Ohio Sen. Antani’s Hindu Heritage Month bill goes to Governor’s desk

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Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) announced December 19, 2024, the passage of his bill to designate October as Hindu Heritage Month in Ohio. The bill now goes to the desk of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, who will approve or veto it.

Senator Antani is the first Hindu and Indian American State Senator in Ohio history and the youngest Hindu and Indian American state or federal elected official in the country, a press release from his office said.

“This is a huge win for Hindus across Ohio and the country,” Antani said in his statement. “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 added.

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On December 18, 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.

One of the leading advocacy organizations, Hindu American Foundation thanked State Sen. Antani, and State Rep. Mathews.

“We’re extremely grateful to Senator Antani and Representative Mathews for their leadership in spearheading this bill to designate October as Hindu Heritage Month,” HAF said. “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,” Samir Kalra, Esq., managing director of HAF is quoted saying.