Jay Srinivasan, Chairman of the New England Hindu temple emailed to Lokvani, the temple’s efforts in building community outreach after the incident at the temple. Here is the text.

Ashland police and community have been extremely supportive of the temple for past several years. We are highly appreciative of the excellent work done by Ashland police for their follow up and quick arrest. It is up to the law enforcement authorities to take the necessary action as appropriate under applicable laws of the land.

Our temple is visited by hundreds of kids of various religions on a weekly basis to understand Hinduism and the culture. It has been an extreme pleasure to see dozens of children ask various questions about the religion, culture etc. We enjoy their visit. We are glad kids in Massachusetts schools learn about different religions in their middle school and Hinduism is one of the chapters.

Some isolated incidents such as the one in October, make us realize that we have to increase our efforts in the areas of community outreach and community education. One of our priests represents us in the Interfaith meetings on a regular basis. We may need to consider sending some learned Hindu scholars and volunteers as guest lecturers to various schools as part of the community activity. This is already being done on an informal basis. Perhaps we may have to make this a formal program of the temple. Education on "Valuing of Differences" as the best way to minimize and/or avoid such instances.

As you are aware, presiding deity in the New England Hindu Temple is Sri Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity). We pray that the blessings of Goddess Sri Lakshmi be always be with the community of New England for wealth and prosperity.

|

---

You may also access this article through our web-site http://www.lokvani.com/