by Madhav Khurana

In 2020 the Black Lives Matter racial demonstrations had a immense impact on the psyche of the
American mind. Policing across the entire nation became a focus of these demonstrations and though
some police forces denied racial bias, others were more self reflective and took action. In Ontario,
Canada, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) have taken some important steps to establish a
culture of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI), and have reached out to Vivekji and Chinmaya Mission
Niagara (CMN) for guidance and training.

Vivekji sits on the NRPS EDI Advisory Committee to offer advise and guidance inline with the values and
teachings of Sanatana Dharma. CMN has also engages police officials in diversity training at its
Chinmaya Dhara ashram. These training sessions happen every four to six months and have increased in
frequency as police officials see the benefit of such training. Led by Vivekji the training sessions provide
police with a tour of the ashram, introduces them to Bhagavan Krishna and Bhagavati Radha, and
familiarizes them with with the teachings of vedantic philosophy. A Question and Answer session also
provides the police trainees a chance to clear their doubts and preconceived notions about Santana
Dharma.

Vedantic philosophy is universal, and Gurudev’s vision of bringing vedanta to the west is still unfolding.
Being able to impact social change is an immense honour for a Chinmaya Mission Centre. Such
opportunities are precious and it is only by Gurudev’s grace that it is possible.