In australia, the Albanese Labor government has demonstrated how multiculturalism can be strengthened through proactive support for diverse communities. The Perth Hindu temple in Canning Vale recently received $1 million in federal funding as part of a pre-election pledge to support multicultural communities across Western Australia. minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh, alongside local mp sam Lim and Hindu state Labor mp Jagadish Krishnan, inaugurated a new car park at the temple while also outlining plans for eight new classrooms and a multipurpose community hall. This funding comes just a year after another $2.8 million was provided for a new education and cultural building, signalling a consistent commitment to cultural inclusion.
Such acts stand in stark contrast to the rising intolerance seen in parts of india, where right-wing extremists have increasingly targeted Christian institutions, often under flimsy or fabricated allegations. While other democracies are actively funding places of worship and cultural centres for minority faiths, in india, certain groups are fixated on harassing and undermining religious minorities, using intimidation instead of fostering unity. The irony is glaring — the same diaspora communities celebrated abroad for their culture and traditions often find themselves defending their right to exist peacefully in their own homeland.
The example from australia highlights what true secular governance looks like: recognising that diversity strengthens a nation and that all communities deserve respect and resources to thrive. If india is to truly claim its place as a tolerant, pluralistic democracy, it must move away from insecurity-driven politics and embrace policies that protect and uplift all faiths equally. Instead of fuelling divisions, leaders should be enabling temples, churches, mosques, and gurdwaras alike to serve as pillars of community, education, and cultural heritage.