Namaste Students and Community Members,
As one of the largest North American pan-Hindu youth organizations, the Hindu Students Council (HSC), strongly condemns the November 3rd attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, as well as the violence against Hindus in Surrey, British Columbia.
These incidents and resulting bigotry have caused hurt, alarm, and fear among Hindu students and their families from the Greater Toronto Area, Surrey, and beyond. According to the Canadian Charter of Rights, everyone is free to practice their religion, and Hindu-Canadian youth should be able to exercise that right without fear.
HSC urges all Hindu youth to keep their safety in mind and, if they feel threatened, to contact Hindu organizations within your community for support. If applicable, notify university administration and campus security, only if you feel you are not at risk of police brutality and discrimination. We encourage students to contact their elected officials, and speak up for your community.
We urge all elected and running officials, universities, and community leaders who support and benefit from the Hindu community to take an unequivocal stand against such acts of violence, hatred, and ongoing Hinduphobia.
We call for better security and safeguarding of Hindu mandirs, temples, and practicing spaces (both on and off campuses).
Canada is home to many diverse cultures and religions and is known for its multiculturalism, which we appreciate. The rights of every community, including Hindus, must be upheld. Violence and hate for anyone have no room in this country. Neither should we tolerate silence in response to such hate.
Only together can we bring peace, harmony and balance.
As HSC, we believe and stand for:
“Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” – Dharma, when preserved and protected, protects you.
“Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu”- May the whole world experience happiness and peace.
Students, please remain resilient and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Hindu Students Council
.