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

Schweizer Radio DRS 2, Redaktion Religion

Heidi Kronenberg

The temporary House of Religions in Bern houses the temple of the Bernese Hindu association Saivanerikoodam. The leading figure is Sasikumar Tharmalingam, a Tamil native. The 36-year-old father of one children came to Switzerland as a teenager, worked for many years as a cellarman, and trained as a Hindu priest. He considers himself a reformed Hindu priest because he adapts Hindu traditions to contemporary and local conditions. He organizes participatory celebrations 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 father of one children also works as a cook and caretaker. I visited him and his congregation in Bern in the spring of 2010 for a report.