Dorothy Brown Recent calls to ban an Indian spiritual leader from New Zealand, amplified by The Post and similar outlets, are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of disinformation and Hinduphobic propaganda. This article systematically dismantles the false narratives, exposes the ideological motivations behind such campaigns, and presents historical and contemporary evidence of how leftist and vested interests have consistently targeted Hinduism, Indian culture, and spiritual figures. It is time to demand journalistic integrity, reject cultural subversion, and defend the dignity of one of the world’s oldest and most inclusive traditions.
Introduction: The Anatomy of a Smear Campaign
The Post’s recent article, echoing calls to ban a so-called “witchdoctor” guru from New Zealand, is a textbook example of how media outlets, often influenced by leftist and anti-India lobbies, manufacture outrage and stoke fear against Hindu spiritual leaders. The language used—“witchdoctor,” “controversial,” “guru”—is deliberately chosen to evoke suspicion, ridicule, and cultural othering. There is little engagement with the actual teachings, social work, or positive impact of the individual in question.
This pattern is not new. For decades, Hindu leaders, temples, and festivals have been subject to caricature, misrepresentation, and outright slander in Western and left-leaning media. The goal is clear: to delegitimise Hindu voices, undermine India’s soft power, and sow division within multicultural societies like New Zealand.
The screenshot from The Post, displaying a glaring typo in the caption—“businessma” instead of “businessman”—serves as a telling indicator of the overall quality and intent behind the journalism at play. In an era where media credibility is under constant scrutiny, such basic errors are not merely accidental slips; they are symptomatic of a deeper malaise that afflicts certain segments of the press. When a publication cannot be bothered to proofread a simple caption, it raises serious questions about the rigour, professionalism, and motivations of those producing the content.
But this is not just about a typo. The context in which this image appears is crucial. The article in question is part of a wider campaign of sensationalism and targeted misinformation aimed at the Hindu community and its spiritual leaders. The lack of attention to detail—evident in the misspelling—mirrors the lack of care for factual accuracy and balanced reporting throughout the piece. Instead of striving for objectivity, the article relies on loaded language, selective framing, and innuendo, all while failing to adhere to the most basic standards of journalism.
Such sloppiness is not accidental; it is often the hallmark of a writer or editorial team more interested in pushing a narrative than in upholding the truth. The use of the term “witchdoctor” to describe a respected Hindu spiritual leader, for instance, is not just culturally insensitive—it is a deliberate attempt to demean and otherise. It is a tactic designed to evoke suspicion and ridicule, to paint Hindu traditions as backward or dangerous, and to sow division within New Zealand’s multicultural society.
When a journalist or editor allows such a derogatory term to pass through the editorial process—while also failing to catch a simple spelling mistake—it suggests a lack of genuine editorial oversight. More cynically, it may indicate that the publication’s priorities lie elsewhere: not with accuracy or fairness, but with generating outrage, clicks, and controversy. In such an environment, the truth becomes secondary to the agenda.
This is further underscored by the broader pattern of coverage seen in certain media outlets. There is a consistent tendency to single out Hindu leaders and community figures for scrutiny and vilification, while similar figures from other faiths are rarely subjected to the same level of hostility or ridicule. This double standard is not lost on the Hindu community, which has grown increasingly wary of the motives behind such reporting. When every minor event involving a Hindu leader is blown out of proportion, while positive contributions are ignored or downplayed, it is clear that the intent is not to inform, but to inflame.
The typo “businessma” is thus emblematic of a deeper disregard for both the subject matter and the audience. It is the kind of mistake that one might expect from a rushed, underpaid freelancer or an intern, not from a reputable newsroom. Yet, in this case, it appears in a high-profile article, under the banner of a major publication. This is not merely a lapse in quality control; it is a reflection of the broader decline in journalistic standards that has accompanied the rise of clickbait, ideological reporting, and agenda-driven narratives.
One must also consider the psychological impact of such errors and the narratives they accompany. For readers who are unfamiliar with Hindu traditions, the combination of sensationalist language and sloppy editing creates an impression of chaos, controversy, and unreliability. It subtly reinforces the idea that the Hindu community is somehow suspect or problematic, and that its leaders are figures of ridicule rather than respect. This is how prejudice is normalised—not through overt hate speech, but through a steady drip of negative framing, careless reporting, and editorial negligence.
It is not unreasonable, then, to question whether such articles are the product of genuine journalism at all. Rather, they bear all the hallmarks of content produced by individuals or teams who are either woefully underqualified or, worse, actively incentivised to tarnish the image of Hindus and India. In the age of sponsored content, paid “hit pieces,” and ideological echo chambers, it is not far-fetched to imagine that some writers are rewarded not for accuracy or insight, but for their ability to generate controversy and reinforce negative stereotypes.
The broader consequence of this kind of journalism is the erosion of trust—not just in the media, but in the very fabric of multicultural society. When one community is persistently singled out for ridicule and suspicion, it undermines social cohesion and breeds resentment. It also distracts from the real issues facing society, replacing meaningful dialogue with manufactured outrage.
In conclusion, the typo “businessma” in The Post’s caption is more than just a careless error; it is a symbol of the shoddy, agenda-driven journalism that has come to characterise much of the coverage of Hindu and Indian affairs in certain media circles. It reflects a lack of respect for both the subject and the reader, and it serves as a warning sign of deeper biases and motivations at work. Readers are right to question the credibility of such reporting, and to demand higher standards from those who claim to inform the public. Ultimately, the wisdom of the audience will prevail, as people learn to see through the veneer of sensationalism and recognise the truth for themselves.
Historical Evidence: Systematic Targeting of Hindus and India
1. Rewriting and Distorting Indian History
Since the colonial era, and especially after Independence, India’s history has been a battleground for ideological narratives. Leftist and Marxist historians, often with the patronage of political elites, have systematically distorted the record to diminish Hindu contributions and glorify foreign invaders.
- Textbook Manipulation: From the Nehru era onwards, key academic institutions were handed over to Marxist historians who rewrote textbooks to fit a Communist-Islamist narrative. Hindu kings and warriors like Maharana Pratap, Chandragupta Maurya, and Shivaji were sidelined, while Mughal and colonial rulers were portrayed as progressive.
- Glorification of Invaders: The atrocities of Islamic and colonial invaders—temple destruction, forced conversions, cultural genocide—were whitewashed or omitted. Hindu suffering was minimised, and the freedom struggle was credited solely to Congress, ignoring revolutionaries like Subhas Chandra Bose and Veer Savarkar.
- Erasure of Hindu Identity: The valor of Sikh Gurus and other defenders of Hindu civilisation was ignored. Academic discourse was shaped to instil self-doubt and inferiority among Hindus, disconnecting generations from their roots.
2. Cultural Subversion and Leftist-Communist Nexus
The leftist ecosystem, both in India and globally, has invested heavily in injecting radicalism, echoing propaganda, and nurturing a strong human resource base to propagate anti-Hindu and anti-India narratives.
- Funding and Influence: Billionaire networks and NGOs, often linked to figures like George Soros, have poured money into campaigns that destabilise Indian society, promote social unrest, and attack Hindu cultural practices.
- Political Weaponisation: Indian Communists and their global allies have supported radical groups, appeased Islamist extremists, and enacted anti-Hindu legislation, especially in states like Kerala and West Bengal.
- Media and Academia: International recognition, academic appointments, and awards are often given to those who toe the anti-India, anti-Hindu line, further legitimising distorted narratives.
3. The Kashmir Example: Ignoring Hindu Suffering
Perhaps the most glaring example of selective outrage and historical amnesia is the treatment of Kashmiri Hindus.
- Waves of Ethnic Cleansing: Over seven centuries, Kashmiri Hindus have faced repeated waves of violence, dispossession, and forced exile. The 1990 exodus, when nearly 400,000 Pandits were driven from their homeland, remains one of the least acknowledged humanitarian tragedies.
- Cultural Genocide: Temples were destroyed, Sanskrit was erased, and entire communities were uprooted. Yet, when Hindus seek to reclaim their heritage, they are labelled “settlers” or “colonisers” by the same left-liberal circles that ignore their suffering.
- Weaponised Vocabulary: Terms like “settler colonialism” and “apartheid,” originally meant to describe European imperialism, are cynically repurposed to attack Hindus and India’s efforts to correct historical injustices.
The New Zealand Context: Imported Propaganda and Double Standards
1. Selective Targeting of Hindu Spiritual Leaders
The campaign against Indian spiritual leaders in New Zealand is not based on genuine concerns about public safety or law. Instead, it is part of a pattern where Hindu figures are singled out for scrutiny, while leaders from other faiths are rarely subject to similar vilification.
- Language of Othering: Terms like “witchdoctor” are never used for Christian pastors, Islamic clerics, or Buddhist monks, even when controversies arise. Only Hindu gurus are subjected to this level of ridicule.
- Lack of Evidence: There is little or no evidence presented that the guru in question has broken any laws or incited violence. Instead, innuendo and hearsay are used to manufacture controversy.
2. Imported Ideological Battles
New Zealand, like many Western democracies, is seeing the importation of ideological battles from abroad. Leftist and Islamist groups, often with little understanding of Hindu philosophy or Indian society, project their own biases and grievances onto the local Hindu community.
- Hinduphobia in Academia: University departments and activist groups often promote a narrative of “Brahminical patriarchy,” “caste oppression,” or “Hindu nationalism” without acknowledging the diversity and reform movements within Hinduism.
- Double Standards on Multiculturalism: While every other community is encouraged to celebrate its heritage, Hindus are told to apologise for theirs, or are accused of “majoritarianism” and “exclusion.”
3. Political Expediency and Vote Bank Politics
Left-leaning parties and activists often target Hindus and India to curry favour with other minority groups or to appear “progressive.” This has led to the marginalisation of Hindu voices in public discourse and the normalisation of Hinduphobia.
Contemporary Examples: Media, Politics, and the Global Left
1. Media Disinformation and Smear Campaigns
- NewsClick and Foreign Funding: Investigations have exposed how certain Indian and international media outlets, funded by foreign interests, have spread anti-India and anti-Hindu propaganda under the guise of journalism.
- Selective Outrage: Issues like caste discrimination or gender violence are highlighted only when they can be used to attack Hinduism, while similar or worse abuses in other communities are ignored.
2. Political Attacks on Hindu Identity
- Congress and Chinese Propaganda: There is documented evidence of opposition parties in India receiving funds from foreign governments, including China, to promote divisive narratives and undermine national unity.
- Legislative Bias: Laws and policies are often framed to restrict Hindu festivals, rituals, or temple management, while giving a free pass to other religious communities.
3. Academic and Activist Distortions
- Rewriting Tribal History: The leftist narrative often denies the distinct identity of tribal communities, branding them as “Vanavasi” (forest dwellers) and forcibly linking them to Hindu mythology, while ignoring their agency and rights.
- Weaponising Social Justice: Genuine issues of caste and gender are used as tools to attack Hinduism as a whole, rather than promoting constructive reform or recognising the pluralism within the tradition.
The Reality of Hinduism: Pluralism, Reform, and Social Good
1. Diversity and Reform
Hinduism is not a monolith. It encompasses a vast range of philosophies, practices, and reform movements. From the Bhakti and Sant traditions to modern social reformers like Swami Vivekananda and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Hinduism has a rich history of self-critique and renewal.
2. Social Impact of Spiritual Leaders
Many of the gurus and spiritual leaders targeted by smear campaigns have contributed immensely to social welfare, education, healthcare, and interfaith harmony. Their teachings emphasise non-violence, inclusivity, and service to humanity.
3. Global Contributions
Hindu philosophy, yoga, and meditation have enriched global culture. Millions around the world benefit from practices rooted in Hindu tradition, which promote mental health, ethical living, and universal compassion.
The Dangers of Hinduphobia and Cultural Subversion
1. Erosion of Social Cohesion
By targeting Hindus and India, leftist and vested interests sow division within multicultural societies. This undermines social cohesion and breeds resentment among communities.
2. Undermining Democracy and Pluralism
The delegitimisation of Hindu voices is an attack on the very principles of democracy and pluralism. Every community has the right to celebrate its heritage and participate in public life without fear of vilification.
3. Fueling Extremism
When mainstream media and academia normalise Hinduphobia, it emboldens extremist elements and justifies violence against Hindus, as seen in attacks on temples and individuals in various countries.
Demanding Accountability: The Way Forward
1. Journalistic Integrity
Media outlets must be held to the highest standards of accuracy and fairness. Smear campaigns based on innuendo and bias must be called out and corrected.
2. Legal and Civic Action
Hindu organisations and allies must use legal means to challenge defamation, hate speech, and discrimination. Civic engagement and education are essential to counter misinformation.
3. Building Alliances
Hindus must build alliances with other communities to promote mutual respect and understanding. The fight against bigotry is a shared struggle.
4. Reclaiming the Narrative
It is time to reclaim the narrative from those who distort history and spread hate. By celebrating Hinduism’s pluralism, contributions, and reformist spirit, the community can counter disinformation and build a more inclusive society.
A Change.org campaign
A call for Rejection of Visa Cancellation Calls Against Shri Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Ji (Bageshwar Dham Sarkar) and Demand for Investigation into Biased Media Targeting Hindu Beliefs is initiated on change.org and gathered 129 signatures so far and counting.
Excerpt
The campaign to ban Indian spiritual leaders from New Zealand, as amplified by The Post, is not about public safety or multicultural harmony. It is the latest chapter in a long history of leftist and vested interests targeting Hindus and India with disinformation, distortion, and double standards. The evidence is overwhelming: from the rewriting of history and erasure of Hindu suffering to the selective outrage and imported propaganda of today, the pattern is clear.
It is time for all fair-minded individuals to reject this propaganda, demand accountability from media and politicians, and stand in solidarity with the Hindu community. Only by confronting disinformation with facts, and prejudice with pluralism, can we build a society that honours the dignity of all its members.
Well articulated article based on facts that’s calls out visible bias against Hindus.