The Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada, initially suspended its priest, Rajinder Parsad, following his controversial speech in response to a violent incident during Diwali weekend. The speech, delivered after a pro-Khalistan mob attacked temple devotees, quickly went viral, drawing both support and criticism. In it, Parsad urged Hindus to unite, warning that “division will bring annihilation,” a message that resonated with many but also sparked concerns about its tone.
In the video, Parsad emphasized the importance of solidarity within the Hindu community in Canada, saying, “In Canada, too, Hindus need to be united… If you stay united, you will be saved.” His comments came in the wake of a chaotic scene at the temple on November 3, when pro-Khalistani protesters clashed with attendees. Videos from the incident showed protesters waving Khalistani flags and engaging in violent confrontations, disrupting a consular event co-hosted by the Indian Consulate and the temple.
Following the suspension, the Hindu Sabha temple issued a statement on November 7, explaining that Parsad had not been authorized to speak on behalf of the temple on the matter. However, after further deliberation, the temple reversed its decision and reinstated him. Madhusudan Lama, the temple’s president, clarified that they had “no prior knowledge” of Parsad’s participation in the protest and emphasized that the priest’s views were personal and did not reflect the temple’s official stance. The statement concluded, “We have now reinstated Priest Rajinder Parsad to his duties and responsibilities at Hindu Sabha.”
The incident highlighted ongoing tensions within the Indo-Canadian community, with some praising Parsad for his calls for unity, while others criticized his language as inflammatory. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned Parsad’s speech, calling it “violent rhetoric,” which further fueled divisions within the community.
In response to the violence, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the clashes but refrained from specifically addressing the involvement of pro-Khalistan groups. India, on the other hand, expressed alarm over the safety of its nationals in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The episode has brought to the forefront the growing tensions surrounding the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada, with both the Canadian government and Indian officials under pressure to address the rise in separatist activities and ensure the safety of all communities involved.
