New York, NY – August 18, 2024: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America’s (VHPA) stunning replica of Shri Ram Mandir was the highlight of the annual India Day Parade (IDP), organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), in Manhattan. The Shree Ram Temple float, measuring 18 feet in length, 9 feet in width, and 8 feet in height, captivated thousands of spectators as it made its way down Madison Avenue from East 38th Street to East 27th Street. Celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage, the float became the most cherished subject for photography and videography, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
One parade participant expressed their gratitude, stating, “I wanted to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible efforts in bringing the replica of the Ram Mandir to the India Day Parade in New York. Your dedication in organizing this event not only created an electrifying atmosphere but also brought us all together in a deeply unifying experience.”
Another participant captured the sentiments of millions of Hindu Americans: “The presence of the Ram Mandir replica was a powerful symbol of our shared heritage and values, and it resonated with everyone present.”
Sherona Varulkar Kelley, a community leader representing the Jews of India who proudly walked with their Hindu brothers in the parade, remarked, “We are so proud to have been able to walk in solidarity with our Hindu brothers and sisters. India has been a most unique place for the Jews. India, our motherland, gave us shelter for over two thousand years. Jews, especially the Bene Israel of Maharashtra, never knew antisemitism. Only in India! Our love, respect, and eternal gratitude to all the Hindus.”
Ironically, this great cultural icon nearly missed being part of the India Day Parade due to a vitriolic campaign launched by several Muslim fringe groups and their cronies just days before the event. These groups pressured New York City Hall and Mayor Eric Adams to issue a statement condemning the float. In a move that was patently non-inclusive, Mayor Adams labeled the float as anti-Muslim, reflecting a profound lack of understanding of the temple’s cultural and religious importance. The Mayor’s remarks not only censored the Hindu community’s freedom of expression but also undermined the values of inclusivity and diversity, sowing divisions within the community.
However, the VHPA successfully launched a major letter-writing campaign, mobilizing millions of Hindu Americans and many non-Hindu organizations in support of the float’s inclusion in the parade. Within hours, nearly 30,000 emails flooded the inboxes of elected officials at city and state levels, prompting a swift response. Recognizing the public relations disaster they had unleashed, the officials relented. Mayor Adams and his staff acted in the nick of time, avoiding the branding of New York City as pandering to fringe Islamic groups while insulting millions of highly contributing Hindu Americans—an especially precarious move in this highly charged election season.