UC Berkeley Vigil for Bangladesh Hindus: Lessons for
Survival
A Gathering in Solidarity
On a recent Saturday night, a group of Hindu students at the
University of California, Berkeley, organized a candlelight vigil in the
historic Sproul Plaza. The event was held in memory of the victims of
anti-Hindu aggression in Bangladesh. Despite its small size, the gathering
conveyed a powerful message of solidarity and awareness, serving as a vital
lesson for Hindus who feel threatened and unheard across the globe.
Around thirty to forty participants, including students and
community members, assembled around a poignant display of lights arranged in
the shape of an Om. Silent yet powerful, a few placards bearing messages such
as "Stop Murder. Rape. Genocide." moved through the crowd,
communicating more than any chant or slogan ever could. The vigil began with a
solemn chant, followed by speakers sharing harrowing stories of the fear and
terror that their relatives and friends in Bangladesh endure. These accounts
highlighted the long history of Hindu persecution and displacement in the
region—a history often dismissed or ignored by Western media.
The Role of Media: Complicity in Silence
One of the recurring themes during the vigil was the role of
the media in downplaying or outright ignoring the violence against Hindus.
Speaker after speaker pointed out the complicity of Western media in such
atrocities, drawing parallels to the media's historical failures, from the
Holocaust to the Iraq invasion in 2003. The UC Berkeley vigil underscored the
importance of raising one's voice, even in the face of such widespread denial
and indifference.
The Denial as Groundwork for Genocide
Despite the growing awareness of Hindu persecution through
social media, the harsh reality remains that most Hindus are powerless to
influence the entrenched denial of their suffering by the institutions that
shape modern society. Governments, NGOs, corporations, universities, and,
notably, the media, often ignore or dismiss the existence of anti-Hindu
violence and hatred.
Academics, human rights organizations, and foreign
correspondents, whose duty it should be to objectively oppose and condemn all
human rights violations, frequently fail to acknowledge the reality of
anti-Hindu hate. In recent days, the world has witnessed the various excuses
and denials regarding the violence in Bangladesh—claims that only a few Hindus
were killed or that the attacks were merely "revenge attacks"—all
aimed at minimizing the seriousness of the situation.
Confronting Asymmetry: God-First or Group-First?
Given the stark power imbalance between ordinary Hindus
seeking social change and the vast, dishonest institutions that dominate modern
society, a crucial question arises: How should Hindus respond? With the recent
visibility of Hindu voices following the Bangladesh attacks, it is imperative
to have clarity about the cause being fought for before taking action.
In comparing Hindu advocacy over the past two decades, a
noticeable shift emerges in how Hindus articulate their identity. Earlier
writings, such as a 2006 essay by "Rudra," emphasize a deity-centric
Hinduism, where the connection to specific gods and ancestral traditions forms
the core of one's identity. In contrast, more recent writings often focus on
the economic success and social contributions of Hindu Americans, seeking
validation from the status quo rather than challenging it.
The Pitfalls of Seeking Acceptance
This shift in focus has led to two detrimental effects.
First, Hindus are often perceived as shallow or defensive, as they downplay the
significance of their religious and cultural identity in favor of highlighting
their economic achievements. This approach inadvertently strengthens the
arguments of those who seek to undermine Hinduism, portraying it as merely a
facet of economic success rather than a profound spiritual tradition.
Second, this tendency to marginalize the gods and traditions
for arguments about economic success spiritually and psychologically weakens
the younger generation of Hindus. By not instilling a deep connection to their
deities and cultural heritage, Hindu parents and leaders risk leaving their
children vulnerable to the pervasive anti-Hindu propaganda they will encounter
in schools, colleges, and workplaces.
Tradition as Strength
To safeguard the future of Hinduism, it is essential to
return to the core of what it means to be Hindu: a deep, unwavering connection
to the gods and traditions passed down through generations. Rather than seeking
validation from external institutions, Hindus must embrace and defend their
spiritual heritage with conviction and clarity. Only by doing so can they hope
to withstand the challenges and threats that lie ahead.
The Simple Truth
In conclusion, the survival of Hinduism does not depend on
defending modern institutions like capitalism, democracy, or even the
nation-state. It hinges on knowing and honoring the gods and practices that
define Hindu identity. This spiritual foundation, rather than economic or
social success, will provide the strength needed to face the uncertainties and
dangers of the future. Hindus must remember that their gods are not only their
protectors but also the source of their resilience and courage in the face of
adversity.
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