Around three weeks ago, on November 3, a violent incident occurred at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, where a mob carrying Khalistani flags breached the gates and attacked devotees during a consular event. Despite prior requests for enhanced security, the assault took place, sparking outrage.
This attack coincided with the Diwali weekend, during which multiple Hindu temples across Canada were reportedly targeted, further alarming the diaspora.
Hindu response
In response, over a thousand Canadian Hindus participated in a peaceful protest outside the temple, organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). The rally demanded stronger measures to combat rising Hinduphobia and ensure accountability from Canadian authorities. CoHNA urged politicians and law enforcement to address increasing targeted violence and refrain from supporting extremist groups.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack, urging Canadian authorities to prosecute the perpetrators.
Suspension revoked
On November 7, surprisingly the Hindu Sabha Mandir, suspended its pandit amid allegations of promoting violent rhetoric during a confrontation with Khalistani protesters on November 3. In response to the allegations, Madhusudan Lama, President of the Hindu Sabha Mandir, suspended the pandit accused of spreading inflammatory messages. The suspension was welcomed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who emphasized the importance of harmony between Sikh and Hindu Canadians. Brown noted that both communities overwhelmingly reject violence and urged residents not to let agitators deepen divisions. He called for restraint, stating that law enforcement should handle incidents of violence.
Hindus across the world denounced this suspension. On 8 November, the Hindu pandit in Brampton, Canada, who was suspended over allegations of promoting “violent rhetoric,” has been reinstated after being cleared of any wrongdoing. The Hindu Canadian Foundation announced the pandit’s reinstatement and criticized Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown for his handling of the situation. The organization accused Brown of damaging the pandit’s reputation by publicly commenting on the matter without sufficient evidence or investigation.
They demanded a clear explanation for his actions, highlighting the broader implications for the Hindu Canadian community.
The same Lama invited Patrick Brown who welcomed the suspension of the Hindu pandit to speak at the temple for Hindu Heritage Month!
A pro-Khalistani, politician, non-Hindu is invited to speak during Hindu Heritage Month at a temple – for what?
Who is Madhusudan Lama?
Madhusudan Lama has emerged as a troubling figure within the Indian community in Toronto, with actions that strongly suggest clandestine support for Khalistani agendas. His decision to invite Patrick Brown—a politician closely associated with Khalistani interests—to the temple is a blatant betrayal of community trust. Lama’s dismissal of temple pandit Rajender Prasad, who advocated for Hindu unity, further underscores his disregard for community values and traditions. Only after intense backlash did he reinstate the pandit, a reluctant concession that exposed his anti-Hindu bias.
Lama’s controversial choices extend beyond the temple. He canceled a proclamation meant to honor the rebuilding of the Shri Ram Mandir, a significant event for Hindus worldwide, denying the community a moment of pride and unity. His apparent alignment with the Peel Police, criticized for bias against Hindus, and allegations of financial ties to Khalistani sympathizers, have deepened suspicions about his motives. Despite a consensus to keep politicians out of temple affairs after the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Lama inexplicably platformed Brown, a move that defied community sentiment and raised questions about his integrity. These actions collectively cast a troubling shadow over Lama’s leadership and his commitment to the community he ostensibly serves.
Lama is nothing more than an incompetent fraud who once peddled insurance. After the attack on the temple, the board had resolved not to platform any politicians. Yet, he brazenly ignored that decision and given a platform to one of the worst Khalistani sympathizers imaginable.
The Hindu Canadian foundation condemned the action stating that despite “confirming that no politician, would be involved, it was later exposed that Patrick Brown had, in fact, been invited.” They called it “nothing short of a deliberate lie by the temple management.”
No action against Khalistanis who attacked temple
While swift action is taken against individuals from other communities, pro-Khalistani demonstrators often evade accountability. For instance, no arrests were made after threats against Indian diplomats or public displays of violence, such as burning effigies of Indian leaders. Similarly, during the November 3 and 4 incidents at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, videos showed pro-Khalistani individuals armed with swords and making threats, yet no charges were filed against them. Instead, Hindu individuals were arrested or charged for alleged provocations during subsequent demonstrations.
The actions of Madhusudan Lama, exemplified by his betrayal of Hindu interests and blatant disregard for community sentiment, highlight the grave danger posed by Hindus in Name Only (HINOs). Looking at his past actions, Lama has consistently prioritized appeasement and political pandering over the dignity and unity of the Hindu community. His decision to platform Patrick Brown, a politician known for his questionable stance on Khalistani extremism, during Hindu Heritage Month is not just a betrayal—it is an insult to every Hindu who looks to their temple as a sanctuary of faith and pride.
HINOs like Lama erode the very foundations of Hindu identity by aligning with those who undermine and attack it. Their spinelessness emboldens anti-Hindu elements, tarnishes the sanctity of our sacred spaces, and compromises the safety and unity of the diaspora. Hindus must demand accountability from such individuals, ensuring that temples remain places of worship and empowerment, not platforms for deceit and political agendas. The time has come to call out this duplicity and reaffirm the community’s commitment to leaders who genuinely uphold and protect Hindu values. Silence and complacency are no longer options—only unity and vigilance will safeguard our heritage.
