Latest news with #Mathura
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
From Dotbusters to Ohio SG: How Hinduphobia festers in the American mainstream - and the bindi remains a flashpoint for racists
Hinduphobia festers in US with Bindi as flashpoint (AI-generated Representative image) The appointment of Indian-origin attorney Mathura Sridharan as Ohio's 12th Solicitor General triggered a wave of racist and Hinduphobic backlash online, with trolls questioning her 'Americanness' and targeting her Hindu identity — particularly her wearing of a bindi. Announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on July 31, Sridharan's elevation was praised for her legal credentials and prior Supreme Court experience. However, the online response quickly turned hostile, with several users mocking her name, complexion, and religious markers. The backlash has reignited concerns over rising anti-Hindu sentiment in the US which can be led back to the 'Bindi'— a centuries-old cultural symbol that has historically drawn hate, including from violent groups like the Dotbusters in the 1980s. Attorney General defends appointment, slams trolls Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who appointed Sridharan, responded strongly to the online vitriol. Clarifying her identity, Yost said, 'A few commenters have asserted incorrectly that Mathura is not American. She is a United States citizen, married to a US citizen, and the child of naturalized US citizens.' He added, 'If her name or her complexion bother you, the problem is not with her or her appointment.' He reaffirmed his support for Sridharan's qualifications, noting, 'Mathura is brilliant… she won her argument at SCOTUS last year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Both the SGs she worked under recommended her. I told her when I originally hired her I needed her to argue with me. She does — all the time.' Despite this, the trolling continued. Comments ranged from questioning her religious faith to falsely accusing her of divided loyalties, with some users claiming she was 'un-American' and a 'foreigner.' One user wrote, 'Is she a Christian? That's the biggest factor that concerns me. Based on the bindi on her forehead, I worry she is not.' Hindu advocacy groups push back Hindu American groups and diaspora leaders were quick to rally in support of Sridharan. Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, described her as 'a brilliant attorney who argued before SCOTUS, an amazing mother and proud Ohioan.' Responding to attacks over her wearing of a bindi, Shukla said on X, 'The bindi identifies one as Hindu, just as a cross pendant might a Christian… We wear them often, and racist backlash won't dissuade us," spekaing about its significance . Shukla added, 'Mathura will be an incredible Solicitor General and Ohioans will be well represented. Anti-Hindu hate is real, but our traditions are our superpower. We will not be deterred and we move forward in service and with love.' The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also issued a statement calling Sridharan's appointment a proud moment for the Hindu community. The group warned, however, that the online backlash was a clear indication of 'the blatant Hinduphobia and racism that exists in Ohio and beyond.' The Dotbusters era: A racist past For many Hindu Americans, the fixation on the bindi is not new — it reminiscences a darker period inUS history. In the 1980s and early 1990s, a violent hate group calling itself the 'Dotbusters' targeted South Asians, particularly Hindus, in Jersey City, New Jersey. The name was a direct reference to the bindi, referred to as a 'dot' in the context that gave the organisation its name. The group engaged in physical attacks, intimidation, and harassment, often focusing on young Hindu women. One of the most brutal incidents was the fatal beating of Navroze Mody in 1987. Police were slow to act, leading to widespread fear among Indian residents. Eventually, the South Asian community formed self-defense groups and pushed back through organized resistance. The Dotbusters faded, but the trauma and symbolism of that period continue to resonate today. Bindi a flashpoint and a wider racist sentiment Far-right commentator Stew Peters fueled online vitriol last year by accusing Indian immigrants of being "parasitic," mocking their hygiene, and using slurs like "dot head". The term "dot head" refers to the bindi, a small decorative mark worn on the forehead by many Indian women, often as a symbol of their religious or cultural identity. His rant triggered widespread condemnation and drew attention to the persistence of anti-Hindu sentiment in American discourse. In addition to the backlash over symbols like the bindi, Hindu Americans also continue to face broader hostility. The rhetoric against Hindus isn't limited to isolated extremists. Hindu Americans in public life have repeatedly faced bigoted attacks. Tech executive Sriram Krishnan, despite his mainstream presence, has dealt with derogatory comments online. JD Vance's wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, was mocked for her Indian heritage during his Senate campaign. Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was frequently labeled 'not American enough' and faced jeers for invoking his Hindu faith on the campaign trail. Even beyond prominent figures, members of the broader Hindu community have reported slurs and suspicion simply for practicing their religion or wearing cultural markers/attires.
Mint
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Who is Mathura Sridharan? Indian-origin lawyer who became Ohio's 12th solicitor general and is trolled over ‘bindi'
Mathura Sridharan, a US lawyer of Indian origin with a strong legal track record, was appointed Ohio's 12th solicitor general. Many on social media mocked her for wearing a 'bindi' on her forehead and said she did not deserve the post. One social media post read, "Is she a Christian? That's the biggest factor that concerns me. Based on the bindi on her forehead, I worry she is not. That absolutely should matter to us when choosing our leaders." Another comment stated, "She's Indian. They all have a loyalty first to other Indians. horrible pick. Totally un-American. The GOP is pathetic." "Why would you select someone who isn't an American for such an important role?," asked another X user. "Nothing says "Ohioan" like a dot right on the forehead," said one person. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost came out in Sridharan's support, saying, "A few commenters have asserted incorrectly that Mathura is not American." Yost clarified that Sridharan is a United States citizen, married to a US citizen, and the child of naturalised US citizens. "If her name or her complexion bother you, the problem is not with her or her appointment," he wrote in a social medi post. Dave Yost called Mathura 'brilliant' and said she won her argument at SCOTUS last year. "Both the SGs she worked under (Flowers & Gaiser) recommended her," he added. According to her profile shared by the Federalist Society, Mathura Sridharan served as the Deputy Solicitor General in Ohio's Office of the Solicitor General. Most recently, Mathura argued before the United States Supreme Court in Ohio v. EPA, representing several States in a challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency's good neighbour rule, which regulates the interstate transport of air pollution. Before joining the Ohio Solicitor's Office, Mathura clerked for Judge Steven J. Menashi of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Deborah A. Batts of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. She holds a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law, a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
India Today
03-08-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Who is Mathura Sridharan, Ohio's New Solicitor General trolled for 'bindi'?
Indian-origin lawyer Mathura Sridharan has been appointed as Ohio's 12th Solicitor General, making her the state's top appellate lawyer responsible for representing Ohio in high-stakes cases before federal and state courts, including the US Supreme appointment was announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who praised Sridharan's credentials and performance, particularly highlighting her argument in Ohio v. EPA before the US Supreme Court in her elevation sparked a wave of racist and xenophobic trolling online. Critics questioned her American identity, targeted her for wearing a bindi, and objected to someone with Indian heritage holding such a high-ranking legal post. "Is she a Christian? That's the biggest factor that concerns me. Based on the bindi on her forehead, I worry she is not. That absolutely should matter to us when choosing our leaders. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. If someone worships demons, then they are by nature children of wrath and foolish. How can they effectively leads us?," one wrote. "Another American job given away to foreigners," another wrote. Another troll cited her Indian heritage. "She's Indian. They all have a loyalty first to other Indians. horrible pick. Totally un-American. The GOP is pathetic," a third user wrote."No one with the last name 'Sridharan' fought in the US Civil War. She's not an American," another wrote.A comment read, "Someone with the name Mathura Sridharan is not American."OHIO AG HITS BACKOhio Attorney General Dave Yost, who announced Mathura's promotion, said Mathura is wrongly being portrayed as a non-American."Mathura is brilliant she won her argument at SCOTUS last year. Both the SGs she worked under (Flowers & Gaiser) recommended her. I told her when I originally hired her I needed her to argue with me. She does All the time! Excited to promote her. She will serve Ohio well," he trolls targetted Mathura in the comment section and Yost clapped back at them, saying that she is a citizen of the US."A few commenters have asserted incorrectly that Mathura is not American. She is a United States citizen, married to a US citizen, and the child of naturalised US citizens. If her name or her complexion bother you, the problem is not with her or her appointment," he wrote on X. WHO IS MATHURA SRIDHARAN?Mathura Sridharan currently serves as Deputy Solicitor General and heads Ohio's Tenth Amendment holds a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law, a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of her tenure in the Solicitor's Office, she clerked for Judge Steven J Menashi of the US Court of Appeals (Second Circuit) and Judge Deborah A. Batts of the US District Court (Southern District of New York).Sridharan is also trained in Carnatic music and has performed in Chennai's prestigious December music season. She has been married to Ashwin Suresh since 2015.- Ends
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First Post
03-08-2025
- Politics
- First Post
'If her name or complexion bothers you...': Ohio SG Mathura Sridharan trolled, AG claps back to troll
Indian-origin jurist Mathura Sridharan received racist backlash from online trolls after she was appointed as Ohio's 12th solicitor general. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost hits back at the troll by issuing a lengthy statement on the matter read more Mathura Sridharan was trolled for her Indian-origin after her name was announced as Ohio's Solicitor General. LinkedIn Indian-origin Mathura Sridharan was appointed as Ohio's 12th solicitor general. However, her feat garnered wrath online with trolls questioning why a 'non-US-origin' person was picked for the post. Soon after her appointment, Sridharan's LinkedIn went viral with critics questioning her credibility. All this prompted Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to issue a clarification, slamming the troll for ignorance. Yost, who appointed Mathura for the post, said that she is wrongly being portrayed as a non-American. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'A few commenters have asserted incorrectly that Mathura is not American. She is a United States citizen, married to a US citizen, and the child of naturalised US citizens,' he said. 'If her name or her complexion bothers you, the problem is not with her or her appointment,' Yost said in a statement. 'Mathura is brilliant… she won her argument at SCOTUS last year. Both the SGs she worked under (Flowers & Gaiser) recommended her. I told her when I originally hired her that I needed her to argue with me. She does… All the time! Excited to promote her. She will serve Ohio well,' he added. Trolls question her religious identity However, Yost's take on the matter was also met with trolling as people pointed out that she is not 'American-American', with some even questioning her religious identity. 'Is she a Christian? That's the biggest factor that concerns me. Based on the bindi on her forehead, I worry she is not,' one user wrote online. 'Another American job… given away to foreigners,' another wrote. 'She's Indian. They all have a loyalty first to other Indians. Horrible pick. Un-American. The GOP is pathetic,' a third user exclaimed. When it comes to Mathura's career, before joining the Ohio Solicitor's Office, Mathura clerked for Judge Steven J. Menashi of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Deborah A. Batts of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. She holds a Juris Doctorate from the New York University School of Law, a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mathura Sridharan trolled for 'bindi', Ohio AG says, 'If her name or complexion bother you...'
Mathura Sridharan was trolled for her Indian-origin after her name was announced as Ohio's Solicitor General. Indian-origin Mathura Sridharan was appointed as Ohio's 12th solicitor general, inviting the wrath of online trolls who questioned why a 'non-US-origin' person was not picked for the post. Sridharan's LinkedIn went viral as critics questioned her credibility -- forcing Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to issue a clarification, or a clapback at the trolls. Dave Yost, who announced Mathura's promotion, said Mathura is wrongly being portrayed as a non-American. "A few commenters have asserted incorrectly that Mathura is not American. She is a United States citizen, married to a US citizen, and the child of naturalized US citizens," he said. "If her name or her complexion bother you, the problem is not with her or her appointment," he added. — DaveYostOH (@DaveYostOH) "Mathura is brilliant… she won her argument at SCOTUS last year. Both the SGs she worked under (Flowers & Gaiser) recommended her. I told her when I originally hired her I needed her to argue with me. She does… All the time! Excited to promote her. She will serve Ohio well," Yost wrote. Yost's clapback also met trolling as people commented that she is not "American-American". "Is she a Christian? That's the biggest factor that concerns me. Based on the bindi on her forehead, I worry she is not," one wrote. "Another American job… given away to foreigners," another wrote. "She's Indian. They all have a loyalty first to other Indians. horrible pick. Totally un-American. the GOP is pathetic," a third user wrote. "No one with the last name 'Sridharan' fought in the US Civil War. She's not an American," another wrote. Before joining the Ohio Solicitor's Office, Mathura clerked for Judge Steven J. Menashi of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Deborah A. Batts of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. She holds a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law, a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
