CREMONA, ITALY, January 12, 2011 (laprovinciadicremona.it): Having a long and well established presence in the Cremonese region, Indians are not only well integrated, but are increasingly the workforce that is essential for optimal functioning (and even, in some cases, the survival) of farms across the province.
The year 2010 was characterized by several positive phenomena, of which there are two important examples of openness between different cultures: the realization of the aspirations of the large Sikh and Hindu communities.
The ability of these communities to meet, pray and celebrate their rites was in jeopardy, because the old building housing their temple on Ghinaglia Street in Vescovato was judged unfit for use and the project to build a structure from scratch in an industrial area eventually met many insurmountable technical and political obstacles. However the Pessina administration came to the rescue backed by the provincial government.
Mayor Dalido Malaggi, oversaw a sometimes contentious battle for integration which lead to the birth of a cultural and religious center for the indigenous Punjabi Sikh community. The work will be completed by 2011, despite the determined opposition of the influential Northern League political party and its local supporters. The road taken by the Malaggi junta, among other things, was recognized by the Regional Council which that has awarded them the “Premio per la Pace” (Peace Prize). [HPI note: This prize, given yearly, is awarded to those who promote the culture of peace and solidarity in the Lombardy region.]
Less troubled, though also hampered by the anti-immigrant Northern League, is the story of the Hindu temple of Castelverde. The Hindu faith community has realized their dream of a temple. It has been built inside a former warehouse not far from the village of San Martino in Beliseto, along the Via Bergamo. Despite criticisms and attacks, the administration led by Mayor Carmine Lazzarini, after the necessary technical advice, has given the green light and the inauguration was the occasion of a symbolic embrace between people who appreciate and respect each other.