The Reformed Hindus of Bern (Swiss Press Audio 2012, by Heidi Kronenberg) - Swiss Press Award

Schweizer Radio DRS 2, Rubrik "Perspektiven"

Heidi Kronenberg

The temporary House of Religions in Bern houses the temple of the Bernese Hindu association Saivanerikoodam. The leading figure is the Tamil man Sasikumar Tharmalingam. The 36-year-old family man came to Switzerland as a teenager, worked for many years as a waiter, and trained as a Hindu priest. He considers himself a reformed Hindu priest because he seeks to adapt Hindu traditions to contemporary and local conditions. He organizes ceremonies in a participatory manner with his congregation and promotes women's priesthood. This has provoked controversy among traditional Hindus, but appeals to second-generation immigrants in Bern. The multi-talented Tamil man also works as a cook and caretaker in the temporary House of Religions. I visited him and his congregation in Bern in the spring of 2011 for a report. (I am providing you with the contribution on a CD.)