Connecting Global Threads of Faith Newsletter # 1 October
- Oddball Comics
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Editor’s Note…
As we chronicle both wounds and wonders of our global community, may this effort continue to affirm the eternal dharmic truth that good, though tested, always prevails…
October Newsletter – 1
(October 01 – October 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
United States of America
Indian-American Biden advisor lauds Newsom for vetoing bill ‘directed at Hindus,’ recognising Diwali
Indian-American leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria praised California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing the controversial, Senate Bill 509, seen by many as targeting Hindus and Indian-Americans and for officially recognising Diwali as a state holiday. Hindu groups, including CoHNA, hailed the decision as a victory against bias and for equality before law.
After facing backlash over his remarks on the Ayodhya Ram Temple, New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani visited Hindu temples in Flushing, expressing pride in his Hindu heritage and the values he inherited from his mother’s faith.
Three thieves used power tools to break into the SVCC Hindu Temple in Fremont, USA, on October 7, stealing around $2,000 in devotees’ offerings, the latest in a series of temple burglaries under police investigation.
Asia
UAE
Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir won the prestigious 2025 MONDO-DR Award—dubbed the “Oscars of the AV world”,for its immersive show “The Fairy Tale”, recognising it as a global benchmark in spiritual and technological excellence.
UAE Community Development Chairman Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to interfaith harmony and praising the temple as a symbol of unity and cultural inclusivity.
BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi will celebrate Diwali from October 18–26, with the temple specially opening on Monday, October 20, for prayers, cultural events, and Annakut festivities marking the festival of lights.
Nepal
Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepali student and the only Hindu held hostage by Hamas, has been confirmed dead after 738 days in captivity. He had shown remarkable courage during the October 7, 2023 attack, saving fellow students at Kibbutz Alumim before being abducted.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus dismissed reports of violence against Hindus as “fake news” while controversially urging the Hindu minority not to seek protection as Hindus — even as over 2,400 attacks on minorities, including Hindus, have been documented since August 2024.
India
Sikhs, Hindus refuse to return, urge Afghan minister to protect gurdwara and templesSikhs and Hindus living abroad have urged the Afghan minister to ensure protection and preservation of gurdwaras and temples in Afghanistan.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will soon build its first Lord Venkateswara temple in Northeast India, with the Assam government allotting 15 acres of land in Guwahati for the project.
Kerala High Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the suspected misappropriation of gold during the electroplating of Sabarimala temple idols, after reports indicated a reduction of over 4.5 kg in weight and unaccounted gold from the temple’s door frames.
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