Sen. Antani Announces House, Senate Passage Of Hindu Heritage Month In Ohio

Bill Goes to Governor’s Desk for Signature or Veto



COLUMBUS- Today, State Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) announced the passage of his bill to designate October as Hindu Heritage Month in Ohio. Senator Antani is the 1st Hindu & Indian American State Senator in Ohio history and the youngest Hindu & Indian American state or federal elected official in the country.



“This is a huge win for Hindus across Ohio and the country. Now, every October we will be able to officially celebrate our Hindu heritage in Ohio. This was the culmination of a lot of work by Hindu advocates here in Ohio and across the country and I was very happy to partner with them to get this passed,” Sen. Antani said.



Yesterday, Senator Antani amended his bill into HB 173 on the Senate floor. Both chambers subsequently passed the legislation unanimously.



“Ohio is home to millions of unique individuals, each with their own background and story,” State Representative Adam Mathews said. “I am incredibly grateful to have worked with Sen. Antani and my local Hindu constituents to finally enact Hindu Heritage Month in Ohio."



Rep. Mathews was the House sponsor and champion of the bill and represents most of Warren County, where many Cincinnati area Hindus reside.



The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature or veto.



“We’re extremely grateful to Senator Antani and Representative Mathews for their leadership in spearheading this bill to designate October as Hindu Heritage Month. By officially recognizing Hindu Heritage Month every year, HB 173 goes a long way in ensuring that the contributions, culture, and traditions of Hindu Americans are better understood and appreciated by the people of Ohio,” added Samir Kalra, Esq., Managing Director of the Hindu American Foundation.