Phoenix, Arizona — Americans4Hindus, the nation's fastest-growing Hindu American political empowerment organization, proudly announced the launch of its Arizona State Chapter at a landmark event held in Phoenix on January 31, 2026. With this milestone, Americans4Hindus now has an active presence in 24 states, underscoring its rapid growth and expanding national influence in the political sphere.
Key Facts
• Arizona becomes the 24th state chapter, with Manish Gupta installed as President and Shamini Oza-Shah as Vice President on January 31, 2026
• The organization operates as a non-partisan, independent entity focused on endorsing and supporting candidates aligned with Hindu values and community concerns
• Dr. Romesh Japra, founder and chairman, emphasized the need to strengthen grassroots leadership and accelerate political engagement across local, state, and federal platforms
Dr. Romesh Japra, founder and chairman of Americans4Hindus, formally installed Manish Gupta as the new president during the ceremonial event held at Shamini Oza-Shah's residence in Phoenix. The event brought together community leaders, supporters, and political figures to celebrate this expansion milestone.
Manish Gupta, accepting his role as president, described the appointment as a sacred responsibility guided by Hindu Dharma principles. He pledged to unite the community across Arizona and work tirelessly to empower Hindu Americans politically—from local civic bodies to state and federal platforms.
Shamini Oza-Shah, serving as vice president, addressed attendees candidly about the challenges facing the community today. She noted that even Hindu Americans born and raised in the United States increasingly face intimidation and threats, calling for unity, courage, and organized civic participation.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego congratulated Manish Gupta on his appointment, praising his distinguished public service as a Planning Commissioner and his contributions on economic advisory boards. She highlighted his impact as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and champion of community service.
The Arizona chapter launch follows successful expansions in other states like Colorado, demonstrating A4H's growing momentum in building a united Hindu American political movement. The organization remains committed to its mission of remaining independent, non-partisan, and centrist while supporting candidates who align with community values.
Attendees at the Phoenix event pledged their time, expertise, and resources to build a strong statewide presence.
The event underscores the broader push by Hindu American communities to establish stronger political voices in a rapidly changing national landscape. As more state chapters launch, the organization aims to create a coordinated movement that advocates for Hindu American concerns across all levels of governance.
— Shamini Oza-Shah, Vice President of Americans4Hindus Arizona Chapter
With the Arizona chapter now operational, Americans4Hindus continues its mission to build a politically engaged Hindu American movement. The organization invites community members to get involved, contribute their expertise, and help strengthen representation across Arizona and beyond.
Do You Know?
Americans4Hindus was founded in 2019 as a bipartisan Super-PAC dedicated to empowering Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Dharmic communities through political action and representation. The organization has grown to 24 state chapters in less than seven years, making it one of the fastest-growing Hindu American political organizations in the nation.
Key Terms
• Super-PAC: A political action committee that can raise unlimited funds from individuals, corporations, and unions to support or oppose political candidates, provided it operates independently without coordinating directly with candidates
• Grassroots Leadership: Community-driven initiatives where ordinary citizens organize and mobilize within their neighborhoods and regions to create political and social change from the ground up
• Political Empowerment: The process of enabling communities to gain influence, representation, and decision-making power in political systems at local, state, and national levels
• Hindu Dharma: A Sanskrit term referring to Hindu ethical and moral principles that emphasize duty, righteousness, and universal harmony
• Civic Participation: Active involvement in community and political processes, including voting, attending public meetings, volunteering, and advocating for policy changes
Asia91 Original