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Regional Canadian police participates in Hindu literacy workshop
The session was jointly organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and Hindu Legacy in partnership with the London Police Service.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 30, Jun 2025
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Regional police officers in London, Ontario at the workshop / X (CoHNA)
Regional police officers in London, Ontario attended a cultural literacy workshop focusing on Hindu heritage and Hindus' lived experiences in Canada on June 25.
The session attended by nearly 50 officers, including members of senior leadership, was co-organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and Hindu Legacy in collaboration with the London Police Service.
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It helped the officers understand Hindu customs, symbols, and social perceptions, which are frequently misrepresented. According to the organizers, the session focused on how misinformation or superficial interpretations of Hindu traditions can lead to stereotyping, bias, and hatred.
The discussion included detailed segments on two subjects that have been at the centre of recent public conversations—the Hindu Swastika and the caste system. Speakers highlighted the spiritual and historical significance of the Swastika in Dharmic traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, and distinguished it from the Hakenkreuz, the symbol used by the Nazis.
CoHNA and Hindu Legacy partnered with the @lpsmediaoffice to host an educational session, for nearly 50 officers, including senior leadership. This meaningful conversation explored Hindu heritage, and lived experiences of Hindus in Canada.
— CoHNA Canada (@CoHNACanada) June 29, 2025
The workshop organized on June 25th,… pic.twitter.com/BE0gjltpE3
Officers were also briefed on the caste system and how it is frequently invoked in misleading or weaponized ways in narratives targeting Hindu communities in North America.
“This meaningful conversation explored Hindu heritage, and lived experiences of Hindus in Canada,” CoHNA posted on X. The organization noted that participants engaged with presentations and educational material that sought to clarify not only the meanings of these concepts, but also prevalent misconceptions.
CoHNA and Hindu Legacy said they welcomed the department’s interest in cultural engagement. “We are deeply grateful to the London Police Service for their openness and willingness to engage, listen, and learn,” CoHNA said.
“Bridging these gaps is vital, not just for public safety, but for building a Canada where every community feels seen and respected.”
In 2024, CoHNA led a campaign that prompted the Montreal police to revise its hate-crime documentation by distinguishing the Hindu Swastika from Nazi symbolism. The group has also facilitated awareness programmes in schools and conducted briefings with lawmakers on Hindu-related issues.
Hindu Legacy, based in Ontario, has worked locally to promote cultural awareness and challenge bias. In 2022, it collaborated with the City of London to officially designate November as Hindu Heritage Month. The organization continues to work with educators, local officials, and law enforcement to build understanding of Hindu traditions and values.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, over 830,000 Canadians identify as Hindu, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing religious groups. In cities like London, members of the Hindu community have taken an active role in public life, contributing to religious diversity and civic engagement.
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