Concordia College recently hosted an event titled “Hindutva Fascism in India and the Diaspora and Its Impact on Minorities.” This event was strategically scheduled for August 15th, India’s National Independence Day, a choice that adds an unsettling layer to the proceedings. Given the title and the accompanying description, it is evident that this event is not only problematic but also deeply disturbing. It promotes dangerously misleading and Hinduphobic narratives.
The event’s description relies heavily on inflammatory language and one-sided narratives that vilify the Hindu community and its political representatives. By labeling Hindus as “Supremacists” or “Fascists,” it undermines the foundational values of peace and inclusivity that Hindus uphold. Furthermore, the narrative unfairly accuses the Indian-origin community in North America of being complicit in promoting “Hindu supremacy,” maligning law-abiding citizens and organizations that advocate for Hindu rights and religious freedoms. This misrepresentation extends to India’s democratic process, discrediting legitimate Hindu concerns about discrimination while portraying a biased and oversimplified view of Indian society. Such narratives foster an environment of misunderstanding and intolerance toward the Hindu community, exacerbating division and polarization. Suspiciously event for sponsored/Endorsed by organisations like: Le collectif des femmes pour la Palestine, Palestinian and Jewish Unity, etc.
Recognizing the dangers of these false and biased representations, Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) has taken a firm stand against such harmful narratives. In response to recent events promoting Hinduphobic rhetoric at Concordia University, HFC issued a strong official public statement condemning the dissemination of this divisive propaganda.
We highlighted the importance of respectful discourse and the necessity to challenge hate in all its forms. In our statement, we emphasized that such narratives not only undermine the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism but also contribute to a broader climate of discrimination and hostility toward Hindu individuals and communities.
We at Hindu Forum Canada unequivocally condemn the recent #antiHindu event hosted by @Concordia University, which irresponsibly labeled India as a “Hindutva fascism” state. This event, coinciding with the ongoing genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh, is a blatant attempt to distract… https://t.co/ND83kpxXMO
— HinduForumCanada #HFC (@canada_hindu) August 13, 2024
We are encouraged to report that our statement elicited a positive response from the administration at Concordia University. The principal reached out to HFC to assure us that Hinduphobic events of this nature would not be hosted at the university in the future and that the event in question would be cancelled. This response reflects a commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful campus environment where all cultural and religious communities are valued and heard.
Grateful to the Hindu community and the broader Canadian community for standing together in unity to advocate against misrepresentation. Thanks to our collective efforts, the event at Concordia has been cancelled, as confirmed by Concordia to HFC. We thank everyone who helped… https://t.co/CsjedwM7Di
— HinduForumCanada #HFC (@canada_hindu) August 17, 2024
Hindu Forum Canada remains dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of the Hindu community across Canada. We view this development as a promising step forward and will continue to work collaboratively with educational institutions to promote understanding and dialogue among diverse communities.
We urge all individuals and organizations to join us in standing against hate and fostering unity. Together, we can create a society that respects and celebrates diversity.
For more information about our efforts and to stay updated on our initiatives, follow us on Twitter @Canada_Hindu
