Canada: PM Mark Carney visits BAPS Toronto Temple on Ram Navami

ANI April 7, 2025 252 views

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a significant visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto during Ram Navami celebrations. His participation reflects growing political engagement with diverse cultural communities ahead of the federal elections. The Hindu Canadian Foundation simultaneously highlighted challenges faced by the Hindu population in Canada, including concerns about representation and rising anti-Hindu sentiment. Carney's temple visit symbolizes a meaningful gesture of cultural understanding and political outreach during a sensitive electoral period.

"Thank you for sharing your traditions and culture with me." - Mark Carney
Ottawa, April 7: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the Hindu community at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto for the first day of Ram Navami celebrations and extended his warm wishes for the festival.

Key Points

1

Canadian PM shows solidarity with Hindu community during festival

2

Election-year visit highlights cultural engagement

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Hindu Foundation raises concerns about community representation

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Ram Navami celebrations connect political leaders with diverse populations

Navratri, which means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known collectively as Navdurga. The nine-day festival, also known as Ram Navratri, concludes on Ram Navami, which marks the birthday of Lord Ram.

Sharing a post on X on Sunday (local time), Carney wrote, "Joined Hindu community members at the @BAPS_Toronto Mandir yesterday for the first day of Ram Navami celebrations. Thank you for sharing your traditions and culture with me. Happy Ram Navami!"

https://x.com/MarkJCarney/status/1908987449524752567

Cabinet minister Anita Anand shared pictures of Carney visiting the temple on the occasion of Ram Navami. Sharing a post on X, she wrote, "So pleased to welcome @MarkJCarney on his first visit to @baps_toronto to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. A very Happy Ram Navami!"

https://x.com/AnitaAnandOE/status/1908698578907709464

Notably, Carney's visit to the temple comes just ahead of the federal elections, set to take place on April 28.

Meanwhile, reacting to Carney's visit to the temple, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada, expressed concerns about the challenges faced by the community and highlighted the "underrepresentation" of Hindus.

The organisation further emphasised the impact of rising anti-Hindu sentiment, particularly due to separatist groups and called on the upcoming government to address these critical issues.

https://x.com/officialHinduCF/status/1908709384626332146

In a post on X, it wrote, "The past few years have posed significant challenges for the Hindu community, which numbers over a million. Known for abiding by rules and laws, Hindus seamlessly assimilate into the cultures they move to. Despite being among the highest earners and leading successful lives, they maintain a low profile and often refrain from engaging in political decisions. This sometimes leads to underrepresentation, leaving the community vulnerable."

The post added, "The recent surge in anti-Hindu sentiment, fueled by rising separatist groups, has deeply affected every Hindu Canadian. Addressing these pressing issues will be a critical focus for the upcoming government."

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
So heartwarming to see our PM participating in Ram Navami celebrations! 🙏 Representation matters, and this gesture means a lot to the Hindu community. Happy to see our traditions being recognized at the highest level.
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Rajiv S.
While I appreciate the gesture, I hope this isn't just election season politics. The Hindu community needs real policy changes to address the issues mentioned by Hindu Canadian Foundation. Actions speak louder than temple visits.
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Amit P.
The BAPS temple is absolutely stunning! Been there twice and the architecture always takes my breath away. Great to see our leaders appreciating this cultural gem in Toronto.
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Sarah L.
As a non-Hindu Canadian, I love learning about different cultural celebrations. The PM's visit seems like a nice way to promote understanding between communities. Might visit the temple myself one day!
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Neha R.
Happy Ram Navami to all celebrating! 🎉 The temple decorations must have been beautiful for the occasion. My parents went yesterday and said the atmosphere was electric with devotion.
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David T.
Interesting timing with elections coming up... but regardless, it's good to see leaders engaging with diverse communities. Canada's strength is in its multicultural fabric.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Mark Carney Ram Navami BAPS Temple Canadian Politics Hindu Community Toronto
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