India takes up issue of vandalization of Bhagavad Gita Park sign in Brampton with Canada

India today condemned the vandalization of a sign at a park in Canada named after the Bhagavad Gita. The Indian High Commission in Canada has demanded an investigation into the disturbing issue.

“We condemn the hate crime at the Shri Bhagavad Gita Park in Brampton. We urge Canadian authorities and Peel Police to investigate and take prompt action against the perpetrators,” the High Commission of India in Ottawa said in a tweet. The park was inaugurated on September 28 and covers 3.75 acres of land.

Brampton’s Mayor Patrick Brown had condemned the incident and said,  “We have zero tolerance for this.”

“We have flagged Peel Regional Police for further investigation. Our Parks department is working to resolve and correct the signboard as soon as possible.” — Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) October 2, 2022

The deplorable incident comes merely 10 days after India issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada to remain vigilant as there was a “sharp increase in hate crimes and anti-India activities.”

The External Affairs Ministry said it has taken up incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities with Canada and has asked for investigation and action. “The perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada,” the ministry said.

There are 1.6 million people of Indian origin and non-resident Indians living in Canada.

Last month, Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto was vandalised with anti-India graffiti in a case of hate crime.

However, today after the statement released by the Peel police, City of Brampton officials in charge of parks, said that there was no vandalism at the Shri Bhagwat Gita Park.

In its written statement today, the City of Brampton’s parks officials emphasised, “Following yesterday’s reports of vandalism of the recently unveiled Shri Bhagavad Gita Park, we took swift action to investigate further. We learned that the reported blank sign was installed by the builder as a placeholder until the permanent Shri Bhagavad Gita Park sign can be replaced tomorrow. We are pleased to learn of this outcome. We thank the community for bringing this to our attention, and ensuring Brampton is a safe and inclusive place to call home.” It means that this issue was raised without proper investigation and without realising the sensitivity of the matter.