An organization representing Indian Muslim Americans canceled its participation and withdrew its float from the yearly India Day Parade held in New York City over the inclusion of a float that celebrates a highly controversial, recently built Hindu temple, which is being criticized for showing anti-Muslim bias and bigotry.
Indian American Muslim Group Cancels Parade Participation Amid Float Controversyhttps://t.co/cO9IhQ7nQE
— Clarion India (@TheClarionIndia) August 21, 2024
The president of Indian Muslims of North America, Imtiaz Siamwalla, sent a letter to parade organizers on August 18th, notifying them of their decision to withdraw from the 42nd annual India Day Parade, which was held in Manhattan’s Madison Avenue.
“It is with a heavy heart that we find ourselves compelled to withdraw our float since the integrity of the parade has been called into the question,” the Indian Muslims of North America wrote.
Siamwalla said they intended to join the parade in New York City, and the organization’s float was designed to showcase “the accomplishments of Muslims” in India. He also said the group planned to display photos of prominent Muslims throughout India’s history along with placards reading slogans such as “Proud to be Indian, Proud to be Muslim,” and “Inclusion, Equality, Unity: Muslims make India stronger.”
However, the group decided to rescind its participation in the parade after it and other faith-based organizations failed to convince parade organizers not to include the controversial float.
The float in question was announced several days before the parade. It depicted a replica of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir temple, a recently opened but highly controversial Hindu temple built on top of the ruins of a 16th-century Babri mosque in Ayodhya, which was destroyed by a mob of Hindu nationalists in 1992. The mosque’s destruction triggered sectarian riots across India, which left more than 2,000 killed, many of whom were Muslims.
Construction of the temple began after the Supreme Court of India ruled that the disputed land where the destroyed Babri mosque once stood would be handed over to a trust formed by the Indian Government to build a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram, one of Hinduism’s most important holy figures. Even though it was marred with controversy and accusations of politicization by the ruling BJP, the Ram Mandir temple was inaugurated in January 2024.
“We were very much looking forward to participating but learning that there is going to be a float that has a replica of the Ram temple, we think that this is a symbol of bias against Muslims,” Siamwalla said.
Look how openly Muslim community asks sitting congressmen to stop Ram temple float in NYC parade, a Supreme Court sanctioned building looking at historical data pic.twitter.com/yypc5hj4Xb
— janamari (@janamari) August 18, 2024
“The politics that take place in India should stay in India,” he added. “Once you come to this country, you become an American and America is the land of tolerance of inclusion. So, this float should have never been a part of the parade.”
Some Hindu groups also expressed their opposition to the parade's inclusion of the controversial float. David Kalal, director of communications at the Hindus for Human Rights, a progressive Hindu organization, spoke at a press conference opposing the float.
“The inclusion of the Ram Mandir float in this year’s parade is not a celebration of cultural pride, but a glorification of both a violent history and a violent ambition,” Kalal said. “Given the growing political activity and influence of Indian Americans, the debates within our community have broader implications for American society as a whole.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who attended past India Day parades, did not attend this year’s event. The theme was “Vasudhaiva Katumbakum,” a Sanskrit phrase translating to “the world is one family.” Adams was also critical of the float’s inclusion in the parade.
Ram Mandir Parade Rolls Through NYC Despite Backlash
The Hindu temple float was part of NYC's India Day celebrations on Sunday after sparking calls for its removal over 'anti-Muslim' concerns.
pic.twitter.com/1v6PTflter— RT_India (@RT_India_news) August 19, 2024
“No one should be using any anti-conversations in marching in these parades,” Adams said. “If there is a float or a person in the parade that is promoting hate, they should not.”
“From day one, the mayor has been clear that celebrations in our city should be welcoming and inclusive,” the Office of New York’s mayor wrote. “The mayor has always centered communities first, emphasizing that when we come together as one, we practice respect and grace, set politics aside, and embrace the rich melting pot that is New York City.”
