Connecting Global Threads of Faith Newsletter # 1 December

Editor’s Note…

Across continents, the Hindu world reveals a stark duality where resilience expressed through faith, service, and renewal, even as violence, neglect, and distortion persist in silence. This fortnight reminds us that cultural dignity, civilisational memory, and religious freedom must be defended not episodically, but with sustained moral clarity.

December Newsletter – 1

(December 1 – December 15)

"In a connected world, Hindu struggles and resilience amid violence often remain unseen. This fortnightly report sheds light on these overlooked realities, offering a global overview of incidents affecting Hindus and celebrating our heritage, advocating for Hindu rights and religious freedom worldwide."

North America

Major win for Hindus: Canada delineates Hindu Swastika from Nazi imagery with new bill

Canada has moved to clearly distinguish the sacred Hindu, Jain and Buddhist swastika from Nazi imagery by amending Bill C-9 to refer only to the Nazi Hakenkreuz. The change, welcomed by Dharmic and Jewish groups alike, marks an important step toward cultural accuracy while strengthening hate-crime legislation.

Masked thief steals donation box from Hindu temple in broad daylight

A Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario (Canada), was robbed in broad daylight leaving devotees stunned and prompting calls for stronger protection of places of worship.

South Africa

Johannesburg

Modi gifts sacred kalasha for South Africa's first Annapoorna Devi Temple

During the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a sacred kalasha for South Africa’s first Annapoorna Devi Temple, endorsing Chinmaya Mission’s ‘Nourish to Flourish’ initiative that feeds thousands daily and strengthening India–diaspora cultural ties.

Asia

Thailand

MEA expresses concern over damage to Hindu temple, urges Thailand, Cambodia to stop hostilities

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) voiced concern over damage to the 1,100-year-old Preah Vihear Hindu temple during Thailand–Cambodia hostilities, urging both sides to exercise restraint, protect shared cultural heritage, and return to dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh: Hindu Freedom Fighter and Wife Found Murdered at Home in Rangpur

A retired Hindu freedom fighter of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and his wife were found brutally murdered at their home in Rangpur, sending shockwaves through the area. The incident has heightened fears among minority communities and intensified calls for a swift, transparent investigation.

Pakistan

Only 37 of 1,817 Hindu Temples, Sikh Gurudwaras functional in Pakistan amid calls for urgent reforms

A parliamentary report in Pakistan has revealed that only 37 of 1,817 Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras remain operational, exposing severe state neglect and the impact of post-Partition demographic collapse. Minority representatives criticised official apathy and demanded urgent reforms to protect religious heritage, ensure minority rights, and preserve these sites as part of Pakistan’s cultural legacy.

India

195 Pakistani Hindus Given Indian Citizenship Certificates at Ahmedabad Camp

At a special citizenship camp held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 195 Hindu refugees from Pakistan were granted Indian citizenship certificates, including 122 under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and 73 through direct registration. The CAA has restored dignity, security, and rights to persecuted Hindu refugees who had fled Pakistan after years of hardship, enabling them to fully integrate into Indian society.

Rs 54 crore silk dupatta scam shakes Tirumala Temple: Polyester shawls sold as 'pure silk' 

A decade-long fraud was uncovered at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, where a vendor supplied polyester dupattas falsely certified as pure mulberry silk for VIP rituals, causing a loss of nearly ₹55 crore. TTD has ordered an Anti-Corruption Bureau probe after scientific tests confirmed the deception, raising serious concerns over accountability and trust.

In Madurai, trouble brews at land where temple and dargah coexist

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court issued a contempt warning after authorities failed to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon pillar on Tirupparankundram hill, despite a clear court directive. The court held that the ritual site lies on temple land and ordered the lamp to be lit under CISF protection, stressing that non-compliance amounted to defiance of judicial authority.

Bhavani Deeksha relinquishment begins at Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri

Vijayawada police have introduced a special facilitation system for long-distance Bhavani devotees walking to Kanaka Durga Temple, including tagged access, dedicated routes, and transport to reduce waiting time. With over six lakh devotees expected, authorities have strengthened multi-department coordination, crowd management, and security arrangements to ensure a smooth and dignified pilgrimage.

How surge in divorce cases forced Chola-era Bengaluru temple to bar weddings

Bengaluru’s Chola-era Halasuru Someshwara Temple has stopped conducting weddings after a sharp rise in divorce cases repeatedly dragged priests into court as witnesses, prompting the administration to protect the temple’s sanctity and functioning.

Lakhs participate in mega Gita recital in KolkataLakhs of devotees gathered at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground for ‘Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path’, a massive collective chanting of the Bhagavad Gita led by monks and spiritual leaders, projecting it as the largest such recital in West Bengal. Organisers said the apolitical event aimed to revive Bengal’s spiritual heritage and promote social harmony amid a charged political atmosphere.

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