Irvine Mayor Larry Agran Attends Hindu Mandir’s America250 Celebration

India-West News Desk

IRVINE, CA -A celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary at the Irvine Hindu Mandir became the setting for a significant civic discussion on religious liberty and equal protection, culminating in Mayor Larry Agran’s public pledge that he would not support future legislation containing the word “caste.” Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Lieu immediately voiced her support for the mayor’s commitment.

The America250 celebration brought together elected officials, community leaders, and residents to reflect on the nation’s founding principles of liberty, equality, and civic participation while recognizing the contributions of Hindu Americans to the broader American story.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Agran reflected on the enduring ideals of the nation’s founding. Councilmember Melinda Lieu echoed those themes, emphasizing inclusion and shared civic responsibility.

Throughout the event, speakers drew connections between American democratic values and Hindu philosophy.

Deepak Sharma, president of the Irvine Hindu Mandir, said those principles naturally complement the American civic tradition. “These values align naturally with the American promise: that people of diverse faiths, cultures, and experiences can live together, contribute together, and build a better future together. But citizenship is more than personal achievement. It is also a responsibility to participate, to serve, and to care about the well-being of the entire community.”

Mandir Director Suresh Lohiya, who led the Celebration250 initiative, described the event as an expression of both cultural heritage and civic pride. “We are proud of our Hindu heritage, proud to be Americans, and proud to call Irvine our home.”

During the audience question-and-answer session Geeta Sikand, Senior National Vice President for Communications at Americans4Hindus, discussed California’s SB 403, the 2023 legislation that sought to add caste as a protected category under state anti-discrimination law before it was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Sikand argued that the bill unfairly singled out Hindus and urged Mayor Agran not to support any future legislation containing the word “caste,” and he  publicly pledged that he would not support future legislation containing the word “caste.”

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