iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Over 85 people assembled at the intersection of Stevenson Blvd and Paseo Padre Pkwy in Fremont, California for the Remembering Reasi Rally and Vigil on July 27. The event honored the lives of nine Hindu pilgrims who were killed and 41 who sustained injuries in a terrorist attack in June near the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu, India.
Participants also called for the state of California to take action to protect temples in the state, which have witnessed a rise in anti-Hindu vandalism in the past year.
The poignant gathering, with many people dressed in red to signify goddess Vaishno Devi and an altar featuring photos of the dead, started with a welcome speech by HAF California Regional Director Sangeetha Shankar.
Strongly condemning the Islamist terrorist attack on Hindu pilgrims, Shankar highlighted the importance of raising voices for the global Hindu brethren, whether in Reasi or in the US, with the increase in attacks on CA temples and Hindu communities.
HAF Community Outreach Director Ramya Ramakrishnan brought attention to how complex geopolitics can create suffering for ordinary citizens, underlining the need for greater community engagement and advocacy.
Speeches followed from the other Bay Area community organizations who supported the rally, including Americans 4 Hindus, American Jewish Committee, Bay Area Jewish Coalition, Chingari, CoHNA, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Indo-American Community Federation, and Stand With Us.
The rally concluded with Sanskrit prayers which were chanted for peace, followed by a silent vigil, where participants walked in single file, in respect and prayer for the victims of the attack and their families.
Commenting on the event, Shankar stated: “The Reasi Remembrance Rally and Vigil was an excellent exercise in Hindu American advocacy organizations and other community groups coming together for a larger, common cause of Hindu unity, strength and empowerment.
“It highlighted the importance of raising our voices for our global Hindu brethren and for own selves. Innocent Hindu pilgrims and places of worship are being increasingly attacked globally- whether the Islamist terrorist attacks in India or the Khalistani attacks on our Hindu temples, Indian consulate, and community members right here in CA.
“It was powerful to see rally attendees across ages raise their voices through strong messaging on posters. It was a remarkable evening of Hindu unity and strength. We shall never forget!”
