Connecting Global Threads of Faith Newsletter # 1 June
- Editorial Team GHTN
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Connecting Global Threads of Faith
Editor’s Note…
Some stories comfort us with devotion; others disturb us with truth. But together, they remind us why it matters to stay aware, stay rooted, and keep watching.
May Newsletter – 1
(June 01 – June 15)
In an era of unprecedented global connectivity, the struggles and resilience of Hindus facing violence and persecution often go unrecognized. This fortnightly report brings these overlooked narratives to light by providing an unbiased and comprehensive selection of news agencies’ reports offering an overview of incidents impacting the Hindu community worldwide, while also celebrating Hindu heritage. Through this initiative, we seek to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of Hindu rights and religious freedom globally.
Europe
United Kingdom
Three young Hindu men were brutally assaulted in a racially motivated attack at Harrow Recreation Ground in northwest London on May 30, leaving all three hospitalized with serious injuries. The attackers reportedly questioned the victims about their religion before launching the assault, and police are treating the incident as a racially aggravated crime. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
South-East Asia
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s new 20-taka currency note, issued on June 1, features the 18th-century Kantajew Temple, a Hindu site targeted in a 2015 terrorist attack, and the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marks the removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait and reflects a shift in national imagery under the interim government.
Five Hindu Dalit families near Jalsuka Bazaar in Netrokona’s Purbadhala upazila were violently attacked and forcibly evicted by local Muslim men claiming ownership of the land they had lived on for over 50 years. Over several days, the attackers—led by Siraj Mia and Bakul Mia—demolished all five homes, assaulted residents, and justified their actions by stating they wanted to build a madrasa on the land. Though the land is confirmed as government-owned khas land, the Hindu families now remain homeless, living under the open sky, with police confirming the attacks and a case filed by victim Anil Rabidas.
Pakistan
Hindus in Pakistan's Hyderabad protested against the illegal occupation of historic Shiv temple land, where builders blocked access and encroached on sacred space, including a cremation ground. Despite written complaints, authorities remain inactive, reflecting the systemic disregard for Hindu religious rights in Pakistan.
India
The Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Trust at Maharashtra’s Shani Shingnapur temple dismissed 167 employees citing absenteeism and non-performance, with 68% of them being Muslims. While the temple administration denies religious bias, the move follows demands by Hindu groups to employ only Hindus at the shrine, raising concerns about communal undertones despite procedural justification.
The hashtag #BoycottAmazon trended after an e-book titled "Kali Ma: A Collection of Short Stories", featuring a disturbing image of Goddess Kali, sparked outrage for hurting Hindu sentiments. Netizens accused Amazon of promoting anti-Hindu content and demanded government action and strict regulation.
After a gap of 270 years, Kerala’s Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple performed the rare Maha Kumbhabhishekam consecration ceremony following major renovations directed by a Supreme Court-appointed panel. The rituals included the reinstallation of the 300-year-old Vishwaksena idol and the dedication of the temple domes, drawing large crowds of devotees and dignitaries.
Tension broke out at Tamil Nadu’s Annamalai temple in Thiruvannamalai after a man was found eating non-vegetarian food within the temple premises, leading to his detention and a police investigation.
Singapore
Over 20,000 devotees attended the grand consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbhabhishegam) at Singapore’s historic Sri Sivan Temple, which dates back to 1868. Held after recent renovations, the event featured sacred water rituals atop 22 golden kalasams, with Coordinating Minister K Shanmugam as guest of honour. Despite crowd surges, the ceremony concluded safely, marking the temple’s third major consecration
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