Author: Emily Buchanan
Publication: BBC News
Date: July 11, 2006
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5167332.stm
Hindus living in Britain feel they are ignored
while other groups are being listened to, a survey claims.
The survey commissioned by the Hindu Forum
of Britain questioned 700 Hindus online and conducted phone interviews and
focus groups.
It also found that most Hindus do not like
being called Asian, preferring the religious label Hindu.
Britain's 500,000 Hindus are the country's
third largest religious group, after Christians and Muslims.
The survey of Hindus in Britain, written by
the Runnymede Trust, is due to be launched by communities secretary Ruth Kelly
on Tuesday.
Taken for granted
Behind the peaceful exterior there is an undercurrent
of growing frustration in British Hindu communities.
Chandu Mattani came to Leicester from Zambia
30 years ago and he now runs a sari and music shop in the Belgrave Road -
known as the Golden Mile because of its role in regenerating Leicester's economy.
His generation has been patient and well-integrated
but even he wonders whether Hindus should now be more assertive.
"We don't request loudly - those who
shout, they get what they want."
The relative success and industriousness of
Hindus is now being questioned by the second and third generations.
They feel government has taken them for granted
for too long.
Priti Raichura is a member of the Hindu Youth
Forum.
"We've offered a lot to the British economy,
we've worked extra hours, we've not taken handouts like some other groups
and we want recognition for that - we want the government to call us British
Hindus."
For years the large number of immigrants to
Leicester from the sub-continent were called Asian, but that collective Asian
identity just does not fit anymore.
Increasingly Hindus are saying they don't
want to be under the same ethnic umbrella. They want to be recognised for
their distinct contribution to Britain.
A big grievance is over public funding and
support.
Provoking conflict
In Leicester Muslims can be buried in their
own cemetery within 24 hours to fit in with their religious requirements,
while Hindus have been asking for their own crematorium for 20 years.
Vinod Popat, who runs Midlands Asian TV, feels
that the older, politer generation is in danger of losing control of the youth,
if nothing is done now to listen to Hindu demands.
"The youth will become militant if the
authorities don't address their needs," he said.
So as Hindus begin to flex their political
muscle, they realise they need to be seen as a separate faith group and not
confused with Muslims.
It is an extremely sensitive issue.
One man who has worked for community cohesion
in Leicester for 20 years, Steve White, said there was a danger of provoking
community conflict if one group felt ignored.
"The government should be mindful of
the way Hindus feel marginalised."
But he also feels Hindus must not go too far
down the road of a separate faith identity, in case they also lose their ability
to integrate well into society.
The government has responded, saying the report
raises important issues, and it praises the Hindu contribution to society.
