Several outfits decry Ram Mandir Float for India Day Parade in US: Check list of opposing parties | World News

The inclusion of a Ram Mandir float in the parade, according to critics, is a symbolic endorsement of this controversial historical event, seen as a victory for Hindu nationalism and a symbol of violence against Muslims.

Ram Mandir consecration ceremony was held in Ayodhya on January 22

Pic source: PTI

New Delhi: A festive celebration of Indian culture in New York City has turned into a battleground of religious sensitivities, with a float commemorating the Ram Mandir in India sparking outrage and accusations of anti-Muslim sentiment. The India Day Parade set to take place on Sunday has faced strong criticism from several interfaith and Muslim organisations who argue that the float glorifies the destruction of a mosque and promotes Hindu nationalist ideology in the US.

The inclusion of a Ram Mandir float in the parade, according to critics, is a symbolic endorsement of this controversial historical event, seen as a victory for Hindu nationalism and a symbol of violence against Muslims. In a letter, earlier this month, to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams,  the organization and others opposing the move said “This float presence represents these groups’ desire to conflate Hindu nationalist ideology with Indian identity,” news agency AP reported.

“This is not merely a cultural display, but a vulgar celebration of anti-Muslim heat, bigotry, and religious supremacy,” they added.

The Hindus for Human Rights, The Sikh Coalition,  Indian American Muslim Council, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and other organisations have called upon the parade organisers to remove the float, highlighting that its presence sends a message of religious supremacy and exclusion. They argue that the event, themed “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – “the world is one family” – is undermined by the inclusion of a float that evokes such a divisive historical moment.

However, the Parade organisers have defended their decision, claiming that the float celebrates the inauguration of a significant religious landmark for hundreds of millions of Hindus. They maintain that their intention is not to promote any form of hate or violence but to showcase the cultural and religious diversity of India.

Here is the list of the organisations opposing the Ram Mandir float:

• Indian American Muslim Council
• Council on American-Islamic Relations
• Council on American-Islamic Relations – New York
• Hindus for Human Rights
• The Federation of Indian American Churches of North America (FIACONA)
• New York State Council of Churches
• Genocide Watch
• Muslim Public Affairs Council
• Association of Indian Muslims of America
• Center for Pluralism
• India’s Civil Watch International
• American Muslim Institution
• Crescent School
• Islamic Circle of North America
• The Sikh Coalition
• Dalit Solidarity Forum
• Great Truth
• Justice For All
• Asian Children’s Education Fellowship
• ]CAIR-NJ
• Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus
• Ambedkar King Study Circle

Next Article

Follow us on social media

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their original owners.}