Connecting Global Threads of Faith
From the Editorial Team
Dear Readers
Amidst the shadows of forgotten prayers, Where temples stand bruised by the hands of hate, A faith endures like the ancient rivers—Flowing, despite the rocks cast in its path. The songs of Durga, Ganesha, and Kumari echo still, Not silenced by the chaos of intolerance, But strengthened by centuries of resilience.
In the heart of Bangladesh, where the Ganges flows into the sea, the faithful gather with heavy hearts as Durga Puja approaches. What should be a time of joy and devotion for the Hindu minority has become a moment marked by fear and resistance. Extremist groups have risen, not just to oppose the festival but to challenge the very right of Hindus to celebrate their traditions publicly. The threats are no longer abstract; they are tangible—calls for the removal of temples, bans on holidays, and the erasure of a cultural identity deeply woven into the fabric of Bangladesh.
These incidents echo across borders, reminding us that the persecution of Hindus is not confined to one region. In the United States, vandalism at the revered BAPS Swaminarayan Temple underscores the global rise of intolerance against the Hindu community. In Assam, the desecration of faith through the serving of beef to Hindu students further fuels the narrative of disregard for religious sensitivities. Each incident serves as a painful reminder that Hinduism, despite its message of peace and inclusivity, is often met with violence and prejudice.
And yet, amid this, there is hope. From the quiet perseverance of the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Malaysia to the grand celebration of Nepal's festival season honoring the living goddess Kumari, the spirit of Hinduism remains unbroken. These cultural havens and celebrations not only reflect the richness of Hindu traditions but also the resilience of those who continue to uphold them in the face of adversity.
This editorial stands as a witness to both the challenges and triumphs of the global Hindu community. For every temple desecrated, a new one rises; for every act of hate, there is a counterforce of love and devotion. The world must take note of the plight faced by Hindus, not just as victims, but as torchbearers of a faith that has withstood the trials of time. This report does more than chronicle these events; it honors the indomitable spirit of a people whose prayers and traditions will never fade.
Sincerely
Dr Vinay Nalwa
***************************************************************************
September Newsletter – 2 (September 15 – September 30)
In a world interconnected by the threads of globalization, the flow of information has become more pervasive than ever before. However, amid this vast sea of news, there exists a poignant narrative that often remains hidden – the violence against Hindus and the persecution they endure across various regions. This fortnightly report endeavours to bring out these often-overlooked incidents, providing an unbiased and comprehensive selection of news agencies’ reports on violence, persecution and discrimination faced by the Hindu community globally along with the positive reports celebrating Hindu Heritage.
The primary objective of this report is to present a clear and objective overview of incidents as reported by credible news agencies. By collating and analysing this information, our aim is to raise awareness about Hindu culture and values besides advocating for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedom of religion for Hindus worldwide.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South-East Asia
Bangladesh
A UN fact-finding team has arrived in Dhaka to investigate violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Hindu groups are seeking a meeting with the delegation to present evidence of killings, vandalism, and attacks on places of worship. The rise of extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami has further endangered the minority community under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Tensions escalate for Hindus in Bangladesh as Islamic groups oppose the celebration of Durga Puja, calling for a ban on holidays, idol immersions, and public worship. The situation worsens with anti-Hindu protests and demands for temple removals, exacerbating fears of violence and discrimination against the minority community.
The Bangladesh National Hindu Alliance has issued four key demands ahead of Durga Puja, including a three-day public holiday and enhanced security for puja mandaps through CCTV and military presence. They also call for a minority protection law, highlighting past incidents of vandalism and the need for safety during their most important festival.
India
Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, revered as the remover of obstacles, is worshipped in various forms across 11 countries, including India, Nepal, Thailand, and Japan. His significance transcends cultures, with each region adapting his worship to local traditions, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and protection. From festivals to subtle representations, Ganesha's global appeal reflects his universal role in promoting auspiciousness.
A protest erupted at Carmel School near Guwahati after Hindu students were served beef at the school hostel, sparking outrage among over a hundred parents. The incident led to demands for accountability from the school authorities, including accusations of a cover-up by the principal. With the situation escalating, CRPF personnel were deployed to maintain order, while parents raised concerns about the school's lax regulations and treatment of students.
Malaysia
The Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Kuala Lumpur, established in 1919, has long been a religious and cultural haven for the North Indian Hindu community. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant hub hosting festivals, welfare activities, and educational programs. Ongoing expansion aims to make it a larger socio-cultural center for Hindus in Malaysia.
Nepal
Nepal's festival season commenced with the Indra Jatra, where tens of thousands of devotees honored a living goddess, Kumari, and celebrated with chariot processions, masked dances, and rituals marking the end of the monsoon season. The weeklong festival, mainly observed by the Newar community in Kathmandu, honors Indra, the Hindu god of rain. This marks the beginning of months of significant festivals, including Dasain and Diwali.
North America
United States of America
'Heinous Act': Indian Mission Raises Concerns With US Govt After Vandalism Of New York's BAPS Temple
The Indian Consulate in New York condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, calling it a "heinous act" and demanding swift action. The Hindu American Foundation urged the U.S. Justice Department and Homeland Security to investigate the attack, linking it to recent threats against Hindu institutions. U.S. Congress members also condemned the incident, highlighting the growing issue of hate crimes targeting Hindu communities.
The Andhra Pradesh government has formed a 9-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of animal fat and substandard ingredients in the Tirupati laddus, served as prasadam at the Tirumala temple. The SIT will also look into irregularities during the previous YSR Congress regime. The probe follows accusations by former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of adulterated ghee under the previous government.
_____________________________________________________________________
Comments