A video of Pakistani sports commentator Shahnawaz Rana making derogatory remarks about the Somnath temple during a cricket discussion has gone viral on social media and has triggered widespread outrage on various platforms.

Rana, speaking on the YouTube channel Sports Roundup on September 11, said “If you play well, then there’s no reason you can’t defeat them; and I say this with full confidence, because I have criticized this team a lot  – all their programs bear witness, and the one sitting with me today, making all sorts of gestures, I keep asking, why is it like this, why is it this way? But listen to me, this is my homeland, this is my team. And this is the team that, at any given moment, can do something like raze the Somnath temple, and at any time, can scale K2. So, never hold the kind of expectations from this team that make you think, “No, they absolutely cannot do it.” It’s possible. That’s the thing,” while attempting to boost confidence ahead of the September 14 India–Pakistan clash.

“The Pakistan cricket team can even demolish the Somnath Temple any time. So, let’s not think this team cannot do anything”. ~ Shahnawaz Rana, a Pakistani cricket analyst on the 2025 Asia Cup.

For them, sports and games are not about the nation but about waging a religious war. pic.twitter.com/8dgKrTR70M

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) September 13, 2025

The comment on razing Somnath temple, widely criticised online, has been labelled as an instance of casual Hinduphobia being normalised in Pakistani cricket commentary.

The controversy comes a year after another Pakistani commentator, Sohrab Barkat, mocked Hindu beliefs during his coverage of the India–South Africa T20 World Cup final, invoking references to the sacred cow and Lord Vishnu.

“Ab gaumata bhi nahi bacha sakti Indians ko, Vishnu bhi niche aa jaye to bhi nahi bacha sakte”

Meet Sohrab Barkat, a Pakistani journalist. Hatred for kafirs is deeply ingrained in their DNA. pic.twitter.com/dFETlLvubE

— BALA (@erbmjha) June 30, 2024

It is noteworthy that Pakistani cricketer Faheem Ashraf also faced backlash for a social media post in the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation, which targeted terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, was seen in India as a symbolic act of justice for widowed women.

Ashraf shared an Instagram post depicting an illustration of a Pakistani soldier applying sindoor to a woman draped in the Indian tricolour, with the caption “New Chapter Begins.” The post was criticised in India as mocking the suffering of women who lost their husbands in terrorist violence.

 

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The post “Pak Cricket Team Can Even Raze Somnath Temple”, Says Pakistani Sports Commentator Shahnawaz Rana appeared first on The Commune.

On 25 July 2025 at the party’s OBC-focused “Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan”, Congress scion Rahul Gandhi shared stage with anti-Hindu bigot Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd.

At the event, Ilaiah not only repeated his venomous attacks on Hindu gods but also anointed Rahul Gandhi as the “liberator” of OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis, comparing him to Martin Luther King while dismissing the BJP-RSS as “oppressors.”

Kancha Ilaiah’s Speech: Glorifying Rahul, Demonizing Hindus

In his speech, Ilaiah painted a dystopian picture of India under BJP rule while hailing Rahul Gandhi as the messiah of OBCs, “Congress liberated us, particularly the OBC, Dalit, Adivasi, from the British – Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Ambedkar liberated us from the oppressive British, but after that there was no leader of national structure, international structure to liberate us from the caste oppression of RSS BJP type and once this RSS BJP have come to power, rule for 11 years, all the OBCs started going into that oppressors fold that oppress more, we will be slaves.”

He then emotionally declared, “I was crying in my bed, listening to Rahul Gandhi speak in 2021… In the 21st century, if there is no leader to liberate us from this bloody caste system, we will remain oppressed. I found Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who can liberate us.”

Rahul Gandhi as the “Modern-Day Ambedkar”

Ilaiah went on to compare Rahul Gandhi to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Martin Luther King, claiming, “His Bharat Jodo Yatra, Nyay Yatra, and caste census are revolutionary… He is the mix of all castes – Baniya (Gandhi), Dalit (Ambedkar), OBC (Patel), and Brahmin (Nehru). That’s why he is our liberator.”

He further urged OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis to rally behind Rahul,
“Once OBCs are liberated from BJP, it will never come to power again… OBC lawyers, Dalit lawyers, and Adivasi lawyers must protect Rahul Gandhi from going to jail.”

Ilaiah, who has repeatedly insulted Hindu gods, described Hindu festivals as “wasteful,” and even justified a civil war against Hindus, was given a prime platform by the Congress, exposing the party’s deep-seated anti-Hindu bias.

Despite claiming to champion social justice, the Congress’s decision to elevate Ilaiah, a figure who has openly advocated for the dismantling of Hindu traditions, raises serious questions about its real agenda. Rahul Gandhi, who has previously endorsed Ilaiah’s books, once again legitimized his hateful rhetoric by sharing the stage with him.

Kancha Ilaiah’s History of Hinduphobia: A Direct Assault on Hindu Deities

Let us take a look at his anti-Hindu statements.

Maa Kali – A Symbol of “Caste Violence”

Ilaiah has repeatedly targeted Goddess Kali, portraying her as a promoter of violence. In a 2019 interview with Scroll.in, he said,
“A violent Kali with her tongue thrust out while crushing a black human being under her feet, while killing him with a trishul, and having a garland of human heads around her neck is made a spiritual symbol. That is also described as beautiful. They never realized how this affects the mind of the children growing around that kind of violent iconography. Later in the process of growth, the children take caste violence as normal and part of Hindu dharma.”

Bhagwan Narasimha – A “Killer God”

Ilaiah has reserved special contempt for Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars of Vishnu, calling Him a “killer deity” used for hierarchical oppression. In his essay “From Isaiah to Ilaiah: What is Common between Israel and India,” he wrote, “Recently a Brahmin Governor of Andhra Pradesh visited the Yadagiri Narasimha temple, roamed around it semi-naked and said Narasimha is the greatest god, who incarnated to control people hierarchically… When the Governor of the State hates productive deities and loves killer deities, the culture of humanity begins to crumble.”

He further demonized the name Narasimha itself, “Names like Narsimha Reddy or Narsimha Rao… Such names were never indicative of production and positive human values, but of destruction. When a human being becomes a lion, he will develop tendencies of hunting others.”

Today, Rahul Gandhi invited Kancha Ilaiah as the guest of honour at Congress’s OBC Mahasammelan.

Read what his views are on Hindus and our gods:

– Maa Kali is a symbol of caste violence
– Narasimha is a killer god

He has even gone so far as to justify a civil war against… pic.twitter.com/LafIpifRda

— Political Kida (@PoliticalKida) July 25, 2025

Lord Ram – “Not Our God,” A “Bad Husband”

Ilaiah has dismissed Lord Ram as irrelevant to Dalits and OBCs while mocking Hindu festivals like Diwali.

He writes, “Rama is not our God.”
“Rama was not a good husband or human being.”
“Millions wasted on Diwali fireworks polluting the nation.”
“Children shouldn’t be taught ‘Rama kills Ravana’ or ‘Krishna stole butter’, but how to till land and care for cattle.”

Goddess Durga – Celebrated for “Violence”

Ilaiah has extended his attacks to Goddess Durga, claiming Hindu traditions glorify violence – “Violence of Kali or Durga is celebrated as positive – while ignoring who that violence is directed against.”

Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, & Lord Brahma – “Illiterate,” “Snitch,” “Brutal”

In his book Why I Am Not a Hindu, Ilaiah spewed venom against multiple Hindu deities –

“Saraswati is an illiterate goddess.”
“Lakshmi reports Dalit rebellion to Vishnu who exterminates them.”
“Brahma, the god of wisdom, is armed to attack enemies.”

Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati – “Used to Subdue Tribals”

He even twisted the divine imagery of Shiva and Parvati, alleging,
“Images of Shiva and Parvati were used to subdue tribals.”

The intent of Congress’s “Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan” is under the scanner because of who they chose to promote.

Kancha Ilaiah, notorious for his open contempt for Hinduism, its deities, and cultural practices, was given centre stage. His record of insulting Hindu gods and… pic.twitter.com/XIsx9Z87YL

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) July 26, 2025

Congress’s Hypocrisy: “Nyaya Sammelan” or Anti-Hindu Hate Platform?

By giving Ilaiah a platform, the Congress has once again exposed its anti-Hindu agenda despite claiming to represent backward Hindu communities. It has yet again attempted to divide OBCs/SCs from Hinduism by pushing a narrative that Hindu gods are oppressors and also legitimized hate speech under the guise of “social justice.”

Rahul Gandhi’s association with Ilaiah is not new, he has endorsed his books in the past. Now, by sharing the stage with him, Gandhi has sent a damningly clear message: the Congress stands with those who vilify Hinduism.

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The post Rahul Gandhi Shares Stage With Anti-Hindu Hate Mongering Bigot Kancha Ilaiah, Here’s How He Abused Hindu Gods appeared first on The Commune.

In a historic move, the state of Georgia has introduced legislation that seeks to formally recognize Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry as forms of hate crime. If passed, Senate Bill 375 would make Georgia the first U.S. state to codify Hinduphobia into law, marking a significant milestone for Hindu advocacy efforts nationwide.

The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Republican Senators Shawn Still and Clint Dixon, alongside Democratic Senators Jason Esteves and Emanuel D. Jones. The legislation proposes to amend Georgia’s penal code by inserting a specific definition of Hinduphobia and mandating state and local law enforcement agencies to consider anti-Hindu bias in the enforcement of existing anti-discrimination laws.

According to the bill, Hinduphobia is defined as “a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Hinduism.” The proposed law would require authorities to address such attitudes in hate crimes targeting members of the Hindu community.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a national advocacy group, welcomed the introduction of the bill and praised the lawmakers for their leadership. “Georgia becomes the first state to introduce such a bill, and if passed, will make history once again,” CoHNA said in a statement. “We are proud to work closely with Senator Shawn Still on this important bill and thank him along with Senator Emanuel Jones, Senator Jason Esteves, and Senator Clint Dixon for supporting the needs of the Hindu community in Georgia and the United States.”

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The State of Georgia has introduced SB 375, which formally updates the state's penal code to recognize Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice, and enables law enforcement and other agencies to consider Hinduphobia while cataloging such discrimination and taking… pic.twitter.com/0TKGgtGb8x

— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) April 10, 2025

This legislative push builds on the momentum from April 2023, when Georgia passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. That resolution, spearheaded by Republican Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones of Forsyth County—home to one of Georgia’s largest Hindu and Indian-American populations—recognized Hinduism as one of the world’s oldest religions and condemned hate speech and violence against Hindus.

Community leaders and advocacy groups have lauded the introduction of Senate Bill 375 as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the growing concerns around Hindu-targeted hate incidents in the U.S.

“Senator Still has always been a staunch supporter of the Hindu community and has stood with us during the tough times we faced in the U.S. as well as in places like Bangladesh,” said Rajeev Menon, founder of the Hindus of Georgia Political Action Committee (PAC). “His commitment to fighting Hinduphobia has been a beacon of hope and change for all Hindus across the U.S.”

Dhiru Shah, a senior community leader and board member of the Hindus of Georgia PAC, echoed the sentiment. “Huge shout-outs to Senator Shawn Still and to all the members and supporters of the Hindus of Georgia PAC whose tireless efforts over the years to defend and protect the civil rights of the Hindu community led to this bill,” he said.

According to the Pew Research Center’s 2023–2024 Religious Landscape Study, there are approximately 2.5 million Hindus in the United States, comprising about 0.9% of the national population. Georgia is home to over 40,000 Hindus, primarily residing in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

If enacted, Senate Bill 375 would represent a significant step forward in combating religious discrimination and protecting the civil rights of Hindu Americans—potentially setting a precedent for similar legislation in other states.

(With inputs from NDTV)

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The Hinduphobia Tracker, launched by the Gavishti Foundation, is an initiative aimed at documenting religiously motivated hate crimes against Hindus both in India and globally. The foundation is led by Nupur J Sharma, editor-in-chief of OpIndia, and Rahul Roushan, its CEO. The tracker’s primary objective is to raise awareness about the persecution of Hindus, advocate for their rights, and provide a transparent and accurate record of incidents that reflect the ongoing bias and violence faced by Hindus based on their religious identity.

The tracker categorizes hate crimes into eight key areas, all thoroughly defined using international standards and conventions. These include hate crimes against women in relationships and sexual crimes, attacks that don’t result in death, attacks on Hindu religious symbols, restrictions or bans on Hindu practices, hate speech against Hindus, predatory proselytization, attacks on Hindu men for being associated with non-Hindu women, and attacks resulting in death. Each case is explained in detail to show how the incident fits into these categories and why it qualifies as a hate crime rooted in religious animosity.

At the time of release, the Hinduphobia Tracker recorded 1,314 hate crimes against Hindus since January 2023. Additionally, there are 191 undecided cases—where a crime is suspected to be a hate crime but lacks sufficient evidence to confirm the religious motive. Moreover, there are 589 cases pending review. These cases are analyzed with the goal of ensuring accuracy and transparency in the representation of incidents. The database is continuously updated as more information becomes available, with efforts to document as many hate crimes as possible.

The tracker operates a publicly accessible database, where users can explore recorded cases, analyze data through visualizations and charts, and interact with a map that marks locations of each reported crime. The interactive map displays hate crimes with distinct symbols based on their category, and users can click on these symbols for summaries and detailed case information. The database can be filtered by categories, time periods, and keywords, offering a personalized experience for individuals who wish to explore specific types of hate crimes or focus on a particular location.

The website also provides an option for individuals to submit new hate crimes. Users can report additional cases by filling out an online form, providing supporting documents like newspaper clippings, videos, or official reports. These submissions are reviewed by the Hinduphobia Tracker team to determine whether they meet the criteria for being classified as a religiously motivated hate crime. This feature encourages active participation from the public, helping to build a comprehensive record of anti-Hindu hate incidents.

One of the key goals of the Hinduphobia Tracker is to create a working definition of Hinduphobia—a term that has evolved to encompass various negative attitudes, actions, and prejudices against Hindus. According to the tracker, Hinduphobia includes any behavior, speech, or attitude that stems from hatred, fear, prejudice, or animosity toward Hindus. It is directed not just toward individuals but also Hindu communities, their religious practices, symbols, temples, and cultural values. This prejudice can manifest through violence, discrimination, dehumanization, or hate speech, and can be perpetuated through various forms of media, including academic, institutional, and political discourse.

The tracker’s goal is not only to document incidents but also to advocate against the biases and discrimination faced by Hindus. By accurately recording and categorizing these hate crimes, it aims to represent the severity and scale of Hinduphobia globally. The Hinduphobia Tracker provides a platform for advocacy and education, helping to raise awareness of the challenges Hindus face and ensuring that their stories are heard.

Additionally, the tracker has a dispute resolution process, allowing users to challenge the inclusion or categorization of cases within the database. The database is continuously updated, and users can submit additional information or raise concerns regarding any cases listed. This openness to community involvement ensures that the platform remains dynamic and responsive to new developments.

While the current database focuses on crimes from January 2023 onwards, there are plans to expand its coverage in the future. The Hinduphobia Tracker’s mission is to provide a transparent, comprehensive, and accurate representation of the hate crimes targeting Hindus, contributing to the broader conversation around human rights, religious tolerance, and the protection of vulnerable communities worldwide.

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The post A Database Of Hindu Hate Crimes: OpIndia’s Nupur J Sharma And Rahul Roushan Launch Hinduphobia Tracker To Document Hate Crimes Against Hindus appeared first on The Commune.

A video of a convocation ceremony at Ashoka University has been circulating on social media. It has come to light that on 24 May 2024, students of Ashoka University displayed pro-Palestine placards during their convocation ceremony. The video shows graduates holding signs that read “Free Palestine” and “Stop Genocide.” Some were also seen wearing the Palestinian “keffiyeh” (scarf) and some turned up in Palestinian flag colours – black, green, red. 

Ashoka University students displayed pro-Palestine placards during the graduation ceremony, including posters that read: “Free Palestine”, “Stop genocide” and “cut ties now.”

The students have been protesting Ashoka’s collaboration with Israeli institutions.

Watch: pic.twitter.com/VuV5OYvWr4

— Maktoob (@MaktoobMedia) June 30, 2024

This demonstration aligns with the ongoing demands of the Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) to sever ties with Israel-based Tel Aviv University. Since May, the AUSG has petitioned the university administration, urging them to end their research partnership with Tel Aviv University, which includes lectures by Israeli faculty members in India. However, the university rejected this petition, emphasizing that it does not take political stances.

 

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A post shared by AU Student Government (@ashokastudentgov) 

This is not the first time Ashoka University has been in the spotlight for controversial student actions. Here are some notable past instances:

Hinduphobic Slogans Raised On Campus

In March 2024, Ashoka University students raised Hinduphobic slogans such as “Brahmin-Baniyawaad Murdabad” within the university premises. Videos of the students chanting these slogans went viral on social media. The students also voiced support for caste-based reservations and a caste census at the university. They chanted additional slogans like “Jai Bheem-Jai Meem” and “Jai Savitri-Jai Fatima,” targeting specific communities.

अशोका यूनिवर्सिटी में "ब्राह्मण वाद – बनिया वाद मुर्दाबाद" के नारे लगाये गये। क्या मतलब है इसका… कौन इनके दिमाग में ज़हर भर रहा है? #Ashoka_University pic.twitter.com/ruj1Y2vbLs

— Prakhar Shrivastava (@Prakharshri78) March 27, 2024

On Israel-Gaza Conflict

In February 2024, the AUSG issued a statement condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The statement described the terror attack by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, which resulted in over 1,300 deaths and numerous atrocities, as “events taking place on 7 October 2023.” This phrasing drew criticism for downplaying the severity of the attacks and omitting the violence committed by Hamas.

 

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A post shared by AU Student Government (@ashokastudentgov) 

Controversial Research By Professor Sabyasachi Das

In August 2023, Professor Sabyasachi Das faced backlash for a research paper claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaged in election manipulation. The paper, widely criticized for its methodological flaws, went viral on social media after being amplified by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. Following the controversy, Professor Das resigned from his position. The AUSG defended the research, describing it as “cutting-edge.”

False Claims By Professor Neelanjan Sircar

In November 2021, Professor Neelanjan Sircar falsely claimed that a portrait of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rashtrapati Bhavan was actually of Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee. In a now-deleted tweet, Sircar used this claim to mock Hindu beliefs and criticized the BJP. His tweet read, “Totally amazing! This isn’t Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, it’s a picture of famous Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee playing Netaji in a movie. And this after yelling ‘Jai Shri Ram’ at a Netaji event. The bankruptcy of political appropriation of independence-era leaders.”

The recent display of pro-Palestine placards, combined with these past instances of Hinduphobic slogans, controversial research, and biased commentary on international conflicts, indicates a growing trend of activism and political expression among Ashoka University students.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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The foreign media coverage of the Pran-Prathishtha ceremony in Ayodhya was a spectacle of meltdown, to say the least. Prominent foreign media outlets published poorly researched and biased reports that may lead one to question whether they are unhappy with India’s ruling party or Hindus in general.

It is worth noting that none of these foreign media reports considered the Hindu community’s perspective in their article. Also, they attribute their unverified claims to “critics.”

Here are some examples of how the most popular foreign media brands covered the story of Ram Mandir: 

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

It didn’t matter to the BBC that the temple came to Hindus after a long-fought legal battle or that beneath the Babri. There was an ancient temple as sacred to us as the Vatican is to Catholics. All they had to say in their report was this:

“Critics have also accused the government of exploiting a religious celebration in a country which – according to its constitution – is secular. For Muslims, India’s biggest minority, the event evoked fear and painful memories, members of the community in Ayodhya told the BBC in the run-up to Monday’s ceremony.”

New York Times (NYT)

In a news article titled “Modi Opens a Giant Temple in a Triumph for India’s Hindu Nationalists,” Mujib Mashal and Hari Kumar write: 

The temple inaugurated by the prime minister is on the disputed site of a centuries-old mosque destroyed in a Hindu mob attack that set a precedent of impunity in cases of violence against Muslims.”

In another article titled ‘Why India’s Ram Temple is so Important?,’ Kumar writes that “Islam does not appear in the Ramayana, having arrived in India only 1,000 years ago. But it is cast as the primary villain in the Hindu-nationalist telling of India’s history. Now, with a kind of spiritual and political homecoming for Mr. Modi, the Ram campaigners have the temple they had sought for decades.”

Washington Post

Modi’s consecration of controversial Hindu temple caps years-long campaign

“Critics feared the state-encouraged religious festivities – and simmering talk of Hindu supremacy and historical vengeance – showed how India under Modi has diverged from the vision of those who struggled for freedom, including Mohandas K. Gandhi, a defender of minority rights who often pleaded for the safety of his Muslim. Compatriots when Hindu-Muslim riots erupted.”

Al Jazeera

India’s Modi opens controversial Hindu temple in Ayodhya

“Analysts and critics see the ceremony as the start of the election campaign for Modi, an avowed Hindu nationalist and one of India’s most consequential leaders who has sought to transform the country from a secular democracy into a distinctly Hindu state in his nearly 10 years in power.

They say the pomp-filled display led by the government shows the extent to which the line between religion and state has eroded under Modi.

Built at an estimated cost of $217m and spread over nearly 3 hectares (7.4 acres), the temple lies atop the debris of the 16th-century Babri mosque, which was razed to the ground in 1992 by Hindu mobs, who believed it was built on temple ruins marking the birthplace of Lord Ram.”

France 24

India’s Modi inaugurates flashpoint temple seen as triumph for Hindu nationalism

Pavni Mittal writes the following:

“January 22, 2024 is not merely a date in the calendar but heralds the advent of a new era,” Modi said, speaking outside the temple to the Hindu deity Ram, built on grounds where a mosque stood for centuries before it was torn down in 1992 by Hindu zealots incited by members of his party.

That demolition triggered the worst religious riots since independence – killing 2,000 people, most of them Muslims – and shook the foundations of India’s officially secular political order.”

VOA News

In an article titled Modi Unveils Grand New Temple on Site of Destroyed Mosque, Anjana Pasricha explains how “In December 1992, a huge mob of Hindu right-wing activists used hammers, axes and bare hands to demolish the mosque, sparking nationwide religious riots that killed nearly 2,000 people. It was the worst communal violence witnessed in India since its independence. … In the 1990’s, the campaign to build the temple stirred up Hindu nationalism and catapulted the BJP, which until then was a marginal political party, into a dominant political force.”

Time

In India Is Unveiling Its Controversial Temple of Ram. Here’s What to Know, Yasmeen Serhan claims 

“For Modi, whose Hindu-nationalist government has overseen a steady rise in violence against Muslims and other religious minorities, the consecration represents the fulfilment of a decade-long pledge to rebuild the temple (the construction of which isn’t due to be completed until December).”

The portal also gave space to Audrey Truschke to write this Hinduphobic piece that calls Lord Rama “a major god and mythological hero, (who) had been born at the very spot on which the mosque stood. ”

CNN

Modi hails a new ‘divine India’ as he inaugurates controversial Hindu temple ahead of nationwide elections

“While millions of Hindus celebrated the opening of the much-awaited complex, which is seen by them as the birthplace of Ram, for the country’s minority Muslim population, it’s a painful reminder of religious divisions they fear are becoming more pronounced under Modi’s BJP government,” wrote Helen Regan and Rhea Mogul.

Guardian

As petals rained down and celebrities beamed, Modi unveiled his vision of a Hindu India

Mukul Kesavan bemoans how “In just over 30 years, India’s political class has travelled from condemning the demolition of the mosque, on the site of which the half-built temple now stands, as an act of sectarian vandalism, to celebrating it as the first act in the re-founding of a hitherto rootless republic. The idol of the infant Ram installed in a temple raised on the site of a razed mosque is to be the icon of this new Hindu nation.”

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The post Hating Modi Or Hating Hindus? How The Foreign Media Portrayed The Grand Consecration Of Ram Mandir appeared first on The Commune.

Hindu Munnani has lodged a formal complaint with cybercrime authorities under provocative speech against an individual identified as Aravind Raja, using the handle name (AravindRajaOff). The complaint alleges that the user has engaged in an indecent hate campaign on a popular social media platform, targeting Hindu gods and their ideology.

ஸ்ரீ ராமன்: டேய் டேய் நான் யாருனு தெரியுமா? North ல என் ரேஞ்ச் என்னனு தெரியுமா?

தமிழ்நாடு ~ யாருல நீ? கொலைகாரப்பய தானே? இப்ப தான் உன் Case Detail ல எடுத்து பாத்தேன்..

தவம் பண்ணிட்டுருந்த சம்பூகன சாதி பேர சொல்லி அவன் தலைய துண்டா வெட்டி ஆணவக்கொலை பண்ணிருக்க..

கற்ப நிரூபிக்க… pic.twitter.com/WzcEazJ2HD

— Dr.Aravind Raja (@AravindRajaOff) January 9, 2024

Dr. Aravind Raja, a rabid anti-Hindu X handle known for peddling DMK propaganda had made vile comments against Lord Ram. Here’s a translation of the post.

Sri Raman: Hey, hey, do you know who I am, do you know what my range is in the North?
Tamil Nadu: Who are you? You are a murderer, right? I just saw your case details… You beheaded Sambhukan, who was
doing penance, giving caste as a reason and committed manslaughter.
To prove her chastity, you threw your own wife Sita into the fire and killed her.
At the behest of some monkeys, you burnt down a beautiful country called Sri Lanka that belonged to the Tamilians. 
You have murder, attempted murder, women harassment, public property damage cases on your head, go sit in the corner.

ராமாயணம் ஒரு வாழ்வியல் ன்னு சொன்னானுங்க மேடம்..

சரின்னு வாங்கி படிச்சா ஓபனிங்லயே இவன் அப்பன் தசரதனுக்கு 16 ஆயிரம் பொண்டாட்டி மேடம். ஆனா இவன் அப்பா ஒரு குதிரை see more.. pic.twitter.com/HYliy9rulc

— Dr.Aravind Raja (@AravindRajaOff) January 11, 2024

The above post shows a slanderous image of Lord Ram and reads as follows:

“They said that Ramayana is a biography madam. And so I bought and read and in the opening itself this guy’s father Dasarathan has 16,000 wives madam. But this guy’s father and one horse…”, he wrote abusing Lord Ram.

According to the complaint, the handle in question is purportedly affiliated with the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and has been consistently disseminating abusive content against Hindu deities. The nature of the posts has reportedly raised concerns within the Hindu Munnani organization, prompting them to take legal action.

X வலைத்தளத்தில் அநாகரீக வெறுப்பு பிரச்சாரம்…

Dr. அரவிந்த் ராஜா மீது புகார்…

நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கத் துணியுமா அரசு…@tnpoliceoffl @CMOTamilnadu#sriram #ayodhya #hatespeech #TwitterX #NeedAction #HinduMunnani #இந்துமுன்னணி pic.twitter.com/UnDtZBjxhB

— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) January 10, 2024

This handle has also been involved in targeting Carnatic singer and performer Sivasri Skandaprasad by making casteist abuses and sharing pictures of her in western clothes.

He also peddled hate against North Indians after BJP’s victory in the Hindi heartland.

பாஜக வெற்றி பெற்ற மகிழ்ச்சியில் தமிழ்நாடு திரும்பிய வடமாநில தொழிலாளர்கள். pic.twitter.com/C7qdxIlmfj

— Dr.Aravind Raja (@AravindRajaOff) December 3, 2023

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The post Hindu Munnani Files Cybercrime Complaint Against DMK-Supporting Dravidianist For Abusing Lord Ram appeared first on The Commune.

In a recent development, Kolathur Mani, the founder of Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam, has sparked controversy by making remarks concerning Hindu religious symbols while also launching verbal attacks on respected members of the judiciary. 

இதெல்லாம் பேச்சு சுதந்திரம் இல்லையா ஜட்ஜ் அய்யா??

நீதிபதியை நாய்ங்க'னு சொல்றதுக்கு எல்லாம் Suo Motto கேஸ் போட முடியாதா ஜட்ஜய்யா??? pic.twitter.com/a9oIUg42H8

— Saravanaprasad Balasubramanian (Modi ka Pariwar) (@BS_Prasad) October 10, 2023

Mani’s comments came during the 145th birthday celebration of E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as Periyar by his followers) at Dindigul. During his speech, he said, “A judge named G.R.Swaminathan gave a statement on the Hijab issue that students should not wear religious symbols inside the school campus. But he himself wears a forehead full of vibhuti (sacred ash) with Kumkuma in the centre to the court. If hijab is a religious symbol then vibhuti is also a religious symbol. Then what are you doing wearing it inside the court? You shouldn’t go.”

Kolathur Mani uses the singular (avan) pronoun when talking about Justice GR Swaminathan.

He also attacked Justice Seshasayee saying “Another fellow in Chennai court, Seshasayee explains that Sanathana Dharma is about how citizens must behave with the king, but how the king must treat his citizens, how parents should behave with children and children with parents. Hey, fool (madaya) are you saying all this after reading the book? He did not read the law book properly, you should have at least read this book. We read it fully, to counter these dogs, we are reading all this (sanathana dharma related information).”

Kolathur Mani was earlier in the news for organizing an anti-Hindu rally in which members of several rabid Dravidianist outfits spewed venom against Hindus and Hindu Gods, abusing Goddess Amman, Lord Krishna, Lord Ayyappan and also insulted followers of the Hindu faith.

It is noteworthy that during the same gathering, Rajiv Gandhi, the president of the DMK Student Wing, was also present and delivered a speech.

@dvkdindigul சார்பில் எது திராவிடம்? எது சனாதனம்? 100 ஆவது கூட்டம் தந்தை பெரியார் 145 ஆவது பிறந்தநாள் விழா பொதுக்கூட்டத்தில் திமுக மாநில மாணவரணி தலைவர் @Rajiv_Gandhi அவர்கள்@arivalayam@DMKDindigul#திவிக | #DMK | #Dravidam1000 | #dvkdindigul | @kolathur_mani | @viduthalaikr pic.twitter.com/CFwL4IB9Nu

— DVK Dindigul திவிக (@dvkdindigul) October 11, 2023

@dvkdindigul எது திராவிடம்? எது சனாதனம்? 100 ஆவது கூட்டம் தந்தை பெரியார் 145 ஆவது பிறந்தநாள் விழா பொதுக்கூட்டத்தில் @dvkperiyar கழகத் தலைவர் தோழர் @kolathur_mani அவர்கள்@viduthalaikr#திவிக | #Dravidam1000 | #dvkdindigul | #KolathurMani | #ViduthalaiRajendran | @MaruthaMoorty pic.twitter.com/tDauwcgiyr

— DVK Dindigul திவிக (@dvkdindigul) October 11, 2023

It’s important to clarify that Justice G.R. Swaminathan was not involved in the Hijab case proceedings, and the case itself was filed in Karnataka, rather than Tamil Nadu.

However, when the Karnataka High Court upheld its ban on hijab in educational institutions, the radical Islamist organisation Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath (TNTJ) issued death threats to Supreme Court judges in light of the verdict on hijab given by the Karnataka High Court. Covai R. Rahmatullah, a leader of TNTJ, made inflammatory remarks during an event in March 2022, suggesting that if any harm befalls the judges as a result of the Hijab case verdict, they should be held responsible.

Kolathur Mani’s comments included derogatory language directed at the judges, characterising them as fools and dogs. 

Just a couple of months ago, well-known publisher Badri Seshadri, who heads ‘Kizhakku Pathippagam,’ was arrested by Tamil Nadu police in the early hours of 29 July 2023. He faced charges under various sections, including 153, 153A, and 505, in relation to comments he made during an interview on a YouTube channel about the Manipur issue referring to the CJI. The arrest came following a complaint by advocate Kaviyarasu.

The question of whether legal action will be taken against Kolathur Mani, who has close affiliations with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, is to be watched out for. 

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The post “Idiot, Dogs”: Dravidianist Kolathur Mani Abuses Madras HC Judges At Event Celebrating 145th Birthday Of EVR, DMK Spokie Too Attends appeared first on The Commune.

In certain US World History textbooks, Hinduism has been portrayed unfavourably, causing concerns among Hindu Americans about the potential impact of SB403, particularly on Hindu children growing up in the Western context. Parents fear that such depictions in textbooks can shape the perception of Hinduism and its followers among the average Americans from a young age.

A textbook example (pun intended) of #Hinduphobia!

Hinduism is portrayed as "problematic" in some US World History textbooks – this is exactly why Hindu Americans are concerned about #SB403 and the impact on our community, including Hindu children in the west. It is this type… https://t.co/RhpD9beqUv

— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) September 1, 2023

The Hindu community in the United States believes that this specific History textbook contradicts the values of promoting harmony, mutual respect, and understanding. Instead, it encourages prejudice, bullying, and the targeting of Hindu-American children. The information presented in these textbooks may lead young minds to perceive Hinduism as being solely associated with “caste, cow, curry, chaos,” while overlooking its substantial contributions to fields such as yoga, Ayurveda, mathematics, science, and more. Unfortunately, many Hindu American children internalize this oversimplified portrayal as the truth, often distancing themselves from their own cultural heritage in an attempt to gain acceptance in wider society.

An excerpt from the 2018 and 2019 editions of the Princeton Review’s ASAP World History highlights the perpetuation of negative stereotypes in these books. Hindu parents believe that this contributes to the bullying of Hindu children in schools.

What’s In The Textbook?

In the section about India, the textbook acknowledges that India, the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, experienced the introduction of Islam in the 10th century through invaders who established a presence in Delhi and promoted Islam for approximately three centuries, starting in 1206. 

This excerpt is from Princeton Review's ASAP World History, 2018 & 2019 Editions.

Dear @penguinrandom: Disappointed to find negative stereotypes perpetuated in your book which is leading to bullying of Hindu kids in schools. Let's teach our kids the truth & spread positivity… pic.twitter.com/uLufbqN53Y

— GKChesterton (@GKChesterton000) September 1, 2023

During the Delhi Sultanate period, the text highlights the establishment of colleges, improvements in irrigation systems, and the construction of mosques overseen by Hindu architects and artists.

However, it also mentions that not everything in this arrangement was harmonious. Under this theoretically tolerant regime, Muslims imposed taxes on nonbelievers and even demolished certain Hindu temples. As a result, many Hindus in northern India converted to Islam, either genuinely or for the sake of convenience. Overall, a significant number of Hindus in northern India embraced Islam, while those in southern India adhered to their Hindu traditions.

The lesson also draws comparisons between Islam and Hinduism while presenting some inaccuracies:

1. It states that Islam maintains the equality of all people under God, whereas Hinduism upholds the caste system.
2. It notes that, in Islam, cows are considered a source of food, whereas in Hinduism, they are revered as sacred. The next point is particularly problematic:
3. It suggests that Islam views itself as tolerant of other beliefs and open to blending with them, while Hinduism sees itself as universal and exclusive.

In 2017, the California State Board of Education (SBE), a part of the California Department of Education, made a unanimous decision to reject two textbook programs from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. These textbooks, designed for Grades K-6 and Grades 6-8, were turned down due to their portrayal of Hinduism and various other diverse communities in an unfavorable manner.

Anti-Hindu bill SB403

SB403, an allegedly “anti-caste discrimination law”, has passed through the legislative process in the state of California. Senator Aisha Wahab was the legislator who introduced the bill, with strong backing from the questionable organisation, Equality Labs. Notably, the SB403 bill was heavily influenced by the Cisco caste discrimination case, even though that case fell flat. However, SB403 has now been enacted into law in the state of California in the United States.

'The level of victimisation of Hindus, by those supporting this unnecessary bill at all levels has been brought home by this tragedy. Californias Hindus have been on the receiving end of outright contempt, dehumanisation and direct oppression, under the guise of…

— Pt Satish K Sharma MBCS FRSA FRAS (@thebritishhindu) July 20, 2023

Cisco Caste Case

Sundar Iyer, a central figure in the Cisco Caste case, shared his story at Caste Con’23 in July 2023. Iyer, originally from India and studying in the US, was sued by the Cisco Research Development Foundation (CRD) along with his colleague Ramana Kompella in June 2020. 

CRD accused them of discriminating against John Doe, a Dalit, and denying him a leadership role in Iyer’s startup due to his caste. However, Iyer countered these allegations, stating that he had hired John Doe and offered top positions to other Dalits.

CRD’s claims garnered media attention and were accompanied by articles from caste activists that damaged their reputations. Iyer and Kompella continued to face activist propaganda and harassment, including attacks on their last names. Iyer found it ironic that CRD assigned him a Hindu Brahmin caste solely based on his last name, with Equality Labs, CRD’s partner, making controversial comparisons.

CRD faced criticism for profiling and accusing Hindu Americans of crimes against Dalits without evidence, which the judge dismissed. In January 2023, Iyer and others filed a motion to sanction CRD prosecutors for pursuing a baseless case. CRD dropped the case against Iyer and Ramana but continued to sue Cisco. A white paper in April 2023 accused CRD of corrupt behavior, and in July 2023, California for Justice accused CRD of targeting Indian Americans, calling for Governor Newsom’s intervention.

Who Is Pushing For S403? Equality Labs

Seattle has become the first U.S. city, as well as the first outside of South Asia, to prohibit “caste discrimination”. This move has sparked momentum for similar legislation in California. Those behind this move are a coalition of over 40 American and international Dalit and human rights activists and organizations, led by Equality Labs, based in California.

Equality Labs, which is a George Soros-funded organisation, is led by Thenmozhi Sounderrajan, an American of Indian descent. 

Guess who Equality Labs is funded by? pic.twitter.com/YPN6opuKgC

— malika (@malikakas) February 23, 2023

It is noteworthy that her scheduled talk at Google in 2022 was cancelled to avoid division and discord in the community, as stated by Google’s spokesperson, Shannon Newberry, “Caste discrimination has no place in our workplace. We also have a very clear, publicly shared policy against retaliation and discrimination in our workplace. We also made the decision to not move forward with the proposed talk which — rather than bringing our community together and raising awareness — was creating division and rancor,”.

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The post Hindumisia Mainstreamed In The US Through School History Textbooks appeared first on The Commune.

The Hindu Munnani Chief, Kadeswara Subramaniam, stated that Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker M. Appavu should be removed from his position. In his statement, he said, “Speaker Appavu continues to speak, demeaning Hindu religious beliefs. The Hindu Munnani strongly condemns his statement that President Droupadi Murmu was not invited because the Parliament building would be sanctified with ganga water if she attended. The Speaker’s statement is an insult to the oath of office he took.”

“Does the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister accept the Speaker’s statement in an uncivilized manner that incites religious hatred? He should clarify this.”

Subramaniam also educated Appavu about the Nayanmars, the Tamil Shaivite saints, stating, “Appavu, who criticizes Hinduism, not only shows ignorance but also exhibits malicious intent. All 63 Nayanmars (saints) associated with temples and the entire community are aware that Guru Puja (worship) is performed every year.”

He also questioned Appavu for not addressing the issues within his own religion, saying, “At the same time, caste hatred and apartheid still prevail in the Christian religion to which Appavu belongs. If he has the courage to talk about this in public, let him do so. Did he know that even in graves, there is caste discrimination, and priests speak in an inhumane manner? Families of the deceased are refused burial because they did not contribute to the church tithe. The saying ‘people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones’ applies to Appavu.”

“He takes pleasure in mocking the Hindu faith and presenting his distorted understanding of religious understanding. However, even without the presence of Christians, Tamil people would have maintained their cultural identity. By demeaning the Supreme leader of this great nation, who holds a high position in the Indian government, and insulting Sanatana Hindu Dharma and our country’s leader, he commits a constitutional offense. The Hindu Munnani strongly condemns Speaker Appavu’s indecent speech,” said Kadeswara Subramaniam.

“The Hindu Munnani urges the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the Governor of Tamil Nadu to take necessary action and remove him from his position, considering the sentiments of the Hindu community,” stated the Hindu Munnani.

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The post Hindu Munnani Condemns TN Speaker For Demeaning President And Hindu Religion appeared first on The Commune.