eMigrate: Equipping India's overseas migrants with technology

Designed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, eMigrate is an online portal. Particularly in nations requiring an Emigration Check Required (ECR) status, it serves as a single-window solution to control the migration flow of Indian employees heading overseas. For Indian individuals looking overseas for work as well as for recruiting agents and international companies, the platform streamlines the application, validation, and approval procedures. This project guarantees that every stage of the migration process is open, safe, and legal according to Indian law.

The Role of Foreign Actors in the Independence of Bangladesh

Following the independence of the Indian Subcontinent in 1947, the region was divided into two major entities: India and Pakistan. Pakistan, which was initially a single nation, was comprised of two geographically and culturally distinct regions—West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The relationship between these two regions was fraught with tension, with East Pakistan experiencing severe political, economic, and social oppression from West Pakistan.

The struggle for independence in East Pakistan culminated in a nine-month-long liberation war, which began on March 26, 1971. The roles of various international actors during this conflict were crucial and multifaceted. Major global players, including India, the Soviet Union, China, and the United States, each had their own strategic interests that influenced their involvement in the conflict.

Media Coverage of Hindu Atrocities in Bangladesh: A Critical Examination of the BBC's Reporting

The predicament of Hindus in Bangladesh has attracted much scrutiny in recent years, especially in light of increasing violence and persecution. Nevertheless, the depiction of these incidents by global media, including authoritative institutions such as the BBC, has been subject to censure for minimising the gravity of the heinous acts. This paper investigates the approach of the BBC and other media organisations towards the subject, analysing allegations of external media bias and the influence of regime changes on media coverage.

The Current Situation of Hindus in Bangladesh: An Examination of Attacks and State Response

Over the past few years, Bangladesh has experienced a concerning increase in acts of violence targeting its Hindu minority community. The present paper examines the position of Hindus in Bangladesh, with a specific emphasis on the characteristics of the attacks, the involvement of extremist organisations, the reaction of the state, and the wider consequences for the community. The objective of this article is to offer a thorough comprehension of the difficulties encountered by Hindus in Bangladesh at present by analysing several facets of the problem.
Analysis of Attack Frequency and Characteristics

Media Bias and Its Implications in UK

In recent years, the portrayal of Hindus in UK media has sparked significant debate and concern within the community. This blog delves into the nuances of media bias against Hindus, examining the prevalence of stereotypes, underrepresentation, and negative framing. We explore the impact of these biased narratives on public perception and community cohesion. Additionally, the blog highlights efforts being made to address and counteract this bias, offering a pathway towards fair and balanced representation. Join us as we uncover the challenges and advocate for a more accurate and respectful portrayal of Hindus in UK media

Accelerating Funeral Arrangements: Key Factors Across UK Religious Communities and Strategic Action Plan for Enhancing Hindu Funeral Services

Here is a suggested Action Plan for Hindu Organizations in the UK to Create Effective Community Organizations for improving Hindu funeral services and ensuring that the needs of all Hindus are met promptly and respectfully

Hindu Manifesto UK-2024

Hindus in the UK form a strong pillar of the vibrant UK democracy. As the UK General Election 2024 is approaching, the UK Hindu community has created this vision document, reflecting its aspirations, and expectations from politicians seeking support from this sizable community, for the Election. We seek the candidates contesting these elections to champion them by committing to seven pledges:

"Deciphering the Distinctions: 'Hakenkreuz' vs. 'Swastika'"

Find out why the Lawmakers, Human Rights orgs, USCRIF,  Academia, including Harvard Business School's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative, must take the initiative to lead in ending the miss-association of sacred Hindu symbols.

Hindus:- The Everlasting Impact of Hindus and Hinduism on World Civilisation

Throughout history, Hinduism has been more than just a religion; it has been a way of life, a philosophy, and a cultural beacon that has illuminated the world with its profound wisdom and timeless teachings. From ancient scriptures to modern innovations, Hindus and Hinduism have made significant positive contributions to the world, shaping both the spiritual and material realms. Let us explore some of these enduring contributions that continue to enrich humanity.

Human Rights Lawyer for Hindus

HMB is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting human rights and social justice. We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our team in the pursuit of justice and equality for all.

Human Rights Lawyer for Hindus

HMB is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting human rights and social justice. We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our team in the pursuit of justice and equality for all.

HIndu Forum of Europe Celebrates Diwali 2023 at the European Parliament

We are excited to share with you a glimpse of our Diwali 2023 celebration at the European Parliament. Click the link below to view images capturing the vibrant festivities and the joyous moments shared during this special occasion. Join us in reliving the spirit of this Hindu Forum of Europe Diwali celebration

The Confession Dilemma: What If Dominic Martin Hadn't Claimed Responsibility for the Jehovah's Witnesses Attacks?

In a shocking turn of events, India was recently rocked by a series of explosions at a Jehovah's Witnesses prayer meeting that claimed three lives and left at least 50 individuals injured. The incident took an even more unexpected twist when a Facebook video surfaced, showing a man named Dominic Martin claiming full responsibility for the attacks. However, as the authorities continue their investigation, questions arise about what would have happened if Dominic Martin had never come forward.

What happened at BAPS and Cisco is a timeless warning about the perils of presuming guilt

The testimony these workers and others stated formed the basis for a May 2021 guns-drawn, pre-dawn raid by Federal law enforcement, violating a highly sacred space. The unprecedented raid was accompanied by a simultaneous New York Times exposé which characterized the widely respected Hindu institution of BAPS as something close to slave-traders, the temple itself compared to the Temple of Doom from the Indiana Jones film series by other writers, and was even used to malign the current government of India, since BAPS originates from the same state as Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Now, those workers stating under oath that they were made to make false allegations are certainly not all of the workers alleging mistreatment in Robbinsville. The initial lawsuit had six named plaintiffs, who stated they were filing the suit “on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated.”  Following the raid some 110 workers were taken from the temple grounds. Where they are being held, we do not know.

George Soros-backed OCCRP planning ‘expose’ on Indian firms: Report

The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) – an organisation funded by likes of George Soros and Rockefeller Brothers Fund – is said to be planning an ‘expose’ on certain corporate houses in India, said a report on Thursday.

OCCRP, which calls itself “an investigative reporting platform formed by 24 nonprofit investigative centres… spread across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America”, may publish a report or a series of articles, reported PTI quoting three sources with knowledge of the matter.

PM Modi in France - Indian Army Marches On Champs Elysees During Bastille Day Parade

French Embassy in India twitted 

A warm welcome to France for the tri-force contingent that will march in the #BastilleDay parade on July 14! We feel especially honored to welcome soldiers from the Punjab Regiment, whose valorous history includes fighting alongside troops in WWI.

PM Modi, Guest Of Honour, Indian Forces Take Part In Bastille Day Celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the guest of honour at the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, which began around 1.40 pm Indian time and saw four Rafale fighter jets and two C-17 Globemasters participate in the flypast.

A 269-member contingent of the Indian Armed Forces also marched alongside their counterparts from the French forces in the Bastille Day parade. 

French President Emmanuel Macron bestowed the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour - the highest French honour in military or civilian orders - on PM Modi yesterday. The Prime Minister, who became the first Indian PM to receive the award, thanked President Macron on behalf of the people of India

Persecution and Discrimination of Hindus in Pakistan

Persecution and Discrimination of Hindus in Pakistan Ranbir Singh, Chair of Hindu Human Rights Group (HHR)

The state-run electronic media, which until recently dominated the opinion building in Pakistan as the only TV channel, PTV, and Pakistan Radio were completely under control of the state, which used to portray India (Hindu) as eternal enemies of Pakistan and Muslims of the entire world. Blaming India for every happening in Pakistan. The stories of atrocities against Kashmiri Muslims in Indian held Kashmir by the Hindu Army were part of regular and essential part of every news bulletin and other programmes of current affairs. The print media, particularly mainstream Urdu newspapers, have also played their role in portraying Hindu as an enemy of Pakistan. This systematic image building has proved poisonous for Pakistani society, particularly it has made the lives of Hindus miserable. Hindus are suspected as agent of RAW and the poor and illiterate Hindus caste people are easy target to implicate in false cases to victims because of their weak socio economic status. Upper class rich Hindus may have been position to escape this attitude on the basis of their wealth, but there is no way out for poor.

The Blood Review - An independent review into how government engages with faith

The Bloom Reviwe:- Chapter 6: Hindu Nationalism:  Click Here For THE BLOOM REVIEW

Bloom Report Response from the Hindu Perspective by Insight UK 

We appreciate the government's intent behind the independent review examining how the government should engage with faith groups in England. Any such study is of great importance if the UK is to uphold its reputation as a successful, diverse, and multi-faith country, which protects its people's rights to practise their religion, faith or beliefs.

As INSIGHT UK, a social movement of British Hindus and British Indians we broadly welcome the report though feel some issues facing the community have been underestimated and certain reflections about the community need re-examination for they are misinformed and misplaced.

INSIGHT UK is concerned with the rise in anti-Hindu hate as reported all across the country. The cases of attacks and vandalism of our temples are on the rise, as are incidents of targeted grooming and conversions of Hindus. It is worrisome that these anti-Hindu hate incidents are under-reported or misreported. The media bias, gaslighting of Hindu victims by systematically making false allegations against them and victim blaming is an extension of this, and aids the failure to recognise hate crimes against Hindus in this country. In this context, we feel that the report has underestimated the problem of radical Islam and its impact on religious minorities.

We are glad to see the Report identifying the presence and impact of the violent Khalistan movement in the UK, and terror groups like Babbar Khalsa whose members have been given refuge by Pakistan. The recognition of the terror tactics employed by them, such as the extreme content being posted by Khalistan extremists to silence the majority Sikh community, fuelling hate towards the Hindu community and all those who do not subscribe to their violent ideology, is a first step towards eliminating this menace. The issue of Khalistan extremists disturbing peace and posing a serious threat to British Sikhs and British Hindus needs constant monitoring and immediate countermeasures.

The nature of conversions and attempts to convert British Hindus to Christianity as reported in some recent cases have included provocative messaging by aggressive missionaries. The suggestions made are that the Christian faith is the only way to receive forgiveness for one’s sins and the only way to receive eternal life. Mindful of the psychological pressure on individuals subject to such conversion attempts and resultant disharmony among families and the wider Hindu community, we urge that an impact study be conducted on this particular issue.

While we appreciate the importance of addressing extremist ideologies, we believe it is essential to approach the subject matter with accuracy and fairness. We were surprised to find the British Hindu community who have no history of association with any form of extremism, being mentioned at all in Chapter 6 of the the report which deals with faith based extremism The two paragraphs and fifteen lines highlighting ‘Hindu Nationalism’ without a shred of evidence not only seem forced but reflect misinformation, poor research and what could be best described as an attempt to monkey balance and play to a certain gallery.

It is troubling that an independent review would use terms often used by radical elements and Islamists with a history of inciting violence against the British Hindu and British Indian community. ‘Hindu Nationalism’ has been used to gaslight Hindus and especially victims of anti-Hindu hate in UK.

India is the birthplace of Sanatan Dharma, the Hindu faith and philosophy. It is this vibrant religious culture and the extensive stretch of Hindu pilgrimage places across the length and breadth of the country that makes India a sacred geography for all Hindus. The significance of and the connection to the landscape of India for British Hindus and Hindus all over the world is deeply spiritual and beyond the notion of a modern nation state. This connection is vital for all Hindus to enhance and strengthen their spiritual practices and it promotes cultural pride and preservation. The report has grossly misread this natural attachment to what is a holy land for Hindus.

Contrary to an apt example of extremism, the bombing of Air India Flight 182 by Sikh Khalistani extremists, the report mentions ‘extreme Hindu nationalism’ but fails to provide any evidence of extremism linked to this phenomenon. The report thus draws a false equivalence between religious extremism and Hindu nationalism. The allegation is baseless and the recommendations irrelevant. It is worrying that this can perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to the marginalisation of a peaceful community. Hindu faith is founded on principles of peace, compassion, and tolerance.

It is stated that the review is the result of consultations with thousands of faith leaders, however there is no reference to any feedback from Hindu faith leaders in the report, nor to the findings of credible independent think tanks who have studied the victimisation of Hindus in the UK. It is important to know who was consulted in relation to the UK Hindu Faith Community.

Unbelievably the report mentions two references, one a BBC story covering an interview with Majid Freeman, a known extremist and fake news peddler, and another article written by Sunny Hundal who has previously been known to have peddled fake news about the Leicester incident. Not only is this very shallow research, but is deeply problematic because a known Islamist and supporter of radical terror organisations such as ISIS and the Taliban, Majid Freeman, has been cited as a reference. Multiple independent think tanks and our own investigation revealed that Majid Freeman was actively spreading misinformation on social media about the Hindu community, potentially triggering further unrest, tension and violence against Hindus.

The other name cited is Sunny Hundal (extreme left-leaning journalist, former deputy editor for the Independent), who was one of the many others on social media stoking the flames of religious hatred by falsely equating the cricket fans as Hindus, the Hindu community, and nonexistent Hindu extremists. Warnings were made on social media that violence will soon be coming from the Muslim community. Nothing against Muslims or Islam had been uttered, but the false narrative spread like wildfire

There have been reports from reputable sources that clearly demonstrate the role of Islamists and the weaponisation of social media to incite further hate against the Hindus by spreading lies. On the contrary the recent Leicester incident was proven to have no links to Hindu nationalism by both UK and international research organisations. Sharing three reports and our own investigations which establish these links and the victimisation of Hindus:

1. Hindu-Muslim civil unrest in Leicester: “Hindutva” and the creation of a false narrative by the Henry Jackson Society: https:// henryjacksonsociety.org/publications/hindu-muslim-civil-unrestin-leicester-hindutva-and-the-creation-of-a-false-narrative/

1. Cyber Social Swarming Precedes Real World Riots in Leicester:

How Social Media Became a Weapon for Violence by the Network Contagion Research Institute Report (NCRI): https:// networkcontagion.us/reports/11-16-22-cyber-social-swarmingprecedes-real-world-riots-in-leicester-how-social-media-becamea-weapon-for-violence/?ref=quillette.com

1. Fact-finding report on Leicester violence 2022 by The Centre for Democracy Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR): https:// www.cdphr.org/Report-Final.pdf

2. How fake news was spread to incite hate and attacks on Hindus in Leicester- https://insightuk.org/how-fake-news-was-used-toincite-hate-and-attacks-on-hindus

We would like to emphasise the need for balanced and evidence-based reporting. It is crucial to provide accurate information to the public and policymakers, as inaccurate or biased reports can have far-reaching consequences. Such reports can lead to further stigmatisation, discrimination, and a negative impact on interfaith relations.

We kindly request that you reconsider the inclusion of Hindu nationalism as a major issue in your report unless there is compelling evidence to substantiate such claims. By doing so, you would be taking an important step towards ensuring that your report accurately reflects the realities of the current global threat landscape.

We request a meeting with you to discuss at length the Hindu community’s concerns. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that you will give due consideration to the issues raised and our requests. We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Best Regards, INSIGHT UK Team

Now it seems that British Hindus don’t count

Last summer, more than 600 people took to the streets of Leicester in violent protest against alleged “Hindutva”, a term unfamiliar to many. To some it means Hindu nationalism, to others simply outward expression of “Hinduness”. While Muslim and Hindu youths had fought in what looked like gang-style territorial violence, there was little evidence of any political nationalist allegiances with India.

Instead, concern over Hindu extremism lead to threats to find Hindus and “chop them up”, to “chase Hindus out of Leicester like they were chased out of Kashmir”, vandalism of vehicles and homes that displayed Hindu symbols and attacks on Hindu temples — all while the majority of mainstream media seemed to comment on any aspect other than Hindu-hate.

"Colonial Oppression and Humanitarian Crisis: The Great Famine of Madras in 1877.”

The Great Famine of Madras in 1877, during the dark ages of colonial India, was a catastrophic event that brought untold misery and suffering to the people of the region. The famine, triggered by a combination of factors including prolonged drought, failed monsoons, and widespread crop failure, resulted in widespread starvation, disease, and death.

As the harsh drought persisted, rivers and lakes dried up, leaving parched lands and withering crops. Agricultural communities were devastated, and food became scarce and unaffordable. People were forced to sell their possessions, beg, or resort to extreme measures to survive. Hunger and malnutrition were rampant, leading to widespread health issues and diseases such as cholera and dysentery.

The British colonial administration, which controlled the region, proved ineffective in addressing the crisis. Relief efforts were poorly organized and insufficient, failing to reach many of those in need. The suffering was exacerbated by the exploitation of the poor by the rich, who hoarded food and raised prices to exorbitant levels.

The famine took a heavy toll on the vulnerable, including children, women, and the elderly. Many families were torn apart, as people migrated in search of food and water, leaving behind their homes and loved ones. The scenes of suffering were heart-wrenching, with emaciated bodies, despairing faces, and cries of anguish echoing through the streets.

The Great Famine of Madras in 1877 left a lasting impact on the region, as countless lives were lost, communities were shattered, and the socio-economic fabric was severely damaged. It stands as a tragic reminder of the suffering and neglect faced by the Indian population during the dark ages of colonial rule, and the urgent need for equitable and just governance.

How Fake News Was Used To Incite Hate And Attack Hindus In Leicester

The impact of targeted and deliberate fake news is clear to see. The Hindu community in Leicester were targeted, attacked and are now living in fear for their safety. Many families have left their homes that are in the so-called “Muslim area”, still waiting to return.

Many houses and properties of Hindus were damaged. Two Hindu men survived an attack with knives, many were injured including women and one man who was hospitalised and in critical condition. 

The Hindus of the area remain in fear after weeks of violence and intimidation. The Hindus in the impacted area did not leave their house and did not send their children to school for 3 to 4 days last week. Some families have left their homes out of fear of violence, and are yet to return. The local Hindus have removed Aum symbols and the words ‘Shubh Labh’ from the front of their homes. Devotees of Mata ji, the mother Goddess, have removed any photos that were on display in their windows and cars so that the houses or cars cannot be recognised as Hindu s from the street to safeguard from the recurrence of targeted attacks.

Review of the Report commissioned by Open Doors and conducted by researchers at the London School of Economics

"Destructive Lies"  Report commissioned by Open Doors and conducted by researchers at the London School of Economics

Click to find Peer Review of the above reprot commisioned by HMB

LES response to HMB review of Opendoors report

LSE's response to HMB's review for the 

HMB Review of the Report commissioned by Open Doors and conducted by researchers at the London School of Economics

and our Counter response ...

Image Credit 

BBC documentary on PM Modi 'badly researched', doesn't represent UK govt's view: British MP

New Delhi: BBC documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “is a hatchet job. It was poor journalism, badly researched and casts smears against PM Modi which are completely unjustified,” says UK MP Bob Blackman.

The lawmaker further said the broadcaster (BBC) “does not represent views of the British government.”

Speaking to News18, Blackman said the two episode docu-series also “sought to demonstrate that the Indian judicial system could not be trusted and I am afraid that the judicial system in India is based on the British system, completely separate from politics and completely independent.”

A Case Study of Religious Harmony and Dialogue

Among many examples of positive progress towards religious harmony and mutual respect is BAPS – a socio-spiritual organisation which has led the effort to bring about dialogue between different faiths and promote the values of unity in diversity.

The Christian population in the UK has declined, for the first time, below the 50 percent mark

The Christian population in the UK  has declined, for the first time, below the 50 percent mark.

UK population by religion - In one of the most notable takeaways from the latest census data released by Britain, the UK's Muslim population has shown a 'rapid' rise, even as the Christian population has declined, for the first time, below the 50 percent mark. Interestingly, there is also a sizeable portion of the Hindu population in the UK - the UK population data has shown. This is the first time that the country's official religion - Christianity - has been followed by a minority population.

According to the excerpts of the data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), some 46.2% of the population of England and Wales described themselves as Christian on the day of the 2021 census, down from 59.3% a decade earlier. The Muslim population grew from 4.9% to 6.5% of the population, even as 1.7% identified as Hindu, up from 1.5% - news agency PTI cited.

I have experienced racism in my life, says UK PM Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed that he experienced racism growing up in the UK but the country has made incredible progress since then in confronting the issue. 

The British Indian leader was speaking to reporters on Thursday night in the wake of a racism row at Buckingham Palace, which saw the resignation of Prince William's godmother after it emerged that the senior palace aide had repeatedly questioned a black British charity worker about where she was "really from". .

How British colonialism killed 100 million Indians in 40 years

Between 1880 to 1920, British colonial policies in India claimed more lives than all famines in the Soviet Union, Maoist China and North Korea combined.

Recent years have seen a resurgence in nostalgia for the British empire. High-profile books such as Niall Ferguson’s Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World, and Bruce Gilley’s The Last Imperialist, have claimed that British colonialism brought prosperity and development to India and other colonies. Two years ago, a YouGov poll found that 32 percent of people in Britain are actively proud of the nation’s colonial history.

British Indians protest outside Pakistan High Commission on 26/11 anniversary

The Indian diaspora in Britain protested outside Pakistan High Commission in London on 26/11 anniversary. Protesters shouted slogans against Pakistan over the cross-border terrorism emanating from the country. They said Pakistan is not only responsible for 26/11 but numerous other terror attacks across the world. On 26 November 2008, 10 terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-E-Taiba terror group killed 166 people in Mumbai. 9 terrorists were killed by security forces, while one attacker Kasab was sentenced to death

Incidents Where Hindus, Hinduism, Sanatan Dharma, etc are Attacked

Freedom of Hindu Beliefs  sign-posts some of the incidents where Hindus, Hinduism, Sanatan Dharma, etc are attacked but either not covered by the main stream media or if covered suppressed by ALL major search engines.  Analysis conducted in 2022, showed how Google promoted ‘left’ biased news stories from certain publishers like The Guardian and the BBC.

Freedom of Hindu Beliefs 2022 Events

The British Sanatan Dharmic Alliance organised events called Freedom of Hindu Beliefs. It was a first of its kind event, bringing together prominent parliamentary figures, community leaders, Hindu rights activists, academics and members of the diverse Hindu community

Indian activists who helped change the face of modern Britain

As Britain looked to recover and rebuild after the devastation of World War Two it turned to the Commonwealth.

But many of the migrants who filled crucial jobs amid labour shortages routinely encountered racism and discrimination. 

Two friends who arrived in the country just before the war would go on to play major roles in changing the face of modern Britain.

\Image:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-58627849

Working Definition of Hinduphobia

Hinduphobia is a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred.

Hinduphobic rhetoric reduces the entirety of Sanatana Dharma to a rigid, oppressive, and regressive tradition.  Prosocial and reflexive aspects of Hindu traditions are ignored or attributed to outside, non-Hindu influences. This discourse actively erases and denies the persecution of Hindus while disproportionately painting Hindus as violent.  These stereotypes are used to justify the dissolution, external reformation, and demonization of the range of indigenous Indic knowledge traditions known as Sanatana Dharma. 

The complete range of Hinduphobic acts extends from microaggressions to genocide. Hinduphobic projects include the destruction and desecration of Hindu sacred spaces; aggressive and forced proselytization of Hindu populations; targeted violence towards Hindu people, community institutions, and organizations; and, ethnic cleansing and genocide. 

Some Examples

• Calling for, abetting, or normalizing the killing or harming of Hindus as a result of an extremist and illiberal view of religion and history;

• Kidnapping Hindu women and children in acts of forcible marriage and religious conversion;

• Outright denying or accusing Hindus or any people of inventing or exaggerating the persecution of Hindus, including genocide;

• Calling for the destruction and dissolution of Hinduism on the basis of its allegedly inherent irredeemability;
• Accusing those who organize around or speak about Hinduphobia (including the persecution of Hindus) of being agents or pawns of violent, oppressive political agendas. 
• Maintaining that all inequity in Indian society — including but not limited to sati, caste, misogyny, communal violence, and destruction of places of worship — stem from and are “inextricably bound up with” Hinduism; 

• Using or enacting symbols and actions that evoke historical attacks on Hindu society (e.g., iconoclasm, killing cows, conversion) in contemporary discourse to intimidate Hindu people;

• Making unsubstantiated  claims about the political agendas of people who are simply practicing Hinduism;

• Drawing a causal link between antisocial behaviors and Sanatana Dharma– this can manifest as attributing individuals’ motives uniquely to Hinduism, selectively sampling data to create the perception of a phenomenon, and/or falsely linking observed or apparent phenomena to Hinduism;

• Caricaturizing Hindu scriptures, including unrepresentative curation from and misinterpretation/mistranslation of texts and exaggeration and distortion of their roles in historical and contemporary Hindu life.  These caricatures are falsely cast as emblematic of the entirety of Sanatana Dharma;

• Claiming that Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma does not exist as a valid, cohesive category of spiritual traditions; 

• Erasure of the Hindu civilizational imprint, including the denial of Hindu contributions to specific histories, knowledge systems, geographies, culture, etc., and the superimposition of Western civilization norms;

• Conflating diasporic Hindu identity with Indian citizenship, ethnicity, and patriotism;

• Erasure of colonization, including, but not limited to, calling Hindus “the white people of South Asia.”

bangladesh atrocities

Harrow East MP Bob Blackman hosted a discussion on the plight of religious minorities in Bangladesh amid the recent reported atrocities against Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

India’s Vaccine Dilemma: Serving the nation vs Diplomacy

India has recorded the second-highest numbers of COVID-19 infections behind the USA. It is a sad state of affairs, but with a country of over 1.3 billion inhabitants, it is not surprising. What is perhaps more surprising, to at least the rest of the world, is that the country has the capability and the capacity to manufacture the vaccines and show the rest of the world why it is called the pharma capital of the world.

Tolerance over Interference

The farmers protest has taken a violent turn last week when thousands broke through the main protest and invaded one of India’s iconic sites – The Red Fort. And if that was not bad enough, they did it on India’s Republic Day celebrations.

Faith Leaders write to PM over lockdown

The Coronavirus is taken its toll and as the second lockdown takes effect, there are lots of questions as to on what basis decisions are taken. The faith communities are particularly upset. A group of faith leaders have jointly written to the Prime Minister saying: “We strongly disagree with the decision to suspend public worship during this time.”

Coronavirus - Are we winning?

The world psyche revolves around the coronavirus as stories of death, economic destruction, and glimpses of inspirational individuals continue to cover the news headlines.

As the numbers of covers have begun to rise again, the data for the South Asian community does not look rosy. South Asians are five times more likely to get coronavirus than white people. Numerous reports have shown that BAME communities have a much higher chance of dying from coronavirus than white people.

Did a group of UK MPs mislead the Britsh Parliament?

Did a group of UK MPs mislead the Britsh Parliament by paraphrasing the India's opposition politians without any basic research whatsoever? 

HuffPost > Systemic Hindutva Violence Waged On Muslims In India Sanctioned By BJP Govt: Indian-Origin British MP

The Express Tripbue > India comes under fire in British parliament over CAA, Delhi riots

How the British Public funded BBC and British Media failed to report imparially that BOTH Hindus and Muslims were killed during the fatal riots? 

Is the British media, in this case, in breach of impartiality by paraphrasing the Indian opposition politicians without due resarch? 

BBC > Delhi riots: How Muslims' homes were targeted and burnt

The Guardian > Inside Delhi: beaten, lynched and burnt alive (Hannah EllisPetersen)

BBC > Delhi riots: 'No-one who saw the photo thought I would survive'

Coronavirus Latest

The amount of information available on coronavirus is astonishing, but with it comes confusion, mixed messages and a whole lot of fake or inaccurate news. So here we are here again hoping to simplify the key information impacting the ethnic communities currently on the news agenda.

The last of the Hindus and Sikhs of Afghanistan

The last numbers of Hindus and Sikhs are to leave Afghanistan as soon as the Indian Government makes the necessary arrangements. This action comes amidst the continuous spate of attacks on religious minorities by Islamist fundamentalists.

Pakistan's 23% non-Muslim population during Partition is now 3%: Ex-advisor to Pak Prime Minister

Farahnaz  Ispahani,  who  also  served  as  the  Advisor  to Pakistani  Prime  Minister, said the non-Muslim population in the country has dwindled to a meagre three percent now from 23 percent during the Partiton of united India.

image > India Blooms

The real story of the labour MP who was denied a visa by India

The real story of Britain's Labour Parties's Debbie Abrahams MP. 

Historians slam BBC report claiming Winston Churchill was behind ‘mass killing’ of millions during 1943 Bengal famine

THE BBC has been slammed for a report claiming Winston Churchill was responsible for millions of deaths during the 1943 Bengal famine.

Picture credit > Link > Cecil Beaton / Public domain

UK-based diaspora group to conduct Ist-ever British Indian Census

The India League, a UK-based diaspora group which dates back to 1916, on Thursday announced the launch of a first-ever British Indian Census to collate data around Britain's estimated 1.5 million Indian-origin population.

The global online summit to combat COVID-19

Life in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic is severe, stressful and in many cases fatal with the UK death rate rising above forty-four thousand. It is during this time; you see and hear about the brave and enduring individuals who find ways to beat the odds against the virus.

Is China the new colonialist?

The world politely calls China a World Superpower. Critics would argue that its quest for world dominance has put the country on the path of the new colonialist. Its whirlwind of treacherous acts is a cause of much pain to global stability and the threat of earning a title befitting an international pariah if it weren't for its size and wealth.

Will Britain learn?

It has taken yet another negative event in society for the masses to take heed and protest against the wrongs of the past to correct the present. The death of George Floyd has sparked fury internationally, but will it really help to offer any significant change? And is it primarily a Black Lives Matter scenario or do All Lives Matter?

Rise of Rishi Sunak: The most popular politician in Britain today

Although his ascent through British politics has been exceptionally fast, he hasn’t quite ‘come from nowhere’. John Rentoul tells the story of the ‘bright boy who would always go on to great things’

Game of Avatars: Why am I not represented, Facebook?

"Recently, Facebook launched ‘Avatars’ the cartoon-like miniatures that its users can make of themselves, by adding features including headgears and facial features. Though it is yet to be launched in India, this service is now available to users in the US and UK.
 

Coronavirus - Humanity ahead of politics and profiteering

What we took for granted only a few weeks ago, now is a completely different world where we cannot even touch our loved ones.

3 Indian origin MPs get top jobs in Government

It was not long ago when we were complaining about the lack of Indian origin in the political arena. The success in business, medicine and engineering were the stereotypical paths to success. Yet the latest Cabinet reshuffle in Boris Johnson’s Government has added a twist to the stereotype.

Opportunities for UK India Techies

Talented Indian techies have an opportunity to get funded with a new British Government fund launched to support collaborative research under the UK-India Tech Partnership.

Most Diverse UK Parliament - Or is it?

It was one of the bruising general elections and that with the Brexit mixture made it a toxic concoction. The Labour Party in particular, antagonised the British Indian community with its stand on Kashmir.

Is the Labour Party flirting with extremism?

Political Correctness itself has gone on the end of the scale where speaking out against right-wing white supremacy is OK. Still, anything else against extreme left-wing liberals is perceived as an affront to human liberties. Let’s face it, extremism of any kind is wicked for the human psyche.

Is Corbyn playing 'divisive politics' with British Indians?

Jeremy Corbyn has always courted controversy. He's cloaked himself under the veil of justice, human rights and fighting for the underdog. But has he pushed a step too far with the British Indian community, who this year feel betrayed by a political party which like most immigrant communities, saw themselves as naturally aligned to the Labour Party?

General Election 2019: The Brexit Gamble

Is it going to be a Brexit election where people will be voting in order to impact a specific outcome? The next election is like a roulette table with political chips waged to decide the future of the nation.

Kashmir and its impact on the UK

The Kashmir plight continues to hit the headlines. It is a story since the independence of India and Pakistan, which will not go away. Both nations have entrenched their positions. It should be a conflict that India wants to resolve as an internal matter, but Pakistan is aggressively pushing for international support with little avail.

Reaching beyond the skies

India is reaching far beyond the skies. In times of turmoil with the political situation in Kashmir and monsoon rains in the rest of India, let us not forget that there are some historical milestones being reached that is inspiring a new generation of people across the world.

A Parliamentary First

Britain ethnic minority population is nearing 14%. There has been a steady rise in how ethnic minorities are represented in public life at around 8% in parliament.

Women of influence, power and beyond

It is astounding times for Indian women globally as they are breaking through the glass ceiling and make it to the top jobs in politics, finance, science and many other spheres. In some cases, it would be apt to say that the sky is no longer the limit.

First BAME on the FCO Board of Management

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has appointed Kumar Iyer as their Chief Economist thereby making him their first BAME origin member of the Board of Management.

Modi's India - Where now

It has been a landslide victory for Narendra Modi. His supporters and the majority of India who voted for him are ecstatic. India is finding a positive and confident identity – it is no longer as shackled by its colonial past.

Lord Paul

The philanthropic gift by Lord Paul is in memory of his daughter Ambika who died of leukaemia. A similar donation of £1 million was made to the London Zoo in 1994 by Lord Paul. The Children’s Zoo is named after Ambika.

The Hindus American Experience

In a political era where there will be no outright winner, the minority communities have been campaigning hard to woo the political parties to listen to their needs.

Indian way forward

Our news media is full of the plight of Syrian migrants desperate to find a place to call home without bullets and bombs.

First Hindu Shrine in a British Crematorium

Life is tough, but it is no different in death as faith and reality are at a constant edge. Cremation on open pyres or performing religious rituals and praying to deities for our loved ones may be the norm in India, but it sure is from a far cry in Britain where religious practices of one faith do not necessarily fit with the established system.

Gujaratis best in business

Without a plethora of facts, it would be hard to say whether Gujaratis are the best business people in the world? But there amazing anecdotal evidence and data from some sectors of what Gujaratis can do when it comes to business.

Caste debate continues

The government continues to consult and people are awaiting its plans about the incorporating caste legislation into UK law.

Caste Campaign (1)

According to many faith based organisations, the threat of introducing caste legislation has become one of the most divisive issue within ethnic communities in Britain.

Caste Campaign

The caste legislation controversy has become one of the most divisive issue within ethnic communities in Britain.

The Brexit Dilemma and Indian Students

People may be tired of hearing about ‘Brexit’, but unfortunately it is the buzzword of 2019 that has international implications. It’s not only going to impact our lives in the UK, but globally in key areas like trade and education.

World Hindu Economic Forum

World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) got a boost from the Employment Minister Priti Patel. She stressed that such platforms help strengthen economic relations and trade links between Indian and the UK.

Shailesh Vara - Speaking for the people

Shailesh Vara may not be the most high profile public figure, but he is considered a true professional and hard worker camapigning for the cause of the grassroots.  

Lord Popat on anti-semitism

Lord Popat made a passionate speech on anti-semitism at the House of Lords.

France attack

HMB offers is condolences to the tragic loss of life over the attacks carried out by a man who drove a lorry into crowds celebrating France’s Bastille Day.

A record number of ethnic minority MPs

The debate was all about a coalition government and no outright winner at the General Election! It took everyone by surprise as the Conservatives took an outright majority. The polls simply got it wrong, and the post-mortem now begins.

Who is an immigrant

The HMB poll on Facebook is showing that ‘immigration’ continues to be one of the hottest topics in the 2015 General Election.

Modi Article

Major events are planned and organisers are planning to outdo the receptions received in the United States and Australia.

Jammu and Kashmir Festival

The first ever Jammu Kashmir Festival will be celebrated in the UK from Friday, 21st October to 26th October 2016.

Prince Charles visit to Rome

Clarence House has announced that the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will be visiting Rome to meet Pope Francis at the end of March 2017.

Politics notes

According to the House of Commons Library Data, there are 27 ethnic minority MPs which is equivalent to 4.2% of the total. In more than a decade, the number of ethnic minority MPs have

bangladesh atrocities

Harrow East MP Bob Blackman hosted a discussion on the plight of religious minorities in Bangladesh amid the recent reported atrocities against Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

Shailesh Vara

North West Cambridgeshire MP, Shailesh Vara has become the new Co-Chair of the Conservative Friends of India (CF India).

Rise of Indian Origin MPs

The 2017 General Election could set the benchmark for record number of parliamentary successes with Indian roots although the number of candidates is slightly down from the previous election.

Republic Day 2017

India celebrated its 68th Republic Day on 26th January 2017 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosting Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

Prime Minister May

In a fast paced and tumultuous few days in Westminster, Prime Minister May has appointed a majority state educated cabinet.

Politics national house of lords

Data on the House of Lords is more difficult to collate and there is no definitive list that exists. Sir Satyendra Sinha was the first Indian and probably

Politics government and cabinet

The first minority ethnic minister was probably Baron Sinha who was made Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for India in the House of Lords in 1919. 

Politics devolved nations

There are no people of Hindu origin in the Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Parliaments.

Politics national house of commons

According to the House of Commons Library Data, there are 27 ethnic minority MPs which is equivalent to 4.2% of the total. In more than a decade, the number of ethnic minority MPs have

Politics Councillors copy

In England, data from the 2010 census suggests that 4% of Councillors are from ethnic minority background with the highest percentage of ethnic minority councillors are in London at 15%.

Petition Pakistan

A petition that outlining for the “UK Govt to strongly condemn Pakistan for providing safe haven for terrorists” has reached over 19,000 signatories. 

Pankaj Saxena Anti-Hinduism an industry

A prominent Hindu scholar has argued the point that anti-Hindu sentiment has now become an industry in itself.

Migration watch report

Different migrant communities have different levels of employment levels, wages and benefits according to a new report by Migration Watch.

The London May of candidates

Since the first London Mayoral Elections in 2000, there will no incumbent candidate running for the re-election. The current mayor Boris Johnson will not try for a third term in office having been elected as an

Faith leaders refugee letter

224 Faith Leaders from all major faiths have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister Theresa May urging her to take a much more humane stance on the refugee crisis.

Bob Blackman Kashmir debate

A backbench business debate was recently proposed by my colleague in the Parliament where he and other colleagues were speaking of how India had violated human rights of the people of