Washington: During a visit to the Sri Lakshmi Temple in Massachusetts, Congressman Jim McGovern engaged with community members in what organisers described as a symbolic and historic moment reflecting growing outreach to diverse faith communities in the United States.

The visit to the temple in Ashland marked the first time a sitting US Congressman had visited a Hindu temple in Massachusetts, underscoring increasing engagement with the Hindu American community and broader interfaith outreach efforts.

McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee, interacted with attendees on civic participation, religious inclusion and public policy, with organisers saying the engagement reflected his continued outreach to communities across the state and his emphasis on interfaith understanding.

“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, Massachusetts Chapter president of Americans 4 Hindus (A4H), who organised the event.

Ramesh Vishwanath Kapur, president of the US-India Security Council, highlighted the importance of stronger US-India ties and acknowledged McGovern’s support for the Indian American community over the years, stressing the importance of unity among Iandian Americans.

During the event, McGovern read a formal citation issued by his office honouring Gaurishankar Chandrashekhar, a master percussionist and music educator, recognising his 25 years of mentorship and service, with the recognition celebrated by his students at the temple.

Dr Thalanki also spoke about Hindu philosophical ideas, including “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, highlighting acceptance, diversity and the idea of the world as one family as values relevant in a global context.

As part of the visit, McGovern was presented with a vigraha of Devi Sri Lakshmi during Navaratri celebrations and was also gifted a coin of Sri Ganesha, symbolising prosperity and the removal of obstacles, while temple representatives highlighted the principle of “Athiti Devo Bhava”.

Community leaders including Pramit Maakoday and Ram Gupta spoke about the contributions, civic participation and inclusive philosophy of Hindu Americans, with several community members, volunteers and cultural contributors also attending the event.