The Scottish Hindu Foundation (SHF), in collaboration with Bob Doris, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), hosted a parliamentary reception in Edinburgh to develop strategies for combating Hinduphobia. One of SHF’s key proposals was to designate mandirs (temples) as centres for reporting hate crimes, with the goal of identifying and understanding patterns of crimes targeting Hindus.

During the event, the Hindu community also highlighted the importance of officially recognising Hindu festivals as religiously significant events rather than merely cultural observances.

This initiative gains added significance in light of the recent passage of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act by the Scottish Parliament. The legislation seeks to address hate crimes comprehensively while fostering inclusivity and equality. It modernises existing legal protections and extends them to cover various groups, including those facing discrimination based on religion.

The reception brought together policymakers, community leaders, and members of the public to discuss and tackle Hinduphobia. First Minister John Swinney commended the SHF for its efforts, while prominent MSPs, including Foysol Choudhury MBE and Pam Gosal MBE, expressed their support for this important cause.

Key Highlights

1. The event underscored the significance of joint efforts across different sectors and communities to address discrimination and foster mutual respect.
2. Members of the SHF emphasised the need to standardise Hindu education as a means to combat stereotypes and misconceptions about the community.
3. Discussions included the importance of strengthening Hindu representation by incorporating interfaith Hindu representatives into SHF, ensuring cohesive and accountable advocacy for the community.

The Scottish Hindu Foundation extended its sincere thanks to everyone involved and expressed appreciation for their collective efforts in promoting a society that embraces respect, dignity, and inclusivity for all.