Connecting Global Threads of Faith
From the Editorial Team
Dear Readers,
Editorial: The Eternal Journey: Yatras and the Struggle for Hindu Rights
These rituals are not just about the physical journey but represent a profound spiritual quest for purity, devotion, and connection with the divine.
Yet, amidst these spiritual observances, the plight of the Hindu community faces stark challenges. In Pakistan, the distressing trend of Hindu girls going missing underscores a grave issue. Recent reports highlight the abduction of Priya Kumari, a young Hindu girl who vanished from Sukkur, a situation that remains painfully unresolved. This tragic incident is part of a broader pattern of violence and discrimination against Hindus in Islamic countries, where the voices of the minority are often overshadowed by systemic neglect and inaction.
In North America, the Hindu community is also grappling with hostility and discrimination. In Canada, Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s recent threats against Hindu-Canadian MP Chandra Arya reveal the rising tensions faced by Hindu individuals abroad. The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Edmonton, marked by anti-India graffiti, further highlights the need for heightened vigilance and support from authorities.
Back in India, the Supreme Court’s review of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex dispute and the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive for transparency during the Kanwar Yatra reflect ongoing struggles for preserving Hindu heritage and ensuring religious harmony. The Archaeological Survey of India's report on Bhojshala hints at the site's rich Hindu past, while the directive aims to maintain peace during the yatra.
In Goa, the call for a memorial to honour the temples destroyed by Portuguese rulers is a poignant reminder of the historical injustices faced by the Hindu community. These varied issues, from international tensions to local heritage concerns, underline the ongoing struggle for Hindu rights and recognition.
In these tumultuous times, the yatras and religious practices remind us of the enduring strength and resilience of the Hindu faith. As devotees continue their sacred journeys, they embody the spirit of perseverance and reverence that is the hallmark of Hindu Dharma. It is through these practices that the essence of faith is continually reaffirmed, even in the face of adversity.
Thus, while the modern world grapples with its complexities, the timeless traditions of yatras provide both solace and inspiration. They are a profound testament to the enduring power of devotion and the unbreakable bond between the divine and the devotee, guiding us through challenges with grace and unwavering faith.
Sincerely
Dr Vinay Nalwa
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July Newsletter - 2 (July 15 – July 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.
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North America
Canada
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has directed Hindu-Canadian MP Chandra Arya and his followers to "move back to India," sparking significant concern. Arya, known for condemning the desecration of temples and violence by Khalistani supporters in Canada, remains resolute in his commitment to the Hindu community's positive contributions to Canadian society.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Edmonton, Canada, was defaced with anti-India graffiti early Monday, sparking outrage from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). The VHP has called on the Canadian government to address what it views as a growing extremist ideology targeting the Hindu community. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver has also condemned the act and requested prompt action from Canadian authorities.
India
The Supreme Court has agreed to review the petition concerning the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute, which involves the coexistence of Hindu and Muslim worship practices. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted its survey report to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had earlier directed the ASI to conduct the survey without physical excavation to preserve the site's character.
The Archaeological Survey of India's report on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex, accessed by India Today TV, suggests the site's temple origins. The report details the discovery of 94 sculptures and fragments depicting Hindu deities, alongside 31 historical coins from various eras. The artefacts, including inscriptions referencing King Naravarman and Khalji ruler Mahmud Shah, hint at a rich historical and cultural past. Many figures have been defaced or altered, especially where the mosque stands today.
The Uttar Pradesh government defended its directive mandating the display of shop owners' names along Kanwar Yatra routes, arguing it is intended to ensure transparency and prevent misunderstandings. This measure aims to avoid conflicts and maintain peace during the pilgrimage, amidst ongoing legal challenges.
A pastor and three others were arrested in Moradabad for allegedly converting people by luring them with benefits. The police lodged an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Activists from Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal intervened, claiming the conversions involved monetary and material inducements. Further investigation is ongoing.
An expert panel has recommended building a memorial in Goa to honor over 1,000 temples destroyed by Portuguese rulers. The panel also suggested creating a museum to showcase Goa's ancient temple heritage, with the Goa Archaeology Department currently seeking a suitable site for the memorial.
Pakistan
In Karachi, police violently dispersed protesters demanding the recovery of Priya Kumari, a Hindu girl who went missing in Sukkur three years ago. The protestors, including Hindu community representatives and civil society members, expressed frustration over the lack of progress in finding Priya and accused authorities of failing to act effectively. Despite the police’s claim of addressing traffic issues, reports confirm that they used baton charges and water cannons against the demonstrators.
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