I am pleased to introduce you to Keeping Faith: Indian Religions in the United States, a photo exhibition exploring the practice of the religions of India throughout the United States.

We are proud the United States is home to such vibrant religious communities from India and around the world. This exhibit is particularly exciting as it showcases one example of the tremendous contributions India has made to U.S. society. Shown in colorful and vivid photos collected from across the United States are India’s multitudes of religions being practiced, not only by the Indian American diaspora, but also by many other Americans. It truly embodies the deep connection we have with one of our most cherished bilateral relationships.

India’s long and vibrant history has seen the flourishing of some of the world’s great religions. These include, but are certainly not limited to, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Christianity. Many of these faiths are vividly displayed in this exhibit. This is a testament to the priority we place on religious expression in the United States, and allows for a deeper understanding of our two great nations.

This exhibit highlights the growing partnership between our two countries and presents an opportunity to emphasize our common commitment to democratic ideals, religious freedom, and diversity.

Religious freedom plays an important role in creating the ties that bind so closely together our two countries. India is the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions; the United States was founded by Europeans in search of a home where they could freely practice their belief. Both countries are secular democracies without an official state religion, but which grant the constitutional right to the free expression of religious faith. This right has engendered a tolerance by both countries’ citizens to all religions, allowing them to flourish with dignity
and freedom.

Curated by Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C., Keeping Faith: Indian Religions in the United States identifies an important area of commonality between our two countries that makes our partnership so strong and enduring.