Namaskaram.
I would never underestimate the power of living Devatas who proactively preserve and develop Sanatana Dharma. As necessary, to preserve the Hindu faith and sacred sciences, these Devatas resort to extraordinary measures to make their presence known. Is anyone unacquainted with the Milk Miracle of Sri Ganesha? (Just google Milk Miracle.) If such Devatas have decided to establish Their influence across the globe, there is no power that can stop Them. Yes, in some fraction of cases it may happen that the essential spiritual culture of Indian-American Hindus is attenuated. However:
1. There would also be the counter-reaction of succeeding generations of Indian-Americans who feel cheated of something essential to their identity. This is especially so, because their very names and physical features connect them to India, a nation that fascinates the world in such a way that people of Indian descent, whether they like it or not, are subject to inquiries about their heritage.
2. There is the likelihood that succeeding generations of Indian-Americans will produce larger numbers of scholars in the field of sacred studies.
3. Globally, there are increasing numbers of non-deshis who are tenaciously interested in this sacred culture and who will go to great lengths to get educated in it.
4. There is India. No matter the inimical forces internal or external to India, Hinduism will certainly remain robust in its homeland. Is there any doubt of that? Just consider what India has already survived and yet remains the spiritual lighthouse of the world. Granted, there have been terrible setbacks and irretrievable losses; e.g., catastrophe over centuries for Kashmiri Pandits. Nevertheless, India continues to produce awe-inspiring saints, scholars, and sages. Due to the determination of such yogi-savants, and also due to the staunch piety of hundreds of millions of rank-and-file faithful, the Hindu culture of India will shine in this world for a long time to come. And that will bolster the efforts of Hindus elsewhere on the planet, including the United States.
5. I also agree with previous contributors who point out that Indian immigrants have impressed the American public by their intelligence and competence. Particularly relevant to the present issue is the example of Indians who happen to be scientists as well as devout Hindus. That combination is a head-scratcher for a lot of Americans. It makes them wonder "How is this possible?" Certain individuals will be sufficiently impressed to investigate further: "What kind of theology could this be that it comfortably coexists with science?"
Am I optimistic for the future of Hinduism in the US? Yes, definitely. In centuries to come, will Hinduism remain the same as we find it today? If it did remain exactly the same, it would not be Hinduism, which has always been a rolling wheel.
Satyam eva jayate.
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