SATISH Kumar, President of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of BC that manages Surrey’s Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, apologized to the community after a letter he wrote on September 4 to the Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre objecting to the visit of his Sikh MPs to the temple on the occasion of a Hindu festival got leaked out.
The letter sparked rage in the community as South Asians lashed out against him for causing communal disharmony, with many pointing out that Sikhs contributed generously to the building of the mandir.
Kumar wrote: “Deputy Leader Tim Uppal, MP from Edmonton, Jasraj Hallan, MP from Calgary and Shadow Minister for Standing Committee on Finance, CPC Nominee from Surrey Harjot Gill and CPC nominee Jessy Sahota visited our temple recently on the occasion of Lord Krishna’s Janmashtami.”
He added: “We are disheartened to see a lack of cultural sensitivity in your choice of sending opposing ideological persons to Canadian Hindu places of worship.”
Kumar continued: “In light of recent events and ongoing discussions within our community, it would be highly beneficial for us to engage with MPs with a Hindu background or someone who understands the daily challenges Canadian Hindus face. The growing rise in Hinduphobia and attacks against Hindu leaders across Canada are essential issues to us and our people.”
He wrote: “We expect maturity in communication as this is a serious matter. Your representative would uniquely understand the cultural, religious, and social nuances essential to Canadian Hindus. This perspective is crucial in addressing our community’s challenges, ranging from human rights issues to justice and inclusion.”
Kumar suggested that Poilievre send someone such as MP for Calgary Heritage, Shuv Majumdar, “who shares our cultural heritage.”
He wrote: “We believe that a meeting or forum with MP Shuv Majumdar, who shares our cultural heritage and is a victim of the genocide of Bangladeshi Hindus, would help to build more vital bridges between our community and the Conservative Party.”
FOLLOWING a bitter backlash, Kumar wrote to Poilievre on Thursday, stating that his letter “had been circulated in the media and it has resulted in unwarranted and unintended controversy while creating a wedge between Indo-Canadian Hindus and Sikhs.”
He added: “We further like to clarify that there is no malicious intent meant to offend any individuals or any particular community referred in the said letter.”
Kumar also wrote: “If our letter has hurt any particular group’s, individual’s or community’s sentiments, we sincerely apologize, and further clarify that we always stand by our commitment of creating a harmonious environment and we welcome all communities and groups in our hearts and our temple.”
He added: “We believe that this letter should bring all the controversies to an end and we can still work together towards building [a] stronger and unified community.”
