LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, February 2, 2005: The following news released was received from the office of Robert Evans (“source”), Labour Member of the European Parliament for London:
Labour Member of the European Parliament, Robert Evans has called for a European campaign on the real history of the swastika to highlight its importance to Europe’s Hindus. “The swastika was not invented by Hitler” said Robert Evans. “In fact, it has been used for over 3,000 years by many cultures, in particular the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist communities to represent life, sun, power, peace, strength and good luck.” “Whilst of course I understand why some MEPs are suggesting the swastika should be banned, in reality this would have the effect of discriminating against Europe’s one million plus Hindus and deprive them of their sacred symbol.” In a European Parliament Written Declaration, co-tabled by West Midlands MEP Neena Gill, they refer to the fact that the word “swastika” comes from the old Indian or Sanskrit word svastika (to be good) and that until the twentieth century it was not associated with anything other than positive messages. “To Hindus, it’s the second most sacred symbol in their tradition and has been used for several thousand years to ward off evil. Unlike the Nazi swastika which faced left, the Hindu swastika faces to the right and by tradition it is red, a color regarded as auspicious by Hindus.” states Robert Evans. (HPI adds: This is, in part, a common piece of misinformation. Hindus use both the right and left swastikas, and there are examples even on Indus Valley seals.)
“The swastika was adopted by Adolf Hitler’s Nazis in 1920. It then became a symbol of all that is evil and was associated with the greatest crimes in the history of mankind.” “I completely condemn its use for xenophobic, racial hatred or right wing purposes. However, what is needed now is tolerance and understanding. The swastika in a different form is very important to millions of Hindus across Europe and the rest of the world.” added Robert Evans. “Of course this issue has to be handled sensitively and I am very conscious of the anguish that the use of the swastika causes to the Jewish Community, but for Hindus the swastika is a religious sacrament, to express their devotion to God. In London I have seen it in many houses and in Hindu temples.” “It must be possible to separate the evil of Hitler and his ideology from the Hindu symbol which actually means almost the opposite.” concluded Mr Evans.
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