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BAPS holds prayer meet after Greenwood temple vandalism
The hate attack, reported on Aug.10, is under investigation by local authorities.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 16, Aug 2025
- 02:03 EDT
- 15
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The 'Prayer for Peace' meet was held on Aug.12 at BAPS Mandir in Greenwood. / BAPS
A prayer meet was held at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, on Aug.12, 2025, two days after the temple was vandalized with messages of hate. The gathering brought together community members, faith leaders, and elected officials in a show of unity against intolerance.
Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh expressed his support over the phone, saying, “I want to show my support for the BAPS community and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, harmony, and progress.”
The vandalism, reported on Aug.10, is under investigation by local authorities. Similar incidents have occurred in recent years at Hindu temples across North America, including BAPS mandirs in Toronto, Long Island, Sacramento, and Los Angeles.
ALSO READ: Fourth Hindu temple vandalized in US in less than a year
At the prayer assembly, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, through a video message, said, “As a country, we have to go beyond division and focus on love.” Representative Mike Andrade added, “We must come together—no matter our backgrounds, faiths, or cultures—to reject hate and build bridges of understanding.”
Speakers at the event. / BAPSMayor Mark Myers assured the community, “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 the broader impact of the crime. “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,” he said.
Leaders from Jewish, Christian, Sikh, and interfaith organizations also voiced solidarity. Yaniv Shmukler of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council stated, “May our presence here remind us that in times of darkness, we can choose to show up for one another.”
Dr. Erin Hougland, Executive Director of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, 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.”
JR Sandadi of HSS USA and CIC noted, “By standing together today, people of different faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life show that love and unity are far stronger than hate.”
Representatives from other Hindu organizations, along with civic and business leaders, attended the event.
ALSO READ: Hindu American Foundation decries rise in temple vandalism
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