The experience of being a Hindu NRI (Non-Resident Indian) is shaped by a unique set of challenges, depending on where one resides across the globe, and to the extent she or he retains the concept of Dharma. These challenges range from maintaining cultural identity, dealing with local politics, and facing discrimination or bias based on ethnicity and religion. While the Hindu community in Canada is currently dealing with tensions related to the Khalistan movement and Indo-Canadian diplomatic fallout, many NRIs in other parts of the world are navigating different but equally complex socio-political landscapes.
Recent incidents of anti-Hindu rhetoric and targeted actions, such as the pro-Khalistan protests at the India Day Parade, demonstrate the heightened level of Hinduphobia in Canada. In light of these incidents, the Hindu community must advocate for greater accountability from Canadian authorities and demand stronger responses to hate speech and violence. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has rightly pointed out that such rhetoric, if directed at any other community, would likely prompt swift action. Hindus must continue to demand the same level of protection and justice.
REET Real Estate Entry Tokenizer Community, found by
BhooVaanijyak Consultancy Services, seek to provide a broader context for the global NRI community, highlighting how the challenges faced by Hindus in Canada are part of a larger, worldwide experience shared by Hindus living abroad, across the nations with majoritarian Abrahamic cultures. By understanding these commonalities and differences, minority Hindu Communities can work together to preserve their cultural heritage, integrate into their host societies, and build solidarity in the face of emerging challenges.
Global NRI Context: A Broader Look at Challenges
For Hindus living outside of India, cultural preservation is not just about celebrating religious festivals or maintaining traditional practices, while following Swa-Dharma. It involves a constant balancing act of maintaining one’s heritage while integrating into the socio-political framework of their host country. While recent developments in Canada has brought attention to plight of Hindus there, it is important to recognize that NRIs in countries like the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and the Gulf states also face distinctive challenges.
In the U.K., for instance, tensions between Hindus and Muslims have occasionally flared up, especially in the wake of rising nationalist sentiments. In the U.S., Hindus have encountered both Islamophobia and racism, often becoming victims of mistaken identity or targeted hate crimes. The situation is different in the Gulf states, where the large Indian expatriate community, including Hindus, often has to navigate stringent local laws around religious practices, as their core worship rituals based on consecrating idols are labelled as ‘Shirq’ . Despite these varying challenges, a common theme emerges: Hindus in many parts of the world must learn how to adapt while safeguarding their Dhaarmik cultural identity, a struggle shared by the Hindu community in Canada.
In light of these shared experiences, REET Community incorporates a broader view, looking at the lessons learned from other NRI communities, across the globe. This can help Hindus in Canada develop strategies for integration, advocacy, and resilience, in alignment with Dharma, while also serving as a guide for NRIs in other countries.
Tensions in Canada: A Case Study with Global Implications
The recent political tensions between Canada and India, spurred by the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal activist for Khalistan to be seceded from India, have spotlighted the challenges faced by Hindus in Canada. However, this is not a standalone issue but one part of a broader pattern of identity struggles for Hindus NRIs worldwide. In Canada, the rising influence of the Khalistan movement has brought tensions between Sikh separatists and the Hindu community to the forefront, with pro-Khalistan activists often targeting Hindus under the guise of political protest. This mirrors tensions faced by NRIs in other countries where inter-religious or ethnic divisions often spill over into the diaspora, often labelled as idolator/pagan/Kaffir by dominant Abrahamic faiths.
For Hindu NRIs globally, the experience of discrimination or hostility due to their religious or ethnic identity is not new. In many Western countries, the growing political polarization and rise of nationalism have led to increased incidences of hate crimes or bias against minorities, including Hindus. For example, in the U.S., in 2015, the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Monroe, Georgia, was defaced with graffiti, including swastikas and hate messages. This was an act of intimidation and hatred towards the Hindu community, reflecting the challenges they face in terms of religious discrimination. The experiences of Hindus in Canada thus resonate with global NRIs, as they too must navigate the complexities of political identities, religious affiliations, and socio-cultural integration, while they are simply trying to follow their Dharma in a non-violent manner.
In this context, we emphasizes the importance of building strong community ties, promoting interfaith dialogue, and actively participating in local politics, for Hindu Communities. However, it could go further by drawing more explicit connections to how these strategies have worked for Hindu NRIs in other countries. For instance, in the U.K., the formation of organizations such as the Hindu Council UK has played a pivotal role in advocating for minority rights and fostering a sense of unity among Hindus. This council not only addresses issues like discrimination but also works to educate the broader society about Hindu culture and values. Similarly, in Australia, Hindu NRIs have countered rising anti-immigrant sentiment by actively fostering multicultural dialogues and contributing to local economies. Organizations like the Hindu Council of Australia have engaged in community outreach initiatives, celebrating cultural festivals that invite participation from people of all backgrounds. These global examples can provide valuable insights for the Hindu community in Canada as it faces its own set of challenges.
Beyond Canada: Shared Challenges and Solutions for NRIs
Political tensions between India and Canada—or India and other nations—can have significant economic repercussions for NRIs, particularly for those in professional fields, business, or academia. In the Middle East, where a significant portion of the Indian expatriate community resides, political instability can directly impact employment opportunities, visas, and economic security. NRIs globally have prioritized the establishment of educational institutions, cultural associations, and interfaith dialogue groups that promote cultural continuity while also engaging with the local society. For example, in the U.S., Hindu temples often double as cultural centers, offering language classes, yoga sessions, and seminars on Indian philosophy, while also serving as places of worship. This not only helps preserve cultural identity but also builds bridges with the broader community, fostering understanding and reducing prejudice. However, when it comes to defending the property, dignity and lives of Hindu Communities, such solutions are yet to prove their resilience.
When communities of individuals follow a common Dharma, they can co-build, co-own and co-govern their shared land resources, with principles of their common Dharma, referring to phenomenon as Dhaarmik Communities led Real Estates. The recommendation of creating Dhaarmik communities-based real estate in Canada is a novel idea that may work well in specific contexts, but its broader applicability to global NRI communities is yet to be explored. Most NRIs live in highly multicultural urban environments, where the focus is more on integrating into diverse societies than creating separate enclaves. The success achieved by NRIs in building community centers, religious institutions, and educational programs, should serve as cultural hubs , enabling discussions on Dhaarmik Communities led Real Estates, without incurring the risk of ghettoization.Therefore, it is vital that, while deliberating on Real Estate Solutions for Hindu NRI Communities, a due consideration shall be given to the economic and professional challenges that NRIs face, particularly when diplomatic relations between India and their host country sour.
Strengthening the Hindu NRI Network:
In conclusion, while we are noticing increasing challenges being faced by Hindu Communities in Canada, it must be broadened to address the global Hindu NRI community’s diverse challenges. For Hindus in Canada and NRIs worldwide, the key lies in building strong community networks that can support cultural preservation while they follow Raashtar Dharma, as per their host countries, without encouraging isolation from the host communities. This includes creating educational programs, establishing community centers, and fostering interfaith dialogue that brings different ethnic and religious groups together. In addition, NRIs must be mindful of the economic and political landscapes of their host countries, advocating for policies that support cultural diversity and protect against discrimination.
Ultimately, the experiences of Hindu NRIs across the globe are interconnected. The challenges faced by Hindus in Canada today may well be mirrored by NRIs in other parts of the world tomorrow. By sharing strategies on Dhaarmik Communities led Real Estates, advocating for inclusive policies, and fostering global solidarity, Hindu NRIs can create resilient communities that thrive in diverse societies while preserving their rich cultural heritage.
JaYa ShRee RaaMa
BhooVaanijyak Ashank
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