Chandru Acharya, an Indian American, is among 25 faith leaders appointed to the advisory council of the US Department of Homeland Security.
(Photo: Chetan Bhakuni/The Quint)

An Indian American member of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), a Hindutva group, was appointed to the United States Faith-Based Security Advisory Council of Homeland Security, a press release said on Monday, 17 October.

Chandru Acharya, who lives in Michigan, is the lone Indian and Hindu voice in the committee of 25 faith leaders residing in the US.

The council, which includes prominent personalities from different faiths, has been set up to give advice to the secretary on matters related to the protection of houses of worship, and coordination between people of different faiths.

Several prominent Indian Americans have, however, denounced the appointment of Acharya to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and alleged that the HSS, whom he represents, is actually the overseas arm of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The website of the HSS also says that it takes inspiration from several Hindutva groups, and specifically mentions the RSS in this regard.

“HSS USA is inspired by a long lineage of Hindu movements in India, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which have helped rejuvenate the society and take Hindu civilisation forward,” the website states.

Acharya, however, has denied any relation between the HSS and the RSS.

Who Is Chandru Acharya? 

While Acharya was raised in India, he settled in the US as an Information Technology (IT) professional and served as the president of an IT firm called Imetris Corporation.

A yoga instructor and football coach, he teaches Hindu history, culture, and heritage at the Hindu Temple Balgokumal in Ohio’s Canton, and is often invited to speak at several schools and colleges on the topic of Hinduism, according to The Interfaith Observer.

The press release confirming Acharya’s appointment says that he is known in the Hindu American community and interfaith forums for building bridges with people from different faiths through dialogue and peace initiatives, news agency PTI reported.

It further states that Acharya has been actively involved with diverse community organisations that work towards social equity and pluralism.

Among his major accomplishments, the release mentions that he worked across faiths during the COVID-19 pandemic, represented the Hindu community’s voice during incidents related to “Hinduphobia” in the US, and provides children with cross-cultural awareness.

Acharya has also held a number of posts in his capacity as a community leader.

He is the current president of the South Asian American Voice of Impact, and serves in the boards of the Detroit Women’s Association, the India League of America, Michigan Indian Community Service, and the HSS.

Acharya said that his appointment to the advisory council was based on his body of work and contributions to the community. In this regard, he cited his years of experience working with the local government, community organisations and interfaith groups.

This story was originally published in thequint.in . Read the full story here