Rep. Jim McGovern to Visit Lakshmi Hindu Temple in Ashland in Historic First for Massachusetts

Ashland, MA — Jim McGovern, a senior Democratic lawmaker from Massachusetts, is scheduled to visit the Lakshmi Hindu Temple on Saturday, March 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in what organizers say will be the first visit by a sitting U.S. congressman to a Hindu temple in the state.

The event, organized by the American Hindu Coalition, is expected to bring together community members, faith leaders, and local officials for discussions on civic engagement, religious inclusion, and public policy.

McGovern, who has represented Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1997, currently serves as the ranking member of the powerful House Rules Committee and is widely recognized for his work on human rights, food security, and social justice issues. He has also been a leading voice on global hunger initiatives and has advocated for greater transparency and bipartisanship in Congress.

Organizers say the visit reflects growing engagement between elected officials and the Indian American and Hindu communities in Massachusetts, particularly in the MetroWest region.

On the occasion, Ramesh Vishwanath Kapur, president of the US-India Security Council and a longtime Democratic Party activist, is expected to address attendees on the broader political landscape. Kapur is likely to comment on McGovern’s outreach to Hindu Americans, the recent loss of Raja Krishnamoorthi in the Illinois Senate primary, and the implications for the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

In an exclusive video interview, Kapur talks about the visit.

Kapur, a prominent voice in Indian American political circles in the United States, has been active in fostering U.S.-India relations and encouraging civic participation within the diaspora community.

The visit comes at a time when Indian American voters are playing an increasingly visible role in U.S. politics, and community leaders say such engagements help build stronger connections between policymakers and diverse constituencies.

Saturday’s event is expected to include community interactions and discussions aimed at strengthening mutual understanding between elected officials and the Hindu American community in Massachusetts.