In Peterborough, UK, a significant Hindu temple, the Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir, is at risk of closure. The temple, a cornerstone of the community for almost four decades since its establishment in 1986, faces an uncertain future as the Peterborough City Council has decided to sell the building complex it currently rents. This move is part of a broader government initiative to reduce public debt by liquidating assets.
The temple management has launched an online petition to protest the council’s decision, which has already garnered thousands of signatures. Kishore Ladwa, head of the temple management, expressed the community’s distress to the BBC, stating they are “feeling devastated and the council’s decision has left them very worried.”
While the local council aims to “achieve the best price for British taxpayers,” they have assured that existing tenants’ rights will be “taken into consideration.” However, the temple management is advocating for an earlier offer of £800,000 to purchase the property, highlighting its profound “social value” to the community.
The Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir serves not only the local Hindu population of over 13,000 but also extends its reach to the wider regions of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire. The e-petition, which is open until March 2026, emphasizes the temple’s role as more than just a building; it’s described as a “cornerstone of Peterborough’s community life.”
The petition further highlights the temple’s inclusivity, stating, “From celebrating Hindu festivals to hosting Eastern European Christmas gatherings, school visits, after-school children’s sports clubs to cultural education and charitable activities, the mandir is a space for everyone.” It is seen as a symbol of unity and multiculturalism, significantly contributing to Peterborough’s reputation as an open and diverse city.
The temple is actively involved in various community initiatives, including health programs, sporting events, and soup kitchens. Its management stresses that it’s a “centre of positive energy” and a vital hub delivering essential services that no other organization provides at the same scale. They warn that losing the temple would not only harm the Hindu community but also weaken the city’s social fabric.
Councillor Mohammed Jamil, a cabinet member for finance at Peterborough City Council, defended the decision, acknowledging the community’s worry but reiterating the necessity of selling assets on the open market to ensure optimal value for taxpayers. He mentioned that the preferred bidder would inherit the existing tenancies and that all bidders were asked to outline their plans for working with the current occupants.
A final decision on the sale is anticipated at a council cabinet meeting next year.