REPORT DRAWS ATTENTION TO HINDU HATE CRIMES

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
VIOLATIONS DIRECTED AT HINDUS

www.religionnews.com - Last month, with the release of their ninth annual report, members of the Hindu American Foundation are pushing policymakers to take action against international human rights violations directed at Hindus. The four countries the report categorized as egregious violators - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Pakistan - are all Muslim-majority countries. Samir Kalra, author of the report, titled “Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Rights” said the foundation included countries in which the plight of Hindus is largely overlooked. The impact of the report, he said, is twofold: It gives a voice to Hindu minorities and educates officials in the U.S. and worldwide.

The 2012 report cites Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Indian state of Jammu as countries of serious concern, while Fiji, Saudi Arabia and Trinidad and Tobago as countries where conditions for Hindus have improved. Kalra said the problem is that many of these nations sanction discrimination, creating “an atmosphere of intolerance at the top, which trickles down.” Kalra said he’s concerned the U.S. government hasn’t taken more notice of this persecution, adding that human rights often take a back seat to geopolitical issues. But he hopes the foundation’s report works to create a link between the two issues. Kalra, who urged members of Congress to sign the recommendation, said it is important that the FBI track these numbers so the issues behind these incidents can be addressed.

“When you hear about Hindus targeted for wearing a ‘bindi’ or ’tilak’ or Sikh boys and men living in fear of attack simply because they wear a turban, it’s time to say enough is enough and take action. Groups from India aren’t the only ones targeted for their faith, but I can tell you the Indian-American community is deeply disturbed by what is going on,” said Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y.  Hindu American Seva Communities (HASC) has repeatedly expressed concern over xenophobia against Hindus, as well as Muslims and Sikhs. The FBI’s Advisory Policy Board is scheduled to discuss a congressional recommendation to update its Hate Crime Statistics Act.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

People who show their love for their own religion by hating all others will spiritually stagnate and cause disharmony and quarrels between those of their religion and those of others. Someone may be a kind, generous, and devout person amongst those of his own culture, while ready to howl, insult, hate, and do injury to those of another. This is love of the lowest level, similar to the way a dog may love its master and will show it by snarling at anyone else. Only those individuals and dry forms of religion that are bereft of real spiritual knowledge look at all others with hate and suspicion. Only when one’s consciousness becomes mature does this form of fanaticism or immature enthusiasm subside. Then real love and respect for all will naturally emanate from that person.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
“Toward World Peace: Seeing the Unity Between Us All”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/toward_world_peace_ebook.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com  -  http://www.stephenknapp.info/

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/