Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood was desecrated with messages of hate and intolerance. This act caused profound pain, not only to our mandir community but to all who believe in mutual respect, understanding, and coexistence.
At a prayer assembly, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, via video message, said, “As a country, we have to go beyond division and focus on love.” Mayor of Greenwood, Mark Myers, said, “The city of Greenwood supports BAPS here in our community. We do not tolerate any form of hate towards any person or any religion in our community, and your religion especially shows peace and harmony.”
Chief of Police James Ison, Yaniv Shmukler of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council, Dr. Erin Haugland, Executive Director of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC), JR Sandadi, Board Chair of CIC and HSS USA, Rabbi Hal Schevitz of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Raju Chinthala, Founder and President of the Indiana-India Business Council, Representative Mike Andrade were among the speakers.
Consul General of India, Somnath Ghosh said on phone, "I want to show my support for the BAPS community and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, harmony, and progress." Amar Singh, Former Minister of Religion and Sikh Priest, said, “As long as you remain engaged to serve the community, nothing will touch you.”
Representatives from the Hindu Mandir of Central Indiana and other community organizations were also present to show their support.