Over two dozen US lawmakers have joined the bipartisan Congressional Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain American Caucus, its founder and Congressman Shri Thanedar has said.

Thanedar on Friday formally launched in the US Congress the caucus that aims to combat religious discrimination and promote religious freedom for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains.

“We are not merely congregating to initiate another caucus; we’re assembling to pioneer a movement—one that strives for understanding, inclusion, and affirmative policy actions,” Thanedar said.

“A movement that says every faith, every culture, and every community has a place in America— the land of the free and the home of the brave. My name is Shri Thanedar. I am proof of America’s diversity in Congress,” he added.

“Today is significant for numerous reasons. To many of you, the launch of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain (HBSJ) American Congressional Caucus may seem like a formal procedure, but let me assure you, it is so much more,” Thanedar said, adding that it is a statement of commitment. A commitment to stand against religious discrimination, to propel the wheels of inclusion, and to cultivate a nation where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated, he said.

He further said that “This caucus will create a platform to have the discourse, engage in action, dispel the misinformation and disinformation of our culture and society, to express religious freedom, protect our existence, and speak the truth about who we are by pushing back on hate and bigotry”.

A congressional caucus is a group of members of the United States Congress that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.