New York: New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, known for his progressive politics and outspoken advocacy, visited the historic Ganesh Temple in Flushing, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the city. The Muslim legislator described the visit as deeply personal, saying he felt proud of his mother’s Hindu background while staying rooted in his own faith.
“I am proud that my mother’s family is Hindu, while being Muslim myself,” Mamdani said, reflecting on the diverse faith traditions within his family. His statement resonated widely for its message of unity and respect amid growing global polarization on religious lines.
Mamdani, the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani, has often spoken about the values of pluralism and coexistence that shaped his upbringing. His public acknowledgment of both faiths was viewed as an expression of interfaith harmony and a reminder of the shared cultural history between Hindus and Muslims.
Observers said Mamdani’s gesture holds social and political value at a time when religious intolerance is rising worldwide. His openness about his dual heritage offered a rare example of embracing multiple identities without contradiction.
Mamdani represents the Astoria district in Queens and is currently running to be the next mayor of New York City.
