In August 2021, Mike Hurley, the Mayor of Burnaby, British Columbia, announced that September 5th would be celebrated annually as “Gauri Lankesh Day” in the city. Gauri Lankesh, an Indian journalist known for her critical stance against certain societal beliefs, was tragically murdered on September 5, 2017.
Following this proclamation, Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) reached out to Mayor Hurley to express concerns about the decision. HFC highlighted several issues:
Ongoing Trial: The investigation into Gauri Lankesh’s murder is still ongoing, and a verdict has not yet been reached by the local courts.
Family’s Opposition: Lankesh’s family had previously opposed the investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation, which raises questions about the case’s handling.
Public Perception: Media reports have suggested that her brother was content with the investigation’s progress, adding complexity to the case.
Potential Bias: There are concerns that Lankesh’s murder is being used to propagate negative views against Hindus and promote Hinduphobia.
HFC criticized the proclamation’s language, as it was derogatory towards Hinduism by characterizing it as rooted in superstition. Lankesh’s criticism of certain Hindu practices might reinforce negative stereotypes and foster a biased view of Hindu beliefs. This could contribute to increased prejudice and hostility towards Hindus, undermining our place in a diverse society and potentially perpetuating harmful misconceptions about our faith. All religions have elements of cultural practices that might be deemed superstitious like Halloween and Christmas, and it is unfair to single out Hinduism in this manner.
In response, Mayor Hurley acknowledged that the proclamation might have been poorly worded. He stated that the city is revising its processes for reviewing and approving proclamations and assured that the intention was to condemn violence against journalists and celebrate the role of journalism in giving a voice to the oppressed. The Mayor promised to correct the language to better reflect these aims.
Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) is dedicated to advocating for the Hindu community and ensuring accurate representation in public discourse. This includes addressing and correcting any misrepresentation or biased narratives that may arise. HFC’s response to the “Gauri Lankesh Day” proclamation reflects commitment to this mission. By highlighting concerns about the proclamation’s language and the ongoing legal issues surrounding Lankesh’s case, HFC aims to ensure that public statements and recognitions are fair, respectful, and informed, thereby protecting the interests and dignity of the Hindu community.
