The Indian diaspora and India Association of Minnesota: A duty to stand with India, not against It

Their role— Opportunities and responsibilities

In 2017, General Rawat stated that India faced a “2.5 Front” threat: China, Pakistan, and a 0.5 front posed by internal security challenges.” In reality, this was an underestimation. In 2022, I quantified this threat to “5.0 fronts”, comprising (in addition to China and Pakistan)[1]:

• Growing jihadi and Islamic fundamentalism in India = 1.0 front
• Lutyens and leftist journalism, social media, and political activism = 1.0 front
• Undue influence by foreign powers = 0.5 front
• Foreign NGOs = 0.25 front
• India’s judiciary = 0.25 front

However, one important aspect was overlooked: the growing role of the Indian diaspora. Prime Minister Modi rightly sees the diaspora as cultural ambassadors — a bridge that connects India with the world. But cracks appear in this bridge when diaspora groups or associations engage in anti-India propaganda, misrepresent India’s true culture, character, and heritage, or actively undermine the Hindu majority and India’s civilizational roots. In doing so, they become part of the same threats to India’s stability and security, General Rawat spoke about.

The Indian diaspora in the United States, numbering nearly 5 million, is as diverse and opinionated as Bharat itself. Hundreds of India-focused associations exist across the country. Some are explicitly created to promote anti-India narratives, stoke Hindu hatred, or foment caste divisions. Others appear neutral, even benevolent, while subtly pushing woke, leftist, or anti-Hindu agendas that distort India’s democratic and civilizational identity.

Associations that use “India” in their name carry a special responsibility. India’s name should stand for its cultural and civilizational roots and ethos, and the dignity, respect, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Yet many of these associations are mired in internal politics, self-promotion, and a startling ignorance of today’s Bharat with thriving development and a global economy. Then, these associations misuse their platforms — ignoring India’s roots, enabling biased narratives, or demonizing Hinduism — they become active threats to India’s stability and internal security. They become a dangerous extension to the “5.0 front.”

The call to action is simple yet urgent: associations bearing the name “India” must recognize and celebrate India’s growth, global leadership, and democratic vibrancy. They must support Indian laws duly enacted by Parliament, respect India’s constitutional order, and educate local communities when they are misled or uninformed. Using the name “India” is not merely a right; it is a responsibility to stand with India, in good times and bad.

The India Association of Minnesota — A case study in misrepresentation

A particularly concerning example is the India Association of Minnesota (IAM). Recent actions by IAM have sparked deep frustration, disappointment, and division among the local Indian American community.

A recent controversy erupted over IAM’s promotional poster for India’s Independence Day celebration, India Fest. The deliberate or negligent omission of Hindu symbolism on the poster caused an uproar on social media. When I raised questions on different WhatsApp groups (shown in the photo) and IAM’s Facebook page, rather than engaging or apologizing, IAM simply erased my comments. Many community members felt that IAM was failing to represent them or India itself. Is IAM just trying to be “woke” — like so many Western institutions that harbor an entrenched bias against Hinduism?

Last month, IAM’s Facebook post on the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor drew dozens of critical comments from Minnesotan Indians. The backlash was so intense that IAM took the post down, though the remarks remain visible here. Many local Hindus rightly labeled IAM “shameless” and “spineless.”

This pattern isn’t new. In the past, IAM has failed to advocate for issues central to the Indian diaspora. Its response to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) — a secular, democratic law offering refuge to persecuted minorities — was indifferent at best. IAM has also remained silent about the so-called Islamophobia bill championed by Minnesota’s own Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a frequent critic of India. IAM should have recognized her pattern of singling out India and opposed the bill’s anti-India implications.

Even more troubling is IAM’s consistent silence on Hindu temple desecrations, biased portrayals, and violent attacks targeting the Hindu community, most recently in Pahalgam. IAM has further diluted India’s distinct identity by broadening its mission from “India” to “South Asia.” If they truly stand for regional cooperation, they should honestly rename themselves “South Asia Association of Minnesota” rather than exploiting the name “India” for sponsorships while sidelining India’s unique and undisputable identity on the global landscape.

Minnesotan Indians have every right to hold diverse political opinions. However, IAM’s stated mission is to build bridges of understanding between the Asian Indians and society at large. Further, IAM aspires to connect Minnesota with India through events and promote cultural understanding and heritage. That representation must reflect the New India — a rising economy, a vibrant democracy, and a civilization rooted in Sanatani culture and heritage. Depicting only Islamic-era architecture and ignoring India’s civilizational roots is a gross misrepresentation that IAM must address and correct.

Ultimately, IAM — and all associations that bear the name “India” — must understand that using this name is a privilege and a duty. They must honor India’s culture, history, and democratic values, and they must educate their communities when misinformation arises. Above all, they must stand with India, not against it. IAM should address community concerns and not shuffle the issues under the carpet.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
3. The author acknowledges the use of ChatGPT in polishing the final draft of the article.

Reference: –

[1] Is the emerging New India ready for the “5.0 Fronts?” – Part 1 – Jul 9, 2022, PGurus.com

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