Richa Karmarkar
Richa Karmarkar is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Richa Karmarkar

Hindu advocates sue California, arguing bans on caste discrimination misrepresent beliefs
By Richa Karmarkar — September 28, 2022
(RNS) — At the crux of the HAF lawsuit is the question of whether caste is inherently tied to Hindu dharma.

Gen Z Hindu Americans reckon with faith and politics
By Richa Karmarkar — September 21, 2022
(RNS) — For Hindu American students looking to practice their faith absolved of politics, there is a distinct lack of places to turn.

How a small town in Wisconsin became home to four Dharmic houses of worship
By Richa Karmarkar — September 9, 2022
(RNS) — The Midwest has offered the South Asian immigrant families what it has offered any immigrant group: Space to call their own.

Recent incidents from New York to California buttress concerns about Hinduphobia
By Richa Karmarkar — August 26, 2022
(RNS) — The attacks come just weeks after a Gandhi statue was vandalized and desecrated outside a Queens temple twice in less than a month.

Hare Krishna movement draws ever more diverse set of spiritual seekers in NYC
By Richa Karmarkar — August 24, 2022
(RNS) — Once known for its popularity among white hippies, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has found both popularity and legitimacy among an ever growing Hindu diaspora.

Second attack on Gandhi statue will be investigated as a hate crime, NYPD says
By Richa Karmarkar — August 19, 2022
NEW YORK (RNS) — In the second incident of vandalism in less than two weeks, a Gandhi statue outside of Shri Tulsi Mandir was toppled and defaced in what police are now investigating as a targeted hate crime.

Ayurveda’s spiritual science makes inroads among foodies and healers
By Richa Karmarkar — August 17, 2022
(RNS) — At the intersection of science and religion, the ancient art of ayurveda is attracting believers seeking to improve their health by treating soul and body.

Non-affirming views continue to complicate HIV/AIDS response in Black churches
By Richa Karmarkar — August 15, 2022
(RNS) — A new study highlights an overall negative attitude toward homosexuality in the Black church. Now, Black LGBT clergy members are working to combat stigma in congregations about the public health issues of HIV and AIDS.

Preserving stories of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh friendships through India’s partition
By Richa Karmarkar — August 10, 2022
(RNS) — Descendants of those who experienced the Partition of Punjab in 1947 come together to share stories of interfaith collaboration after 75 years of religious animosity in India and Pakistan.

Queens community condemns attack on Gandhi statue as anti-Hindu vandalism
By Richa Karmarkar — August 9, 2022
NEW YORK (RNS) — Leaders from the diverse Richmond Hill community in New York’s Queens borough came together on Tuesday to condemn an act of vandalism against a statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside of the Shri Tulsi Mandir Hindu temple.

Title VI complaint alleges ongoing antisemitism at CUNY
By Richa Karmarkar — July 28, 2022
NEW YORK (RNS) — Jewish students and faculty are calling attention to what they say is a rise in antisemitism across CUNY campuses.
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