ONTARIO: Reports that Shri Ram Dham Hindu Temple in Kitchener, Ontario (Canada) was vandalized by anti social elements has worried Hindus across North America. Coming close on heels of similar vandalism in this county in the past six months, it has now become a matter of grave concern to many in the community.
There were reports of smashing of windows with large rocks of Shri Ram Dham Hindu Temple on November 15 night by vandals. Police in Kitchener, Ont., are investigating. The incident happened on Nov. 15 around 11:15 p.m.
Ram Dham Hindu Temple president Dilip Dav says several windows at the rear entrance of the temple were shattered. He says no one inside the temple was injured and they were unable to see who did the damage.
The incident follows an arson attack on a Peterborough, Ont., mosque a day earlier. Investigators say they haven’t drawn any link between the attacks. Authorities said a total of five rocks were thrown at two panes of glasses at the rear of the building. No injuries were reported.
“People will jump to certain conclusions, however our investigation will continue,” said Staff Sergeant Michael Haffner.
“It’s one of the questions that will be posed for those responsible.”
Police said patrols were stepped up at places of worship across the region following the act of vandalism.
Shri Ram Dham Hindu Temple, whose tagline is “Wisdom Love Service”, opens and conducts two aartis daily, has services on Sundays-Tuesdays-Thursdays and organizes festivals-kirtan-discourses-special services year round. It contains the murtis of Hindu deities of Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, Durgaa Maa, Ganesh and Hanuman.
The temple offers classes in yoga, Sanskrit, Bharatnatyam and vegetarian cooking; Hindu culture course and yoga camp for kids; and consultation on spiritual-religious issues and rituals. Chaitanya Jyoti and Haripriya Parivrajika are Head Preacher and Preacher respectively.
Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, called for swift action by administration and urged Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to contact the Kitchener area Hindu community to reassure them.
Arvind Patel
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
