Hindu leaders: Bahrain role model for religious freedom

Manama, Aug. 25 (BNA): The Indian community in Bahrain has extended deepest appreciation to the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence for its remarkable contributions to the celebrations marking the 200th anniversry of the Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) temple in Manama, the first of its kind to be built in the Arabian Gulf region. The Hindu community leaders commended the tremendous efforts exerted by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence to project to the world Bahrain’s true bright image as a unique role model for tolerance and peaceful coexistence, which culminated in attracting a number of senior political decision-makers, diplomats, human rights and religious leaders from various continents, in addition to hosting international dignitaries related to the promotion of the principles of religious freedom, inter-ethnic coexistence and tolerance. They asserted that the visit of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to Bahrain, and his official launch of the redevelopment project of the 200-year old Hindu Temple in the heart of Manama is a historic event by all standards for both countries, on the one hand, and the Hindu community in the kingdom, on the other, thus conveying a clear message to the world that Bahrain is an unparalleled land for co-existence and religious freedom. Honorary President of the Hindu Temple in Bahrain, Sushil Muljimal, said the the construction of the temple during the era of the Late HH Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh in 1819 reflects the existence of a unique type of co-existence in the kingdom, and proves the tolerance of the Al Khalifa Rulers, as well as the keenness of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to further strengthen peaceful co-existence in Bahrain. Muljimal stressed that the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence is following in the footsteps of HM the King through promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence, as well as celebrating the events of various religions in the kingdom. He pointed out that thanks to HM King Hamad’s sound directives, the Hindu Temple will open up a new chapter in its hsitory after the inauguration of its renovation work by PM Modi. Bahrain’s Hindu community leader, Shastri Vijaykumar Mukhiya, highlighted the unlimited support of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence for the Shreenathji temple, citing the key role played by the centre in preparing for the temple’s 200th anniversary’s celebrations. He affirmed that Bahrain continues providing unparalleled lessons in peaceful co-existence and religious freedom. He said that the members of the Indian community in Bahrain, exceeding 100,000, extended sincere thanks to HM King Hamad, and to the government and people for their great support, lauding the outstanding success of PM Modi’s visit to Bahrain. Hina Harn Asar, who is in charge of the Shree Krishna's celebrations and festivals, expressed her deep gratitude to the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence for its unwavering support for the Hindu temple, in particular, and the Indian community, in general. She paid tribute to Al Khalifa Family and the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence for their support and the facilities they have provided for the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the iconic temple. Businessman Bhagwan Asarpota, for his part, affimed the keenness of the Royal Family and the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence to put in place a perfect environment for the Indian community to live in Bahrain and exercise their religious rites peacefully. He asserted that the Hindu community all over the world value highly Bahrain’s care, noting that the Bahraini society is unique in accepting everyone. He noted that the Hindu Temple in Manama has become a favourable destination for thousands of Hindus in India, Bangladesh and Nepal, which, he said, reflects the existing values of tolerance and co-existence in Bahrain’s daily life. Bob Thaker, President of Thattai Hindu Merchant Community (THMC), said that the Hindu Temple in Manama stands witness to many decades of peaceful co-existence in Bahrain. Shree Krishna has become a religious icon that reflects the extent of religious freedom, fraternity and tolerance among human beings, he said. He commended the efforts of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence to project to the world a message that Hinduism has become a part of the Bahraini society.