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Yesterday in New York City, faith leaders, organizers, and elected officials joined forces to confront the cruelty of our immigration system. Hindus for Human Rights was proud to stand alongside immigrant neighbors in two powerful actions.

At 26 Federal Plaza, our NYC Organizer Vrinda Jagota joined the New Sanctuary Coalition’s Jericho Walk, circling the ICE building in prayer—calling for walls of injustice to come down.

Meanwhile, our Executive Director Sunita Viswanath stood with faith leaders as elected officials staged a bold sit-in on the 10th floor, demanding access to detained immigrants. Eleven officials, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, were arrested.

This is a movement of prayerful resistance and bold action—standing against a system profiting from fear, detention, and deportation.

Hindus for Human Rights was honored to attend the 2025 South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) Conference in New York City — a powerful weekend celebrating truth, justice, and storytelling in challenging times.

A Night to Remember

The conference opened with a dazzling gala at The Glasshouse in Chelsea, with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. The energy was electric as South Asian journalists gathered in their desi best for the black-tie evening.

During the opening remarks, Hari Sreenivasan spoke passionately about the need to support local and public news, especially as PBS and NPR face threats of defunding. He reflected on how newsrooms must evolve — facing challenges like AI, censorship, and increasing dangers to journalists worldwide.

Dinner followed with inspiring recognition of courageous journalists whose work continues to push the boundaries of truth and accountability.

Conversations on the Future of Journalism

Saturday morning began with the first panel, “State of the First Estate,” featuring Bina Venkataraman and Sudeep Reddy. They discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of reporting — and why journalists must lean into their humanity.

“Build relationships. Offer insights no algorithm can replicate,” Bina urged.

Gaza and the Fight to Bear Witness

One of the most powerful sessions of the weekend, moderated by Azmat Khan, focused on “Gaza and the Fight to Bear Witness.” Speakers included Jodie Ginsberg (Committee to Protect Journalists), Ashish Malhotra (former Al Jazeera producer), and Imtiaz Tyab (CBS News).

They shared stories of Palestinian journalists risking their lives to make the world see their suffering. For Hindus for Human Rights, this message resonated deeply — as we continue to defend freedom of expression and human dignity, we stand with all who speak truth to power.

Journalism and Justice

Later, HfHR’s Faria Rehman and Vrinda Jagota attended “Relentless Reporting: How Journalism Drives Reform,” featuring Dan Slepian, Adnan Sultan, and Shaheen Pasha, moderated by Aisha Sultan.

This session highlighted how investigative journalism can lead to real reform, giving voice to those who have been silenced.

The weekend reaffirmed what we at HfHR believe deeply —

Journalism is not just a profession; it is a moral responsibility.

Hindus for Human Rights – ANZ is deeply honored to be recognized by the Indian Crescent Society of Australia at the New South Wales Parliament for our interfaith and cross-community work.

In a room filled with leaders of human rights and multicultural harmony—including Ministers Stephen Kamper & Jihad Dib, Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finley, and activist Craig Foster—our work was celebrated as a model of building unity across differences.