On August 10, 2025, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, IN—a sacred Hindu place of peace and worship—was desecrated with messages of hate and intolerance. This act caused profound pain, not only to our mandir community but to all who believe in mutual respect, understanding, and coexistence.
Upon discovering the hateful vandalism, local authorities were immediately contacted, and BAPS has been fully cooperating in their investigation of this hate crime. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Similar acts of vandalism have occurred at Hindu mandirs across North America, including BAPS mandirs in Toronto, ON; Long Island, NY; Sacramento, CA; and Los Angeles, CA.
In times of challenge, it is unity, compassion, and shared values that carry us forward. Guided by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s ideals for harmony, peace, and respect, a prayer assembly was organized on August 12, 2025. Voices from across our city, state, and faith communities came together in solidarity, compassion, and shared purpose.
Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, via video message, shared, “As a country, we have to go beyond division and focus on love.”
Representative Mike Andrade stated, “We must come together—no matter our backgrounds, faiths, or cultures—to reject hate and build bridges of understanding.”
Mayor of Greenwood, Mark Myers, expressed, “The city of Greenwood supports BAPS here in our community. We do not tolerate any form of hate towards any person or any religion in our community, and your religion especially shows peace and harmony. We are here to support you and protect you.”
Chief of Police James Ison emphasized, “Any time an individual or group within our community is attacked, that is an attack on the entire community, and as peacekeepers, we take this seriously.”
Consul General of India, Mr. Somnath Ghosh, expressed over the phone, "I want to show my support for the BAPS community and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, harmony, and progress."
Mr. Yaniv Shmukler of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council stated, “I want to express my deepest solidarity with BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir and the Hindu community. May our presence here remind us that in times of darkness, we can choose to show up for one another to protect what is sacred, to lift each other up, and to keep building a community with trust and care.”
Dr. Erin Hougland, Executive Director of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC), said, “We will not let this single act of hate snuff out the more powerful light of love and compassion that we all carry within us, no matter what tradition we come from.”
JR Sandadi, Board Chair of CIC and HSS USA, reflected, “By standing together today, people of different faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life show that love and unity are far stronger than hate. As Hindus, we believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the whole world is one big family. In times like these, let us stand together and let peace prevail.”
Rabbi Hal Schevitz of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck offered scripture, saying, “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree. Those that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” – Psalm 92.
Amarsinghji, Former Minister of Religion and Sikh Priest, shared, “As long as you remain engaged to serve the community, nothing will touch you.”
Raju Chinthala, Founder and President of the Indiana-India Business Council, noted, “Our response to hate will always be love, our response to anger will always be compassion, and our way forward will always be together.”
Representatives from the Hindu Mandir of Central Indiana and other community organizations were also present to show their support.
BAPS extends its heartfelt gratitude to the local and state authorities and to the broader community for their ongoing support. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha remains committed to its mission of promoting peace, harmony, and service to all.