Connecting Global Threads of Faith
Amid excavations unveiling hidden truths and rising concerns for Hindus across borders, history whispers its secrets, and faith stands as a silent witness to resilience…

December Newsletter – 2
(December 15 – December 30)
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

South-East Asia
Bangladesh
The US has urged Bangladesh to protect Hindus amid a sharp rise in violence, with over 2,200 attacks reported in 2024. Meanwhile, India’s EAM Jaishankar is visiting the US for high-level meetings to address regional and global issues, including minority safety concerns.
Eight idols were vandalized in three Hindu temples in Bangladesh's Mymensingh and Dinajpur, marking the latest in a series of attacks on the minority Hindu community. Arrests have been made in some cases, but many incidents remain unresolved, escalating concerns over minority safety. The violence has strained India-Bangladesh relations, particularly following the rising anti-Hindu incidents under the interim government.
Bangladesh reported 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and minorities in 2024, marking a sharp rise compared to 302 cases in 2023 and 47 in 2022, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. India has expressed serious concerns over these incidents, urging Bangladesh to ensure minority safety amidst strained bilateral ties following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
India
ISKCON Kolkata has condemned the murder of a Hindu priest, Tarun Chandra Das, at a cremation ground temple in Natore, Bangladesh, accusing the interim government of failing to protect religious minorities amid escalating violence. The priest was reportedly tortured, looted, and killed, raising concerns over repeated attacks targeting Hindus.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will celebrate the first anniversary of Ram Lalla's Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple with a three-day event starting January 11, 2025, featuring yagnas, mantra chanting, and recitations of sacred texts.
A devotee at Sri Kandaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu accidentally dropped his iPhone into the offering box, which the HR & CE department declared as belonging to "God" per temple traditions. While past similar cases saw compensation based on financial need, the devotee’s phone remains unretrieved, pending further review.
Excavation in Sambhal has allegedly revealed evidence of an ancient Hindu temple being occupied and transformed into an Islamic structure, as claimed by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir's chief priest, Acharya Satyendra Maharaj. The ongoing excavation, supported by findings such as tunnels and a stepwell, is being closely monitored by authorities and the ASI for further verification.
A 50-year-old stepwell unearthed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked demands from the Hindu community for the right to worship at the site, recalling its historical significance. The discovery, part of an anti-encroachment drive, has led to tensions with the local Muslim community and political controversy.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently concluded a confidential survey and carbon dating at Sambhal’s Kartikeya temple and other key sites. Conducted on December 20, this operation involved a four-member team examining five pilgrimage locations and 19 ancient wells.
______________________________________________________________
Comments