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India Today
03-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Snatching Diwali, giving sex-gang tag: Indians abroad reject South-Asian label
When Kamala Harris launched her presidential campaign, she also unveiled a platform titled South Asians for the People. But its messaging backfired. Many from the Indian diaspora reacted angrily to the label "South Asian" altogether. The backlash wasn't just online noise, it revealed a deeper discomfort with being grouped into a broad regional category that many feel erases India's unique identity. "India is at least 2,000–3,000 years old. 'South Asia' is a neologism meant to deny it," one comment isn't just a passing the UK and the US, many Indians are increasingly being vocal about the problems that come with this catch-all label. The term "South Asian" typically refers to people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. Last month, Insight UK, which describes itself as a "social movement of British Hindus and Indians", raised a similar objection on its social media platforms. It also explained why many Indians are uncomfortable being lumped together with others under the term South Asian."Broader terms like 'Asian or Asian British' do not distinguish between Indian and other backgrounds as they can group together very different communities, each with distinct histories, cultures, and experiences," Manu from Insight UK told India Today term "South Asian" is increasingly seen by many Indians as a reductive label that erases India's distinct cultural and civilisational are over 1.8 million Indians in the UK and around 4.8 million in the US."Our identity is not defined just by land, it's a civilisational and cultural space that has existed for millennia. There is no confusion about who Indians are. But there is a deliberate effort to blur that clarity, to negate and dilute the distinctiveness of Indian identity," Pushpita Prasad for the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) told India Today festivals like Diwali and Holi, which are being termed South Asian, to racial profiling that isn't benefitting Indians, there's more to why Indians are questioning and rejecting the INDIANS SOUTH ASIANS BLURS CRITICAL DISTINCTIONThe term "South Asian" may sound neutral, but in practice, it often blurs critical distinctions between communities."For example, British Indians and British Pakistanis have different migration histories, religious demographics, and contributions to the UK," Insight UK explained."Labelling them together as 'Asian' or 'South Asian' obscures key differences, whether in workforce representation, health outcomes, or social experiences—making it harder to address specific needs or tackle inequalities."This broad-brush approach has real-world begins with cultural incorporation, which is more than just assimilation."Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi are increasingly being rebranded as 'South Asian' — a move that erases their Hindu roots and appropriates them into a vague regional identity," says Prasad from the New York Times recently did a piece on mithais and called them 'South Asian', when most of those sweets are unmistakably Indian in origin and cultural context."WHY SOUTH ASIAN LABEL IS DANGEROUS FOR INDIANSThe consequences aren't just cultural—they extend to how communities are perceived during moments of crisis."When negative events are reported in broad ethnic terms, reputational damage spreads unfairly," Insight UK notes."Hindus are significantly under-represented in UK prisons — making up just 0.4% of the prison population. Most Hindus in the UK are Indian. By contrast, as of March 2024, 18.1% of the prison population in England and Wales identified as Muslim," it adds."Given that most British Muslims are of South Asian origin and a large portion of them are Pakistani, it's reasonable to infer that a significant share of this group is of Pakistani background."The distinction becomes especially critical in the context of group-based child sexual Rotherham, Pakistani men were found responsible for 64% of child sexual exploitation cases and 62% of convictions under Operation for example, the infamous grooming gang crime in the UK on which PM Keir Starmer has now ordered a national euphemistic term "Asian grooming gangs" in use, has not only diluted the specificity but also unfairly stigmatises the broader Asian community, including Indians. The perpetrators of the organised sexual abuse of underage white girls are primarily Muslim men from distinction was also highlighted by Tesla boss Elon Musk in a tweet in Hindus and Indians point out that when sweeping labels like "South Asian" are used, they risk being unfairly stigmatised for crimes they had no role in. At the same time, positive achievements by Indians and Hindus in the UK often go uncredited or are diffused under the broader has led to growing calls for a more accurate and nuanced recognition of Indian and Hindu identities, distinct from other South Asian IS THIS GENERALISATION BENEFITTING?Categorising British Hindus and Indians this way also denies recognition to their achievements and what they have brought to the UK. For example, ayurveda, yoga and meditation – essentially Indian – would otherwise be labelled "South Asian".The term, many argue, not only obscures difference but also whitewashes both achievement and accountability. For British Indians, the consequences of being mislabelled run deep, impacting how they are seen in policy discussions, media narratives, and even statistical response, Indian community groups in the UK are preparing to push back more term itself emerged during 19th-century British colonial rule, initially used by colonial administrations as a label for people from the at times, it was deployed as a derogatory term, especially to describe individuals of mixed ancestry or those considered racially 'other' by colonial authorities. Over time, 'South Asian' became a more neutral and widely accepted descriptor for people from this region and their descendants living in the in the diaspora oppose the usage of the word 'South Asian'."The Indian diaspora reject the use of the term 'South Asian,' which is frequently employed by Western academics and media. They argue that this label, intended as a convenient regional grouping, tends to obscure India's unique cultural identity rather than celebrate it," Manu from Insight UK told India Today pushback against the term "South Asian" is not about semantics, it's about identity, representation, and fairness. For many Indians in the diaspora, being called South Asian feels like erasure. As calls grow for more precise recognition, it's clear: labels should reflect, not flatten, the rich diversity of those they claim to represent.- Ends advertisement
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Not same as Swastika': Virgina enacts law to criminalize display of Nazi symbols; to prioritize ‘Hakenkreuz' instead
ANI file photo The state of Virginia in the US has enacted a new law criminalizing the display of Nazi symbols, marking a win for accuracy and religious freedom and equitable treatment for 'Dharmic communities' as per the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). Virginia has officially enacted the House Bill 2783 which distinguished between 'Hakenkreuz' the German word for 'Hooked Cross' and the sacred symbol of Swastika revered by many religions. 'The nuance in this law was the result of a united grassroots campaign from community leaders and Viriginia residents, alarmed at the terms of the original bill which had threatened prison terms for displaying a symbol that is almost ubiquitous in our temples and houses. This is the power of advocacy,' said ConHNA through a post on X. 'We are pleased to see how Virginia is tackling growing hate while being sensitive to minority groups that revere the Swastika', said the president of CoHNA. 'Now the need of the hour is for the media, law enforcement, and educational institutions in Virginia to update their language to reflect this critical nuance and ensure fair treatment for all,' he added. Initially, the bill had incorrectly equated the Nazi symbol to the Swastika, as per CoHNA. Despite concerns, the bill passed unanimously in the Virginia House of Delegates with a 97-0 vote. The billll also explicitly defines 'Nazi Swastika' is not the 'same as symbol of peace and prosperity used by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, or Native American religions.' 'By explicitly delineating the legal status of the Swastika, the statute not only condemns and prohibits its misuse as a symbol of hatred, but also affirms and honors its sacred meaning within Hinduism and other Dharmic traditions. In doing so, the Commonwealth of Virginia sets a precedent for a more informed, respectful, and inclusive civic discourse', said Srilekha Palle a member of the Board of Directors at the American Hindu Coalition.
India Today
01-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Virginia enacts law to ban Nazi symbols, protects sacred Swastika
Virginia has officially enacted House Bill 2783 as of July 1, making it a Class 6 felony to display Nazi symbols, such as Hitler's emblem, on private property or in public places with the intent to sets this legislation apart is a historic and culturally sensitive amendment: it clearly distinguishes the Nazi 'Hakenkreuz' (Hooked Cross): a symbol of hatred and violence, from the sacred Swastika, an ancient symbol of peace and prosperity revered by nearly two billion Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and other communities July 1, a new law in the state of Virginia distinguishes between Hitler's Hakenkreuz and the Sacred Swastika- a win for accuracy, religious freedom and equitable treatment for Dharmic communities that revere the sacred we ask other institutions including CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) July 1, 2025advertisementA CRUCIAL DISTINCTIONWhile the Nazi symbol is often mistakenly referred to as the 'Swastika,' Adolf Hitler himself called it the Hakenkreuz—a stylised hooked cross. The Swastika, by contrast, is an ancient symbol of peace, prosperity, and divinity that appears in Dharmic and Indigenous traditions. Unlike the Hakenkreuz, which is a symbol of hatred and violence used by the Nazis, the Swastika is an ancient symbol of peace, prosperity, and divinity revered in Dharmic and Indigenous drafts of HB2783 dangerously blurred this distinction, referring to the Nazi emblem as 'commonly known as the Swastika.' This language, though unintentional, risked harming religious communities by reinforcing decades of ADVOCACY SPURS MAJOR CHANGEOver a single weekend, more than 1,000 concerned citizens contacted lawmakers. Community leaders, legal experts, and interfaith allies united to urge changes in how the bill described Nazi advocacy worked. Governor Glenn Youngkin even sent the bill back for revision, asking that lawmakers adopt the critical updates requested by the community. As a result, the new law now prioritizes the historically correct term 'Hakenkreuz'.- Avoids implying there is a 'good' vs. 'bad' Swastika.- Clarifies that the 'Nazi Swastika' is not the sacred Swastika used in religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, or Native American traditions.- Replaces 'commonly known as' with the more accurate 'sometimes referred to as'.This Virginia legislation follows similar progress in California and even in Canada, where the Jewish advocacy group B'nai Brith has adopted the term Hakenkreuz and acknowledged the sacred role of the Swastika in Dharmic traditions. Influential figures like design historian Steven Heller have also publicly corrected their language on this issue in recent years.- EndsMust Watch
India Today
05-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Anti-Hindu parade in Toronto by Khalistanis, caged effigies of PM, Amit Shah
A parade taken out by Khalistani sympathisers in Canada demanded the deportation of 8,00,000 Hindus to India and also included a large truck with a mock-up of a jail that had effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S anti-Hindu parade was held in Canada's Malton Gurdwara, Toronto. A video of the parade has gone viral on social media. The event comes on the back of incidents of the vandalism of a Sikh gurdwara and a Hindu temple with pro-Khalistan graffiti. advertisementThe video was posted by a Hindu community leader in Canada, calling out the "blatant anti-Hindu hatred" from a Khalistani terrorist group. "This isn't a protest against India's government. It's blatant anti-Hindu hatred from a Khalistani terrorist group, notorious for Canada's deadliest attack, yet arrogantly claiming the right to stay. #KhalistaniTerrorism," Shawn Binda "deadliest attack" is likely a reference to the 1985 bombing of Air India 'Kanishka' flight, which killed 329 people. The flight was en route from Montreal to Bombay when it was attacked by Khalistani separatists.'HATEFUL FOREIGN-FUNDED MENACE'Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman also shared the video of the anti-Hindu parade, and questioned if Mark Carney's Canada would be any different from Justin Trudeau's in acting against Khalistani elements."The jihadis rampaging through our streets have done significant damage to the social fabric running around, threatening any Jews they can find. But the Khalistanis are giving them a good run for their money on most hateful foreign-funded menace to society. Will Mark Carney's Canada be any different from Justin Trudeau's?" Bordman parade comes days after Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney led the Liberal Party to a stunning win in the elections, scripting a turnaround after it seemed to be down-and-out amid an economic it a "shameful day", the Coalition of Hindus of North America said, "The world has seen this template before and needs to be alarmed. Will city, provincial and national institutions take note? Will human rights groups or the media cover it?"Khalistan flags and anti-India visuals were also seen at the annual Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey last month. The event also drew criticism after visuals showed "wanted" posters featuring PM Modi and Amit Shah at the parade.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Indo-Canadian groups hold candlelight vigils, prayer meetings for the victims of Pahalgam terror attack
Toronto: As the Indo-Canadian community remains in shock over the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, they held vigils and prayers meetings in memory of the victims in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Vancouver, Montreal and elsewhere across the country. On Saturday morning, over 300 people, including local politicians, gathered at the Gita Park in the Brampton in the GTA for a 'solemn vigil to honour the victims' of the terror attack. 'The gathering served as a powerful reminder of unity, compassion, and the collective determination to uphold peace. Together, attendees prayed, reflected, and reaffirmed their commitment to a future built on harmony and resilience,' the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), which held the event, said. Its president Kushagr Dutt Sharma said, 'Today, we stood together not just to mourn, but to renew our commitment to a world where hatred has no home. The pain of the Pahalgam attacks reminds us that unity and compassion are our strongest weapons against violence.' On Saturday evening, a similar number of mourners gathered for a candlelight vigil at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto. Ruchi Wali, one of the principal organisers of the vigil, told the gathering that among its objectives was to send out the message that 'Hindu lives matter'. Wali, who has roots in Jammu and Kashmir, called out the 'silence' of the Canadian establishment in criticising the perpetrators of the violence. Rishabh Sarswat, president of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) Canada, said that 'Hindu trauma is not recognised in Western countries' and that was 'reflected in the media and in the language of politicians'. As speakers questioned why Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was the last among leaders of G7 countries to condemn the terror attack, Sarswat said such a delayed response spoke 'volumes' over the 'seriousness' of the country's political class over the rights of Hindu. 'That is very concerning for us as Hindu Canadians,' he said. Joining the Indo-Canadian groups were Jewish organisations, and Baloch human rights activists, among others. Meanwhile, a peaceful assembly was held at the Vancouver Art Gallery to show solidarity with the victims of the terrorist attack, while a vigil in their memory was held in Montreal. In a statement, the Hindu Cultural Society of Toronto expressed its 'deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the innocent victims brutally killed' in the terror attack. It will organise a prayer meeting on Sunday. The Hindu Sabha Mandir, which was violently invaded by pro-Khalistan elements in November, also issued a statement, in which it said, 'Such reprehensible acts of terrorism against peace loving Hindu tourists, enjoying their vacation time in serene Pahalgam valley, has no place in our law-abiding world.'
