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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 9 NATIONAL AFFAIRS November 7, 2025 States And Cities Across The U.S. Declare October 2025 As Hindu Heritage Month O ctober is Hindu Heritage Month in the USA, a time to recognize and celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of Hindu Ameri- cans. The month is also celebrated globally and often coincides with major Hindu festivals such as Navaratri, Dussehra, and Diwali. Throughout the United States, numerous states and cities have officially proclaimed October as Hindu Heritage Month, with celebrations ranging from cultural events, youth work- shops, and interfaith gatherings to official proclama- tions and resolutions issued by governors, mayors, and state legislators. This year, proclamations were issued in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and several other states, as well as in cities like Skokie, IL and Harrisburg, PA, reflecting a growing national recognition of Hindu Americans’ impact on civic and cultural life. Illinois Leadership in Recognition:Illinois has been at the forefront of this recognition. State Senator Ram Villivalam (D–Chicago), the first Hindu to serve in the Illinois State Legislature, successfully passed legislation in the Illinois Senate declaring October 2021 as Hindu Heritage Month in Illinois. “Hindus have furthered our state’s cultural diversity and economic prosperity,” said Senator Villivalam. “As the senator of one of the most diverse districts in the state, I am proud to be a co-sponsor of legislation to honor the contributions of Hindu communities across Illinois.” His leadership set a precedent that has since inspired other states across the nation to follow suit, helping bring Hindu Heritage Month to the national stage. A Celebration of Heritage, Faith, and Community:Hindu Heritage Month provides an annual platform to educate, celebrate, and unite communities through the exploration of Hindu traditions, philoso- phy, and values. Hinduism— the world’s third-largest religion, practiced by more than 6 million people in the United States, including over 250,000 in Illinois — is unique for its pluralistic approach, with no single founder, text, or doctrine. Instead, it embraces a wide variety of beliefs, customs, and practices that have flour- ished for thousands of years. Throughout October, communities nationwide hosted events highlighting Indian classical dance, yoga and meditation workshops, interfaith dialogues, youth cultural programs, and Diwali and Navaratri celebra- tions, welcoming people of all backgrounds to partici- pate and learn. “Hindu Heritage Month strengthens civic under- standing and promotes inclusion,” stated the largest South Asian news network in the United States. From small-town temples to major metropolitan centers, Hindu Americans have made lasting contributions to medicine, education, business, technology, and the arts. These official proclamations are far more than sym- bolic—they represent a meaningful acknowledgment of shared values and the diverse threads that together strengthen the American fabric Advocacy and coordination for Hindu Heritage Month have been championed by leading national organizations such as the Hindu American Founda- tion (HAF) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), which have worked collaboratively with state and local governments to foster awareness, inclusion, and mutual respect. Why October Matters:The timing of Hindu Heri- tage Month aligns with several major Hindu festivals, including Navaratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, providing a natural moment of celebration for families, temples, and community centers across the country. Events dur- ing the month include:Classical and folk performances, traditional dance, and music showcases Civic recogni- tions and educational programs in schools and universi- ties Interfaith panels and community dialogues Yoga, meditation, and health awareness workshops, Chari- table drives and Diwali “Festival of Lights” celebrations open to all A Growing National Movement:What began as a local recognition has evolved into a nationwide celebration of identity, faith, and service. With official proclama- tions now issued in multiple states — including Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois —Hindu Heritage Month has become a unifying observance for Hindu Americans and an educational bridge for the broader public. In 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio, and Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina joined other state leaders in issuing proclamations recognizing the month’s cultural significance and acknowledging the contributions of the Hindu community to American society. By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTO:CourtesySen.Villivalam’s office State Senator Ram Villivalam’s historic leadership in successfully passing legislation in the Illinois Senate declaring October 2021 as Hindu Heritage Month in Illinois. US Signs 10-Year Defense Framework Agreement With India U S Secretary ofWar Pete Hegseth announced October 31, 2025, thatWashington has signed a ten-year defense pact with India. He posted his comment accompanied with images of his meeting with Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the ongoing Asso- ciation of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN meetings in Malaysia. “I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Framework,” Hegseth said in his X post. “This advances our defense partnership, a corner- stone for regional stability and deterrence,” he said, adding, “We’re enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been stronger.” Details of the agreement are yet to be spelled out. The defense agreement comes in the midst of talks to hammer out a trade deal and the high tariffs Presi- dent Donald Trump has slammed on India. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:X @SECWAR US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shakes hands with India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh hold up the 10-year Defense Framework. US˨INDIA