Richa Karmarkar
Richa Karmarkar is a New York City based reporter for RNS, primarily covering Hinduism. She also helps with a variety of editorial needs in the newsroom. Before joining RNS in 2022, Karmarkar previously worked at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy and on the production team of the Interfaith Voices podcast. Karmarkar is a graduate of Columbia University with a Master’s degrees in Religion and Journalism. She also holds three Bachelor's degrees in Religious Studies, History, and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
All Stories by Richa Karmarkar
Rutgers task force report urges university to add caste discrimination ban
By Richa Karmarkar — September 4, 2024
(RNS) — Beginning in 2020 with Brandeis University, more than 20 higher education institutions across the country have followed momentum to recognize caste discrimination in their policies. But some in Hindu advocacy circles see this as a concerted attempt to negatively label one community as 'casteist.'
Hindu summer campers come for the mantras, stay for the memories
By Richa Karmarkar — August 20, 2024
(RNS) — After the Hindu Heritage Youth Camp’s first year at its new campsite, these summer campers look back on a summer of education: for youth, by youth.
New York’s India Day Parade will not remove controversial Hindu tribute
By Richa Karmarkar — August 16, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — The centerpiece float of Lord Ram at this year's parade has been met with fierce criticism from those who say it represents anti-Muslim sentiment.
‘Comedy is my dharma,’ say creators of new Hindu podcast, ‘Shakti Punch’
By Richa Karmarkar — August 14, 2024
(RNS) — In their new podcast, comedian Pranav Behari and producer Adi Parige hope to reach modern American Hindus through relatable, humorous spirituality.
US advocacy groups raise awareness for plight of Bangladeshi Hindus
By Richa Karmarkar — August 12, 2024
(RNS) — Some see the escalation of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh as a chance to unite the global Hindu diaspora.
At her first tour since the pandemic, Amma embraces New York City
By Richa Karmarkar — August 8, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — Whether you’re religious, spiritual or refuse labels, sometimes all you need is a hug.
Indian and Black, Hindu and Baptist: The multiplicities of Kamala Harris
By Richa Karmarkar — August 1, 2024
(RNS) — Kamala Harris’ hyphenated identity has become a chance for Americans to discuss how one person can represent multiple religions and races at once.
Kamala Harris’ heritage draws attention to Hinduism’s complex history in Caribbean
By Richa Karmarkar — July 24, 2024
(RNS) — For many who claim Indo-Caribbean heritage, Vice President Kamala Harris’ spotlight is the perfect chance to dive into the community’s lesser-known past: where indigenous faiths and cultural traditions found more in common than not.
As Usha Vance dazzles, Hindu Americans leaning further right than ever
By Richa Karmarkar — July 18, 2024
(RNS) — Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, some analysts wonder if the largely Democratic voter group may be shifting its interests.
American Hindu parents are finding innovative ways to pass the faith on to their kids
By Richa Karmarkar — July 9, 2024
(RNS) — 'It's a religion of understanding and of knowledge, not of faith. And I think that kind of vibes with the modern generation,' said Instagram's The Hindu Grandma.
New York City celebrates the 10th International Day of Yoga
By Richa Karmarkar — June 21, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — In bustling Times Square, hundreds of yoga practitioners gathered to celebrate International Day of Yoga: an initiative from the UN that marks a decade this year.
New Jersey bill allowing standalone crematories could benefit Hindu funeral rituals
By Richa Karmarkar — June 10, 2024
(RNS) — Hindu advocates hope the new bill would better fit the spiritual needs of a community that largely cremates its dead.
New film depicting ‘hero’s journey’ of Swami Vivekananda comes to PBS
By Richa Karmarkar — May 31, 2024
(RNS) — 'America's First Guru' is a 90-minute look at how Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga and Hinduism to the Western world.
California hate crime hotline gives Hindus more evidence of shortfall in FBI reporting
By Richa Karmarkar — May 24, 2024
(RNS) — A new report found that over the past year, crimes of anti-Hindu religious bias in California were more prevalent than ever. For many advocates, this data provides a jumping-off point for increased attention from the federal government to anti-Hindu hatred.
Lawsuit alleges religious coercion through meditation in Chicago Public Schools
By Richa Karmarkar — May 13, 2024
(RNS) — Chicago public high school students allege they were coerced into participating in a Hindu puja ceremony as part of a multiyear study of Transcendental Meditation's ability to reduce crime from University of Chicago's Urban Labs and the David Lynch Foundation.
Page 1 of 5
