Connecting Global Threads of Faith
From the Editorial Team
Dear Readers,
Strengthening the Roots of Sanatan Dharma Amidst Global Challenges
In the pages of time, Shri Ram stands as an eternal symbol of righteousness. His unwavering adherence to dharma, even in the face of adversity, has guided generations of Hindus. Dussehra, the festival that celebrates his victory over Ravana, is more than the triumph of good over evil; it reminds us to walk the path of truth, to stand firm for justice, and to uphold the values of Sanatan Dharma. As we celebrate Dussehra with the burning of Ravana’s effigy or the grandeur of Durga Puja, we are called to reflect on the battles we face in today’s world. Just as Shri Ram vanquished Ravana, the embodiment of adharma, we too must rise against forces that threaten the very essence of our dharma.
Today, Sanatan Dharma, the oldest spiritual tradition on Earth, finds itself at a critical juncture. From the revered temples of India to global Hindu communities, our dharma continues to guide millions in their pursuit of righteousness and compassion. However, both internal and external challenges persist, demanding unity and collective action to preserve our sacred heritage.
A recent event in Pakistan, where Professor Manoj Chauhan affirmed that Sanatan is the oldest living dharma, highlights the ongoing struggle. It was during this event that Zakir Naik, a controversial figure known for his divisive rhetoric, reacted inappropriately to the notion of calling orphaned girls “daughters,” illustrating the deep-seated religious intolerance that permeates certain regions. Naik’s unchecked influence has long been a source of unrest, and his ideologies continue to incite violence and hatred against Hindus globally. In stark contrast, Sanatan Dharma embodies the spirit of universal acceptance and peace, promoting harmony where Naik's stance only sows discord.
Temples: The Pillars of Our Heritage
The temples of India—both ancient and modern—are the heart of Hindu culture, embodying art, spirituality, and community. The growing demand to restore and consecrate Chola-era temples, such as the Airavatesvara Temple and Naganathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu, reflects a deeper longing to reconnect with our glorious past. These temples are not just stone structures; they are living symbols of a civilization rich in wisdom, philosophy, and spiritual strength. As Rama Niranjan of the Akhila Bharatha Hindu Maha Sabha emphasizes, the protection and restoration of these temples is not only a religious obligation but also vital for the preservation of global heritage.
The call by the Pejawar Math seer for Hindu trusts to manage temples further underlines the need for self-reliance and spiritual autonomy. Despite decades of independence, Hindu temples remain under government control, limiting the community’s ability to preserve and promote sacred traditions. Independent trusts, like the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, would empower Hindus to protect their spiritual centers, maintain the sanctity of rituals, and ensure transparency in temple management.
As we rejoice in Dussehra’s message of victory, we must not forget the plight of Hindus worldwide, who continue to face severe challenges. Recent protests in New York, where banners called for an end to violence against Bangladeshi Hindus, underscore the global need for awareness. The Hindu population in Bangladesh has sharply declined—from 20% in 1971 to less than 9% today—mirroring the violence and persecution Hindus endure in many regions. Women have been subjected to mass rapes, temples desecrated, and properties seized, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
These are not isolated incidents, but part of a larger effort to erase Hinduism from these regions. The world’s silence in the face of such atrocities is reminiscent of historical genocides. It is crucial for international bodies, such as the UN, to acknowledge these as acts of genocide and take urgent measures to protect vulnerable Hindu populations.
A Future Rooted in Strength and Solidarity
Dussehra teaches us that dharma will always triumph over adharma. As Hindus, we must consolidate our efforts globally to ensure the survival of our dharma amidst growing challenges. Whether it’s restoring temples, protecting women and children from violence, or raising awareness about persecution in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, our actions must reflect the principles of Sanatan Dharma—compassion, strength, and unity.
In these testing times, just as Shri Ram stood unwavering in his pursuit of righteousness, we too must rise. By reinforcing our spiritual roots and standing united, we will ensure that Sanatan Dharma continues to thrive and light the path for future generations, just as it has for millennia.
Sincerely
Dr Vinay Nalwa
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October Newsletter – 1
(October 1 – October 15)
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.
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South-east Asia
Pakistan
At an event featuring Zakir Naik in Pakistan, Hindu scholar Professor Manoj Chauhan emphasized Sanatan Dharma as the oldest existing religion on Earth, while Naik stirred controversy by abruptly exiting when orphaned girls were referred to as “daughters.” The event also highlighted ongoing debates surrounding Naik's presence in Pakistan amid legal challenges.
Chauhan gave the background of Sanatan. “Shri Krishna told us to do our karma in any case without fail,” he said.Later he said that when people are killed by a people of a particular religion, the religion gets a bad name.
India
The Akhila Bharatha Hindu Maha Sabha has urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to consecrate two Chola-era temples in Thanjavur, demanding renovations before the 2028 Kumbakonam Mahamaham festival. The temples, built by Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola, are significant cultural and religious monuments.
Pejawar Math seer, Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji, advocated for Hindu trusts to manage Hindu temples, similar to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, to ensure proper oversight and prevent irregularities, citing the Supreme Court's suggestion on returning temples to Hindu management.
Ghaziabad Police on Sunday said it has arrested six men part of a group of 100-150 unidentified people that gathered to protest against an alleged remarks against Islam by Yati Narsinghanand and pelted stones at police officers, besides creating an obstruction to government work, at Dasna Devi Temple.
Indonesia
Structural repairs on Bali’s Batu Bolong Temple cliff have begun to ensure visitor safety and preserve the temple’s integrity. The Bali Penida River Basin Organization is leading the efforts to fix the cracks at the iconic Tanah Lot Complex.
Singapore
A viral video features a Chinese Hindu family in Singapore sharing their journey of embracing Hinduism, showcasing faith and cultural harmony in a predominantly Chinese society. The family's experiences highlight the importance of acceptance and community in maintaining religious practices.
America
United States of America
Hindu American groups flew a large banner over New York City, urging global action to stop violence against Bangladeshi Hindus, whose population faces ongoing attacks and persecution. The banner, highlighting the declining Hindu population in Bangladesh, called for recognition of the atrocities as genocide.
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