Hindu Forum of Britain: Difference between revisions
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==Campaigns== |
==Campaigns== |
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Some of the high-profile campaigns that HFB have launched include safeguarding the use of Hindu images and icons in commerce and arts, the Defend Russian Hindus campaign, persecution of Hindu rights in Bangladesh, changes to immigration laws for Hindu priests entering Britain, Save the Hindu Swastika campaign, [[Shambo]], Justice for [[Gangotri ( |
Some of the high-profile campaigns that HFB have launched include safeguarding the use of Hindu images and icons in commerce and arts, the Defend Russian Hindus campaign, persecution of Hindu rights in Bangladesh, changes to immigration laws for Hindu priests entering Britain, Save the Hindu Swastika campaign, [[Shambo]], Justice for [[Gangotri (cow)|Gangotri]] and many others. |
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===Anti-terrorism=== |
===Anti-terrorism=== |
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Revision as of 16:51, 12 February 2008
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The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) is an umbrella organization that represents over 275 Hindu groups throughout Great Britain. It provides member organizations an opportunity to mobilize their efforts in informing public policy and assists in the development of community projects.[1]
HFB’s website reports its activities as broadly divided into three areas: public policy and community consultation for the government; capacity building and project development for the Hindu community; and developing good interfaith relations with other faith communities to build a cohesive and inclusive Britain. The HFB says that at the core of the Forum’s activity is a strong belief in the richness and diversity of the Hindu culture, its value system that encompasses for respect for all beings and faiths and a cultural heritage that facilitates community cohesion and coexistence. Prime Minister of Britain Gordon Brown has praised the work of the HFB in facilitating the integration of the British Hindu community.[2]
Some groups have claimed the existence of links between the HFB and the Hindu nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and claim furthermore that the HFB is promoting Hindu extremism in Britain.[3] The HFB both disputes and condemns these allegations.[4]
Campaigns
Some of the high-profile campaigns that HFB have launched include safeguarding the use of Hindu images and icons in commerce and arts, the Defend Russian Hindus campaign, persecution of Hindu rights in Bangladesh, changes to immigration laws for Hindu priests entering Britain, Save the Hindu Swastika campaign, Shambo, Justice for Gangotri and many others.
Anti-terrorism
The Hindu Forum of Britain has come on the record condemning many acts of terrorism including the 7 July 2005 London bombings[5] and attacks on temples belonging to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.[6]
M.F. Hussain
In early 2006, it had demanded closure of London's Asia House Gallery claiming that it contained "obscene images of Hindu goddesses".[7] The organization also tried to mobile support to protest against the blockbuster French comedy Les Bronzés 3: Amis Pour La Vie for alleged denigration of idols.[8]
Cow protection
The organization clashed with the Welsh government in a campaign to prevent slaughter of a bullock tested positive for bovine tuberculosis.[9]
Criticism
Religious fundamentalism
The organisation has been accused of sustaining links to right-wing Hindu nationalist formations in India like the Sangh Parivar.[10] The Evening Standard accused the secretary general, Ramesh Kallidai, of having close association with Hindu nationalists in India[11] and of defending them in the British Parliament. In a press release, the HFB said that the report was "full of fundamental factual inaccuracies and unsubstantiated accusations" and "implies HFB's and Kallidai's guilt by association."[12]
Vandalism
A statement by British-based Indian academics, after a vandal incident in the gallery, denounced the Hindu Forum of Britain. It declared that these organisations were using the same tactics as Hindu fundamentalist organisations in India and were undermining India’s constitutional right to freedom of thought and expression.
References
- ^ "About Us". Hindu Forum. Retrieved 2007-07-30.
- ^ Gordon Brown praises India's culture The Hindu - November 15, 2007
- ^ British academics flay Husain exhibition closure Hindustan Times- June 1, 2006
- ^ Hindu Forum of Britain condemns report Hindustan Times - June 14, 2007
- ^ Hindu Forum of Britain terms terror attack as barbaric The Hindu - July 8, 2005
- ^ British Hindu Forum condemns bomb attack on ISKCON temple The Hindu - August 17, 2006
- ^ Prakash, Ajay (2006-07-03). "London art gallery closes M.F. Husain exhibition after paintings vandalised". World Socialist Web Site. International Committee of the Fourth International. Retrieved 2007-07-30.
- ^ "UK Hindus call for French comedy protest". Guardian Unlimited. 2006-02-22. Retrieved 2007-07-30.
- ^ Temple campaigns to save TB-infected bull | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited
- ^ British Indian official linked to VHP Hindustan Times - June 13, 2007
- ^ Media Release Hindu Forum of Britain - June 12, 2007
- ^ Hindu Forum of Britain condemns report Hindustan Times - June 14, 2007
