By Shreyas Suresh
“Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” — righteousness protects the one who upholds it. This ancient Sanskrit saying encapsulates the essence of the Hindu spirit: to live with integrity, stand by one’s principles, and, through peaceful perseverance, overcome adversity. This wisdom was vividly embodied on April 14th when hundreds of Hindu Americans gathered at the Glenview Hanuman Mandir to honor Sadhvi Ritambhara — a revered spiritual leader, educator, and humanitarian.
Despite a wave of misinformed protests and a racially charged, misleading column published in the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicagoland Hindu community responded not with outrage but with unity, peace, conviction, and compassion.
Setting the Record Straight
In her April 18th column, Rummana Hussain paints a distorted account of Sadhvi Ritambhara and the community that came to hear her speak. By invoking politically charged terms like “Hindu nationalism,” she misrepresents what was clearly a spiritual event, ignoring both its intent and the facts.
Sadhvi Ritambhara has dedicated her life to selfless service. As the founder of Vatsalya Gram, she provides shelter, education, and empowerment to orphaned children and destitute women in India. Her work is rooted in the Hindu values of Seva (selfless service), Dharma (righteous living), and Karuna (compassion). At no point during her visit did Sadhviji nor the Mandir’s leadership promote hate. To the contrary, Sadhviji’s message was one of unity, spiritual discipline, and moral responsibility (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECDiVjjJV/?mibextid=wwXIfr).
A Testament to Resilience, Not Extremism
The columnist fails to mention that Sadhvi Ritambhara was not merely a voice of Hindu revivalism, but a patient participant in India’s democratic and judicial processes. She was one of many who waited decades as the Ram Janmabhoomi case moved through India’s courts. In the final verdict delivered by the Indian Supreme Court in 2019, it was legally affirmed that the disputed site was the birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram and paved the way for rebuilding the Shri Ram Mandir.
The Mandir, rising from the ashes of a centuries-old Mandir destroyed by a fanatical Mughal ruler, symbolizes resilience and achieving justice through peaceful means. Throughout this entire struggle for justice, Sadhviji remained an epitome of nonviolence, calling for prayer and perseverance, and upholding the true spirit of Hinduism — resilience without rage, justice through patience, and progress through peace.
The Real Intent of the Glenview Mandir
The Glenview Hanuman Mandir is a spiritual and cultural sanctuary and is certainly not a place for peddling political agendas. Its purpose is to build community, preserve culture, and provide spiritual upliftment for all, not just Hindus. The invitation extended to Sadhvi Ritambhara was in that very same spirit: to honor a leader who exemplifies these values.
To mischaracterize this event as a political or extremist one undermines the lived experience of thousands of Hindu Americans who seek to practice their faith peacefully in a multicultural America.
Understanding Hinduism — Beyond Stereotypes
Hinduism is the world’s oldest living spiritual tradition. It teaches pluralism, nonviolence (Ahimsa), and reverence for all paths to the divine. Reducing it to a political movement or framing it as a threat is not only inaccurate but also deeply disrespectful.
The notion that Hindus must constantly explain or apologize for celebrating their identity reflects a broader and very serious issue: Hinduphobia. It’s a subtle but growing form of prejudice that seeks to marginalize Hindus whenever they express pride in their faith, their leaders, or their heritage.
On the Racial Framing of Sadhvi Ritambhara
One of the most troubling parts of Hussain’s column was the description of Sadhvi Ritambhara as a “brown woman in a saffron robe.” This racialized framing was not only unnecessary but deliberately dismissive. It reduces a life of spiritual dedication and humanitarian service to a racial trope.
Such language is not progressive — it’s patronizing. It suggests that people of color, especially women, must fit a narrow ideological mold. Any deviation is viewed with suspicion, particularly when rooted in indigenous, non-Western spiritual traditions.
This isn’t inclusion. This is cultural gatekeeping masquerading as journalism.
Hindus in Chicagoland Respond with Grace
If the intent of the bigoted protests and racialized press and media coverage was to shame or silence the Hindu community, it had the opposite effect. The turnout on April 14 was inspiring. Families with young children, elders with walkers, volunteers managing every detail — all came together to honor a spiritual teacher and to stand tall in their faith.
This wasn’t a protest. It was a celebration. A declaration that Hindu Americans will not be shamed for gathering peacefully, practicing devotion, and honoring the leaders who’ve shaped their spiritual journeys.
A Call for Mutual Respect, Not Division
Freedom of expression is a cherished American value, and so is fairness. Journalists have a responsibility to tell the whole story, with context, facts, and not peddle their divisive propaganda. When Hindus are framed as threats for simply practicing their faith, it sows misunderstanding and deepens divisions.
We ask our fellow citizens, neighbors, and journalists to engage with Hindu Americans through a lens of curiosity and respect, not suspicion, and without preconceived notions. Our Mandirs, festivals, values, and leaders are not threats. They are vibrant threads in the fabric of American diversity.
And that is something worth celebrating, not fearing.
Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah – “Righteousness Protects the One Who Upholds It”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Voice of Hindus. Any content provided by our contributors or authors is their opinion.
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