Nikhil Singh Rajputt

The Caste Rush — an engaging new documentary that: – Highlights unheard voices – Unpacks misconceptions & multiple narratives – Reveals the impact on the Indian diaspora U.S. Premiere – Aug 9 6:30PM Beverly Hills Get tickets: casterushthefilm.com/la Be part of the first U.S. screening. #TheCasteRush #Caste #CasteNarrative #CasteDebate

.@YashicaDutt Temples don’t operate on “invitations." It’s open for anyone and everyone. Inner sanctums aren’t a VIP lounge for anyone’s caste or identity. Sacred spaces have rules, just like hospitals, courts, or even backstage areas at theatres. Temples are devālayas (residence of the deity), not touch-and-feel museums. And just for your assurance, no, there’s no “post-visit purification ritual”, that’s not a thing. A parallel: I’m not going to scream “untouchability” because I’m not allowed into an operating room. Access is based on function, not identity. Temples are open to anyone who comes for darshan and prayer in that spirit, not as a space to test limits or recast sacred boundaries as discrimination.

As always Gratitude to ⁦@mmpandit⁩ for inspiring this homam practise …. #MahaGanpati #Homam

#BREAKING: In a major win for the Hindu community in America, The US Department of Justice closed its investigation against @BAPS over alleged “caste discrimination” and exploitation of workers. 👏🏽👏🏽 In 2021, the largest Hindu temple in the West became the target of a well oiled anti-Hindu machinery that was hell bent on portraying our community and our temples as inherently “oppressive” and therefore dangerous to the harmony and values of American society. We commend the resolve and courage of @baps and the selfless volunteers serving with love, kindness and dedication to Dharma and their Gurus, despite the witch-hunt against them. But we must hold accountable the anti-Hindu ecosystem that took these unproven allegations and an ongoing investigation as “proof”-- and put the entire community in the dock. @nytimes led the charge, with an article on the FBI raid published even as federal agents descended on to the sacred grounds of the temple, violating spiritual sanctity of the saints and other devotees. @trentonian called it “The Temple of Doom,” harking back to the Hinduphobic portrayals of the Indiana Jones movie. Groups like Equality Labs, Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council, Ambedkar King Study Circle, and others quickly broadened the attack to smear ALL of Hinduism, Hindus, and temples in general for exploiting Dalits. This investigation immediately morphed into “evidence” to support their demand for caste laws in America. Academics like @surajyenge, Audrey Truschke, and several others from all around the world used the worst terms to describe the entire episode - going as far as equating Hinduism with slavery and oppression. Today, our community stands resilient as the “caste house of cards” falls apart. In 2023, California withdrew its case against Sundar Iyer and Ramana Kompella and rejected a bill that would profile and target the Hindu community. Now,in 2025 the DOJ has withdrawn its case against BAPS. But as we asked then, we ask again -when did allegations become “evidence”? In numerous cases now, Hindus have found themselves caught up in media trials on the basis of motivated cases that fall apart. But the damage done is largely done, since with each manufactured controversy, the court of public opinion shifts against the community. One small instance–will the many universities, companies and institutions who passed resolutions, amended their policies to add “caste” as a protected category, etc. based on the false claims about caste discrimination in America now reverse their policies? The falsely tarnished American Hindu community demands justice and reversal of these actions grounded in bad faith.