Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) is deeply troubled by the event held on December 9, 2021, titled “Modi’s India: How Hindu Nationalism has Eroded the World’s Largest Democracy,” co-hosted by Ryerson University and the Toronto Public Library. This event, which sought to propagate a false and damaging narrative about India’s democracy and the Hindu community, has raised significant concerns among Hindu Canadians.

Misrepresentation of India and Hinduism

India, the world’s largest democracy, shares a strong and enduring relationship with Canada. The event at Ryerson University and the Toronto Public Library, however, not only misrepresents India’s democratic values but also promotes a distorted and harmful image of the Hindu community. As proud Canadians with deep roots in India, the HFC and the collective Hindu community in Canada found it alarming that publicly funded institutions would allow their platforms to be used to spread such a malicious and baseless narrative.

The Impact on Hindu Canadians

Hindu Canadians are a peaceful, progressive, and integral part of the multicultural fabric of Canadian society. Our contributions to the nation span across various fields, from education and healthcare to business and the arts. However, events like this one have the potential to incite hatred and violence against our community. History has shown that such dangerous rhetoric can have real-world consequences, as seen in the attacks by the Dotbusters gang in the 1980s and more recent incidents, including the violent attack on a Hindu gentleman in Kansas, USA.

Hindu Forum Canada’s Response

In light of these concerns, HFC has taken immediate action by reaching out to Mr. Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ryerson University. In our correspondence, we emphasized the gravity of allowing such an event to proceed and demanded the following actions:

1. Immediate Cancellation: The event must be canceled without delay to prevent further harm to the Hindu community.
2. Public Apology: Both Ryerson University and the Toronto Public Library should issue a formal apology to the Hindu community for the distress caused by this event.
3. Educational Programs: We strongly urge the institutions to establish programs aimed at educating their employees and students about India, Hindu Dharma, and Hindu culture. These programs should focus on promoting racial equality and understanding the rich diversity embodied in Hinduism.

Call for Dialogue

HFC has requested an urgent meeting with Mr. Lachemi and other relevant authorities to discuss our concerns in greater detail. It is our hope that through open dialogue, we can address the colonial mindsets that continue to perpetuate discrimination against Hindus and work towards a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.

Research and Evidence Provided

To further substantiate our position, HFC has provided both institutions with a comprehensive research paper, meticulously compiled by our members dedicated to combating Hinduphobia in Canada. This document includes detailed analyses and citations, offering a well-rounded perspective on the issues at hand.

HFC remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of Hindu Canadians. We will continue to stand against any form of Hinduphobia and work tirelessly to ensure that our community is respected and valued in Canadian society.