The nature of spirituality is undergoing a radical shift in the United States, with the temples furthering social change
On March 19 this year, Shaanti Bhavan Mandir in New York became the first Hindu temple to join the National Sanctuary Movement—a coalition of places of worship for sheltering undocumented immigrants. The temple was founded in 2013, by IndoCaribbeans hailing from Guyana and Trinidad. “A mandir is not just a place we come to pray,” said temple leader Pandit Manoj Jadubans to the devotees. “We can give them shelter, a place where they feel secure.”
“Although we cannot house anyone, our mandir is able to help them find legal resources,” said Ravina Vibart, wife of Pandit Manoj, whose courtly voice was punctuated by the crackle of distant phone call.
Other spiritual institutions, though partial to the movement, tread the middle ground. Punya Upadhyaya, board member of Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in New Mexico, said the issue should not be blown out of proportion. The ashram, in the hills of Taos, was erected by devotees of the Baba from Uttar Pradesh who reportedly appeared in different places at the same time and transported people to a state of god consciousness with a touch of his finger. “Those who require help are always welcome to connect to us. But, we are not a political organisation. We are not against anyone. New Mexico, being very close to the border, already has a strong network of refugees,” Upadhyaya said.
“There is some fear among the Indian community, especially the Hindu community, in New York,” said Pragnesh Surti, an Indian-American who is active there in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). “While most of us are here legally, there are some who are undocumented. There is also the threat of physical violence, as we have recently seen in Kansas, Iowa and Chicago. Sometimes, we are mistaken for Muslims. If your skin colour is not right, you could end up being persecuted.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict