Hindus are heartbroken over the reported declaration of Oklahoma State Capitol Preservation Commission of moratorium on erecting new monuments on Oklahoma (USA) Capitol grounds.
Universal Society of Hinduism President Rajan Zed, in an email to Commission Chair Trait Thompson on December 9, had expressed his desire to erect Lord Hanuman statue in Oklahoma State Capitol grounds.
According to reports, Oklahoma State Capitol Preservation Commission, in its meeting on December 19, declared a moratorium on erecting new monuments on Capitol grounds.
Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that many Hindus among the about three million strong Hindu community in the USA were very excited and enthusiastic on hearing about the possibility of having Lord Hanuman statue in the future on Oklahoma Capitol grounds, said to be a first Hindu religious monument on public land in USA.
Zed noted that the moratorium was not appropriate and fair for Hinduism, world’s oldest religion with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought. They were concerned about the effect of the moratorium and were thinking of consulting an attorney to proceed further on this issue. They were also thinking of still going forward with the requisite paperwork for Lord Hanuman statue to be placed in the Capitol grounds, Zed added.
Zed further said that Christian, Buddhist, Jewish and Baha’i leaders; United Church of Christ pastor Richard L. Smith, Buddhist priest Jikai’ Phil Bryan, Jewish Rabbi ElizaBeth Webb Beyer and Baha’i teacher Mary Jo Adams respectively; had already backed the proposed bid of Hindus of erecting a statue of Lord Hanuman in Oklahoma State Capitol grounds.
Zed pointed out that besides honoring the Hindus living in Oklahoma, this Lord Hanuman statue, which they planned to make big and weather-proof, would raise awareness of Oklahomans about Hinduism.
Hindus greatly revere and worship Lord Hanuman, who is known for incredible strength and was a perfect grammarian. Moksh (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.