Oregon Education Dept. recognises distinction between sacred ‘Swastik’ of Hindus and the Nazi ‘Hakenkreuz’

Washington (USA) – The Oregon State’s Department of Education in the US has officially recognised the distinction between the Hindu sacred religious symbol ‘Swastik’ and the Nazi ‘Hakenkreuz’. The role of the Oregon Department of Education is considered important owing to confusion among some people between the Swastik and the Hakenkreuz due to the similarities between the two.

The Oregon Department of Education described Swastik as ‘a Sanskrit word and is used to symbolise auspiciousness and elements of the natural world in many religions and cultures, including in Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Jainism, and some Native American religions and cultures. The education department pointed out that the hooked cross image is often wrongly labelled as Swastik. (The Swastik is thousands of years old, while Hakenkreuz, which has some resemblance to Swastik, is more recent. Swastik has a unique significance in Hinduism, Indians should also explain this to foreigners ! – Editor) The Education Department added, ‘The actual Nazi and Neo-Nazi symbol is correctly labelled as a Hakenkreuz, the German word for ‘hooked cross’. The Hakenkreuz symbol of Nazi German dictator Hitler is associated with Christianity. It is a symbol related to the Christian cross. Therefore, the Swastik has nothing to do with it, said the Oregon Department of Education.

Let’s continue to educate and spread awareness about the true meaning of our sacred Swastik : Hindu American Foundation

The Hindu American Foundation described it as a ‘historic win’. The foundation further said, ‘This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of Hindus. This monumental decision marks a significant step forward in preserving the sanctity of our symbols for future generations. Let’s continue to educate and spread awareness about the true meaning of our sacred Swastik’.