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USA, November 24, 2004: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) issued this statement:



HAF expresses great distress over the arrest of one of the most widely admired and respected Hindu spiritual leaders, the Sankaracharya of Kanchi, Pujya Shri Jayendra Saraswati. The Sankaracharya has been an inspiration and guide to Hindus throughout the world. Further, he has led important reforms in India and within Hinduism, particularly in uplifting socially and economically depressed communities and in expanding the role of the Sankara Mutt to encompass education and healthcare across India. The callous disregard for the Sankaracharya’s personal health, his spiritual duties and his standing among Indians and Hindus worldwide is shocking and reprehensible. Various reports that his ill-treatment by local officials was politically motivated are disturbing.



HAF is distressed by demands from some political leaders that the state government of Tamil Nadu assume management of the Kanchi Mutt, similar to its management of most major Hindu temples in the state. This inequitable treatment of Hindu institutions, a policy that has never been applied to institutions of other religions in India, is fundamentally flawed and in need of reform. The Kanchi Mutt must be allowed to maintain its autonomy during this crisis and beyond.



HAF calls on the government of the state of Tamil Nadu to ensure a fair and independent judicial process that treats the Sankaracharya with the dignity he deserves for his years of selfless service to all of the people of India. HAF will continue to closely monitor these events and stands united with organizations representing numerous spiritual and religious traditions worldwide that have voiced their collective agony over these events.

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