Congressman Jim McGovern Makes Historic First Visit to Sri Lakshmi Temple

In a historic and symbolic moment for religious inclusion and civic engagement, Congressman Jim McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee, visited the Sri Lakshmi Temple on March 21, 2026, marking the first time a sitting U.S. Congressman has visited a Hindu temple in Massachusetts.

The evening featured distinguished participation from Guest of Honor Mr. Ramesh Vishwanath Kapur, President of the U.S.-India Security Council, a contributor at the trustee level for A4H, and a member of the American Hindu Coalition. Mr. Kapur highlighted the growing importance of U.S.-India relations and the contributions of the Indian American community. He expressed deep appreciation for Congressman Jim McGovern, noting that he has consistently supported the needs of the Indian American community over the years. Mr. Kapur emphasized the importance of strengthening U.S.-India relationships and fostering unity among Indian Americans, highlighting Congressman McGovern's role in advocating for the community's interests and bringing it together.

The event was organized by Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki, Massachusetts Chapter President of Americans 4 Hindus (A4H), an accomplished orthodontist in the Greater Boston area, a long-standing community volunteer, and the Conveyor of the New England Chapter of Global Indian Scientists and Technocrats (GIST USA). Dr. Thalanki was honored with the Presidential Volunteer Hero Award from President Biden for her exceptional contributions to healthcare and her volunteer service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership and dedication to both healthcare and Ayurveda, as well as her advocacy for the integration of ancient wellness practices, have earned her widespread recognition as a volunteer hero in the community.

During the gathering, Congressman Jim McGovern Chief Guest of Honor engaged with attendees on issues of civic participation, religious inclusion, and public policy, underscoring his commitment to representing diverse communities across Massachusetts and fostering mutual understanding among different faith traditions.

"This historic visit reflects the strength and vibrancy of the Hindu American community and the importance of building bridges across cultures and faiths," said Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki. "We are honored to host Congressman Jim McGovern and distinguished leaders for this meaningful dialogue."

The event served as a milestone in strengthening ties between elected officials and the Hindu American community, while also emphasizing the increasing civic and cultural contributions of Indian Americans in the region.

Congressman Jim McGovern also personally read a formal Citation issued by his office honoring Mr. Gaurishankar Chandrashekhar, a master Indian percussionist and dedicated music educator. The citation recognized Mr. Chandrashekhar's 25 years of mentorship and service, celebrated by his students during a special felicitation at Sri Lakshmi Temple.

During the event, Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki shared key philosophical insights from Hindu traditions, emphasizing the principle of "Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti" - truth is one, though it is expressed in many ways. She noted that this foundational idea reflects a culture where differences in belief are respected rather than opposed.

"Hinduism teaches us not to divide or conflict over differing paths," she said. "It is inherently aligned with secular values, rooted in acceptance and the ability to embrace and assimilate diversity as part of everyday life."

Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki also highlighted the guiding ideal of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", the world as one family, underscoring the community's commitment to harmony and mutual respect. She emphasized that these values promote peace and unity, which are especially important in today's global climate.

During the visit, Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki presented Congressman Jim McGovern with a vigraha of Devi Sri Lakshmi, the main deity of the Sri Lakshmi Temple, during the auspicious celebration of Navaratri, a nine-day festival honoring female goddesses and symbolizing the importance of female strength. She emphasized that women have always held the utmost respect and importance in Hindu traditions. She also noted that, due to historical invasions over the past thousand years, certain external cultural views were imposed, and the community is now actively working to decolonize and return to its roots, guided by scientific, time-tested, and well-researched philosophies. She highlighted practices such as Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda, which promote healthier, more balanced lives - physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Several prominent community leaders were also in attendance, including Mr. Pramit Maakoday, Global President of A4H, Mr. Ram Gupta, supporter at the trustee level for A4H, Mr. Naimesh Kotadia, dedicated member and volunteer of A4H, and Mr. Srinini Pylore, Director of Temple Outreach Committee for A4H MA Chapter, reinforcing A4H's vision of a strong, unified, and politically engaged Hindu American voice nationwide.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Pramit Maakoday, Global President of A4H, highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian American community. He noted that Indian Americans are highly educated, skilled, and responsible, with low crime rates and minimal reliance on government assistance, while also contributing significantly to taxes and civic life.

Mr. Ram Gupta, supporter at the trustee level for A4H, shared that, even as an atheist, he feels proud and happy to identify with Hinduism. He explained the spiritual philosophy of Dharma and Karma, emphasizing that Hinduism is inclusive, welcoming of everyone, and ultimately focused on the betterment of humanity.

The temple priests and Mr. Ganesh Krishnan, President of the Sri Lakshmi Temple, also presented Congressman Jim McGovern with a coin of Sri Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, as a symbol of good fortune and blessings. They also offered several mementos and shared that the temple follows the principle of "Athiti Devo Bhava", meaning "the guest is God," reflecting the temple's commitment to treating every guest with the utmost respect and reverence, as if they were divinities themselves.

Several distinguished community leaders, including Ms. Priya Samant Parulekar, author Ms. Nayana Sahasrabuddhe, Ms. Pratima Penamurthy, Mr. Ramkrishna Penamurthy, and Dr. Harini Aiyer (MA state representative candidate for Middlesex 17th District), along with numerous volunteers and founding members such as Mr. KG Narayan and Ms. Ranjani Ramaswamy, were present and recognized for their contributions to the temple and the community. Dr. Harini Aiyer, a passionate advocate for civic engagement and education, is running for the Middlesex 17th District seat in the Massachusetts State Legislature. Her involvement underscores her commitment to representing the voices of diverse communities in the region.

About Sri Lakshmi Temple

The Sri Lakshmi Temple serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Hindu community in New England, offering religious services, cultural programs, and community events throughout the year.

About Americans4Hindus (A4H)

Americans4Hindus (A4H) is an independent, non-partisan national organization dedicated to empowering Hindu Americans through civic engagement, leadership development, and community mobilization. A4H works to strengthen the voice of the Hindu American community in the political, social, and cultural arenas, ensuring that their contributions and concerns are heard and addressed at all levels of government. Through advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships, A4H aims to build a strong and unified community that actively participates in shaping the future of America.

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