As Canadian Hindus, we are writing to express great concern over an event being hosted by the TPL (Toronto Public Library) on December 9th, titled “How Hindu Nationalism has eroded world's largest democracy". Based upon recent attacks targeting Canadian Hindu communities, we have serious concern that this selective, biased event hosting by TPL serves to legitimize anti-Hindu rhetoric, or Hinduphobia. Therefore, we urge you to reconsider your role and reflect upon how this event adds to the growing body of atrocity literature by academia against Hindus and Hinduism.

Like the library, we are strong supporters of free speech but we object to the lack of equal treatment on behalf of the library. It is incredibly telling that under the series named as 'On Civil Society,' which houses 9 events to date, this event is the only one that goes beyond domestic politics, technology and global health-based fault lines. There is no ambiguity here: this event is unique in targeting one faith only by painting Hindus and India in a deeply negative light. The unilateral focus on "Hindu Nationalism" singles out an indigenous religion that is both a global minority as well as a vulnerable micro-minority in Toronto. Based on this wording alone, it is selectively targeting people of color who identify as Canadian Hindus.

Furthermore, Christophe Jaffrelot, the main speaker at the TPL event, was also a speaker at a recent conference that called for the dismantling of Hindus and Hinduism and singled out five Hindu last names, deeming them as purveyors of violence and hate. Mr. Jaffrelot has never condemned the remarks made at the conference or distanced himself from them.

The fact that this event, which is being promoted by Mr. Jaffrelot and the TPL through the use of inflammatory language and imagery, furthers the Hinduphobic sentiment and, is deeply distressing for Canadian Hindus.

As Canadian Hindus, we are constantly hounded by narratives that single out Hinduism and India related issues for one-sided debate and discussion at work, at school, at universities, and now at the public library. The community is hardly given a chance to present their viewpoint.

The legitimization of Hinduphobia through events like these, poses a very real threat to the safety of the Canadian Hindu community. We have seen the sensationalization of international political issues/laws to target us as evident from the following instances.

• A few weeks ago, during Diwali, one of the most notable Hindu festivals celebrated by Canadian Hindus, a Hindu family was attacked in a hate crime by those who simply saw all Hindus as problematic. 
• We also saw this hatred manifest at Edmonton’s Tiranga rally, which was held to celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi and Indo-Canadian relations.
• Another peaceful Tiranga Yatra rally in Surrey, BC also received threats and intimidation.
• Just a few days ago, the appointment of an Indian-origin Hindu as Twitter’s new CEO resulted in flurry of xenophobic and Hinduphobic remarks. 

We therefore ask the TPL to withdraw support for this event and reaffirm its commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all, including Canadian Hindus, in the public libraries.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,