Connecting Global Threads of Faith Newsletter # 1 May
- GHTN Admin
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Editor’s Note
Civilisations endure not only through monuments and memories, but through the courage to preserve identity amid uncertainty. The reports in this edition reflect the continuing struggle over faith, heritage, dignity, and belonging across South Asia…
May Newsletter – 1
(May 01 – May 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."
Asia
Bangladesh
Chinmoy Krishna Das was denied bail by the Bangladesh High Court in connection with the 2024 Chattogram lawyer murder case, with the court stating that witness examination is currently underway in the lower court trial.
Nepal
A centuries-old Buddha statue stolen from a Nepali temple has been reinstalled in its original location, one of several artefacts returned from foreign museums and collectors in recent years.
Authorities are specifically seeking to return more artefacts from the US, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
India
Indian agencies uncovered an alleged Inter-Services Intelligence-linked terror module accused of planning attacks on a historic Delhi temple, a crowded dhaba on the Delhi-Sonipat highway, and a military camp in Hisar using operatives connected to gangster Shahzad Bhatti.
An 800-year-old Kakatiya-era Shiva Temple in Telangana’s Warangal district was allegedly demolished during land clearing for a government school project, triggering legal action, public outrage, and assurances from authorities to reconstruct and protect the heritage site.
A Durga temple in Asansol, reopened after 15 years following the BJP’s electoral victory, has witnessed heavy devotee turnout and heightened security deployment amid post-poll tensions in West Bengal.
Somnath described as a symbol of Sanatana Dharma’s resilience, highlighting its repeated reconstruction after invasions and announcing the Somnath Swabhiman Parv to commemorate 1,000 years since the first recorded attack and 75 years of its post-Independence restoration.
Three teachers of a PM Shri school in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, were suspended and an FIR was registered after allegations that Hindu students were encouraged to wear skull caps, girls were asked to wear hijabs, and Islamic practices were promoted inside the school.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar as a temple of Goddess Saraswati, allowing Hindu worship at the site while dismissing the Muslim side’s claim over the disputed structure.
The court also set aside the 2003 ASI arrangement permitting both communities to worship there and suggested that the Muslim community may seek alternate land for a mosque in Dhar district.
The Supreme Court observed that Hinduism is a “way of life” and said visiting temples or performing rituals is not mandatory to remain Hindu, remarking that even lighting a lamp at home is sufficient to express faith.
The observation came during hearings related to religious freedom and temple-entry matters, including the Sabarimala case.
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