Global Alarms Over Rising Racism: Indian Communities Targeted in Australia and Ireland
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.”