The campaign
An ancient symbol of well-being
The swastika (स्वस्तिक — "that which brings well-being") has been drawn on Hindu homes, temples and festival rangoli for thousands of years as a mark of peace, prosperity and auspiciousness. It is also sacred to Buddhists and Jains.
The hooked cross misappropriated in twentieth-century Europe — the Hakenkreuz — is a different symbol with a different name and history. Conflating the two causes real harm to Hindu families, students and places of worship.
Our campaign works with educators, media, police and public bodies so that the sacred swastika is recognized for what it is, and so that policy and reporting language distinguish it clearly from the Hakenkreuz.
- Education for schools, media and public bodies
- Awareness in the wider community, especially around Diwali
- Public recognition of the symbol's sacred meaning in policy and reporting language
- Resource: Symbols of Hinduism (PDF)
Want to be part of this campaign?
Volunteers, educators and community partners are welcome.