On behalf of the Temple of Understanding, an international Interfaith organization of which I am Chairman, and on my own behalf, I strongly condemn the recent incidents of violence by organizations that claim a Muslim or Hindu name but act in a barbaric fashion. Attacks upon defenseless churches, burning and raping are a disgrace to a religion that prides itself on its long history of tolerance and non-violence, and terrorist attacks around the country which target innocent citizens and created a general sense of insecurity are the negation of religious or spiritual values.

Stern measures by the State and Central Governments are needed to quell such activities and bring the guilty to book. If, in fact, literature is being circulated denigrating and insulting Hindu deities then action on that front also needs to be taken urgently under the law.

We fervently appeal to all right-thinking citizens, regardless of their religious or caste affiliations, to rally in condemning all such activities that sully the fair name of Indian culture and bring our great civilization into disrepute around the world.

 Dr. Karan Singh
9th September, 2008