As North Texas experiences significant growth in its South Asian population, a Texas Hindu leader spoke with The Dallas Express about Indian immigration, H-1B visas, Ganesh idol immersion, traditional Hindu practices involving cows, assimilation and concerns surrounding Islam.
Surya Vidiyala, president of the Texas chapter of the American Hindu Coalition, described himself as a “proud Hindu” while emphasizing his American identity.
“For us number one priority is the United States of America,” Vidiyala told The Dallas Express. “We want to make our life great. We want to give a great future for our kids, and also we want to contribute towards this country.”
Indian Immigration and H-1B
Indian immigration has expanded significantly in recent years.
The Indian immigrant population increased 78% between 2010 and 2024, triple the growth rate of the overall foreign-born population, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Approximately 3.2 million Indian immigrants lived in the United States in 2024.
Indian nationals accounted for 71% of approved H-1B petitions in fiscal year 2024. More than 363,000 Indian students attended U.S. colleges and universities during the 2024-25 academic year, making India the largest source of international students.
Indian immigrants also have high levels of educational attainment, with 82% of those ages 25 and older holding at least a bachelor’s degree in 2024.
Vidiyala acknowledged concerns about abuse of immigration programs and called for consequences for individuals and employers who exploit the system.
“First we need to protect our Americans. No doubt about it. No, period number one,” Vidiyala said. “I’m an American. I don’t want somebody else coming from the country taking away my rights, my job, and my everything.”
However, Vidiyala stopped short of calling for the elimination of H-1B visas.
“Clean up the system,” he said, arguing that regardless of whether particular programs remain, authorities should ensure they cannot be misused.
Ganesh Immersion Raises Questions
Vidiyala also discussed Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Visarjan, a Hindu ritual involving the immersion of an idol representing the deity Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi honors Ganesha and traditionally concludes with Ganesh Visarjan, when an idol is carried to a body of water and immersed.
“Generally they go for small lakes or rivers, and they will try to immerse in the water,” Vidiyala said while describing practices in India.
The tradition has recently drawn attention in North Texas.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a McKinney resident said he witnessed a Ganesh idol submerged and left in a neighborhood pond, raising questions about whether festival immersions in North Texas lakes and ponds comply with state litter laws and local park rules.
Against that backdrop, Vidiyala discouraged Hindu Americans from using local lakes when appropriate waterways are unavailable.
“If you don’t have a river, if you find any small lake, don’t do that,” Vidiyala said. “Please do not disturb the society and community.”
Cow Dung and Cow Sanctuaries
Vidiyala also discussed the sacred status of cows in Hinduism and traditional practices involving cow products.
“Cow is sacred,” Vidiyala said.
He then made a claim about cow dung and its traditional uses.
“Scientifically, it’s proven the cow dung has got so many good properties,” Vidiyala claimed.
He described practices in India involving cow dung being applied to traditional walls and cow-dung water being used around homes.
“In the morning they pour the cow dung water, and they do the decoration so that mosquitos will not come,” he said.
However, some medical researchers and organizations in India have warned against consuming cow urine or using cow dung for purported health benefits. Researchers at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute found potentially harmful bacteria, including E. coli, in cow urine samples, with lead researcher Bhoj Raj Singh saying it could not be recommended for human consumption. The Indian Medical Association has also warned that there was no concrete scientific evidence that cow dung or urine could boost immunity against COVID-19 and cautioned that such practices could carry risks of animal-to-human disease transmission.
Vidiyala also said goshalas, or cow sanctuaries, have been established in the United States, including in Texas, where people can visit and feed cows.
‘Number One America’
Vidiyala repeatedly emphasized assimilation and loyalty to the United States.
“Number one America. Serve America,” he said.
“If you don’t like, get the hell out of here,” Vidiyala added, arguing that immigrants who live in America and benefit from its institutions should respect the country.
He simultaneously cautioned against blaming Hindu Americans collectively for wrongdoing by individuals.
“Do not hate Hindu Americans, but at the same time, please do not spare anyone who misses the law or misuses the system,” he said.
Islam and Religious Communities
Asked about concerns surrounding Islam, Vidiyala referenced India’s historical experience with Muslim rule but rejected broadly blaming Muslims today.
“It doesn’t mean all Muslims are bad,” Vidiyala said. “I got a lot of Muslim friends for a long time. They are wonderful people.”
Instead, Vidiyala called for the same laws to apply regardless of religion.
“If Hindu American doing something, don’t allow. If something Christian doing, don’t allow. Something Islam is doing, don’t allow,” he said.
For Vidiyala, the standard should ultimately remain the “law of the land.”
