May I congratulate the Editor C. B. Patel of AV/GS and dedicated popular journalist Rupanjana Dutta for her excellent piece on temple advertisement on public toilet that has hurt sentiments of devoted Hindus, has become a topic of conversation at family’s dining table! There was a time when docile Hindu community would shy away from such protests but time has changed, mainly due to the involvement of community leaders, some MPs, Lords and especially awareness brought up in our younger generation while studying at universities, thanks to Manoj Ladwa who was the founder member and first president of Hindu Student Union, the biggest such union outside India, that has progressed beyond expectation, enriching our students in the nobility of our religion, culture and rich tradition.
Our fight and determination to save Watford’s Hare Krishna temple against all odds, resulting in glorious victory changed the mind-set of Hindu (Hindus, Sikhs and Jains) community, again the lead was taken by AV/GS. Many thought this would be one off fight; the community will go back in hibernation, concentrating solely on their family and business affairs as usual. But the fighting spirit has lingered on, gathering pace and determination, learning from other dedicated and well informed communities like Jewish and Muslims who would not take nonsense from any one. Jewish community even took on the mighty Labour party forcing them to accept international definition of what constitute anti-Semitism.
I appreciate comment by Pramod Patel, Committee member of Hindu Council of Brent. I noted with apprehension that while politicians, prominent personalities and community leaders in Harrow, that include Lord Popat, Navin Shah AM, MPs Bob Blackman and Gareth Thomas, Councillor Ameet Jogia, Anjana Patel and many more actively participated, giving press and private comments, while politicians from Brent are somewhat less forthcoming. But Councillor Krupesh Hirani whose portfolio of “Culture and Leisure” may cover such activities and Brent Council leader Cllr. Mohamed Butt to their credit, responded positively, stressing Brent’s cultural and religious diversity where everyone lives in peace and harmony. Perhaps this may prove blessing in disguise if due to endeavour of these popular Brent Councillors; such incidents may not happen in future.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
