Vandalism at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Sacramento: Community Stands United Against Hate
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has called for action against those responsible for vandalizing the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, on the night of September 24. This incident is the second attack on a Hindu temple in the United States within ten days.
The temple was defaced with anti-Hindu messages, including phrases like ‘Hindus go back,’ causing concern among the local Hindu community. The community has expressed their commitment to standing united against hate.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office reported that vandals also cut water lines at the temple property. Ami Bera, a representative of Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives, condemned the act, stating that there is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in the community.
The Hindu American Foundation thanked Bera for addressing the issue, labeling the vandalism as an anti-Hindu hate crime. A similar incident occurred at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York on September 17, 2024.
Doubts Revealed
Vandalism -: Vandalism means damaging or destroying property on purpose. It’s like when someone breaks or writes on things that don’t belong to them.
BAPS Swaminarayan Temple -: BAPS Swaminarayan Temple is a place where people who follow the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism go to pray and worship.
Sacramento -: Sacramento is the capital city of the state of California in the United States.
Anti-Hindu messages -: Anti-Hindu messages are words or symbols that show dislike or hatred towards Hinduism, which is a major religion in India.
Consulate General of India -: The Consulate General of India is an office that helps Indian citizens in another country and works to keep good relations between India and that country.
San Francisco -: San Francisco is a big city in California, USA, known for its Golden Gate Bridge and tech companies.
Local authorities -: Local authorities are people or groups in charge of keeping order and safety in a specific area, like the police or city officials.
Ami Bera -: Ami Bera is a person who represents a part of California in the US government. He helps make laws and decisions for the community.
Hindu American Foundation -: The Hindu American Foundation is a group that works to protect the rights and interests of Hindu people in America.
Hate crime -: A hate crime is a bad act done to someone because of their race, religion, or other personal traits. It’s more serious because it targets who they are.
New York -: New York is a state in the USA, and it has a famous city also called New York City, known for places like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.