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Florida declares October 2025 as ‘Hindu American Heritage Month’
The bill acknowledges the presence of numerous Hindu temples, religious centers, and cultural organizations across Florida and praises the community’s commitment to ‘seva.’
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Pranavi Sharma - Sun, 20, Apr 2025
- 23:28 EDT
- 135
State Representative Fentrice Driskell; Map of Florida. / Wikipedia
The Florida House of Representatives passed House Bill HR8053 on Apr.17, officially recognizing October 2025 as "Hindu-American Heritage Month" across the state. The resolution, introduced and championed by State Representative Fentrice Driskell, aims to honor the rich cultural, spiritual, and civic contributions of Hindu Americans to Florida’s social fabric.
The bill highlights both the historical and contemporary significance of the Hindu-American community, beginning with their early 20th-century immigration and continuing through to the present day, where the community stands out as one of the most educated demographics in the United States with a college attainment rate of 77 percent.
The resolution also nods to landmark anniversaries in Hindu-American history, including the 132nd year since Swami Vivekananda introduced Hindu philosophy to the American public at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, and the 125th anniversary of his founding of the Vedanta Society in San Francisco.
The bill acknowledges the presence of numerous Hindu temples, religious centers, and cultural organizations across Florida and praises the community’s commitment to ‘seva,’ the Sanskrit term for selfless service through charitable work, public service, and the provision of free medical and legal services.
The resolution further celebrates Hindu festivals, particularly Diwali, describing it as "a time of peace, joy, and new beginnings," while recognizing the broader contributions of Hindu-Americans toward fostering understanding, inclusion, and diversity in the state.
HAF welcomes the move
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a national advocacy organization, warmly welcomed the bill’s passage. Sharing their reaction on X , the organization wrote:
“Hindu Heritage Month is coming and @FentriceForFL is ahead of the curve! Thank you @FentriceForFL for Florida House Bill HR8053 that was passed by the full House yesterday recognizing Hindu Americans!”
Hindu Heritage Month is coming and @FentriceForFL is ahead of the curve!
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) April 18, 2025
Thank you @FentriceForFL for Florida House Bill HR8053 that was passed by the full House yesterday recognizing Hindu Americans! pic.twitter.com/swBhdBMPh4
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