In a series of deeply troubling incidents, racism has once again reared its head on the global stage, sparking fear and outrage among Indian communities across continents. From Australia to Ireland, Indian-origin individuals and cultural institutions have been subjected to vandalism, violence, and hate-driven attacks, underlining a growing international concern around racial intolerance and xenophobia.
Melbourne: A Temple Desecrated, Community Outraged
On Sunday, the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia, located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, was vandalised with hateful graffiti. The red spray-painted slur, “Go home brown c*,”** was scrawled across the temple walls — a place that stands as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Indian-Australian community. Two nearby Asian-run restaurants on Boronia Road also bore similar graffiti.
Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia (Victoria chapter), condemned the act, stating:
“Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion, and unity. To have it targeted in this way feels like an attack on our identity, our right to worship, and our freedom of religion.”
The temple is known for hosting daily prayers, communal meals, and cultural gatherings, serving as a vital center for Melbourne’s Hindu diaspora.
While Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has not made a formal public statement, her office reportedly contacted temple officials privately. In a message cited by The Australian, she remarked:
“What happened this week was hateful, racist, and deeply disturbing. It wasn’t just vandalism — it was a deliberate act of hate, designed to intimidate and spread fear.”
Authorities confirmed the graffiti was first spotted on a nearby healing centre, followed by the temple, and then two restaurants. Police suspect the incidents are connected and have launched a formal investigation.
Adelaide: Indian Student Brutally Attacked
Just a day before the Melbourne vandalism, a 23-year-old Indian student, Charanpreet Singh, was brutally assaulted in Adelaide in what he says was an unprovoked, racially motivated attack.
The incident occurred on Saturday night near Kintore Avenue over a parking dispute, where Singh was allegedly confronted by a group of men shouting, “F* off, Indian**” before punching him multiple times. He lost consciousness and was later diagnosed with brain trauma, according to a report by 9News.
Singh, who remains hospitalized, called the assault “completely unprovoked” and driven by racial hatred. The attack has raised fresh questions about the safety of international students and migrants in Australia.
Ireland: Amazon Worker Attacked in Suspected Hate Crime
Meanwhile, in Ireland, yet another disturbing case has emerged. An Indian man in his 40s, newly employed by Amazon, was attacked by a group of youths in Tallaght, Dublin, on July 19.
Initial false allegations claimed the man behaved inappropriately near children — allegations that were quickly debunked by police. Despite this, he was beaten severely, suffering multiple wounds and requiring hospitalisation.
Irish police have since confirmed they are treating the case as a hate crime and have ruled out any wrongdoing on the part of the victim, according to The Irish Times.
A Growing Global Crisis
These incidents, occurring within days of each other on different continents, paint a disturbing picture of rising racial hostility faced by Indian-origin communities worldwide. From places of worship being defaced to individuals being assaulted on the streets, racism is proving to be not just a local issue but a global emergency.
Communities, advocacy groups, and human rights organisations are now calling for stronger action — both preventive and punitive — against racially motivated crimes. There is also growing pressure on governments to ensure the safety, dignity, and inclusion of minority populations, particularly immigrants, students, and religious minorities.
The global Indian diaspora, while diverse and deeply integrated into various societies, now finds itself grappling with a shared concern: Is enough being done to protect them from hate?
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