The Germantown branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries system, where a planned Hindi-language book event was canceled following community objections. Photo: The American Bazaar
A planned Hindi-language event at the Germantown branch of Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) was canceled following concerns raised by a coalition of civil rights and community organizations regarding the involvement of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA).
SEE: Montgomery County library cancels Hindi book event amid controversy over VHPA link
The event, titled “Many Languages, One Library: Celebrating Hindi,” was scheduled for April 12 and intended to mark the addition of approximately 160 Hindi-language books to the library’s collection. The books were partially funded by a local Hindi school affiliated with VHPA, an organization linked to the broader Hindutva movement.
Community Concerns and Institutional Response
A coalition of civil rights, interfaith, and advocacy organizations raised concerns about the appropriateness of a public institution partnering with a group they associate with exclusionary political ideology. The coalition emphasized that their objections were not directed at the Hindi language, Hinduism, or cultural programming, but rather at the involvement of VHPA and its perceived ideological affiliations.
Following these concerns, MCPL announced the cancellation of the event, stating that it would “reimagine” how to celebrate the Hindi-speaking community with a focus on an inclusive and community-centered approach.
Broader Context
Montgomery County, Maryland—one of the most diverse counties in the United States—has a large South Asian and Indian American population. Public institutions such as libraries play a critical role in reflecting that diversity while ensuring that programming aligns with principles of inclusion, equity, and community trust.
Advocacy groups have pointed to documented concerns regarding Hindutva and its impact on minority communities, emphasizing the importance of careful vetting of partnerships within public institutions.
At the same time, representatives associated with VHPA have rejected these characterizations, describing the criticism as misinformation and defending the initiative as a community-driven effort to promote language and culture.
For many stakeholders, the central question is not whether cultural programming should be supported, but how to ensure that such programming reflects pluralistic values and does not inadvertently legitimize exclusionary ideologies. As public institutions navigate increasingly complex social and political dynamics, transparent decision-making and community-centered approaches remain essential to maintaining trust and upholding democratic values.
