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BAPS raises alarm on anti-Hindu climate at DOJ hearing
BAPS was represented by Dr. Akshar Patel, who raised concerns about rising instances of hate targeting the community.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Tue, 14, Apr 2026
- 01:19 EDT
- 19
Screengrab of Dr. Akshar Patel at the hearing / U.S. DOJ Religious Liberty Commission
BAPS volunteer and Indian American physician Akshar Patel hailed the growth of Hinduism in the United States and raised concerns about rising instances of hate faced by the community at the final hearing of the U.S. Department of Justice to discuss religious liberty in the country.
Described by the DOJ as an endeavor to discuss the “past, present, and future of religious liberty in America,” the discussions will form the basis of a report submitted by the DOJ to President Donald Trump next month.
The April 13 hearing marked the seventh and final hearing on the issue and sought to review the findings from all hearings to date.
Patel, an oncologist devoted to providing patient-centered cancer care and based in Maryland, highlighted the growth of BAPS and Hinduism in the United States.
He said, “BAPS, the organization I represent, opened its first Hindu house of worship, or mandir, in Queens, New York, in 1974. From that single mandir 50 years ago, we have grown to over 100 mandirs across the United States.”
Highlighting the religious liberty BAPS has experienced over the years, he continued, “This growth reflects something truly special about America. It is a testament to the American promise and to the power of religious liberty.”
He noted that the U.S. allows immigrant communities to migrate, work hard, establish themselves, build meaningful relationships with neighbors, and flourish while peacefully practicing their faith.
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Talking about himself, Patel said he moved to the United States more than 20 years ago, attended medical school and has now laid roots in the community.
He paralleled his experience with that of the Hindu American community and said, “I’m here to share the experience of Hindu Americans, an experience rooted in faith, service and a deep appreciation for the opportunities this country provides, and to reflect on how religious liberty has enabled our community to flourish. My personal journey reflects that of many Hindu Americans in this country.”
Patel went on to describe his faith as his “foundational driving force” and expressed sorrow over rising instances of hate in the country, highlighting recent attacks on Hindu temples in the United States.
He noted that Hinduism in America has grown over many decades. He said, “BAPS, the organization I represent, opened its first Hindu house of worship, or mandir, in Queens, New York, in 1974. From that single mandir 50 years ago, we have grown to over 100 mandirs across the United States.”
He, however, contrasted this growth with rising hate. He alleged, “the environment has changed to become anti-religious and specifically for us, anti-Hindu. A growing number of acts of hate directed toward Hindu Americans and our places of worship have created fear and uncertainty within our community.”
Citing recent attacks, he continued, “In the past year alone, there have been eight attacks on Hindu mandirs, four of which were BAPS mandirs.”
Expressing anxiety, he said families that had come to the U.S. seeking freedom of religion are now worried about practicing their faith openly. He informed the DOJ panel about the community’s concerns over hateful messages on temples and expressed concerns about an uncertain future.
Highlighting the need to protect religious freedom, he concluded, “The same religious liberty that has allowed generations of Americans from many different faiths to build, contribute and thrive must be protected for future generations.”
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