Florida, which is the only institution in the country dedicated to providing education based on Hindu philosophy.
At the HAF gala, attendees also raised an additional USD 450,000 in support of the foundation's initiatives. The event featured a speech by Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur Sundar Iyer, who shared his experiences with allegations of caste-based discrimination. Iyer highlighted the challenges faced by the Indian and Hindu communities, particularly in light of the proposed SB403 bill in California, which was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. He cautioned against the potential for misrepresentation of the Hindu community and the spread of discriminatory practices.
HAF's executive director, Suhag Shukla, echoed Iyer's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant against such misrepresentations and advocating for inclusivity and understanding within the community. The event underscored the ongoing efforts to promote Hindu causes and address challenges faced by the community in the United States.