PRESS RELEASE (JULY 14th, 2022) – VISHNU MANDIR
Press Release
Vishnu Mandir
Richmond Hill, Ontario
July 14, 2022
The 20-foot statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside our mandir in Richmond Hill has long emanated an aura of peace and dignity. Yesterday, this statue was assaulted and desecrated with vandalism in bold black graffiti. Our community strongly condemns this incident, and we thank everyone who has reached out to express their solidarity.
We are grateful to the York Regional Police for their immediate and thorough response, and to the Consul-General of India for her collaboration. We also express our gratitude to the Honourable Anita Anand, Canada’s first Hindu Cabinet Minister, for calling to share her support and to affirm her condemnation of this incident.
Michael Ford. Ontario’s Minister of Culture, called me this morning and expressed his concern and will meet with me at the Peace Park to discuss this matter. Our mandir also offering a financial reward to anyone who steps forward with information about this unacceptable incident.
We must always speak up against hatred and discrimination, and Vishnu Mandir will continue to work towards a Canada free from hate-motivated incidents like this one.
For further information, please contact either Dr. Budhendra Doobay at [email protected] / 416-605-2600 or Robin Doobay at 416-528-3938.
Sincerely,
VOV Management
