On August 10, 2025, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, was defaced with anti-India graffiti reading “Hindustan, Modi Murdabad” (Death to Hindustan and Modi), marking the fourth attack on a Hindu temple in the United States within a year. Suspected to be the work of Khalistani separatist elements, this hate crime has left Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the broader Hindu American community reeling, prompting calls for justice from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). At NRIGlobe.com, we explore this alarming incident, its impact on NRIs, and the urgent need to combat rising Hinduphobia.
A Sacred Space Defiled
The vandalism struck the BAPS temple’s welcome sign off US-31 in Greenwood, a peaceful Indianapolis suburb, discovered on August 11, 2025, just before the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami. The hateful message, spray-painted in black, targeted India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Hindu identity, shaking the 200–250 devotees who call the temple their spiritual home. “It’s devastating to see our mandir attacked,” says Sanjay Patel, a 42-year-old NRI software engineer and long-time volunteer. “This is our place of peace, where we connect with our roots.”
The Greenwood Police Department is investigating the act as “criminal mischief,” but the Hindu American Foundation has labeled it a hate crime, urging the FBI to probe potential Khalistani links. The timing—days before a major Hindu festival—has heightened the sense of violation for NRIs, many of whom see these attacks as an assault on their cultural identity.
A Troubling Pattern of Anti-Hindu Violence
This incident is part of a disturbing trend. Since September 2024, three other BAPS temples—in Melville, New York (September 16, 2024), Sacramento, California (September 25, 2024), and Chino Hills, California (March 8, 2025)—have been vandalized with similar anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti, including phrases like “Hindus go back” and “Modi is Terrorist.” The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) reports that at least 12 Hindu temples across denominations have faced vandalism or burglary in the U.S. since 2022.
The Hindu American Foundation points to a rising wave of Hinduphobia, often fueled by the misuse of the term “Hindutva” to vilify Hindus and conflate them with India’s government. Social media posts on X highlight suspicions of Khalistani involvement, particularly after threats from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the banned “Sikhs for Justice” group, targeting Hindu institutions. Similar attacks in Canada, such as the vandalism of a BAPS temple in Edmonton in July 2024, reinforce concerns about coordinated anti-Hindu sentiment.
NRI Community Responds with Resilience
For NRIs like Priya Sharma, a 35-year-old nurse in Indianapolis, the temple is a vital link to their heritage. “We come here to pray, to teach our kids about our culture,” she says. “This attack feels personal.” Despite the pain, the BAPS community held a peace prayer service on August 12, attended by Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers and interfaith leaders, reaffirming their commitment to harmony. “We won’t let hate divide us,” Patel adds. “Our doors remain open to all.”
The BAPS temple, housed in a former church since 2021, is a cornerstone of the Greenwood community, with BAPS Charities organizing events like health fairs and walkathons. The vandalism has galvanized NRIs across the U.S., with many taking to X to share messages of solidarity using hashtags like #StopHinduphobia and #ProtectHinduTemples. “Our mandirs are our pride,” one user posted. “No amount of hate can dim our faith.”
Calls for Action: Protecting NRI Places of Worship
The Hindu American Foundation and CoHNA are demanding swift action from U.S. authorities. HAF’s executive director, Suhag Shukla, emphasized that misusing “Hindutva” to slur Hindus fuels hate, stating, “These attacks are a stark reminder of the dangers of Hinduphobia.” Indian-American leaders like Congressman Ami Bera and Tom Suozzi have condemned the vandalism, with Bera declaring, “Religious bigotry has no place in America.” The Indian Consulate in New York and India’s External Affairs Ministry have also called for “stringent action” against perpetrators.
NRIs are urging the following steps to address this crisis:
- Federal Investigation: The FBI must classify these incidents as hate crimes and investigate potential Khalistani connections.
- Enhanced Security: Temples are installing cameras and hiring guards. NRIs can support crowdfunding efforts to bolster temple safety.
- Community Advocacy: NRIs should report incidents to local authorities and engage with advocacy groups like HAF to raise awareness.
- Interfaith Support: Building alliances with other faith communities, as seen in Greenwood, can strengthen unity against hate.
- Stay Informed: Platforms like NRIGlobe.com offer resources for NRIs to track these issues and advocate for change.
A Global Concern for NRIs
The attacks resonate deeply with NRIs, who often rely on temples like BAPS for cultural and spiritual connection. The BAPS network, with over 100 centers in the U.S., including the iconic Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is a lifeline for the 4.8 million Indian Americans. “These temples are our home away from home,” says Anjali Desai, a 29-year-old NRI in California. “An attack on one is an attack on us all.”
India’s government has taken note, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pressing U.S. authorities to act. The vandalism also echoes similar incidents in Canada and Australia, where Khalistani rhetoric has targeted Hindu communities, prompting NRIs to call for global solidarity.
Standing Strong Amid Adversity
Despite the attack, the Greenwood BAPS temple is preparing for its 20th anniversary celebration and Krishna Janmashtami, undeterred by hate. “Ganesha teaches us to overcome obstacles,” says volunteer Marmik Brahmbhatt. “This only strengthens our resolve to serve and unite.” Devotees across the U.S. are doubling down on their commitment to seva, from food drives to interfaith events, embodying the spirit of Sanatana Dharma.
At NRIGlobe.com, we stand with NRIs and the Hindu American community, amplifying their call for justice and safety. As investigations continue, we urge authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and protect the sanctity of Hindu places of worship.
May Lord Swaminarayan guide NRIs toward peace and strength. Visit NRIGlobe.com for updates on this story and resources for NRI advocacy.
