HSS’s Formal response to Georgetown University-Bridge Initiative’s so-called Factsheet

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) has conveyed our following content in a formal email sent to the President and Vice President/Chief of Staff of Georgetown University.  Unfortunately, they didn’t acknowledge it or responded to a subsequent follow up, despite concerns expressed about misinformation published about a reputed organization that represents American Hindus on Georgetown University website, 

We are writing to bring to your attention the falsified material presented, and inferences drawn in the Factsheet about the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) available on Bridge Initiative’s webpage hosted by Georgetown University’s website. 

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) operates as a legally constituted, independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States, adhering strictly to the nation’s laws and confining its activities solely within the country. It has achieved a rating of 92% by CharityNavigator.org for financial health, which encompasses efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness, along with a strong commitment to governance practices and policies.

We are appalled that the factsheet about HSS lacks basic research and fosters animosity towards the minority Hindu community in the United States. It deviates from established standards of academic research and professionalism, despite using the university’s academic resources. Below is a list of deviations, misrepresentations, and inaccuracies that we wish to especially highlight –

1. The factsheet’s ‘Impact’ section does not state HSS’ connection to Islamophobia in the US or anywhere around the world. It also fails to link HSS’ social activities, programs, and teachings with Islamophobia anywhere.
2. The factsheet claims to be authored by the “Bridge Initiative Team,” yet the hyperlink doesn’t publish any name of the author and leads to an error page stating, “Oops! That page can’t be found.”
3. Also, an individual named Raqib Naik, mentioned as the collaborator, claims to be the author of this “report” on his X account. This same person’s X account shows Hinduphobic tweets over the years. From his previous articles and tweets, he appears to be an extremist, nurturing venomous hate towards Hindus.
4. The reference to the Hindu Education Foundation (HEF) in the factsheet as suggesting that Islam is inherently violent is a misleading representation. In reality, the HEF proposed a change about Mughal rulers, as stated in the article. Unfortunately, the authors of the factsheet chose to interpret historical injustices solely through a religious lens, thereby stigmatizing all Muslims.
5. The factsheet states, In an April 2023 piece for The Nation, a former participant from Boston, who attended Balagokulam in 2004 and 2005 when she was 11 years old, stated they left the program due to its Hindu nationalist curriculum. The article cited here does not mention that the “Hindu nationalist curriculum” drove away the family from the Balagokulam. Hence, this statement in the factsheet is a blatant lie. This referenced article also goes to the extent of ridiculing Yoga and other Hindu practices, and is, therefore, incredibly Hinduphobic.

Hence, we see this factsheet as a smear campaign against HSS’ law-abiding, rightful activities and consequently, an injustice to the minority Hindu community’s freedoms. It is disheartening that the Georgetown University administration allows the use of its official website and labels “the Bridge” as its initiative, but remains largely unaware of such activities, which poses a serious concern in the current climate characterized by the proliferation of hate-driven agendas with political motives. This situation imperils the safety and well-being of the targeted community, notably Hindu students at Georgetown University and the broader minority Hindu community.

We are proud of our continuous contribution to the American Society. As an American non-profit, HSS actively embodies a philosophy rooted in respect for all individuals, irrespective of their race, gender, faith, age, nationality, or ethnicity. Our partnership with Interfaith organizations is much appreciated. Our initiatives supported charity organizations in over 200 cities to reduce food insecurities. For the past 17 years, we reached out all across the US to bring health awareness through our Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Program.  Our contributions, extensively covered in the media, have been lauded by numerous stakeholders, including first responders, law enforcement officers, charitable organizations such as food banks, school administrators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and lawmakers across the nation. Our commitment lies in advancing societal well-being rather than embracing a victimhood narrative driven by self-interest.

We urge you to review the contents and institute safeguards to prevent abuse of the Bridge Initiative platforms in harassing, defaming, and intimidating the minority Hindu community in the US and their institutions.