Indian councillor urges people in Ireland to combat racism after spate of attacks
A Dublin councillor who has received abuse because she is from India has vowed that she won't be intimidated into silence and said the outpouring of support in Ireland for Indian people following recent attacks shows that the vast majority here stand against hate.
A recent spate of violent attacks on members of the Indian diaspora in Ireland has caused serious concern in recent weeks and led to the cancellation of India Day celebrations due to take place in the Phoenix Park today.
Several members of the Indian community have come forward to tell their stories of violent unprovoked racist attacks, the majority of which have been carried out by teenagers.
Donaghmede Councillor Supriya Singh (FG) told the Sunday World that like many others she has received abuse but said Ireland is still a safe, welcoming, open society.
'Like many people who speak out publicly, I have experienced online abuse. But I won't be intimidated into silence. That is not the Ireland I believe in, and not the Dublin I am helping to build.'
Michael D Higgins
The attacks have received widespread coverage in India and Cllr Singh said she has been contacted by many people there concerned about what is happening here.
'My message to them is clear – Ireland is still one of the most welcoming, safe, and open societies in the world. The recent incidents are deeply troubling and must be addressed, but they do not define this country or its people. The outpouring of solidarity from Irish neighbours, colleagues, and leaders shows that the overwhelming majority stand firmly against hate.'
Cllr Singh said would be concerned if members of the Indian community felt compelled to leave due to the recent incident because Ireland has been their home and continues to be a place of opportunity and friendship.
'These incidents don't reflect the Ireland most of us know and experience every day. The actions of a few should not overshadow the values of the many Irish people.'
Cllr Singh said the Indian community is making a remarkable contribution across every aspect of Irish life.
'From hospitals where thousands of Indian doctors, nurses and carers work tirelessly, to tech companies, universities, and research centres driving innovation, to small businesses creating jobs. This is not just about economics-it's about culture, friendship, and solidarity. Ireland has welcomed the Indian community, and in return the community is helping Ireland thrive.'
There has been widespread condemnation of the attacks with President Michael D Higgins.
On Monday the Ireland India Council announced it would not go ahead with a planned India Day festival that was due to take place at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park today.
The Indian Embassy hosted India Day celebrations marking the 79th year of India's independence at India House in Dublin on Friday.
The attacks have received widespread coverage in India and on Thursday India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said they raised the issue with Irish authorities.
'There have been several cases of violence against Indian nationals in Ireland. We have strongly taken up this matter with the Irish authorities in Dublin as well as with the embassy here.'
Councillor Supriya Singh
Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 20th
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