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கோத்ரா இரயில் எரிப்பு சதிச் செயலல்ல: டெஹல்கா!
சனி, 27 செப்டம்பர் 2008( 17:06 IST )
குஜராத் கலவரத்திற்கு வித்திட்ட கோத்ரா இரயில் எரிப்பு சதித்திட்டம்
தீட்டப்பட்டு நிறைவேற்றப்பட்ட சதிச்செயலே என்று நீதிபதி நானாவதி ஆணையம்
அளித்த அறிக்கை உண்மைக்குப் புறம்பானது என்றும், அது தற்செயலான
நிகழ்வுகளே என்பது 6 மாதங்களாக தாங்கள் நடத்திய புலனாய்வில்
வெளிப்படுத்தப்பட்டதாக டெஹல்கா இதழ் குற்றம் சாற்றியுள்ளது.
தலைநகர் டெல்லியில் இன்று செய்தியாளர்களிடம் பேசிய டெஹல்கா இதழின்
ஆசிரியர் தருண் தேஜ்பால், நானாவதி ஆணையத்தின் விசாரணையில் உண்மைகள்
புறக்கணிக்கப்பட்டு, லஞ்சம் கொடுத்து கூறப்பட்ட சாட்சிகளின்
வாக்குமூலங்களின் அடிப்படையில் அறிக்கை அளிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது என்று
கூறியுள்ளார்.
“6 மாதங்களாக நாங்கள செய்த புலனாய்வில் எப்படி உண்மையான சாட்சிகளெல்லாம்
லஞ்சம் அளிக்கப்பட்டு பொய் கூற வைக்கப்பட்டார்கள் என்பதை
வெளிப்படுத்தியிருந்தோம்” என்று கூறிய தேஜ்பால், “2002ஆம் ஆண்டு பிப்ரவரி
27ஆம் தேதி கோத்ரா இரயில் நிலையத்தில் நடந்த சம்பவங்களும், அதனைத்
தொடர்ந்து நடந்த இரயில் எரிப்பும் தற்செயலான நிகழ்வுகளே தவிர, முன்
திட்டமிடப்பட்டவையல்ல. இதில் அரசிற்கோ அல்லது முஸ்லீம்களுக்கோ எந்தத்
தொடர்பும் இல்லை” என்று கூறியுள்ளார்.
ஷா விசாரணை ஆணையத்தின் புலனாய்வு அதிகாரியாக இருந்த நோயல் பார்மர்,
தங்களுக்கு தலா ரூ.50,000 கொடுத்து இரயிலை கொளுத்துவதற்கு 140 லிட்டர்
பெட்ரோல் வாங்கிச் சென்றார்கள் என்று சாட்சியளிக்குமாறு தூண்டினார்
என்றும், யார் வந்து வாங்கியது என்பதை படத்தை காட்டி நீதிமன்றத்தில்
அடையாளம் காட்டுமாறு கேட்டுக்கொண்டதையும் பெட்ரோல் பங்கில் பணியாற்றிய
(அரசு சாட்சி) ரஞ்ஜித் சிங் பட்டேல் கூறியிருந்ததை தேஜ்பால்
சுட்டிக்காட்டினார்.
கோத்ரா இரயில் எரிப்பு வழக்கில் தன்னை நேரில் பார்த்த ஒரு சாட்சியாக யார்
சேர்த்தது என்று தனக்குத் தெரியாது என்றும், தான் சாட்சியாக
சேர்க்கப்பட்டதே இரண்டு மாதங்களுக்குப் பிறகுதான் தெரியும் என்று
பா.ஜ.க.வின் ஊடகப் பிரிவு அமைப்பாளர் காக்குல் பதக் தங்கள் புலனாய்வில்
கூறியிருந்ததையும் தேஜ்பால் சுட்டிக்காட்டினார்.
கோத்ரா இரயில் எரிப்பை திட்டமிட்டு நிறைவேற்றியதாக குற்றம்சாற்றப்பட்ட
மெளல்வி உமர்ஜிக்கு எதிராக சாட்சியமளித்த ஜாபிர் பெஹரா எனும் காவல் துறை
சாட்சி, தனது வாக்குமூலத்தை திரும்பப்பெற்றார் என்றும், காவல் துறையின்
மற்றொரு சாட்சியான சிக்கந்தர் சித்திக், கோத்ரா வன்முறையை தூண்டிவிட்டதாக
யாகூப் பஞ்சாபி என்பவருக்கு எதிராக சாட்சியமளித்தார். அதுவும்
திரும்பப்பெறப்பட்டது. அந்த நாளில் யாகூப் பஞ்சாபி இந்தியாவிலேயே இல்லை
என்பது தெரியவந்தது என்றும் கூறிய தேஜ்பால், நானாவதியுடன் விசாரணை
ஆணயத்தின் உறுப்பினராக இருந்த நீதிபதி ஷா பணத்திற்காக அலைகிறார் என்று
குஜராத் மாநில அரசுத் தலைமை வழக்கறிஞர் அர்விந்த் பாண்டியா கூறிய வீடியோ
பதிவை தாங்கள் வெளியிட்டதையும் சுட்டிக்காட்டினார்.
“கோத்ரா இரயில் எரிப்பு குறித்து நாங்கள் மேற்கொண்ட புலனாய்வில் பதிவு
செய்த வீடியோவை விசாரணை ஆணையத்திற்கு அனுப்பி வைத்தோம், ஆனால் எங்களை
விசாரணைக்கு அழைக்கவில்லை” என்று தேஜ்பால் குற்றம் சாற்றினார்.
Monday, September 29, 2008
US scholar raps Maha Sabha over Christian converts
US scholar raps Maha Sabha over Christian converts
Narissa Subramoney Published:Sep 28, 2008
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CRITIC: Thayalan Reddy says Islam and Christianity are the biggest threats to Hinduism. Picture: THEMBINKOSI DWAYISA
Hindu leaders ‘don’t do enough for their followers’
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An American-based Hindu scholar has accused the South African Hindu Maha Sabha of not doing enough to stem the tide of conversions to Christianity.
Thayalan Reddy, from San Francisco, is visiting temples around the country to raise awareness of the growing number of Hindus converting to Christianity.
Reddy, who is being hosted by the International Hindu Revival Movement, lambasted the Maha Sabha during a talk at the Shri Mariamman Temple in Mount Edgecombe last Sunday.
He said the conversion rate had “increased dramatically” in the past 35 years, adding that Hindu leaders and temples “don’t do enough for their followers”.
“That is one of the tactics that Christian ministries use to convert people: they offer to pay the families’ rent, get their lights and water connected and buy them groceries. Then they tell the family that Jesus saved them,” said Reddy.
He has written books on Islam and Christianity, titled Jesus is Satan and The Plotted Course , and recently completed a third work, Why Hindu Gods are superior to Allah and Jesus.
He regards Islam and Christianity as the biggest threats to Hinduism.
“Islam and Christianity are actually working together, and both are on a fast track to convert Hindus in India and around the world.”
Maha Sabha head Ashwin Trikamjee said the organisation did not fight conversions.
“We concentrate on Hindus knowing and understanding their religion,” said Trikamjee.
“Reddy should go back to San Francisco and save the Hindus in America. He turned his back on South Africa a long time ago.”
Pastor Siva Chetty of Centre Ministries in Durban said conversion was a personal decision.
“Christianity does not need to defend itself,” said Chetty, adding that Reddy’s comments “should not shake anyone”.
Meanwhile, the Maha Sabha has also received complaints from Hindus about a crossword that appeared in a Christian newspaper, Challenge the Good News Paper, owned by Multi Ministries.
They regard as blasphemous and an attack on Hinduism a crossword clue that states: “Their goddess Kali cannot see, hear or help them — because she is made of stone ... she is an idol.”
Trikamjee said it was “unacceptable” and described the crossword as “a further attempt by a Christian organisation to denigrate Hindu religion and belief”.
“We will be reporting this to the Human Rights Commission,” he said.
Multi Ministries’ South African director, the Rev Harold Peasley, said that the paper was published in Australia.
“We apologise to the Hindu community and will withdraw the crossword,” said Peasley.
http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/News/Article.aspx?id=851526
Narissa Subramoney Published:Sep 28, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRITIC: Thayalan Reddy says Islam and Christianity are the biggest threats to Hinduism. Picture: THEMBINKOSI DWAYISA
Hindu leaders ‘don’t do enough for their followers’
Related Content
Tell Us: Should one religion prosper by denigrating another? E-mail kznextra@sundaytimes.co.za by 1pm on Tuesday.
Article Tools
Print E-Mail
Save and Share
An American-based Hindu scholar has accused the South African Hindu Maha Sabha of not doing enough to stem the tide of conversions to Christianity.
Thayalan Reddy, from San Francisco, is visiting temples around the country to raise awareness of the growing number of Hindus converting to Christianity.
Reddy, who is being hosted by the International Hindu Revival Movement, lambasted the Maha Sabha during a talk at the Shri Mariamman Temple in Mount Edgecombe last Sunday.
He said the conversion rate had “increased dramatically” in the past 35 years, adding that Hindu leaders and temples “don’t do enough for their followers”.
“That is one of the tactics that Christian ministries use to convert people: they offer to pay the families’ rent, get their lights and water connected and buy them groceries. Then they tell the family that Jesus saved them,” said Reddy.
He has written books on Islam and Christianity, titled Jesus is Satan and The Plotted Course , and recently completed a third work, Why Hindu Gods are superior to Allah and Jesus.
He regards Islam and Christianity as the biggest threats to Hinduism.
“Islam and Christianity are actually working together, and both are on a fast track to convert Hindus in India and around the world.”
Maha Sabha head Ashwin Trikamjee said the organisation did not fight conversions.
“We concentrate on Hindus knowing and understanding their religion,” said Trikamjee.
“Reddy should go back to San Francisco and save the Hindus in America. He turned his back on South Africa a long time ago.”
Pastor Siva Chetty of Centre Ministries in Durban said conversion was a personal decision.
“Christianity does not need to defend itself,” said Chetty, adding that Reddy’s comments “should not shake anyone”.
Meanwhile, the Maha Sabha has also received complaints from Hindus about a crossword that appeared in a Christian newspaper, Challenge the Good News Paper, owned by Multi Ministries.
They regard as blasphemous and an attack on Hinduism a crossword clue that states: “Their goddess Kali cannot see, hear or help them — because she is made of stone ... she is an idol.”
Trikamjee said it was “unacceptable” and described the crossword as “a further attempt by a Christian organisation to denigrate Hindu religion and belief”.
“We will be reporting this to the Human Rights Commission,” he said.
Multi Ministries’ South African director, the Rev Harold Peasley, said that the paper was published in Australia.
“We apologise to the Hindu community and will withdraw the crossword,” said Peasley.
http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/News/Article.aspx?id=851526
Hinduism in UK : Hundreds celebrate Hindu festival
Hundreds celebrate Hindu festival
6:12pm Sunday 28th September 2008
Comments (0) Have your say »
By Lucy Clark »
HUNDREDS of worshippers descended on Southampton today for the first cultural celebration of its kind in the city.
A festival of Bengali dancing, music and food was staged at the Southampton Hindu Temple, bringing in worshippers from across Hampshire and neighbouring counties.
The Durga Puja - the biggest festival in the Bengali Hindu calendar - was attended by about 400 people.
Locals have previously travelled to London to take part in the annual celebrations honouring the Hindu goddess Durga and her triumph over evil.
The three-day event has been hailed a success and organisers, who come from the Bengal region in the east of India, hope to repeat it next year.
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/3709886.Hundreds_celebrate_Hindu_festival/
6:12pm Sunday 28th September 2008
Comments (0) Have your say »
By Lucy Clark »
HUNDREDS of worshippers descended on Southampton today for the first cultural celebration of its kind in the city.
A festival of Bengali dancing, music and food was staged at the Southampton Hindu Temple, bringing in worshippers from across Hampshire and neighbouring counties.
The Durga Puja - the biggest festival in the Bengali Hindu calendar - was attended by about 400 people.
Locals have previously travelled to London to take part in the annual celebrations honouring the Hindu goddess Durga and her triumph over evil.
The three-day event has been hailed a success and organisers, who come from the Bengal region in the east of India, hope to repeat it next year.
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/3709886.Hundreds_celebrate_Hindu_festival/
India to help Egypt in conserving a key tourist destination
India to help Egypt in conserving a key tourist destination
It will give valuable tips and share its expertise on maintaining the Baron Palace, which looks like a Hindu temple
ASI helped Pakistan and Cambodia in preserving the Katsaraj and Ta Prohm Temple complexes
Many countries are requesting ASI expertise in maintaining historical sites and heritage buildings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW DELHI: After Katsaraj and Ta Prohm Temple Complexes in Pakistan and Cambodia, India will now help Egypt in conserving and maintaining one of its key tourist spot — Baron Palace — in Cairo, which looks like a typical Hindu temple.
The Baron Palace, also known as Hindu Villa, is facing decay because of lack of appropriate care by the authorities there.
A three-member team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the premier organisation for archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage in the country, will soon travel to the African nation to assist it in conserving and maintaining the nearly 100-year-old palace. “A team from the ASI will travel to Cairo to help the Egyptian government in conserving the age-old Baron Palace in the capital city,” ASI Director-General Anshu Vaish told PTI.
Built in 1905
The team will provide tips and valuable assistance to their Egyptian counterparts in conserving the palace which was built in 1905, she said.
The team, led by A.K. Sinha, Superintendent Archaeologist, ASI, and Paramanandhan and Sharma as its members, will travel to Cairo in October.
The Baron Palace, which is located in the new city of Heliopolis in Cairo is named after Belgian builder and the resident of Place Baron-General Edouard Louis Joseph Empain.
Baron Empain founded Heliopolis district, 10 km from Cairo, as he bought 6,000 acres of land in desert with one Egyptian pound from Nubar Pasha. Asked about the kind of work the agency will be doing in Egypt, Ms. Vaish said, “As far as Egypt is concerned, we have been asked by them to give ideas and assist them in conserving the Baron palace.”
State of neglect
The palace, which has been neglected for the past 40 years, consists of two floors with additional subterranean floors. The underground floor contains a family mausoleum, a kitchen and the servant’s room. Since visitors are not allowed into the palace, not much is known about its interior today.
ASI, which conserves majority of temples and archaeological sites in the country, has lately started spreading its wings abroad with a number of countries submitting proposals to it requesting its expertise in conserving and maintaining historical places, religious and heritage buildings. “Our team will be in Egypt for a fortnight and give their expertise on conserving and maintaining the palace,” Ms. Vaish said.
The palace hosted King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium during the pre-World War I visit to Egypt.
A team from the ASI had also visited Katasraj Hindu Temple in Pakistan’s Punjab district two-years back and given a detailed report to the government there on how to maintain the temple.
The ASI is currently implementing the conservation and restoration project of Ta Prohm Temple Complex under an Ministry of External Affairs programme with an estimated cost of Rs. 19.57 crore. — PTI
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/29/stories/2008092956892000.htm
It will give valuable tips and share its expertise on maintaining the Baron Palace, which looks like a Hindu temple
ASI helped Pakistan and Cambodia in preserving the Katsaraj and Ta Prohm Temple complexes
Many countries are requesting ASI expertise in maintaining historical sites and heritage buildings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW DELHI: After Katsaraj and Ta Prohm Temple Complexes in Pakistan and Cambodia, India will now help Egypt in conserving and maintaining one of its key tourist spot — Baron Palace — in Cairo, which looks like a typical Hindu temple.
The Baron Palace, also known as Hindu Villa, is facing decay because of lack of appropriate care by the authorities there.
A three-member team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the premier organisation for archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage in the country, will soon travel to the African nation to assist it in conserving and maintaining the nearly 100-year-old palace. “A team from the ASI will travel to Cairo to help the Egyptian government in conserving the age-old Baron Palace in the capital city,” ASI Director-General Anshu Vaish told PTI.
Built in 1905
The team will provide tips and valuable assistance to their Egyptian counterparts in conserving the palace which was built in 1905, she said.
The team, led by A.K. Sinha, Superintendent Archaeologist, ASI, and Paramanandhan and Sharma as its members, will travel to Cairo in October.
The Baron Palace, which is located in the new city of Heliopolis in Cairo is named after Belgian builder and the resident of Place Baron-General Edouard Louis Joseph Empain.
Baron Empain founded Heliopolis district, 10 km from Cairo, as he bought 6,000 acres of land in desert with one Egyptian pound from Nubar Pasha. Asked about the kind of work the agency will be doing in Egypt, Ms. Vaish said, “As far as Egypt is concerned, we have been asked by them to give ideas and assist them in conserving the Baron palace.”
State of neglect
The palace, which has been neglected for the past 40 years, consists of two floors with additional subterranean floors. The underground floor contains a family mausoleum, a kitchen and the servant’s room. Since visitors are not allowed into the palace, not much is known about its interior today.
ASI, which conserves majority of temples and archaeological sites in the country, has lately started spreading its wings abroad with a number of countries submitting proposals to it requesting its expertise in conserving and maintaining historical places, religious and heritage buildings. “Our team will be in Egypt for a fortnight and give their expertise on conserving and maintaining the palace,” Ms. Vaish said.
The palace hosted King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium during the pre-World War I visit to Egypt.
A team from the ASI had also visited Katasraj Hindu Temple in Pakistan’s Punjab district two-years back and given a detailed report to the government there on how to maintain the temple.
The ASI is currently implementing the conservation and restoration project of Ta Prohm Temple Complex under an Ministry of External Affairs programme with an estimated cost of Rs. 19.57 crore. — PTI
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/29/stories/2008092956892000.htm
Pakistan : NAPA will not vacate Hindu Gymkhana
NAPA will not vacate Hindu Gymkhana
By Razzak Abro
KARACHI: The management of the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) has rejected the contents of the notice issued by the Sindh Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, ordering NAPA to vacate the Hindu Gymkhana. They are determined to protect the institute whose mission is to preserve and promote the country’s rich legacy of classical, traditional and contemporary performing arts.
“We are not going to vacate the building and will defend our position at every forum. We will go to the court of law if pushed”, said a senior NAPA official on Thursday.
Daily Times has learnt that the management of NAPA is engaged in preparing a reply to the notice issued last week by the Culture and Tourism Department, asking the NAPA management to vacate Hindu Gymkhana within 90 days. The Sindh Government leased out the premises of the Hindu Gymkhana to NAPA under an agreement in September 2005.
Violation: In their notice to NAPA the Sindh Culture Department has alleged that NAPA has violated the agreement by putting up a theatre within the premises, and that this act violates the provisions of the Sindh Heritage Act.
However, NAPA officials deny the allegation, saying that they have not made any alteration to the original structure of the building. “The theatre under construction stands on the site where the Sindh Government had already raised a ramshackle construction, long before NAPA was established,” said one official. He added that the in-house theatre was constructed with the full approval of Karachi Building Control Authority and that documents were available to prove this point. In his opinion, the establishment of the Academy inside Hindu Gymkhana had actually saved the building from decline and destruction. “We have not only kept the original façade of the building intact but restored it to its original grandeur”, he said.
NAPA officials also dismissed reports that the minority community owns the building. “After partition it was declared an evacuee trust property”, one official said. Talking about the post-partition history of the building, he said that it had remained under the control of the Federal Government. For some years, soon after partition, it was occupied by the office of the Federal Public Service Commission. He was not sure when, but at some stage probably during the 70s, the Central Government handed it over to the Sindh Government under some kind of a barter agreement.
Before it was leased out to NAPA, the building was kept locked. Its grounds were used for holding wedding feasts. Many influential people had hosted parties here; sometimes fashion shows were held on the premises. The building was damaged here and there.
NAPA sources said that the premises had once comprised more than 20 acres and the land on which blocks of flats had been constructed as well as the grounds used by the Aligarh Old Boys Schools Association, were also a part of the Hindu Gymkhana compound.
NAPA officials and students see a malicious intention in the provincial government’s attempt to get the building vacated. “It appears to be a very vindictive move,” remarked one student. Without mentioning the name of Pervez Musharraf, he said that if the present provincial authorities had some problem with the centre (Musharraf’s regime), it should not damage an institute such as this one.
NAPA students are upset that after the political change in the country, the federal government slashed the institute’s grant by around 70 percent. “We cannot understand this. We had hoped that with Asif Ali Zardari as the President of the country, the Academy would benefit because he believes in progressive Pakistan, and NAPA is a symbol of that dream” said one senior student.
The students rule out the possibility of accepting an alternate site for the institute, arguing that it was selected only because of its ambience and architecture. “And what will become of our theatre?” One group of anxious students asked, pointing to the half-completed theatre. “When completed, this will be the first state-of-the-art theatre in the country”, they said, adding that they could not move it to any other place.
Student call: The students felt that the government was trying to ruin Pakistan’s only institute of its kind. The Government, they said should support the academy. The students were worried that the ouster of NAPA from its premises would lead to the closing down of an Academy which had already gained prestige and recognition. “In India there are dozens of such institutes and the government patronizes them with pride,” they said.
A music students who is learning classical singing informed this correspondent that owing to the death of ‘gharanas’, NAPA was the only Academy where students could learn ‘gayeki’ not just exclusive to the style of one gharana.
A member of the Music Faculty told this correspondent that apart from holding classical concerts NAPA’s Music Ensemble had staged many concerts of an experimental nature, on stage and on television, which had been received with enthusiasm. Daily Times learnt that NAPA was making a serious effort to revive an interest in some of our rare instrument which were dying due to neglect.
On the theatre front, the productions of NAPA’s Repertory Theatre Company, composed of NAPA alumni and graduate students have been praised very highly in the press. The theatre-going public looks forward to a NAPA play. In the last one year alone NAPA has staged five full length plays of a wide variety. An important enterprise of the company is their work on translating major dramatic works from across the globe.
Home | National
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C09%5C29%5Cstory_29-9-2008_pg7_7
By Razzak Abro
KARACHI: The management of the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) has rejected the contents of the notice issued by the Sindh Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, ordering NAPA to vacate the Hindu Gymkhana. They are determined to protect the institute whose mission is to preserve and promote the country’s rich legacy of classical, traditional and contemporary performing arts.
“We are not going to vacate the building and will defend our position at every forum. We will go to the court of law if pushed”, said a senior NAPA official on Thursday.
Daily Times has learnt that the management of NAPA is engaged in preparing a reply to the notice issued last week by the Culture and Tourism Department, asking the NAPA management to vacate Hindu Gymkhana within 90 days. The Sindh Government leased out the premises of the Hindu Gymkhana to NAPA under an agreement in September 2005.
Violation: In their notice to NAPA the Sindh Culture Department has alleged that NAPA has violated the agreement by putting up a theatre within the premises, and that this act violates the provisions of the Sindh Heritage Act.
However, NAPA officials deny the allegation, saying that they have not made any alteration to the original structure of the building. “The theatre under construction stands on the site where the Sindh Government had already raised a ramshackle construction, long before NAPA was established,” said one official. He added that the in-house theatre was constructed with the full approval of Karachi Building Control Authority and that documents were available to prove this point. In his opinion, the establishment of the Academy inside Hindu Gymkhana had actually saved the building from decline and destruction. “We have not only kept the original façade of the building intact but restored it to its original grandeur”, he said.
NAPA officials also dismissed reports that the minority community owns the building. “After partition it was declared an evacuee trust property”, one official said. Talking about the post-partition history of the building, he said that it had remained under the control of the Federal Government. For some years, soon after partition, it was occupied by the office of the Federal Public Service Commission. He was not sure when, but at some stage probably during the 70s, the Central Government handed it over to the Sindh Government under some kind of a barter agreement.
Before it was leased out to NAPA, the building was kept locked. Its grounds were used for holding wedding feasts. Many influential people had hosted parties here; sometimes fashion shows were held on the premises. The building was damaged here and there.
NAPA sources said that the premises had once comprised more than 20 acres and the land on which blocks of flats had been constructed as well as the grounds used by the Aligarh Old Boys Schools Association, were also a part of the Hindu Gymkhana compound.
NAPA officials and students see a malicious intention in the provincial government’s attempt to get the building vacated. “It appears to be a very vindictive move,” remarked one student. Without mentioning the name of Pervez Musharraf, he said that if the present provincial authorities had some problem with the centre (Musharraf’s regime), it should not damage an institute such as this one.
NAPA students are upset that after the political change in the country, the federal government slashed the institute’s grant by around 70 percent. “We cannot understand this. We had hoped that with Asif Ali Zardari as the President of the country, the Academy would benefit because he believes in progressive Pakistan, and NAPA is a symbol of that dream” said one senior student.
The students rule out the possibility of accepting an alternate site for the institute, arguing that it was selected only because of its ambience and architecture. “And what will become of our theatre?” One group of anxious students asked, pointing to the half-completed theatre. “When completed, this will be the first state-of-the-art theatre in the country”, they said, adding that they could not move it to any other place.
Student call: The students felt that the government was trying to ruin Pakistan’s only institute of its kind. The Government, they said should support the academy. The students were worried that the ouster of NAPA from its premises would lead to the closing down of an Academy which had already gained prestige and recognition. “In India there are dozens of such institutes and the government patronizes them with pride,” they said.
A music students who is learning classical singing informed this correspondent that owing to the death of ‘gharanas’, NAPA was the only Academy where students could learn ‘gayeki’ not just exclusive to the style of one gharana.
A member of the Music Faculty told this correspondent that apart from holding classical concerts NAPA’s Music Ensemble had staged many concerts of an experimental nature, on stage and on television, which had been received with enthusiasm. Daily Times learnt that NAPA was making a serious effort to revive an interest in some of our rare instrument which were dying due to neglect.
On the theatre front, the productions of NAPA’s Repertory Theatre Company, composed of NAPA alumni and graduate students have been praised very highly in the press. The theatre-going public looks forward to a NAPA play. In the last one year alone NAPA has staged five full length plays of a wide variety. An important enterprise of the company is their work on translating major dramatic works from across the globe.
Home | National
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C09%5C29%5Cstory_29-9-2008_pg7_7
Malaysia : Hindu NGOs protest costlier burials
Hindu NGOs protest costlier burials
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GEORGE TOWN: A group of Hindu non-governmental organisations yesterday handed a memorandum to the state government protesting a sharp rise in fees for burial plots at a cemetery here.
The 12 NGOs claim the Hindu community had been left in a quandary after the Penang Hindu Endowment Board decided to charge RM500 for plots at the Batu Lanchang Hindu cemetery.
To compound matters, the board also decided to impose renewal fees of RM5,000, to be paid after 10 years.
Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer said he was informed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng that an amicable solution would be sought.
He said the matter would be raised at next week's state executive council meeting.
Hindu Action Network executive council member N. Ahilan said the board reserved the right to exhume the remains and lease the plot to others if the renewal fees were not paid within 10 years.
He said that the exorbitant charges and conditions were inconsiderate.
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GEORGE TOWN: A group of Hindu non-governmental organisations yesterday handed a memorandum to the state government protesting a sharp rise in fees for burial plots at a cemetery here.
The 12 NGOs claim the Hindu community had been left in a quandary after the Penang Hindu Endowment Board decided to charge RM500 for plots at the Batu Lanchang Hindu cemetery.
To compound matters, the board also decided to impose renewal fees of RM5,000, to be paid after 10 years.
Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer said he was informed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng that an amicable solution would be sought.
He said the matter would be raised at next week's state executive council meeting.
Hindu Action Network executive council member N. Ahilan said the board reserved the right to exhume the remains and lease the plot to others if the renewal fees were not paid within 10 years.
He said that the exorbitant charges and conditions were inconsiderate.
I studied in Christian missionary school; I am secular: Advani
I studied in Christian missionary school; I am secular: Advani
29 Sep 2008, 1854 hrs IST,PTI
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SHILLONG: Seen as the face of hardline Hindutva, senior BJP leader L K Advani on Monday said he was "very much a secular man" and his party stood for
peaceful co-existence of all religious groups.
"I studied in a Christian missionary school and I am very much a secular man," a BJP spokesperson quoted Advani as saying during a close-door meeting he had with religious leaders here.
Representatives from Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and tribal organizations participated in the meet that was aimed at clarifying the saffron party's stand on the attacks on Christians, churches and prayer halls in Orissa and Karnataka.
Quoting the BJP leader, BJP MP, Kiren Rijiju said that "religious sentiment should not precede national interest. India is a secular country and no section of the society should be neglected.
"In Orissa, untouchability among the Hindus and a simmering discontent among the lower strata have drawn people to other religions. Social acceptance is a big dilemma there," the BJP leader said.
Chief Minister Donkupar Roy and other Christian leaders expressed anguish over the attacks on Christians in Orissa and Karnataka.
As the church leaders expressed doubts over the governance of BJP, Advani assured that he had asked the chief ministers of Orissa and Karnataka to institute judicial probes into the incidents and bring the culprits to book.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/I_studied_in_Christian_missionary_school_I_am_secular_Advani/articleshow/3541566.cms
29 Sep 2008, 1854 hrs IST,PTI
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SHILLONG: Seen as the face of hardline Hindutva, senior BJP leader L K Advani on Monday said he was "very much a secular man" and his party stood for
peaceful co-existence of all religious groups.
"I studied in a Christian missionary school and I am very much a secular man," a BJP spokesperson quoted Advani as saying during a close-door meeting he had with religious leaders here.
Representatives from Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and tribal organizations participated in the meet that was aimed at clarifying the saffron party's stand on the attacks on Christians, churches and prayer halls in Orissa and Karnataka.
Quoting the BJP leader, BJP MP, Kiren Rijiju said that "religious sentiment should not precede national interest. India is a secular country and no section of the society should be neglected.
"In Orissa, untouchability among the Hindus and a simmering discontent among the lower strata have drawn people to other religions. Social acceptance is a big dilemma there," the BJP leader said.
Chief Minister Donkupar Roy and other Christian leaders expressed anguish over the attacks on Christians in Orissa and Karnataka.
As the church leaders expressed doubts over the governance of BJP, Advani assured that he had asked the chief ministers of Orissa and Karnataka to institute judicial probes into the incidents and bring the culprits to book.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/I_studied_in_Christian_missionary_school_I_am_secular_Advani/articleshow/3541566.cms
Hindu festivals still a must for Azamgarh muslim king family
Hindu festivals still a must for Azamgarh royals
29 Sep 2008, 0356 hrs IST, Manjari Mishra ,TNN
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AZAMGARH: When 'Kot ka Qila', the 335-year-old residence of the erstwhile ruler of Azamgarh, Nawab Azam Shah, was claimed by the floods last year, N
aiyyar-e-Azam, a descendent of the Shah dynasty, decided to make "a few utilitarian changes in the new layout". The fort thus has all the trappings of a modern home — marble flooring, false ceiling, air conditioning, designer toilets and woodwork. "One has to change with the times," says Azam.
Yet, there are things that time hasn't changed. The 60-year-old scion of Azamgarh's first family, which prides in being "100% Sunni", swears by the unique familial traditions of his family.
Not only are the Shahs known for celebrating Raksha Bandhan, Diwali and Holi, their weddings are a curious mix of rites fashioned on typical Poorvanchal Hindu rituals. The historical documents of the Shahs prove this, and none of the generations has questioned this tradition, says Azam with pride.
Azam's sister-in-law Rakshanda, in the midst of supervising preparations for the evening iftar that's expected to cater to 80 to 100 people every day, joins in to explain. Details like tying a "bandanwar" made of mango leaves at the main door to welcome home the new bride, or application of 'sindoor' in the hair parting are strikingly Hindu rituals.
"The bride," Rakshanda says, "is expected to cross the threshold leaving coloured footprints on the rows of 'soop' (woven cane sieves) along the way and greeted by the mother-in-law who does a Hindu 'sadqa' — rotating a grinding stone over her head and giving away 'thaalis' of grains and sweets in charity. All this is supervised by the 'naain', the woman masseur, whose presence is mandatory at all family weddings."
Azam's sisters especially come down to Azamgarh to tie rakhi on the wrists of their three brothers. Their gifts, normally gold ornaments, are bought days in advance. Azamgarh may have changed since his ancestors set up the kingdom in 1667, but locals still show affection to the family by asking for a handful of sand from the land surrounding the Shah's fort.
"His forefathers were true nationalists. His family estate in Sultanpur and Amethi, among others, is still remembered for hosting unique welcome ceremonies for Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. They would paint steed and doves
in saffron, green and white," said the old retainer Mohammad Ghaffoor.
Do the family's quaint customs draw disapproval of Muslims, especially at a time of deepening divide? "By the grace of Allah, none has said a thing to this day," the mild-mannered nawab draws himself to his full height. "For only He knows how I would react to the situation," he declares.
But, he is quick to regain his composure, "Things shall never come to such a pass despite the burgeoning breed of misguided youth in town... they will also see the light of reason," he says. Nawab Naiyyar-e-Azam Shah has included this request in his Ramzan prayers and God seldom ignores his dua.
29 Sep 2008, 0356 hrs IST, Manjari Mishra ,TNN
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AZAMGARH: When 'Kot ka Qila', the 335-year-old residence of the erstwhile ruler of Azamgarh, Nawab Azam Shah, was claimed by the floods last year, N
aiyyar-e-Azam, a descendent of the Shah dynasty, decided to make "a few utilitarian changes in the new layout". The fort thus has all the trappings of a modern home — marble flooring, false ceiling, air conditioning, designer toilets and woodwork. "One has to change with the times," says Azam.
Yet, there are things that time hasn't changed. The 60-year-old scion of Azamgarh's first family, which prides in being "100% Sunni", swears by the unique familial traditions of his family.
Not only are the Shahs known for celebrating Raksha Bandhan, Diwali and Holi, their weddings are a curious mix of rites fashioned on typical Poorvanchal Hindu rituals. The historical documents of the Shahs prove this, and none of the generations has questioned this tradition, says Azam with pride.
Azam's sister-in-law Rakshanda, in the midst of supervising preparations for the evening iftar that's expected to cater to 80 to 100 people every day, joins in to explain. Details like tying a "bandanwar" made of mango leaves at the main door to welcome home the new bride, or application of 'sindoor' in the hair parting are strikingly Hindu rituals.
"The bride," Rakshanda says, "is expected to cross the threshold leaving coloured footprints on the rows of 'soop' (woven cane sieves) along the way and greeted by the mother-in-law who does a Hindu 'sadqa' — rotating a grinding stone over her head and giving away 'thaalis' of grains and sweets in charity. All this is supervised by the 'naain', the woman masseur, whose presence is mandatory at all family weddings."
Azam's sisters especially come down to Azamgarh to tie rakhi on the wrists of their three brothers. Their gifts, normally gold ornaments, are bought days in advance. Azamgarh may have changed since his ancestors set up the kingdom in 1667, but locals still show affection to the family by asking for a handful of sand from the land surrounding the Shah's fort.
"His forefathers were true nationalists. His family estate in Sultanpur and Amethi, among others, is still remembered for hosting unique welcome ceremonies for Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. They would paint steed and doves
in saffron, green and white," said the old retainer Mohammad Ghaffoor.
Do the family's quaint customs draw disapproval of Muslims, especially at a time of deepening divide? "By the grace of Allah, none has said a thing to this day," the mild-mannered nawab draws himself to his full height. "For only He knows how I would react to the situation," he declares.
But, he is quick to regain his composure, "Things shall never come to such a pass despite the burgeoning breed of misguided youth in town... they will also see the light of reason," he says. Nawab Naiyyar-e-Azam Shah has included this request in his Ramzan prayers and God seldom ignores his dua.
Hinduism most tolerant of all religions
c
Sunday, 09.28.2008, 10:52pm (GMT-7)
Believing as I do in the influence of heredity, being born in a Hindu family, I have remained a Hindu. I should reject it, if I found it inconsistent with my moral sense or my spiritual growth. On examination I have found it to be the most tolerant of all religions known to me. Its freedom from dogma makes a forcible appeal to me inasmuch as it gives the votary the largest scope for self expression.
Not being an exclusive religion, it enables the followers of that faith not merely to respect all the other religions, but it also enables them to admire and assimilate whatever may be good in the other faiths. Non-violence is common to all religions, but it has found the highest expression and application in Hinduism.
(I do not regard Jainism or Buddhism as separate from Hinduism.) Hinduism believes in the oneness not of merely all human life but in the oneness of all that lives. Its worship of the cow is, in my opinion, its unique contribution to the evolution of humanitarianism. It is a practical application of the belief in the oneness and, therefore, sacredness, of all life.
The great belief in transmigration is a direct consequence of that belief. Finally the discovery of the law of Varnashrama is a magnificent result of the ceaseless search for truth. I call myself a Sanatani Hindu, because, (1) I believe in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas and all that goes by the name of Hindu scriptures, and therefore in Avataras and rebirth; (2) I believe in the Varnashrama Dharma in a sense, in my opinion, strictly Vedic but not in its present popular and crude sense; (3) I believe in the protection of the cow in its much larger sense than the popular; (4) I do not disbelieve in idol-worship.
The reader will note that I have purposely refrained from using the word divine origin in reference to the Vedas or any other scriptures. For I do not believe in the exclusive divinity of the Vedas. I believe the Bible, the Koran, and the Zend Avesta to be as much divinely inspired as the Vedas. My belief in the Hindu scriptures does not require me to accept every word and every verse as divinely inspired.
Nor do I claim to have any first-hand knowledge of these wonderful books. But I do claim to know and feel the truths of the essential teaching of the scriptures. I decline to be bound by any interpretation, however learned it may be, if it is repugnant to reason or moral sense.
I do not emphatically repudiate the claim (if they advance any such) of the present Shankaracharyas and Shastris to give a correct interpretation of the Hindu scriptures. On the contrary I believe that our present knowledge of these books is in a most chaotic state.
I believe implicitly in the Hindu aphorism, that no one truly knows the Shastras who has not attained perfection in Innocence (Ahimsa), Truth (Satya) and Self-control (Brahmacharya) and who has not renounced all acquisition or possession of wealth.
One need not despair of ever knowing the truth of one's religion, because the fundamentals of Hinduism, as of every great religion, are unchangeable and easily understood. Every Hindu believes in God and His oneness, in rebirth and salvation. . . I am a reformer through and through. But my zeal never takes me to the rejection of any of the essential things of Hinduism.
I have said I do not disbelieve in idol-worship. An idol does not excite any feeling of veneration in me. But I think that idol-worship is part of human nature. We hanker after symbolism. Why should one be more composed in a church than elsewhere? Images are an aid to worship.
No Hindu considers an image to be God. I do not consider idol-worship a sin. It is clear from the foregoing that Hinduism is not an exclusive religion. In it there is room for the worship of all the prophets of the world.
It is not a missionary religion in the ordinary sense of the term. It has no doubt absorbed many tribes in its fold, but this absorption has been of an evolutionary, imperceptible character. Hinduism tells everyone to worship God according to his own faith of Dharma, and so it lives at peace with all the religions. (Excerpted from Young India)
http://indiapost.com/article/philosophy/3992/
Sunday, 09.28.2008, 10:52pm (GMT-7)
Believing as I do in the influence of heredity, being born in a Hindu family, I have remained a Hindu. I should reject it, if I found it inconsistent with my moral sense or my spiritual growth. On examination I have found it to be the most tolerant of all religions known to me. Its freedom from dogma makes a forcible appeal to me inasmuch as it gives the votary the largest scope for self expression.
Not being an exclusive religion, it enables the followers of that faith not merely to respect all the other religions, but it also enables them to admire and assimilate whatever may be good in the other faiths. Non-violence is common to all religions, but it has found the highest expression and application in Hinduism.
(I do not regard Jainism or Buddhism as separate from Hinduism.) Hinduism believes in the oneness not of merely all human life but in the oneness of all that lives. Its worship of the cow is, in my opinion, its unique contribution to the evolution of humanitarianism. It is a practical application of the belief in the oneness and, therefore, sacredness, of all life.
The great belief in transmigration is a direct consequence of that belief. Finally the discovery of the law of Varnashrama is a magnificent result of the ceaseless search for truth. I call myself a Sanatani Hindu, because, (1) I believe in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas and all that goes by the name of Hindu scriptures, and therefore in Avataras and rebirth; (2) I believe in the Varnashrama Dharma in a sense, in my opinion, strictly Vedic but not in its present popular and crude sense; (3) I believe in the protection of the cow in its much larger sense than the popular; (4) I do not disbelieve in idol-worship.
The reader will note that I have purposely refrained from using the word divine origin in reference to the Vedas or any other scriptures. For I do not believe in the exclusive divinity of the Vedas. I believe the Bible, the Koran, and the Zend Avesta to be as much divinely inspired as the Vedas. My belief in the Hindu scriptures does not require me to accept every word and every verse as divinely inspired.
Nor do I claim to have any first-hand knowledge of these wonderful books. But I do claim to know and feel the truths of the essential teaching of the scriptures. I decline to be bound by any interpretation, however learned it may be, if it is repugnant to reason or moral sense.
I do not emphatically repudiate the claim (if they advance any such) of the present Shankaracharyas and Shastris to give a correct interpretation of the Hindu scriptures. On the contrary I believe that our present knowledge of these books is in a most chaotic state.
I believe implicitly in the Hindu aphorism, that no one truly knows the Shastras who has not attained perfection in Innocence (Ahimsa), Truth (Satya) and Self-control (Brahmacharya) and who has not renounced all acquisition or possession of wealth.
One need not despair of ever knowing the truth of one's religion, because the fundamentals of Hinduism, as of every great religion, are unchangeable and easily understood. Every Hindu believes in God and His oneness, in rebirth and salvation. . . I am a reformer through and through. But my zeal never takes me to the rejection of any of the essential things of Hinduism.
I have said I do not disbelieve in idol-worship. An idol does not excite any feeling of veneration in me. But I think that idol-worship is part of human nature. We hanker after symbolism. Why should one be more composed in a church than elsewhere? Images are an aid to worship.
No Hindu considers an image to be God. I do not consider idol-worship a sin. It is clear from the foregoing that Hinduism is not an exclusive religion. In it there is room for the worship of all the prophets of the world.
It is not a missionary religion in the ordinary sense of the term. It has no doubt absorbed many tribes in its fold, but this absorption has been of an evolutionary, imperceptible character. Hinduism tells everyone to worship God according to his own faith of Dharma, and so it lives at peace with all the religions. (Excerpted from Young India)
http://indiapost.com/article/philosophy/3992/
Radio Pakistan targets Hindu-Sikh unity
Radio Pakistan targets Hindu-Sikh unity
September 29th, 2008 - 8:42 pm ICT by ANI -
Ferozepur (Punjab), Sep.29 (ANI): Radio Pakistan in its latest bulletin of Punjabi Darbar programme has tried to create divisions among Hindus and Sikhs and affect the fraternal relations shared by them in Punjab.
Through the propaganda based Punjabi Durbar programme, Radio Pakistan has stated that Sikhs are a separate community and they share no historical relation with Hinduism.
But the broadcasters forgot to recount that Hindu and Sikh communities have a shared history of bravery, mutual respect and cultural celebrations between them for centuries. Besides, Sikhism has strong historical ties to Hinduism. When members of the Hindu and Sikh communities in Ferozepur were asked about their reaction to what Pakistan Radio was propagating, the said Radio Pakistan cannot change our feelings and reality being lived by us together.
Jagjeet Singh, another villager, said: Our village is 180 years old. In this village Hindus Sikhs, are living together since that time. We actively participate in each others festivals and marriage ceremonies. Pakistan is trying to divide us for it own interests.
Hardeep Singh, a resident of Bhagu Village, said: Pakistan is stating in its programmes that Hindus and Sikhs are fighting and killing each other. But the reality is just opposite: all of us, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs are living together without any problem. We should save ourselves from falling in the trap of Pakistan.
Kuldeep, another villager, said In our village, Hindu and Sikh families live together and share one locality. Hindus are more in number than Sikhs. We all live together. We never care what religion we belong to. We are having cordial relations and we take part in our sorrows and happiness. (ANI)
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/radio-pakistan-targets-hindu-sikh-unity_100101576.html
September 29th, 2008 - 8:42 pm ICT by ANI -
Ferozepur (Punjab), Sep.29 (ANI): Radio Pakistan in its latest bulletin of Punjabi Darbar programme has tried to create divisions among Hindus and Sikhs and affect the fraternal relations shared by them in Punjab.
Through the propaganda based Punjabi Durbar programme, Radio Pakistan has stated that Sikhs are a separate community and they share no historical relation with Hinduism.
But the broadcasters forgot to recount that Hindu and Sikh communities have a shared history of bravery, mutual respect and cultural celebrations between them for centuries. Besides, Sikhism has strong historical ties to Hinduism. When members of the Hindu and Sikh communities in Ferozepur were asked about their reaction to what Pakistan Radio was propagating, the said Radio Pakistan cannot change our feelings and reality being lived by us together.
Jagjeet Singh, another villager, said: Our village is 180 years old. In this village Hindus Sikhs, are living together since that time. We actively participate in each others festivals and marriage ceremonies. Pakistan is trying to divide us for it own interests.
Hardeep Singh, a resident of Bhagu Village, said: Pakistan is stating in its programmes that Hindus and Sikhs are fighting and killing each other. But the reality is just opposite: all of us, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs are living together without any problem. We should save ourselves from falling in the trap of Pakistan.
Kuldeep, another villager, said In our village, Hindu and Sikh families live together and share one locality. Hindus are more in number than Sikhs. We all live together. We never care what religion we belong to. We are having cordial relations and we take part in our sorrows and happiness. (ANI)
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/radio-pakistan-targets-hindu-sikh-unity_100101576.html
Christian, Hindu leaders to meet in Kochi Monday
Christian, Hindu leaders to meet in Kochi Monday
Sep 28th, 2008 | By Sindh Today | Category: India
Kochi Sep 28 (IANS) Top bishops from both Catholic and non-Catholic churches in Kerala will sit across the table here Monday with Hindu leaders to discuss the present unrest in Kerala and Karnataka, where churches have come under attack.
‘The invitation for a discussion came from the Kerala Catholic Bishop Conference representatives here and we accepted it,’ Kummanam Rajasekharan, chairman of the Hindu Aikya Vedi told IANS.
‘Taking part from our side would be representatives of the Chinmaya Mission, Sivagiri Mutt, Mata Amritanandamayi, two other Sanyasi groups, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh,’ said Rajasekharan, a firebrand Hindu leader.
The discussion would begin at 3 p.m. at a hotel here.
‘We do not know why the Pentecostal church representatives have not been included. We were asked if we will be in a position to sit across the table to discuss and we accepted their invitation,’ said Rajasekharan.
Christians in Kerala account for around 23 percent of the 32 million population, of which Catholics alone account for more than 50 percent of the Christian population.
Sep 28th, 2008 | By Sindh Today | Category: India
Kochi Sep 28 (IANS) Top bishops from both Catholic and non-Catholic churches in Kerala will sit across the table here Monday with Hindu leaders to discuss the present unrest in Kerala and Karnataka, where churches have come under attack.
‘The invitation for a discussion came from the Kerala Catholic Bishop Conference representatives here and we accepted it,’ Kummanam Rajasekharan, chairman of the Hindu Aikya Vedi told IANS.
‘Taking part from our side would be representatives of the Chinmaya Mission, Sivagiri Mutt, Mata Amritanandamayi, two other Sanyasi groups, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh,’ said Rajasekharan, a firebrand Hindu leader.
The discussion would begin at 3 p.m. at a hotel here.
‘We do not know why the Pentecostal church representatives have not been included. We were asked if we will be in a position to sit across the table to discuss and we accepted their invitation,’ said Rajasekharan.
Christians in Kerala account for around 23 percent of the 32 million population, of which Catholics alone account for more than 50 percent of the Christian population.
ஒரிஸ்ஸா:ஏராளமான கிறிஸ்துவர்கள் தாய்மதம் திரும்பினர்
Saffron of reconversion rises in Kandhamal
After the anti-Christian violence, Hindu proselytisers ‘facilitating’ Sanskara - reconversion - have come to the interior pockets of Kandhamal district.
And as a signal to the outside world that they have embraced Hinduism, villagers are hoisting saffron flags atop their homes. It’s a shield to protect themselves from further attacks.
At least, this is the picture Hindustan Times found in the Menia panchayat area in Kandhamal district, where 38 persons were reconverted into Hinduism on Friday.
Bisraba Diggal of Masapadar village, who had reconverted into Hinduism, said, “Yesterday, I opted for Sanskara and stayed in my village. We took a pledge that from Friday, we became Hindus again. As part of Sanskara, I tonsured my head and observed other religious rituals.”
When asked whether it was due to the threats, Diggal replied, “It was a voluntary decision.” But a local leader said, “People like Diggal have no option but to reconvert. By embracing Hinduism, they want to buy peace.”
Reconversions, done by an organisation called the Viswa Hindu Prasar, are being done in a systematic manner. In Menia panchayat, the Hindustan Times team saw a register in which the names of all the 38 people who came back into Hinduism were written along with their fathers’ names, addresses and details about their families.
Abhiram Kanhar, who identified himself as the coordinator of the Kandhamal chapter of the Viswa Hindu Prasar, said, “People are voluntarily deciding to reconvert. We are only facilitating the process. They just have to give an application to our president, stating their intentions to come back to the Hindu fold. After that, we organise Sanskara.”
However, some are still waiting for things to cool down so that they can return to their homes without reconverting. K.C. Diggal and his son Ajay, a class VIII student, have decided not to reconvert. K.C. Diggal said, “They are telling us to reconvert. But we don’t want to give up our religion. That's why we are still here in the relief camp.”
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=1a43d964-c0d5-4052-a1e6-f5c077cfe0b0
After the anti-Christian violence, Hindu proselytisers ‘facilitating’ Sanskara - reconversion - have come to the interior pockets of Kandhamal district.
And as a signal to the outside world that they have embraced Hinduism, villagers are hoisting saffron flags atop their homes. It’s a shield to protect themselves from further attacks.
At least, this is the picture Hindustan Times found in the Menia panchayat area in Kandhamal district, where 38 persons were reconverted into Hinduism on Friday.
Bisraba Diggal of Masapadar village, who had reconverted into Hinduism, said, “Yesterday, I opted for Sanskara and stayed in my village. We took a pledge that from Friday, we became Hindus again. As part of Sanskara, I tonsured my head and observed other religious rituals.”
When asked whether it was due to the threats, Diggal replied, “It was a voluntary decision.” But a local leader said, “People like Diggal have no option but to reconvert. By embracing Hinduism, they want to buy peace.”
Reconversions, done by an organisation called the Viswa Hindu Prasar, are being done in a systematic manner. In Menia panchayat, the Hindustan Times team saw a register in which the names of all the 38 people who came back into Hinduism were written along with their fathers’ names, addresses and details about their families.
Abhiram Kanhar, who identified himself as the coordinator of the Kandhamal chapter of the Viswa Hindu Prasar, said, “People are voluntarily deciding to reconvert. We are only facilitating the process. They just have to give an application to our president, stating their intentions to come back to the Hindu fold. After that, we organise Sanskara.”
However, some are still waiting for things to cool down so that they can return to their homes without reconverting. K.C. Diggal and his son Ajay, a class VIII student, have decided not to reconvert. K.C. Diggal said, “They are telling us to reconvert. But we don’t want to give up our religion. That's why we are still here in the relief camp.”
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=1a43d964-c0d5-4052-a1e6-f5c077cfe0b0
Gujarat: 17 bombs found in Ahmedabad
Gujarat: 17 bombs found in Ahmedabad
Prompt action by the police department saved the city from another carnage. The concerned officials reported that further investigations are still going on. Indian Mujaheedin group is suspected behind this act..
CJ: Som , 5 hours ago Views:151 Comments:1
THE GUJARAT Police found 17 crude bombs near the Kalupur Darwaza area in Ahmedabad on Monday (September 29). Experts from the bomb disposal squad have already defused all of them, made from crude explosives.
Just a day before ’Navaratri’, among the most prominent festivals in Gujarat, this prompt action by the police department saved the city from another carnage. The concerned officials reported that further investigations are still going on.
It is suspected that the Indian Mujaheedin group might be behind this act. The bombs were found inside tobacco tins, wrapped in black polythene bag. The tobacco tins were reportedly left inside a dustbin.
On July 26, a series of 21 bomb blasts rocked Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 56 people. 200 others received severe injuries in those blasts. The Indian Mujaheedin group had claimed responsibility for that attack. Gujarat Police had arrested Mufti Abu Bashir, the suspected mastermind from Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh and nine others in connection with the blasts.
http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?title=Gujarat:%2017%20bombs%20found%20in%20Ahmedabad&articleID=143024
Prompt action by the police department saved the city from another carnage. The concerned officials reported that further investigations are still going on. Indian Mujaheedin group is suspected behind this act..
CJ: Som , 5 hours ago Views:151 Comments:1
THE GUJARAT Police found 17 crude bombs near the Kalupur Darwaza area in Ahmedabad on Monday (September 29). Experts from the bomb disposal squad have already defused all of them, made from crude explosives.
Just a day before ’Navaratri’, among the most prominent festivals in Gujarat, this prompt action by the police department saved the city from another carnage. The concerned officials reported that further investigations are still going on.
It is suspected that the Indian Mujaheedin group might be behind this act. The bombs were found inside tobacco tins, wrapped in black polythene bag. The tobacco tins were reportedly left inside a dustbin.
On July 26, a series of 21 bomb blasts rocked Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 56 people. 200 others received severe injuries in those blasts. The Indian Mujaheedin group had claimed responsibility for that attack. Gujarat Police had arrested Mufti Abu Bashir, the suspected mastermind from Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh and nine others in connection with the blasts.
http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?title=Gujarat:%2017%20bombs%20found%20in%20Ahmedabad&articleID=143024
ரம்ஜான் குண்டு வெடிப்புகள் தொடர்கின்றன - குஜராத்தில் மீண்டும் குண்டு வெடிப்பு
Low intensity blast in Modassa in Gujarat; Reports say 1 killed, 6 injured
Low intensity blast in Gujarat; one killed
29 Sep 2008, 2214 hrs IST,TIMESOFINDIA.COM
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NEW DELHI: A low intensity blast rocked Modassa in Gujarat on Monday night, killing one person and leaving six injured.
The blast has occurred ahead of the nine-day Navratari celebrations starting from Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, seventeen crude bombs were found near the Kalupur Darvaza of Ahmedabad. The bombs found were not sophisticated devices but crude explosives.
Barely two days ago, a low intensity bomb rocked Mehrauli in Delhi, killing two persons and leaving several injured.
The same comes two weeks after the coordinated bombings in the capital on September 13 that killed 24 people and injured over a 100.
On July 26, serial bombings in Ahmedabad killed 56 people. In the days following the bombings, 23 low-intensity bombs were recovered from Surat and defused.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Low_intensity_blast_in_Gujarat_one_killed/articleshow/3542011.cms
Low intensity blast in Gujarat; one killed
29 Sep 2008, 2214 hrs IST,TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Print EMail Discuss New Bookmark/Share
Save Write to Editor Font Size:
NEW DELHI: A low intensity blast rocked Modassa in Gujarat on Monday night, killing one person and leaving six injured.
The blast has occurred ahead of the nine-day Navratari celebrations starting from Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, seventeen crude bombs were found near the Kalupur Darvaza of Ahmedabad. The bombs found were not sophisticated devices but crude explosives.
Barely two days ago, a low intensity bomb rocked Mehrauli in Delhi, killing two persons and leaving several injured.
The same comes two weeks after the coordinated bombings in the capital on September 13 that killed 24 people and injured over a 100.
On July 26, serial bombings in Ahmedabad killed 56 people. In the days following the bombings, 23 low-intensity bombs were recovered from Surat and defused.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Low_intensity_blast_in_Gujarat_one_killed/articleshow/3542011.cms
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Christians, Hindus divided over Valmiki temple possession
Christians, Hindus divided over temple possession
* Temple Committee information secretary says temple built by community ancestors
* Subhar Sudha programme director says Hindus should control temple
By Ali Usman
LAHORE: The Balmiki Temple situated in Anarkali has become the focal point of a feud between converted Christians and Hindus, each claiming full rights to the temple, with Christian converts currently retaining control of the site.
The ancestors of the Balmiki Christians, who currently have possession of the temple, converted to Christianity from Hinduism about 30 years ago, but are still affiliated with the Swami Balmik, for whom the temple was built. They maintain that they have full rights to the temple despite being Christians, and will not give it up.
Conversely, the Hindu Sudhar Sabha, an association of Lahore’s Hindu population, has alleged that the Christians caretakers harass them and prevent them from worshipping in the temple. They claim that their actions have made the temple the site of a hub of activities that are against the respect of the temple. However, the Christians claim that they do not want any ‘occupier’ to intervene in the internal affairs of the temple.
A committee of Christians who look into its financial and other related affairs currently runs the Balmiki Temple independently. However, the shops outside the temple are rented out by the Auqaf Department. A few years, when the Baber Masjid in India was demolished in India, some protestors partially demolished the temple in retaliation. However, it was repaired afterwards.
Heritage: Imran Maqsood, introducing himself as the information secretary of the Temple Committee, told Daily Times that the temple was built by his community’s ancestors and they would not allow anyone to take possession of it. He claimed that the Hindu Sudhar Sabha had tried to occupy the temple and interfere in the temple’s affairs. He said that even though his community had converted to Christianity, their affiliation and goodwill towards Swami Balmiki was still unchanged. A worshipper at the temple, Baghat Lal Kokhar, who is Christian by faith, said that his community still worshipped at the temple and did not bar anyone from doing the same. However, he added, they would not tolerate any interference in the temple’s affairs.
Hindu Sudhar Sabha President Heera Lal told Daily Times that it was illogical to have a Hindu Temple run by Christians. He said that the temple was not the personal property of anyone and the converts had no right to retain it after changing their faith.
Convert: Hindu Sudhar Sabha Programme Director Amar Nath Randhwa said that the Balmiki Temple had no qualified pandit. He said that if the Christians who had possession of the temple wanted to keep it under their control, they should convert to Hinduism. He alleged that when Hindus tried to worship at the temple, the Christians there hooted at them and teased their women. He claimed that they had turned the temple into an adda. He said that the Sudhar Sabha had taken the issue to Minority Affairs Minister Kamran Michael, who had ordered an inquiry into the matter. He said that the inquiry should be expedited, adding that a Hindu delegation would also visit Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for a solution to the issue. He said that the government should seriously look into the matter to avoid any untoward incident.
Talking to Daily Times, the residents of the area said that the temple dispute should be solved with justice. They said that it should be ensured that no one’s religious feelings are hurt.
Baba Guru Balmik Swami was a Hindu scholar, saint and writer of Ramayana. He is supposed to have been the re-incarnation of Jagat Guru in Hinduism. He was born around 60,000 years before Sri Ram Chander (a Hindu god). Guru Wasdat was Ram’s Guru and Guru Bardawaj was Wasdat’s Guru and Swami was Bardawaj’s Guru. Hindus believe water was Swami’s father and Bhanwar was his mother.
* Temple Committee information secretary says temple built by community ancestors
* Subhar Sudha programme director says Hindus should control temple
By Ali Usman
LAHORE: The Balmiki Temple situated in Anarkali has become the focal point of a feud between converted Christians and Hindus, each claiming full rights to the temple, with Christian converts currently retaining control of the site.
The ancestors of the Balmiki Christians, who currently have possession of the temple, converted to Christianity from Hinduism about 30 years ago, but are still affiliated with the Swami Balmik, for whom the temple was built. They maintain that they have full rights to the temple despite being Christians, and will not give it up.
Conversely, the Hindu Sudhar Sabha, an association of Lahore’s Hindu population, has alleged that the Christians caretakers harass them and prevent them from worshipping in the temple. They claim that their actions have made the temple the site of a hub of activities that are against the respect of the temple. However, the Christians claim that they do not want any ‘occupier’ to intervene in the internal affairs of the temple.
A committee of Christians who look into its financial and other related affairs currently runs the Balmiki Temple independently. However, the shops outside the temple are rented out by the Auqaf Department. A few years, when the Baber Masjid in India was demolished in India, some protestors partially demolished the temple in retaliation. However, it was repaired afterwards.
Heritage: Imran Maqsood, introducing himself as the information secretary of the Temple Committee, told Daily Times that the temple was built by his community’s ancestors and they would not allow anyone to take possession of it. He claimed that the Hindu Sudhar Sabha had tried to occupy the temple and interfere in the temple’s affairs. He said that even though his community had converted to Christianity, their affiliation and goodwill towards Swami Balmiki was still unchanged. A worshipper at the temple, Baghat Lal Kokhar, who is Christian by faith, said that his community still worshipped at the temple and did not bar anyone from doing the same. However, he added, they would not tolerate any interference in the temple’s affairs.
Hindu Sudhar Sabha President Heera Lal told Daily Times that it was illogical to have a Hindu Temple run by Christians. He said that the temple was not the personal property of anyone and the converts had no right to retain it after changing their faith.
Convert: Hindu Sudhar Sabha Programme Director Amar Nath Randhwa said that the Balmiki Temple had no qualified pandit. He said that if the Christians who had possession of the temple wanted to keep it under their control, they should convert to Hinduism. He alleged that when Hindus tried to worship at the temple, the Christians there hooted at them and teased their women. He claimed that they had turned the temple into an adda. He said that the Sudhar Sabha had taken the issue to Minority Affairs Minister Kamran Michael, who had ordered an inquiry into the matter. He said that the inquiry should be expedited, adding that a Hindu delegation would also visit Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for a solution to the issue. He said that the government should seriously look into the matter to avoid any untoward incident.
Talking to Daily Times, the residents of the area said that the temple dispute should be solved with justice. They said that it should be ensured that no one’s religious feelings are hurt.
Baba Guru Balmik Swami was a Hindu scholar, saint and writer of Ramayana. He is supposed to have been the re-incarnation of Jagat Guru in Hinduism. He was born around 60,000 years before Sri Ram Chander (a Hindu god). Guru Wasdat was Ram’s Guru and Guru Bardawaj was Wasdat’s Guru and Swami was Bardawaj’s Guru. Hindus believe water was Swami’s father and Bhanwar was his mother.
Orissa : Tribal uprising against christian aggression
Indigenous identity confronting church
By Indresh Kumar
The total scenario of Chakapad and Kandhmal is that there is a struggle between the Janjatiya identity and the church. Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was serving the region for the last 40 years through various hostels, schools and technical training institutions. He became a symbol of protecting the identity of Scheduled Tribes there. People feel that Swamiji provided them protection at all fronts, which was intolerable for the church. That is why from time to time the church had been attacking Swamiji in one form or the other.
The crowd in the funeral procession of Swamiji was very huge. Thousands and thousands of people especially the youth and women were there. There were three-four questions in everybody’s mind. Soon after the attack on Swamiji, the local Superintendent of Police declared that it was an attack by Maoists. When he did not visit the spot how did he come to know that it was an attack by Maoists? Actually, it was an attack by the church goons. But the SP deliberately involved the name of Maoists to protect the church. Secondly, when the attackers, equipped with weapons, came, the policemen deployed at the ashram for the protection of Swamiji, did not check them. When they entered the ashram they found that the rooms were closed and they broke the doors and windows to enter the room of Swamiji. But there was no reaction by those policemen. Neither did they fire at them nor did they try to catch them. It means there is a plot. People claim that the policemen were also managed before killing Swamiji. It is a very big question. The people were very angry, particularly with the media, bureaucracy, police and the politicians. They ask, when Swamiji had been facing constant threats to his life why was no action taken by the administration?
It was a complete bandh in Orissa. No vehicle was on the road. The protestors even stopped the judges and the chief justice’s vehicles and they had to walk on foot to their offices. When they directed the police to make way for them, it surrendered saying they cannot fire at the people.
After the bhoosamadhi of Swamiji, there was a huge procession followed by a meeting in which people demanded four things. One, there must be an earliest arrest of the culprits and they should be dealt with an iron hand. Second, all the temples, ashrams, sannyasis and their activities should be granted protection because they are serving the local people in education, food, livelihood etc. Third, the church activities should be enquired in Orissa like the Neogi Commission did in Madhya Pradesh. This is a fact that in the guise of sewa, shiksha and sahayata the church is invovled in conversion and murdering, looting and threatening the local people. There must be a thorough enquiry into their activities in every state by any bench, board or committee. Four, anti-conversion law should be enacted in every state and the Centre should enforce that strictly. When any state moves forward for banning the conversion nobody except Christians make a hue and cry. People feel even Muslims do not oppose it. If the church is moving on right path why is it worried? Opposition to the anti-conversion bill makes it automatically clear that the church is involved in illegal activities.
The call by the church to close the schools on August 29 and bringing the students to the streets is illegal. The children, who go there for education, will be debarred from education. Their mind should be open for all the religions. But by this act their mind will be polluted. It is anti-constitutional and a criminal offence on the part of the church to involve the children in such activities. We wish to advise the parents of those children also that they should clearly tell the school authorities to stop it otherwise they should withdraw their wards from the church-run schools. The government should also take a stern action against this call of the church.
There is a question for Rome also since it is not open for all religions including the Protestants. It is the most fundamentalist and communal city in the world. How can we hope on the part of the Vatican or the Pope to deliver any good for the world? When they do not respect other religions how can they be symbol of brotherhood and peace? It is time the Pope changed his attitude and the church realised that it should respect all the ways of worships.
People in Orissa are on the streets today. They feel that they have been made orphan by the church. Swami Laxmanananda was the real protector of them who thought about their education, food, clothes and their identity. Now by pressurising the Prime Minister and the President the Vatican and the church want to conceal their illegal deeds. People have concrete evidence proving the church hand in this incident and ignoring those evidences would make the situation worse there, they feel.
(The writer is senior RSS Pracharak and Member of RSS National Executive. He visited Kandhamal district after the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati)
By Indresh Kumar
The total scenario of Chakapad and Kandhmal is that there is a struggle between the Janjatiya identity and the church. Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was serving the region for the last 40 years through various hostels, schools and technical training institutions. He became a symbol of protecting the identity of Scheduled Tribes there. People feel that Swamiji provided them protection at all fronts, which was intolerable for the church. That is why from time to time the church had been attacking Swamiji in one form or the other.
The crowd in the funeral procession of Swamiji was very huge. Thousands and thousands of people especially the youth and women were there. There were three-four questions in everybody’s mind. Soon after the attack on Swamiji, the local Superintendent of Police declared that it was an attack by Maoists. When he did not visit the spot how did he come to know that it was an attack by Maoists? Actually, it was an attack by the church goons. But the SP deliberately involved the name of Maoists to protect the church. Secondly, when the attackers, equipped with weapons, came, the policemen deployed at the ashram for the protection of Swamiji, did not check them. When they entered the ashram they found that the rooms were closed and they broke the doors and windows to enter the room of Swamiji. But there was no reaction by those policemen. Neither did they fire at them nor did they try to catch them. It means there is a plot. People claim that the policemen were also managed before killing Swamiji. It is a very big question. The people were very angry, particularly with the media, bureaucracy, police and the politicians. They ask, when Swamiji had been facing constant threats to his life why was no action taken by the administration?
It was a complete bandh in Orissa. No vehicle was on the road. The protestors even stopped the judges and the chief justice’s vehicles and they had to walk on foot to their offices. When they directed the police to make way for them, it surrendered saying they cannot fire at the people.
After the bhoosamadhi of Swamiji, there was a huge procession followed by a meeting in which people demanded four things. One, there must be an earliest arrest of the culprits and they should be dealt with an iron hand. Second, all the temples, ashrams, sannyasis and their activities should be granted protection because they are serving the local people in education, food, livelihood etc. Third, the church activities should be enquired in Orissa like the Neogi Commission did in Madhya Pradesh. This is a fact that in the guise of sewa, shiksha and sahayata the church is invovled in conversion and murdering, looting and threatening the local people. There must be a thorough enquiry into their activities in every state by any bench, board or committee. Four, anti-conversion law should be enacted in every state and the Centre should enforce that strictly. When any state moves forward for banning the conversion nobody except Christians make a hue and cry. People feel even Muslims do not oppose it. If the church is moving on right path why is it worried? Opposition to the anti-conversion bill makes it automatically clear that the church is involved in illegal activities.
The call by the church to close the schools on August 29 and bringing the students to the streets is illegal. The children, who go there for education, will be debarred from education. Their mind should be open for all the religions. But by this act their mind will be polluted. It is anti-constitutional and a criminal offence on the part of the church to involve the children in such activities. We wish to advise the parents of those children also that they should clearly tell the school authorities to stop it otherwise they should withdraw their wards from the church-run schools. The government should also take a stern action against this call of the church.
There is a question for Rome also since it is not open for all religions including the Protestants. It is the most fundamentalist and communal city in the world. How can we hope on the part of the Vatican or the Pope to deliver any good for the world? When they do not respect other religions how can they be symbol of brotherhood and peace? It is time the Pope changed his attitude and the church realised that it should respect all the ways of worships.
People in Orissa are on the streets today. They feel that they have been made orphan by the church. Swami Laxmanananda was the real protector of them who thought about their education, food, clothes and their identity. Now by pressurising the Prime Minister and the President the Vatican and the church want to conceal their illegal deeds. People have concrete evidence proving the church hand in this incident and ignoring those evidences would make the situation worse there, they feel.
(The writer is senior RSS Pracharak and Member of RSS National Executive. He visited Kandhamal district after the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati)
Christian menace: End scourge of conversions - The Pioneer
Christian menace: End scourge of conversions
There are half-a-dozen versions of the recent communal clashes in Orissa. First, take the dictates of Pope John Paul II. While visiting India, he talked to all the Evangelic Missionaries to harvest the souls of Asia. He said that in the first millennium, we converted Europe. In the second millennium, we converted Africa and the Americas and now it is Asia's turn.
In Asia, there is no space of conversion from Islam to Christianity. As far as China is concerned, its Government did not allow the Pope to visit the country, which he had planned along with his visit to India. Conversion by missionaries were vigorously stepped up after the Pope left India. In many parts of the country tonnes of money is being spent to lure and convert poor tribals to Christianity.
Of late, there has been a spurt in Evangelist activities. Under the Chief Ministership of Y Rajyashekhar Reddy, Evangelists are so emboldened that they have increased conversions and building of churches. Oscar Fernandes, AK Antony, Margaret Alva and many more are among her chosen ones. Only Antony has the credentials for the top position occupied by him.
Conversions-related violence has been on the increase in many States, including Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. One can recall the unfortunate incident of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons. Some mischief-makers or someone enraged by fraudulent conversions may have done it. Graham Staines was, like many other missionaries, engaged in following the dictum of the Pope for harvesting souls of the Indians. Media, without a confirmation, blamed burning of the Staines family on the Sangh Parivar. Screaming headlines followed for months in the entire Christian world. Students of all Christian schools in India marched on the streets raising slogans against the Sangh Parivar and Bajrang Dal. But, in his report, Justice Wadhwa castigated the newspapers and channels for baseless media trials. To cap it all, not only Christian leaders but also the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Christian countries decried the attacks on Staines.
The chorus of blaming Sangh Parivar has become a habit of the secular brigade and anti-Sangh forces. Take the incident of the Jhabua nun rape case. Tonnes of newsprint and miles of footage blamed the RSS. Ultimately, it was found that the rape had nothing to do with the RSS. But the media punished the Sangh Parivar.
Same was the case of Dangs in Gujarat. Christians who destroyed a Hanuman Temple started the entire thing. In retaliation, worshippers of the temple torched a hut that had a cross and was being used as a Church. Not one person was injured but as propaganda was huge, it led people to believe that dozens had been killed.
The recent trouble in Orissa started with the killing of 84-year-old venerated swami Laxmananand, a sadhvi and three other persons. Laxmnanand was a Vedanta scholar. He stood by the Kandha tribe which refused to be converted under pressure of Evangelists as against Panas who succumbed to the allurement. Swamiji was against conversions and sided with the Kandhas. His lectures were attended by a large number of Kandhas. Laxmananad appeared to be a road block to the Evangelists and was, therefore, killed by armed Christians. All the 11 persons arrested are Christians. In the news chorus of the media, the killing of Laxmananad was eclipsed.
Even in Gujarat riots, Godhra's planned burning of the train compartment carrying kar sewaks was eclipsed and the Gujarat riots overshadowed everything. Fact remains that had Godhra not happened, the Gujarat riots would not have happened either. Here also, had Laxmananand not being killed, the Kandhas and Panas would not have fought.
Conversion is the root cause of social unrest in many parts of India. In Kandhmal itself, the Christian population was just two per cent in 1961. In 1971, the Christian population increased to six per cent and in 2001 it reached 27 per cent. This is the result of harvesting Hindus for Christianity. The secularists tried to put the blame of the killing of of swami on Naxalites but they denied it flatly. It was the ninth attempt on Laxmananand's life by Christian zealots. The swami had filed an FIR on an earlier attack. The 'secular' brigade does not want a debate on conversions. Evangelists are causing more and more social tension. It is evident from the records but who listens to it. The power of media propaganda with 'secular' brigade is enormous.
There are half-a-dozen versions of the recent communal clashes in Orissa. First, take the dictates of Pope John Paul II. While visiting India, he talked to all the Evangelic Missionaries to harvest the souls of Asia. He said that in the first millennium, we converted Europe. In the second millennium, we converted Africa and the Americas and now it is Asia's turn.
In Asia, there is no space of conversion from Islam to Christianity. As far as China is concerned, its Government did not allow the Pope to visit the country, which he had planned along with his visit to India. Conversion by missionaries were vigorously stepped up after the Pope left India. In many parts of the country tonnes of money is being spent to lure and convert poor tribals to Christianity.
Of late, there has been a spurt in Evangelist activities. Under the Chief Ministership of Y Rajyashekhar Reddy, Evangelists are so emboldened that they have increased conversions and building of churches. Oscar Fernandes, AK Antony, Margaret Alva and many more are among her chosen ones. Only Antony has the credentials for the top position occupied by him.
Conversions-related violence has been on the increase in many States, including Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. One can recall the unfortunate incident of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons. Some mischief-makers or someone enraged by fraudulent conversions may have done it. Graham Staines was, like many other missionaries, engaged in following the dictum of the Pope for harvesting souls of the Indians. Media, without a confirmation, blamed burning of the Staines family on the Sangh Parivar. Screaming headlines followed for months in the entire Christian world. Students of all Christian schools in India marched on the streets raising slogans against the Sangh Parivar and Bajrang Dal. But, in his report, Justice Wadhwa castigated the newspapers and channels for baseless media trials. To cap it all, not only Christian leaders but also the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Christian countries decried the attacks on Staines.
The chorus of blaming Sangh Parivar has become a habit of the secular brigade and anti-Sangh forces. Take the incident of the Jhabua nun rape case. Tonnes of newsprint and miles of footage blamed the RSS. Ultimately, it was found that the rape had nothing to do with the RSS. But the media punished the Sangh Parivar.
Same was the case of Dangs in Gujarat. Christians who destroyed a Hanuman Temple started the entire thing. In retaliation, worshippers of the temple torched a hut that had a cross and was being used as a Church. Not one person was injured but as propaganda was huge, it led people to believe that dozens had been killed.
The recent trouble in Orissa started with the killing of 84-year-old venerated swami Laxmananand, a sadhvi and three other persons. Laxmnanand was a Vedanta scholar. He stood by the Kandha tribe which refused to be converted under pressure of Evangelists as against Panas who succumbed to the allurement. Swamiji was against conversions and sided with the Kandhas. His lectures were attended by a large number of Kandhas. Laxmananad appeared to be a road block to the Evangelists and was, therefore, killed by armed Christians. All the 11 persons arrested are Christians. In the news chorus of the media, the killing of Laxmananad was eclipsed.
Even in Gujarat riots, Godhra's planned burning of the train compartment carrying kar sewaks was eclipsed and the Gujarat riots overshadowed everything. Fact remains that had Godhra not happened, the Gujarat riots would not have happened either. Here also, had Laxmananand not being killed, the Kandhas and Panas would not have fought.
Conversion is the root cause of social unrest in many parts of India. In Kandhmal itself, the Christian population was just two per cent in 1961. In 1971, the Christian population increased to six per cent and in 2001 it reached 27 per cent. This is the result of harvesting Hindus for Christianity. The secularists tried to put the blame of the killing of of swami on Naxalites but they denied it flatly. It was the ninth attempt on Laxmananand's life by Christian zealots. The swami had filed an FIR on an earlier attack. The 'secular' brigade does not want a debate on conversions. Evangelists are causing more and more social tension. It is evident from the records but who listens to it. The power of media propaganda with 'secular' brigade is enormous.
Friday, September 19, 2008
இலங்கையை சேர்ந்தவர் காஷ்மீரில் கைது
ஜம்மு, செப். 18: இலங்கையைச் சேர்ந்தவர் காஷ்மீர் மாநிலம் ஜம்முவில் கைது செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்.
இவரது பெயர் ஹசன் நவாஸ். இலங்கைத் தலைநகர் கொழும்பைச் சேர்ந்தவர். சட்ட விரோதமாக இந்தியாவுக்கு வந்திருப்பது விசாரணையில் தெரியவந்தது.
4 மாதங்களுக்கு முன் திருட்டுத்தனமாக இந்தியாவுக்கு வந்த அவர், மும்பை, தில்லி, மங்களூர், இமாசலப்பிரதேசம், பஞ்சாப் ஆகிய இடங்களில் சுற்றிவிட்டு கடந்த 5 நாள்களாக ஜம்முவில் தங்கியிருப்பதாக விசாரணையில் கூறினார்.
ஜம்முவில் உள்ள இன்டர்நெட் மையத்தில் தீவிரவாதிகளின் இணைய தளத்தைப் பார்த்துக் கொண்டிருந்தபோது அவரைப் போலீஸôர் கைது செய்தனர்.
அவரது நடவடிக்கைகளில் சந்தேகம் கொண்ட இன்டர்நெட் மைய உரிமையாளர் இது குறித்து போலீஸôருக்கு தகவல் கொடுத்தார். போலீஸôர் விரைந்து வந்து அவரைப் பிடித்து விசாரித்தனர்.
அவர் பயங்கரவாதச் செயல்களில் ஈடுபட திட்டமிட்டிருக்கலாம் என்று போலீஸôர் சந்தேகம் தெரிவித்தனர்.
தினமணி
இவரது பெயர் ஹசன் நவாஸ். இலங்கைத் தலைநகர் கொழும்பைச் சேர்ந்தவர். சட்ட விரோதமாக இந்தியாவுக்கு வந்திருப்பது விசாரணையில் தெரியவந்தது.
4 மாதங்களுக்கு முன் திருட்டுத்தனமாக இந்தியாவுக்கு வந்த அவர், மும்பை, தில்லி, மங்களூர், இமாசலப்பிரதேசம், பஞ்சாப் ஆகிய இடங்களில் சுற்றிவிட்டு கடந்த 5 நாள்களாக ஜம்முவில் தங்கியிருப்பதாக விசாரணையில் கூறினார்.
ஜம்முவில் உள்ள இன்டர்நெட் மையத்தில் தீவிரவாதிகளின் இணைய தளத்தைப் பார்த்துக் கொண்டிருந்தபோது அவரைப் போலீஸôர் கைது செய்தனர்.
அவரது நடவடிக்கைகளில் சந்தேகம் கொண்ட இன்டர்நெட் மைய உரிமையாளர் இது குறித்து போலீஸôருக்கு தகவல் கொடுத்தார். போலீஸôர் விரைந்து வந்து அவரைப் பிடித்து விசாரித்தனர்.
அவர் பயங்கரவாதச் செயல்களில் ஈடுபட திட்டமிட்டிருக்கலாம் என்று போலீஸôர் சந்தேகம் தெரிவித்தனர்.
தினமணி
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Detroit : Hindu faithful re-create godly marriage in push to build temple
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080915/LIFESTYLE04/809150358/1006/rss01
Hindu faithful re-create godly marriage in push to build temple
Tanveer Ali / The Detroit News
DEARBORN -- Every day in a prominent temple in southern India, the marriage of the major Hindu god Venkateswara is re-enacted as it has been for centuries.
Sunday morning at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, the ceremony was celebrated for the first time in Michigan, in the first of many epic events Metro area Hindus hope to present as they planto build a temple devoted to the god.
"When you go to Thirupati (Temple in India), the minute you see the god, you can sense a mystical power," said Lakshmi Addala of Troy, a regular at the Sterling Heights temple.
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About 2,000 people watched Sunday's ceremony, as 20 men carried the representative of Venkateswara on their shoulders as he prepared to be married to Padmavathi and Lakshmi, the goddesses of patience and wealth, respectively.
The three-hour ceremony, the basis of Hindu weddings, was marked by drumbeats and sounds from the oboe-like nadaswaram. Recitations from four visiting priests permeated the room before the deities' hands were joined in marriage; then they made their seven steps around a sacred fire.
While there are many Hindu temples in Michigan, the Sri Balaji Temple of Great Lakes is the only one focused on the Destroyer of Sin.
Devotees hope to build a replica of the Indian temple and move out of their rented room in Sterling Heights that barely holds 50 people.
"We are trying to build a temple here. Here we want to do these events without compromise," said Srinivasan Ventkatesan of Southfield.
Sridhar Venkatachari of West Bloomfield, who attends Sri Balaji and organized the event, said the ritual has required downsizing at the temple, which was established in 2003. There is no timeline for a new temple, Venkatachari said, but the community wants to find a five-acre site as soon as possible.
"The reason for doing a divine marriage is because god will bless everyone," Venkatachari said. "The marriage is for world welfare."
Hindu faithful re-create godly marriage in push to build temple
Tanveer Ali / The Detroit News
DEARBORN -- Every day in a prominent temple in southern India, the marriage of the major Hindu god Venkateswara is re-enacted as it has been for centuries.
Sunday morning at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, the ceremony was celebrated for the first time in Michigan, in the first of many epic events Metro area Hindus hope to present as they planto build a temple devoted to the god.
"When you go to Thirupati (Temple in India), the minute you see the god, you can sense a mystical power," said Lakshmi Addala of Troy, a regular at the Sterling Heights temple.
Advertisement
About 2,000 people watched Sunday's ceremony, as 20 men carried the representative of Venkateswara on their shoulders as he prepared to be married to Padmavathi and Lakshmi, the goddesses of patience and wealth, respectively.
The three-hour ceremony, the basis of Hindu weddings, was marked by drumbeats and sounds from the oboe-like nadaswaram. Recitations from four visiting priests permeated the room before the deities' hands were joined in marriage; then they made their seven steps around a sacred fire.
While there are many Hindu temples in Michigan, the Sri Balaji Temple of Great Lakes is the only one focused on the Destroyer of Sin.
Devotees hope to build a replica of the Indian temple and move out of their rented room in Sterling Heights that barely holds 50 people.
"We are trying to build a temple here. Here we want to do these events without compromise," said Srinivasan Ventkatesan of Southfield.
Sridhar Venkatachari of West Bloomfield, who attends Sri Balaji and organized the event, said the ritual has required downsizing at the temple, which was established in 2003. There is no timeline for a new temple, Venkatachari said, but the community wants to find a five-acre site as soon as possible.
"The reason for doing a divine marriage is because god will bless everyone," Venkatachari said. "The marriage is for world welfare."
England: Hindu ceremony on Mersey’s waters
Hindu ceremony on Mersey’s waters
Sep 15 2008 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post
Hindu ceremony on Mersey’s waters
THE River Mersey became the “Ganges of the North” on Sunday, when 1,100 Hindu pilgrims performed a waterborne ceremony.
They boarded the Mersey ferry Royal Daffodil for Ganesh Visagen, a Ceremony of Immersion performed on a symbol of the Elephant God, Lord Ganesh.
According to Dr Shiv Pande, secretary of the Indo British Association in the North, the Mersey has been adopted by British Hindus as their own Holy River Ganges.
The Indo British Association helped organise yesterday’s ceremony. The organisation aims to promote better understanding between British and Indian people.
The pilgrims lowered a one- foot clay statue of Lord Ganesh into the Mersey. That was followed by ornate flower arrangements made mostly out of marigolds, which are considered “auspicious” in India, Dr Pande said.
Devotees were taken from Seacombe Ferry Terminal into the middle of the river in four loads, dancing to Bhangra drum music and singing devotional songs. Dr Pande, 68, a retired GP who practised in Edge Hill, said: “Those people who were regular ferry-crossers were enjoying everything. It was wonderful that everyone was in a happy and generous mood.
“The flowers are immersed in the river. They represent dedication, devotion and submission to the Lord.”
Ganesh is one of the most revered idols in India, and one of the most popular because it crosses all religious divides and sects.
He is described as the most colourful of the Gods, being the symbol of prosperity and the remover of obstacles.
Yesterday’s ceremony was one of hundreds taking place in India and the rest of the world.
Dr Pande said 1,000 of this year’s pilgrims came from outside of Liverpool.
benschofield@dailypost.co.uk
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/capital-of-culture/2008/09/15/hindu-ceremony-on-mersey-s-waters-64375-21817966/
Sep 15 2008 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post
Hindu ceremony on Mersey’s waters
THE River Mersey became the “Ganges of the North” on Sunday, when 1,100 Hindu pilgrims performed a waterborne ceremony.
They boarded the Mersey ferry Royal Daffodil for Ganesh Visagen, a Ceremony of Immersion performed on a symbol of the Elephant God, Lord Ganesh.
According to Dr Shiv Pande, secretary of the Indo British Association in the North, the Mersey has been adopted by British Hindus as their own Holy River Ganges.
The Indo British Association helped organise yesterday’s ceremony. The organisation aims to promote better understanding between British and Indian people.
The pilgrims lowered a one- foot clay statue of Lord Ganesh into the Mersey. That was followed by ornate flower arrangements made mostly out of marigolds, which are considered “auspicious” in India, Dr Pande said.
Devotees were taken from Seacombe Ferry Terminal into the middle of the river in four loads, dancing to Bhangra drum music and singing devotional songs. Dr Pande, 68, a retired GP who practised in Edge Hill, said: “Those people who were regular ferry-crossers were enjoying everything. It was wonderful that everyone was in a happy and generous mood.
“The flowers are immersed in the river. They represent dedication, devotion and submission to the Lord.”
Ganesh is one of the most revered idols in India, and one of the most popular because it crosses all religious divides and sects.
He is described as the most colourful of the Gods, being the symbol of prosperity and the remover of obstacles.
Yesterday’s ceremony was one of hundreds taking place in India and the rest of the world.
Dr Pande said 1,000 of this year’s pilgrims came from outside of Liverpool.
benschofield@dailypost.co.uk
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/capital-of-culture/2008/09/15/hindu-ceremony-on-mersey-s-waters-64375-21817966/
North Carolina : Hindu temple site dedicated
Hindu temple site dedicated
Beliefs differ by region in IndiaHinduism's traditions vary widely from one region to another. The third-largest of world religions, it lacks a common founder or set of teachings. Instead, it is a loose collection of traditions based on a set of religious texts and some central beliefs.
Hindus worship multiple deities, for instance, but most Hindus say these are manifestations of one supreme God. Hindus believe the soul does not die, but is reborn as a human being or an animal, with a person's acts in life dictating whether they become a higher-level or lower-level being.
The Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina practices Vaishnavism, a form of Hinduism devoted to the god Vishnu. Its adherents believe that the ultimate goal of religious practice is to attain bliss,
HINDU AMERICAN FOUNDATION, RELIGIOUSTOLERANCE.ORG
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By Marti Maguire, Staff Writer
Comment on this story
CARY - In a wide plywood hut tucked behind a ring of tall pine trees off Chapel Hill Road, men wrapped waist-down in yellow cloth fed fruit and nuts into one of five fires.
Melted butter flowed through a pole carved in snake form and onto the flames, as Sanskrit chants boomed through a loudspeaker and rings of barefoot onlookers watched and prayed.
The scene Sunday at Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina was part of an elaborate religious event to spiritually prepare a site where the growing Hindu congregation is building its new temple.
Such growth among Hindus has been common in the Triangle as transplants from India flock to a region thick with high-tech jobs. More than 45,000 Indians called North Carolina home in 2006, according to census estimates, up from 26,000 in 2000. Most of them are Hindus, and many are concentrated in the Triangle.
The Cary temple will be the second large Hindu gathering place in the Triangle, but the first to practice a style of worship common in southern parts of India. The Hindu Society of North Carolina is in Morrisville.
"Because India is such a large and disparate place, a variety of different traditions have evolved there," said Ram Nagulpally, a temple leader who helped build a new temple at his last home in California. "The south is more ritualistic."
Sunday was the last of a four-day set of rituals, organizers said. Many of the 21 priests who conducted various rituals were drawn from different states; all had been trained in India. Mango leaves were shipped from Florida. The wide hut, called a yagasala, was built the week before -- just for this event.
Small metal statues of various gods were bathed in honey, milk and water, then adorned in flowers and held on high platforms in several processions.
All told, more than 5,000 attended the weekend event, said Bhaskar Venepalli, chairman of the temple trustees.
Rohini Muthusubra-Manian of Morrisville was among a group of brightly dressed women who prevailed upon Venepalli to let them carry one of the platforms. Up until then, only the men had.
She said she had seen a celebration of this size only in India.
"It's really awesome to have this here," Muthusubra-Manian said of the event. "It's like a piece of India at home."
Karthikeyan Panchanathan drove from Charlotte to see a celebration on a scale far beyond that of his small temple. He said a similar event in India would be the same, though perhaps even larger.
"It's a rare opportunity to come and see something like this," Panchathan said.
One shed allowed visitors to view granite statues that will be placed in the new temple, all brought from India at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars. The temple itself is a $2.5 million project with an ornate 50-foot tower.
That's a far cry from 10 years ago, when a handful of transplants from the southern region of India decided to worship together. Until that time, there was no place in the Triangle where their particular brand of worship, known for its elaborate and detailed rituals, was practiced.
Now, more than 4,000 people worship in a tiny building on Chapel Hill Road. Behind it, the shell of the massive new temple is rising. Once the basic construction is complete, a team of artisans from India will fashion an intricate facade -- another piece of India making its home in Cary.
http://www.newsobserver.com/100/story/1219111.html
Beliefs differ by region in IndiaHinduism's traditions vary widely from one region to another. The third-largest of world religions, it lacks a common founder or set of teachings. Instead, it is a loose collection of traditions based on a set of religious texts and some central beliefs.
Hindus worship multiple deities, for instance, but most Hindus say these are manifestations of one supreme God. Hindus believe the soul does not die, but is reborn as a human being or an animal, with a person's acts in life dictating whether they become a higher-level or lower-level being.
The Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina practices Vaishnavism, a form of Hinduism devoted to the god Vishnu. Its adherents believe that the ultimate goal of religious practice is to attain bliss,
HINDU AMERICAN FOUNDATION, RELIGIOUSTOLERANCE.ORG
More HomeFed rescues giant insurer AIG
Suddenly, economy is the only issue
Enrollment soars at 2-year schools
Parties look for a handle on ethics
Raleigh eases up on water restrictions
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Most PopularStories E-mailed Last 24 Hours
McClatchy reduces dividend, details job cuts
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By Marti Maguire, Staff Writer
Comment on this story
CARY - In a wide plywood hut tucked behind a ring of tall pine trees off Chapel Hill Road, men wrapped waist-down in yellow cloth fed fruit and nuts into one of five fires.
Melted butter flowed through a pole carved in snake form and onto the flames, as Sanskrit chants boomed through a loudspeaker and rings of barefoot onlookers watched and prayed.
The scene Sunday at Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina was part of an elaborate religious event to spiritually prepare a site where the growing Hindu congregation is building its new temple.
Such growth among Hindus has been common in the Triangle as transplants from India flock to a region thick with high-tech jobs. More than 45,000 Indians called North Carolina home in 2006, according to census estimates, up from 26,000 in 2000. Most of them are Hindus, and many are concentrated in the Triangle.
The Cary temple will be the second large Hindu gathering place in the Triangle, but the first to practice a style of worship common in southern parts of India. The Hindu Society of North Carolina is in Morrisville.
"Because India is such a large and disparate place, a variety of different traditions have evolved there," said Ram Nagulpally, a temple leader who helped build a new temple at his last home in California. "The south is more ritualistic."
Sunday was the last of a four-day set of rituals, organizers said. Many of the 21 priests who conducted various rituals were drawn from different states; all had been trained in India. Mango leaves were shipped from Florida. The wide hut, called a yagasala, was built the week before -- just for this event.
Small metal statues of various gods were bathed in honey, milk and water, then adorned in flowers and held on high platforms in several processions.
All told, more than 5,000 attended the weekend event, said Bhaskar Venepalli, chairman of the temple trustees.
Rohini Muthusubra-Manian of Morrisville was among a group of brightly dressed women who prevailed upon Venepalli to let them carry one of the platforms. Up until then, only the men had.
She said she had seen a celebration of this size only in India.
"It's really awesome to have this here," Muthusubra-Manian said of the event. "It's like a piece of India at home."
Karthikeyan Panchanathan drove from Charlotte to see a celebration on a scale far beyond that of his small temple. He said a similar event in India would be the same, though perhaps even larger.
"It's a rare opportunity to come and see something like this," Panchathan said.
One shed allowed visitors to view granite statues that will be placed in the new temple, all brought from India at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars. The temple itself is a $2.5 million project with an ornate 50-foot tower.
That's a far cry from 10 years ago, when a handful of transplants from the southern region of India decided to worship together. Until that time, there was no place in the Triangle where their particular brand of worship, known for its elaborate and detailed rituals, was practiced.
Now, more than 4,000 people worship in a tiny building on Chapel Hill Road. Behind it, the shell of the massive new temple is rising. Once the basic construction is complete, a team of artisans from India will fashion an intricate facade -- another piece of India making its home in Cary.
http://www.newsobserver.com/100/story/1219111.html
மகாராஷ்டிரா: முஸ்லீம்கள் கொண்டாடும் கணபதி
Lalbaugcha Raja breaks religious barriers
15 Sep 2008, 0508 hrs IST, Ranjani Rajendra,TNN
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MUMBAI: Excited cries of Ala re ala, Raja Ala rent the air outside Byculla railway station on Sunday as Hindu and Muslim residents of the area came out in hordes to bid farewell to Lalbaugcha Raja.
The unique coming together of the two communities is no surprise. Residents of the area cut across religious barriers for this annual ritual of greeting the Raja as he makes his way to Girguam Chowpatty for visarjan.
Sunday evening saw the residents of Mohammed Baksh building emerge in all their strength with a mammoth flower garland as their offering to the Raja. The display of communal harmony doesn't end here. The group also distributed sweets to passers-by outside the Hindustani Masjid in Byculla.
"Very rarely do you find a Hindu going to a dargah. But here each year, Muslim residents pay respects in their own unique way to a Hindu God,'' said Chandrakant Patankar, a resident of the area, who comes every year for a final darshan of the Ganpati as he makes his way through the streets of Byculla.
Many residents waited patiently to catch a glimpse of their favourite deity from 3 pm, though the procession finally arrived at 8 in the evening. The Muslim residents , too, patiently took up positions on the streets and rooftops. Wahid Yousuf Shah, 24, a resident of the Mohammed Baksh building, said: "I have been coming down to greet Lalbaugcha Raja every time for the past 15 years now. We distribute sweets and offer a garland to Ganpati and it feels great. It proves that Hindus and Muslims can co-exist in harmony. I don't think we are any different from each other.''
Wahid is not the only one who has such sentiments. Ajaz Ahmed, who runs a sweet store in the area, said, "We should respect all religions alike.''
Ahmed watches the procession every year with his family and believes everybody has their own unique way of celebrating festivals.
People from as far as Ambernath came to Byculla to bid adieu to Lalbaugcha Raja. Vishnu Devi Singh, a resident of Ambernath, said she didn't mind the long commute for a glimpse of the Raja since it was not possible for her to visit the pandal at Lalbaug itself.
"We make it a point to see Lalbaugcha Raja at least once every year. One glance of him is all we need. It brings a sense of peace,'' said Shradha Sawant, a graphic designer who had come from Prabhadevi . Sawant seemed unperturbed by the fact that Mumbai had received terror threats and Super Sunday could well be a likely time for such attacks. "We came for a darshan of our favourite god. So why worry? He'll take care of everything,'' she said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Lalbaugcha_Raja_breaks_religious_barriers_/articleshow/3483699.cms
15 Sep 2008, 0508 hrs IST, Ranjani Rajendra,TNN
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MUMBAI: Excited cries of Ala re ala, Raja Ala rent the air outside Byculla railway station on Sunday as Hindu and Muslim residents of the area came out in hordes to bid farewell to Lalbaugcha Raja.
The unique coming together of the two communities is no surprise. Residents of the area cut across religious barriers for this annual ritual of greeting the Raja as he makes his way to Girguam Chowpatty for visarjan.
Sunday evening saw the residents of Mohammed Baksh building emerge in all their strength with a mammoth flower garland as their offering to the Raja. The display of communal harmony doesn't end here. The group also distributed sweets to passers-by outside the Hindustani Masjid in Byculla.
"Very rarely do you find a Hindu going to a dargah. But here each year, Muslim residents pay respects in their own unique way to a Hindu God,'' said Chandrakant Patankar, a resident of the area, who comes every year for a final darshan of the Ganpati as he makes his way through the streets of Byculla.
Many residents waited patiently to catch a glimpse of their favourite deity from 3 pm, though the procession finally arrived at 8 in the evening. The Muslim residents , too, patiently took up positions on the streets and rooftops. Wahid Yousuf Shah, 24, a resident of the Mohammed Baksh building, said: "I have been coming down to greet Lalbaugcha Raja every time for the past 15 years now. We distribute sweets and offer a garland to Ganpati and it feels great. It proves that Hindus and Muslims can co-exist in harmony. I don't think we are any different from each other.''
Wahid is not the only one who has such sentiments. Ajaz Ahmed, who runs a sweet store in the area, said, "We should respect all religions alike.''
Ahmed watches the procession every year with his family and believes everybody has their own unique way of celebrating festivals.
People from as far as Ambernath came to Byculla to bid adieu to Lalbaugcha Raja. Vishnu Devi Singh, a resident of Ambernath, said she didn't mind the long commute for a glimpse of the Raja since it was not possible for her to visit the pandal at Lalbaug itself.
"We make it a point to see Lalbaugcha Raja at least once every year. One glance of him is all we need. It brings a sense of peace,'' said Shradha Sawant, a graphic designer who had come from Prabhadevi . Sawant seemed unperturbed by the fact that Mumbai had received terror threats and Super Sunday could well be a likely time for such attacks. "We came for a darshan of our favourite god. So why worry? He'll take care of everything,'' she said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Lalbaugcha_Raja_breaks_religious_barriers_/articleshow/3483699.cms
Lessons from Gita, yoga in UK's first Hindu school
Lessons from Gita, yoga in UK's first Hindu school
15 Sep, 2008, 1931 hrs IST, PTI
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Cosmic Uplink: Your spiritual corner
LONDON: Passages from Bhagvad Gita, yoga and teaching harmonium, 'mridanga' and tabla are some of the highlights of the curriculum of Britain's first state-funded Hindu school that opened here today.
Welcoming its first batch of 23 pupils, Naina Parmar, head-teacher of the Krishna Avanti Primary School, said: "We have happy pupils in the Reception class who will be taught the basics of Hindu culture and values."
"This is a huge step forward for Britain's 1.5 million Hindus," said Parmar
The first class in the Harrow-based school was taught by local teacher Sandra Clark.
Also Read
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→ Prince Harry is Britain's 'coolest young Royal'
→ Dark Indian tales from Africa
→ Indian homes among dirtiest
The school promises to merge the best of British education with Hindu religious and cultural values, Parmar said, and added that most of the pupils were from the borough of Harrow, which has the highest Hindu concentration in the UK.
Similar schools for other faiths have been functioning in Britain, but this is the first time that a Hindu school funded by the British government has been set up.
The government had approved the school in November 2005. The school project, implemented by the Hindu charity organisation I-Foundation, will cost 10 million pounds.
Parmar said: "We aim to create an effective, calm and happy learning environment where the vision and mission statements are 'lived' by combining the wisdom of Vedic teachings and exemplary professional practice".
Beginning with its first batch of 23 pupils, it hopes to gradually increase its intake every year. By 2014, it aims to provide places for 236 pupils.
The school's official faith advisor is ISKCON UK, which provides advice on integrating aspects of Hindu faith in the government approved school curriculum.
15 Sep, 2008, 1931 hrs IST, PTI
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Save Write to Editor
Cosmic Uplink: Your spiritual corner
LONDON: Passages from Bhagvad Gita, yoga and teaching harmonium, 'mridanga' and tabla are some of the highlights of the curriculum of Britain's first state-funded Hindu school that opened here today.
Welcoming its first batch of 23 pupils, Naina Parmar, head-teacher of the Krishna Avanti Primary School, said: "We have happy pupils in the Reception class who will be taught the basics of Hindu culture and values."
"This is a huge step forward for Britain's 1.5 million Hindus," said Parmar
The first class in the Harrow-based school was taught by local teacher Sandra Clark.
Also Read
→ Mahatma Gandhi, a clever auctioneer?
→ Prince Harry is Britain's 'coolest young Royal'
→ Dark Indian tales from Africa
→ Indian homes among dirtiest
The school promises to merge the best of British education with Hindu religious and cultural values, Parmar said, and added that most of the pupils were from the borough of Harrow, which has the highest Hindu concentration in the UK.
Similar schools for other faiths have been functioning in Britain, but this is the first time that a Hindu school funded by the British government has been set up.
The government had approved the school in November 2005. The school project, implemented by the Hindu charity organisation I-Foundation, will cost 10 million pounds.
Parmar said: "We aim to create an effective, calm and happy learning environment where the vision and mission statements are 'lived' by combining the wisdom of Vedic teachings and exemplary professional practice".
Beginning with its first batch of 23 pupils, it hopes to gradually increase its intake every year. By 2014, it aims to provide places for 236 pupils.
The school's official faith advisor is ISKCON UK, which provides advice on integrating aspects of Hindu faith in the government approved school curriculum.
கர்னாடகா :: தலித்ஹிந்து குடியிருப்பை முஸ்லீம்கள் தாக்கியதில் வீடுகள் சேதம், ஒருவர் உயிரிழப்பு
Muslim mob attacks Hindu settlement in Karnataka: VHP
Submitted by editor on Mon, 09/15/2008 - 21:19
Terrorism Correspondent
In Kanhalli, a village about 20 kms from the Haveri district place in North Karnataka, a mob of about 1000 Muslims attacked a small settlement of unsuspecting Hindus on 12th September, in the night. Actually some people are claiming that this was result of some earlier sports dispute. But the truth seems to be otherwise. It seemed to be a premeditated attack as just before the attack started, the electrical lines were cut.
Incidentally, all the homes that were purposely targeted by the Muslim mob belonged to the Hindus belonging to the Scheduled Castes. Over 100 homes were completely destroyed. One Hindu aged around 60 years, has unfortunately died in the attack by the looting and rampaging Muslim mob. Over 10 Hindus are now admitted in the hospital with serious injuries.
VHP karyakartas have reached the spot forthwith. Already the police have arrested over 130 Muslims. Many of them have been charged with murder charges as well as have been booked under the Atrocities Act. A temple was destroyed and a lot of looting has taken place during the attack. Many bulls as well as cows have been stolen as well as killed during the attack. A curfew has been imposed in the area. Already VHP team has offered a helping hand to the Hindus who have fallen victim to the sudden and unprovoked attack.
Submitted by editor on Mon, 09/15/2008 - 21:19
Terrorism Correspondent
In Kanhalli, a village about 20 kms from the Haveri district place in North Karnataka, a mob of about 1000 Muslims attacked a small settlement of unsuspecting Hindus on 12th September, in the night. Actually some people are claiming that this was result of some earlier sports dispute. But the truth seems to be otherwise. It seemed to be a premeditated attack as just before the attack started, the electrical lines were cut.
Incidentally, all the homes that were purposely targeted by the Muslim mob belonged to the Hindus belonging to the Scheduled Castes. Over 100 homes were completely destroyed. One Hindu aged around 60 years, has unfortunately died in the attack by the looting and rampaging Muslim mob. Over 10 Hindus are now admitted in the hospital with serious injuries.
VHP karyakartas have reached the spot forthwith. Already the police have arrested over 130 Muslims. Many of them have been charged with murder charges as well as have been booked under the Atrocities Act. A temple was destroyed and a lot of looting has taken place during the attack. Many bulls as well as cows have been stolen as well as killed during the attack. A curfew has been imposed in the area. Already VHP team has offered a helping hand to the Hindus who have fallen victim to the sudden and unprovoked attack.
Pakistan : Hindu community demands arrest of culprits
Hindu community demands arrest of culprits
By Saino Lal
DAHARKI: A protest demonstration was recorded by the Hindu community people on Sunday outside the Press Club Daharki for the arrest of thieves, who had stolen valuables six days ago from the house of a nephew of Gaadi Nasheen Dargah Raharki Sahib, Sain Sada Ram.
Addressing on the occasion, the speakers including, Sain Sada Ram, Mukhi Chela Ram, Dawarka Das, Nangu Ram, Ajeet Kumar and others said that few unidentified armed men stole valuables and cash of many lacs rupees from the house of nephew of Sain Sada Ram but despite passage of six days police has not taken any action to arrest the thieves, whereas a case of the incident has also been lodged at Daharki Police Station.
On the occasion, the protestors demanded of the concerned authorities to take stern action to arrest the involved thieves, otherwise they threatened to gear-up their protest level.
Prolonged
power outages irk masses
During a survey conducted by The Regional Times it was learnt that Daharki and its adjoining areas witnessed several hours load shedding on Sunday.
The leaders of different political parties including, Dr. Zafar Ali Bhutto, Chairman of Sindh National Front, Kamal Bhutto (STPP), Shankar Lal (Sindh Small Traders) and leaders of Young Minority while talking to newsmen, said that the prolonged power outages have made lives of people miserable, whereas the traders are also facing many hardships due to low business activities.
On the occasion, they demanded of the HESCO officials to take immediate measures in the matter, otherwise they threatened to start a protest movement against HESCO officials.
By Saino Lal
DAHARKI: A protest demonstration was recorded by the Hindu community people on Sunday outside the Press Club Daharki for the arrest of thieves, who had stolen valuables six days ago from the house of a nephew of Gaadi Nasheen Dargah Raharki Sahib, Sain Sada Ram.
Addressing on the occasion, the speakers including, Sain Sada Ram, Mukhi Chela Ram, Dawarka Das, Nangu Ram, Ajeet Kumar and others said that few unidentified armed men stole valuables and cash of many lacs rupees from the house of nephew of Sain Sada Ram but despite passage of six days police has not taken any action to arrest the thieves, whereas a case of the incident has also been lodged at Daharki Police Station.
On the occasion, the protestors demanded of the concerned authorities to take stern action to arrest the involved thieves, otherwise they threatened to gear-up their protest level.
Prolonged
power outages irk masses
During a survey conducted by The Regional Times it was learnt that Daharki and its adjoining areas witnessed several hours load shedding on Sunday.
The leaders of different political parties including, Dr. Zafar Ali Bhutto, Chairman of Sindh National Front, Kamal Bhutto (STPP), Shankar Lal (Sindh Small Traders) and leaders of Young Minority while talking to newsmen, said that the prolonged power outages have made lives of people miserable, whereas the traders are also facing many hardships due to low business activities.
On the occasion, they demanded of the HESCO officials to take immediate measures in the matter, otherwise they threatened to start a protest movement against HESCO officials.
பழனியில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி சார்பில் விநாயகர் சிலை ஊர்வலம் முஸ்லிம்கள் வரவேற்பு
பழனியில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி சார்பில் விநாயகர் சிலை ஊர்வலம் முஸ்லிம்கள் வரவேற்பு
பழனி, செப்.7-
பழனியில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி சார்பில் விநாயகர் சிலைகள் ஊர்வலம் நடைபெற்றது. சால்வை அணிவித்து முஸ்லிம்கள் வரவேற்பு கொடுத்தனர்.
விநாயகர் சிலை ஊர்வலம்
திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டம் பழ னியில் ஆண்டு தோறும்இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி, இந்து முன்னணி, சிவசேனா,பாரதீய ஜன சக்தி சார்பில் விநாயகர் சிலைஊர் வலம் நடைபெறுகிறது. இதில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி மற்றும் சிவ சேனா ஊர்வலங்களுக்குசின்ன பள்ளி வாசல் அருகே பழனி டவுன் முஸ்லிம் தர்ம பரிபாலன சங்கம் சார்பில் முஸ்லிம்கள் வரவேற்பு கொடுப்பது வழக் கம். இதனால் மத நல்லிணக் கத்துக்கு எடுத்துக்காட்டாக விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி ஊர்வலங் கள் அமைகின்றன.
இந்த ஆண்டு பழனி டவுன் முஸ்லிம் தர்ம பரிபாலன சங் கம் சார்பில் வரவேற்பு கொடுப் பதற்கு தமிழ்நாடு முஸ்லிம் முன்னேற்ற கழகம் எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்து இருந்தது.
முஸ்லிம்கள் வரவேற்பு
இந்நிலையில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி சார்பில் பழனியில் நேற்று விநாயகர் சிலை ஊர்வலம் நடைபெற்றது. இதையொட்டி பழனி நகர் மற்றும் சுற்றுப்புற பகுதிகளில் பிரதிஷ்டை செய் யப்பட்ட 20 விநாயகர் சிலை கள் பழனி முருகன் கோவில் வடக்கு கிரி வீதிக்கு எடுத்து வரப்பட்டன. பாத விநாயகர் கோவில் அருகே நடைபெற்ற நிகழ்ச்சியில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி மாநில தலைவர் அர் ஜுன் சம்பத் ஊர்வலத்தை தொடங்கி வைத்தார்.
ஊர்வலத்திற்கு வரவேற்பு கொடுப்பதற்கு தமிழ்நாடு முஸ்லிம் முன்னேற்ற கழகத் தினர் எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்து இருந்ததால் சின்ன பள்ளி வாசல் அருகே வரவேற்பு கொடுக்காமல் திருஆவினன் குடி கோவில் அருகே நேற்று பழனி டவுன் முஸ்லிம் தர்ம பரிபாலன சங்கத்தினர் வர வேற்பு கொடுத்தனர்.
சங்க செயலாளர்எம்.சாகுல் அமீது, நிர்வாக குழு உறுப்பினர் கள் சி.சாகுல்அமீது, கபூர்அலி, நிர்வாக ஆலோசகர் சையது அபுதாகிர், தலைவர்முஸ்தபா, துணைத்தலைவர் நாகூர் உசேன் ஆகியோர் திண்டுக் கல் மேற்கு மாவட்ட இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி அமைப்பாளர் சிவக்குமார் மற்றும் நிர்வாகி களுக்கு சால்வை அணிவித்து வரவேற்பு கொடுத்தனர்.பதிலுக்கு இந்து மக்கள் கட்சியினர் முஸ்லிம் சங்க நிர்வாகிகளுக்கு சால்வை அணிவித்தனர். இவ்வாறு மத நல்லிணக்கத்துக்கு எடுத்துக் காட்டாக ஊர்வலம் அமைந்து இருந்தது.
சிலைகள் சன்னதி ரோடு, அடிவாரம் பூங்கா ரோடு, திண்டுக்கல் ரோடு, காந்தி ரோடு, தெற்கு ரத வீதி, மேற்கு ரத வீதி வழியாக எடுத்து வரப்பட்டு தேரடி தெப்பக்குளத்தில் கரைக்கப்பட்டன. ஊர்வலத் தில் தப்பு, மேளம் ஆகிய இசைக் கருவிகளின் வாசிப்புக்கு ஏற்ப இளைஞர்கள் ஆடிப்பாடிச் சென்றனர். பாரத் மாதா கி ஜே போன்ற கோஷங்களை எழுப்பினர்.
பலத்த பாதுகாப்பு
ஊர்வலத்தில் இந்து மக் கள் கட்சி மாநில பொதுச் செயலாளர் அண்ணாத்துரை, திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்ட தலைவர் தர்ம ராஜா, ஒன்றிய தலைவர் செல்வன், செயலாளர் ஸ்ரீராம் பிரபு, மாவட்ட செயலாளர் கோபிநாத் மற்றும் பலர்கலந்து கொண்டனர்.
ஊர்வலத்தையொட்டி திண் டுக்கல் மாவட்ட கூடுதல் சூப் பிரண்டு சிவானந்தம், பழனி துணை போலீஸ் சூப்பிரண்டு தங்கவேல் ஆகியோர் தலை மையில் போலீஸ் பாதுகாப்பு போடப்பட்டு இருந்தது. சிவில் சப்ளை தாசில்தார் சங்கரன், வருவாய் ஆய்வாளர் கண்ணன், கிராம நிர்வாக அலுவலர் பழனிச்சாமி மற்றும்
பழனி, செப்.7-
பழனியில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி சார்பில் விநாயகர் சிலைகள் ஊர்வலம் நடைபெற்றது. சால்வை அணிவித்து முஸ்லிம்கள் வரவேற்பு கொடுத்தனர்.
விநாயகர் சிலை ஊர்வலம்
திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டம் பழ னியில் ஆண்டு தோறும்இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி, இந்து முன்னணி, சிவசேனா,பாரதீய ஜன சக்தி சார்பில் விநாயகர் சிலைஊர் வலம் நடைபெறுகிறது. இதில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி மற்றும் சிவ சேனா ஊர்வலங்களுக்குசின்ன பள்ளி வாசல் அருகே பழனி டவுன் முஸ்லிம் தர்ம பரிபாலன சங்கம் சார்பில் முஸ்லிம்கள் வரவேற்பு கொடுப்பது வழக் கம். இதனால் மத நல்லிணக் கத்துக்கு எடுத்துக்காட்டாக விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி ஊர்வலங் கள் அமைகின்றன.
இந்த ஆண்டு பழனி டவுன் முஸ்லிம் தர்ம பரிபாலன சங் கம் சார்பில் வரவேற்பு கொடுப் பதற்கு தமிழ்நாடு முஸ்லிம் முன்னேற்ற கழகம் எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்து இருந்தது.
முஸ்லிம்கள் வரவேற்பு
இந்நிலையில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி சார்பில் பழனியில் நேற்று விநாயகர் சிலை ஊர்வலம் நடைபெற்றது. இதையொட்டி பழனி நகர் மற்றும் சுற்றுப்புற பகுதிகளில் பிரதிஷ்டை செய் யப்பட்ட 20 விநாயகர் சிலை கள் பழனி முருகன் கோவில் வடக்கு கிரி வீதிக்கு எடுத்து வரப்பட்டன. பாத விநாயகர் கோவில் அருகே நடைபெற்ற நிகழ்ச்சியில் இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி மாநில தலைவர் அர் ஜுன் சம்பத் ஊர்வலத்தை தொடங்கி வைத்தார்.
ஊர்வலத்திற்கு வரவேற்பு கொடுப்பதற்கு தமிழ்நாடு முஸ்லிம் முன்னேற்ற கழகத் தினர் எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்து இருந்ததால் சின்ன பள்ளி வாசல் அருகே வரவேற்பு கொடுக்காமல் திருஆவினன் குடி கோவில் அருகே நேற்று பழனி டவுன் முஸ்லிம் தர்ம பரிபாலன சங்கத்தினர் வர வேற்பு கொடுத்தனர்.
சங்க செயலாளர்எம்.சாகுல் அமீது, நிர்வாக குழு உறுப்பினர் கள் சி.சாகுல்அமீது, கபூர்அலி, நிர்வாக ஆலோசகர் சையது அபுதாகிர், தலைவர்முஸ்தபா, துணைத்தலைவர் நாகூர் உசேன் ஆகியோர் திண்டுக் கல் மேற்கு மாவட்ட இந்து மக்கள் கட்சி அமைப்பாளர் சிவக்குமார் மற்றும் நிர்வாகி களுக்கு சால்வை அணிவித்து வரவேற்பு கொடுத்தனர்.பதிலுக்கு இந்து மக்கள் கட்சியினர் முஸ்லிம் சங்க நிர்வாகிகளுக்கு சால்வை அணிவித்தனர். இவ்வாறு மத நல்லிணக்கத்துக்கு எடுத்துக் காட்டாக ஊர்வலம் அமைந்து இருந்தது.
சிலைகள் சன்னதி ரோடு, அடிவாரம் பூங்கா ரோடு, திண்டுக்கல் ரோடு, காந்தி ரோடு, தெற்கு ரத வீதி, மேற்கு ரத வீதி வழியாக எடுத்து வரப்பட்டு தேரடி தெப்பக்குளத்தில் கரைக்கப்பட்டன. ஊர்வலத் தில் தப்பு, மேளம் ஆகிய இசைக் கருவிகளின் வாசிப்புக்கு ஏற்ப இளைஞர்கள் ஆடிப்பாடிச் சென்றனர். பாரத் மாதா கி ஜே போன்ற கோஷங்களை எழுப்பினர்.
பலத்த பாதுகாப்பு
ஊர்வலத்தில் இந்து மக் கள் கட்சி மாநில பொதுச் செயலாளர் அண்ணாத்துரை, திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்ட தலைவர் தர்ம ராஜா, ஒன்றிய தலைவர் செல்வன், செயலாளர் ஸ்ரீராம் பிரபு, மாவட்ட செயலாளர் கோபிநாத் மற்றும் பலர்கலந்து கொண்டனர்.
ஊர்வலத்தையொட்டி திண் டுக்கல் மாவட்ட கூடுதல் சூப் பிரண்டு சிவானந்தம், பழனி துணை போலீஸ் சூப்பிரண்டு தங்கவேல் ஆகியோர் தலை மையில் போலீஸ் பாதுகாப்பு போடப்பட்டு இருந்தது. சிவில் சப்ளை தாசில்தார் சங்கரன், வருவாய் ஆய்வாளர் கண்ணன், கிராம நிர்வாக அலுவலர் பழனிச்சாமி மற்றும்
Hindus are tortured in Kandhamal after the murder of Swami Laxmanananda
Hindus are tortured in Kandhamal after the murder of Swami Laxmanananda — Jual Oram
“Hindus in Kandhamal are being tortured by the administration in many ways. They are targeted not to live in peace at their homes. Their families were issued threats by the administration and other communities. Hindus have no roof for shelter and no food to feed their family. Their houses are burnt by the criminals. They are not allowed to earn their bread and butter. Curfew is still imposed there. Police are guarding only the Christian villages. Christians are given special treatment in the shelter houses built by the District Adminstration. This is another instance of minority appeasement and a humiliation for the Hindu community where less than two per cent Christians reside and are involved in several illegal activities. The whole world is crying for the minority community but no one is concerned how hapless the Hindus are at their own land. The Vanvasi people are severely affected and targeted by the missionaries.”
This eyewitness account was given by a high-level delegation of BJP led by Sri Jual Oram, MP and national vice president, which visited Kandhamal district on September 4 to assess the situation after assassination of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
When Chief Minister, Governor and State Revenue Minister visited the area after the murder of Swamiji, the people gave their memorandum to them saying that the land grabbing by the missionaries, false Vanvasi caste certificates are the major causes for the ongoing violence. The missionaries also intentionally highlighted this incident out of proportion to get more aids. The delegation was of the opinion that if the concerns of Hindu society were not properly addressed and if the administration continued to help a particular community, then more grave situation may develop in future.
The delegation included Sri Jual Oram, MP, Sri Ananta Nayak, MP, Sri Mohan Majhi, Deputy Chief Whip, Sri Gourahari Nayak, MLA, Smt. Pramila Giri, MLA, Sri Nayan Kishore Mohanty, state general secretary, Smt. Bijaylaxmi Mishra, state president of Mahila Morcha, Smt. Simantini Jena, state seneral secretary, Mahila Morcha, Sri Arun Panda and Sri Gyanadev Beura.
The visit of the delegation began from Bhubaneswar with prior information to the Home Secretary, DGP, SP and Collector of Kandhamal. It first reached Phulbani and discussed the matter with the Collector and SP in the chamber of District Collector. During discussion with the Collector and SP it was revealed that there was a lathicharge at Tikabali during the visit of Revenue Minister and out of which a tense situation was created. Hence it was necessitated to re-clamp the curfew at four places i.e. Phulbani town, Tikabali, K. Nuagaon and Baliguda. In the meantime some BJP workers and general public approached the delegation and explained that there was the severe lathicharge and eight people were hospitalised at Phulbani district hospital. The victims included Kunia Bhukta (serious injured), Simpa Kanhar, Bastigia (serious injured), Gaham Nayak, Purunagarh (serious injured), Ranjani Kanhar, G. Dirgisahi, Urmila Pradhan, Sarita Kanhar, Purnima Bhukta, Gopinath Behuria.
The District Administration citing tense in the area advised the delegation not to visit the area and return back to Bhubaneswar. But, in spite of it the delegation proceeded to the hospital first and saw the injured persons. It shocked to see the old, aged and innocent people. The team also collected information about the persons arrested. It observed that it was a rampant arrest of the innocent people without any fault of them or without any evidence of their crime. Only selectively the workers of VHP, Bajrang Dal and BJP, who were engaged in maintaining peace, were arrested by the District Administration.
The team then proceeded to Chakapad but it was restrained to proceed to Tikabali police station. The District Administration did not allow the team following instruction from higher authorities. “We sat on dharna inside the premises of Tikabali PS. It was night and as lady delegates were also with us, we thought it is better to take rest in Phulbani and continue the tour next day”, Shri Oram said.
The team observed that a particular community was given relief and the police was not giving protection to rest of the society. The public was scared, facing difficulties; particularly the daily labourers without their fault were hungry.
There is no progress in the investigation of Swamiji’s assassination. The dishonest persons from a particular community are taking opportunity out of the announcement of the relief fund assistance by Central and State Governments.
“Hindus in Kandhamal are being tortured by the administration in many ways. They are targeted not to live in peace at their homes. Their families were issued threats by the administration and other communities. Hindus have no roof for shelter and no food to feed their family. Their houses are burnt by the criminals. They are not allowed to earn their bread and butter. Curfew is still imposed there. Police are guarding only the Christian villages. Christians are given special treatment in the shelter houses built by the District Adminstration. This is another instance of minority appeasement and a humiliation for the Hindu community where less than two per cent Christians reside and are involved in several illegal activities. The whole world is crying for the minority community but no one is concerned how hapless the Hindus are at their own land. The Vanvasi people are severely affected and targeted by the missionaries.”
This eyewitness account was given by a high-level delegation of BJP led by Sri Jual Oram, MP and national vice president, which visited Kandhamal district on September 4 to assess the situation after assassination of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
When Chief Minister, Governor and State Revenue Minister visited the area after the murder of Swamiji, the people gave their memorandum to them saying that the land grabbing by the missionaries, false Vanvasi caste certificates are the major causes for the ongoing violence. The missionaries also intentionally highlighted this incident out of proportion to get more aids. The delegation was of the opinion that if the concerns of Hindu society were not properly addressed and if the administration continued to help a particular community, then more grave situation may develop in future.
The delegation included Sri Jual Oram, MP, Sri Ananta Nayak, MP, Sri Mohan Majhi, Deputy Chief Whip, Sri Gourahari Nayak, MLA, Smt. Pramila Giri, MLA, Sri Nayan Kishore Mohanty, state general secretary, Smt. Bijaylaxmi Mishra, state president of Mahila Morcha, Smt. Simantini Jena, state seneral secretary, Mahila Morcha, Sri Arun Panda and Sri Gyanadev Beura.
The visit of the delegation began from Bhubaneswar with prior information to the Home Secretary, DGP, SP and Collector of Kandhamal. It first reached Phulbani and discussed the matter with the Collector and SP in the chamber of District Collector. During discussion with the Collector and SP it was revealed that there was a lathicharge at Tikabali during the visit of Revenue Minister and out of which a tense situation was created. Hence it was necessitated to re-clamp the curfew at four places i.e. Phulbani town, Tikabali, K. Nuagaon and Baliguda. In the meantime some BJP workers and general public approached the delegation and explained that there was the severe lathicharge and eight people were hospitalised at Phulbani district hospital. The victims included Kunia Bhukta (serious injured), Simpa Kanhar, Bastigia (serious injured), Gaham Nayak, Purunagarh (serious injured), Ranjani Kanhar, G. Dirgisahi, Urmila Pradhan, Sarita Kanhar, Purnima Bhukta, Gopinath Behuria.
The District Administration citing tense in the area advised the delegation not to visit the area and return back to Bhubaneswar. But, in spite of it the delegation proceeded to the hospital first and saw the injured persons. It shocked to see the old, aged and innocent people. The team also collected information about the persons arrested. It observed that it was a rampant arrest of the innocent people without any fault of them or without any evidence of their crime. Only selectively the workers of VHP, Bajrang Dal and BJP, who were engaged in maintaining peace, were arrested by the District Administration.
The team then proceeded to Chakapad but it was restrained to proceed to Tikabali police station. The District Administration did not allow the team following instruction from higher authorities. “We sat on dharna inside the premises of Tikabali PS. It was night and as lady delegates were also with us, we thought it is better to take rest in Phulbani and continue the tour next day”, Shri Oram said.
The team observed that a particular community was given relief and the police was not giving protection to rest of the society. The public was scared, facing difficulties; particularly the daily labourers without their fault were hungry.
There is no progress in the investigation of Swamiji’s assassination. The dishonest persons from a particular community are taking opportunity out of the announcement of the relief fund assistance by Central and State Governments.
Newzealand: Hindu centre under attack
Hindu centre under attack
By WILLIAM MACE - Manukau Courier | Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Email a Friend | Printable View | Have Your Say
BEN CAMPBELL/Manukau Courier
SOLUTION NEEDED: Hindu Heritage Centre trustee Pravin Patel and manager Amita Karandikar are asking for help to stop incidents of wilful damage and vandalism at their Mangere premises.
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Members of the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mangere are fed up with repeated vandalism and what they feel is a lack of police concern about it.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4696048a6497.html
The Gadsby Rd centre has been under weekly attack from neighbourhood vandals who break windows, spray graffiti and enter the property unlawfully.
Hindu Social Services Foundation manager Amita Karandikar has reported three instances of wilful damage to police since late June which have been recorded and investigated.
She says the police who attended the last callout indicated they would not return for similar calls because the centre is insured.
But Mangere community constable Nico Ng Wun says the Manukau Courier’s inquiries are the first he’s heard of any problems at the centre.
He has visited in the past and says he’s more than willing to help.
"It saddens me that they’re saying the police are not willing to do anything about it because we’re quite willing to help," says Mr Ng Wun.
Centre trustee Pravin Patel says he welcomes any support from police, the council or community organisations.
But he says initial contact with the police has been discouraging.
The trust which runs the centre must foot the increasing repair bill from vandalism because of a high insurance excess, he says.
Already thousands of dollars of damage has been done to the property and a lack of security means it is likely to continue unless a solution is found.
Mr Patel suspects the perpetrators are teenagers with nothing better to do. They don’t appear to want to steal anything, he says, but "they just see glass and want to break it".
However the live-in security guard says an Xbox console, a bike and a torch have been stolen from his residence.
Mr Patel says the voluntary nature of the organisations on the site means they don’t always have someone fulltime at the centre and can’t afford full security.
He is appealing for the vandalism to stop although he understands it might be a symptom of bigger problems in the community.
He says speaking to young people and offering help to parents in the area could be positive steps forward.
"We are not to blame the children who do these things," says the father of two.
"We need to address the crime itself and educate these kids to say: ‘Hey, that is not on’.
"I’m sure these kids are in a very tormented situation and we need to address that."
Mr Ng Wun says he will be trying to identify those who committed the crimes and would welcome cooperation with the Hindu centre.
He says Mangere residents should report any problems to their local community constables.
"Mangere is our area, it’s our priority and we like people to know that we can be approached to resolve these issues."
By WILLIAM MACE - Manukau Courier | Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Email a Friend | Printable View | Have Your Say
BEN CAMPBELL/Manukau Courier
SOLUTION NEEDED: Hindu Heritage Centre trustee Pravin Patel and manager Amita Karandikar are asking for help to stop incidents of wilful damage and vandalism at their Mangere premises.
Related Links
Subscribe to Archivestuff
Have your say
Members of the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mangere are fed up with repeated vandalism and what they feel is a lack of police concern about it.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4696048a6497.html
The Gadsby Rd centre has been under weekly attack from neighbourhood vandals who break windows, spray graffiti and enter the property unlawfully.
Hindu Social Services Foundation manager Amita Karandikar has reported three instances of wilful damage to police since late June which have been recorded and investigated.
She says the police who attended the last callout indicated they would not return for similar calls because the centre is insured.
But Mangere community constable Nico Ng Wun says the Manukau Courier’s inquiries are the first he’s heard of any problems at the centre.
He has visited in the past and says he’s more than willing to help.
"It saddens me that they’re saying the police are not willing to do anything about it because we’re quite willing to help," says Mr Ng Wun.
Centre trustee Pravin Patel says he welcomes any support from police, the council or community organisations.
But he says initial contact with the police has been discouraging.
The trust which runs the centre must foot the increasing repair bill from vandalism because of a high insurance excess, he says.
Already thousands of dollars of damage has been done to the property and a lack of security means it is likely to continue unless a solution is found.
Mr Patel suspects the perpetrators are teenagers with nothing better to do. They don’t appear to want to steal anything, he says, but "they just see glass and want to break it".
However the live-in security guard says an Xbox console, a bike and a torch have been stolen from his residence.
Mr Patel says the voluntary nature of the organisations on the site means they don’t always have someone fulltime at the centre and can’t afford full security.
He is appealing for the vandalism to stop although he understands it might be a symptom of bigger problems in the community.
He says speaking to young people and offering help to parents in the area could be positive steps forward.
"We are not to blame the children who do these things," says the father of two.
"We need to address the crime itself and educate these kids to say: ‘Hey, that is not on’.
"I’m sure these kids are in a very tormented situation and we need to address that."
Mr Ng Wun says he will be trying to identify those who committed the crimes and would welcome cooperation with the Hindu centre.
He says Mangere residents should report any problems to their local community constables.
"Mangere is our area, it’s our priority and we like people to know that we can be approached to resolve these issues."
Hindu Temple of New Hampshire
Nashua temple fills northern N.E. void
By MARK CONNORS
The Hindu Temple of New Hampshire occupies just 600 square feet in a small industrial condominium adjacent to the Funworld Arcade Center and the La Hacienda del Rio Mexican restaurant on a busy commercial stretch of highway in Nashua. It’s doesn’t look like much, but for a few area Hindu families the newly opened temple represents a big step toward fulfilling even larger dreams.
“It was so important for us to have something local in this area where we could continue to practice our religion in this country,” said Karthi Chandra, a Merrimack, N.H., resident who helped found the temple. “And this is just the beginning.”
Chandra and four other Nashua-area Hindus had long talked about the need for a Hindu temple in the Greater Nashua area. The effort intensified in January when about two dozen area families committed to donating $100 a week to help fund a new temple and the organization officially filed as a nonprofit group with New Hampshire’s secretary of state.
“Even though it’s in a very basic form, it’s still a place where people from the area can go to worship,” Chandra said. “And it’s actually a very quiet and restful space. It fits our needs, there’s ample parking, it’s within our budget and it’s a nice, very quiet space. The ambiance is lovely.”
When the Saraswati Mandiram Hindu temple in Epping, N.H., then the only Hindu temple in all of Northern New England, shut down early this year after being evicted from its facilities, it provided an even greater incentive to bring a temple to Nashua, Chandra said. “Even though it was about an hour away, well, it was one less place for us to go, so that did play a part in it,” she said. “But we thought it was important for us to have a temple here [in Nashua] where the Indian population is based.”
Nashua boasts the largest Indian population in New Hampshire and is part of a large geographical area stretching from Concord, N.H., to Lowell, Mass., that, while home to a large Indian population, lacks a major Hindu temple. Previously, many New Hampshire-based Hindus traveled over an hour by car to Ashland, Mass., just to visit a temple.
The temple has hired a priest, Lakshmana Shastry, and is open every day of the week. The organization’s ultimate goal is to buy property and build a “proper temple” in the region, hopefully within the next year, Chandra said.
And while the current temple is modest and opened only about two months ago, Chandra said the facility already has attracted a loyal following, despite virtually no advertising efforts.
“People are talking about it at the Indian grocery stores,” said Chandra. “Right now it’s pretty much all word of mouth.
“But I’m so impressed by how many people come [to the temple],” she added. “The response from the community has been wonderful.”
The temple is strategically located near Exit 1 off the Everett Turnpike, close to both Massachusetts border communities and cities to the north in New Hampshire, Chandra said. The facility can accommodate between 25 to 30 people at one time. Unlike Christians, Hindus do not celebrate Mass or attend services at a specific time. Instead Hindus visit the temple to pray at a time of their own convenience.
And while opening the temple involved some risk, Chandra said she had little doubt the facility would be successful. “I was very confident that once we started it would take off and people would come,” she said. “Spirituality is such a core of our inner beings that I was confident things would fall into place.”
Although the facility can handle only small groups at a time, so far that hasn’t been a major problem, Chandra said.
“Fortunately, people don’t stay too long, and we pray for revolving traffic,” she said.
The Hindu Temple of New Hampshire is located at 7J Taggart Drive directly off the Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua, N.H. The temple is open Monday through Friday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information., visit www.hindutemplenh.org or contact Karthi Chandra at karthi@comcast.net.
http://www.indianewengland.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=078AFF95356644B3B521A668D1A2532F
By MARK CONNORS
The Hindu Temple of New Hampshire occupies just 600 square feet in a small industrial condominium adjacent to the Funworld Arcade Center and the La Hacienda del Rio Mexican restaurant on a busy commercial stretch of highway in Nashua. It’s doesn’t look like much, but for a few area Hindu families the newly opened temple represents a big step toward fulfilling even larger dreams.
“It was so important for us to have something local in this area where we could continue to practice our religion in this country,” said Karthi Chandra, a Merrimack, N.H., resident who helped found the temple. “And this is just the beginning.”
Chandra and four other Nashua-area Hindus had long talked about the need for a Hindu temple in the Greater Nashua area. The effort intensified in January when about two dozen area families committed to donating $100 a week to help fund a new temple and the organization officially filed as a nonprofit group with New Hampshire’s secretary of state.
“Even though it’s in a very basic form, it’s still a place where people from the area can go to worship,” Chandra said. “And it’s actually a very quiet and restful space. It fits our needs, there’s ample parking, it’s within our budget and it’s a nice, very quiet space. The ambiance is lovely.”
When the Saraswati Mandiram Hindu temple in Epping, N.H., then the only Hindu temple in all of Northern New England, shut down early this year after being evicted from its facilities, it provided an even greater incentive to bring a temple to Nashua, Chandra said. “Even though it was about an hour away, well, it was one less place for us to go, so that did play a part in it,” she said. “But we thought it was important for us to have a temple here [in Nashua] where the Indian population is based.”
Nashua boasts the largest Indian population in New Hampshire and is part of a large geographical area stretching from Concord, N.H., to Lowell, Mass., that, while home to a large Indian population, lacks a major Hindu temple. Previously, many New Hampshire-based Hindus traveled over an hour by car to Ashland, Mass., just to visit a temple.
The temple has hired a priest, Lakshmana Shastry, and is open every day of the week. The organization’s ultimate goal is to buy property and build a “proper temple” in the region, hopefully within the next year, Chandra said.
And while the current temple is modest and opened only about two months ago, Chandra said the facility already has attracted a loyal following, despite virtually no advertising efforts.
“People are talking about it at the Indian grocery stores,” said Chandra. “Right now it’s pretty much all word of mouth.
“But I’m so impressed by how many people come [to the temple],” she added. “The response from the community has been wonderful.”
The temple is strategically located near Exit 1 off the Everett Turnpike, close to both Massachusetts border communities and cities to the north in New Hampshire, Chandra said. The facility can accommodate between 25 to 30 people at one time. Unlike Christians, Hindus do not celebrate Mass or attend services at a specific time. Instead Hindus visit the temple to pray at a time of their own convenience.
And while opening the temple involved some risk, Chandra said she had little doubt the facility would be successful. “I was very confident that once we started it would take off and people would come,” she said. “Spirituality is such a core of our inner beings that I was confident things would fall into place.”
Although the facility can handle only small groups at a time, so far that hasn’t been a major problem, Chandra said.
“Fortunately, people don’t stay too long, and we pray for revolving traffic,” she said.
The Hindu Temple of New Hampshire is located at 7J Taggart Drive directly off the Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua, N.H. The temple is open Monday through Friday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information., visit www.hindutemplenh.org or contact Karthi Chandra at karthi@comcast.net.
http://www.indianewengland.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=078AFF95356644B3B521A668D1A2532F
'Fatwa' against Salman Khan, family for celebrating Ganeshotsav
'Fatwa' against Salman Khan, family for celebrating Ganeshotsav
IANS | Saturday, 13 September , 2008, 13:39
Veteran Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan, the father of actor Salman Khan, questioned a fatwa, religious edict, against him by some Muslim organizations for celebrating Ganeshotsav at their home in Mumbai.
“What is the locus standi of these people? Who are they to question people's religious beliefs? Why don't they issue such a 'fatwa' against terrorists and terrorism, which is un-Islamic? The clerics are talking nonsense,” he thundered before a television channel on the evening of September 12.
Mufti Manjar Hassan Khan Ashrafi Misbahi, the chief of Darul-Uloom Hijaziya Chishti, Mumbai, issued the 'fatwa' urging a religious boycott of the entire Khan family on September 10.
Last week, the Khan family was in the limelight when all members along with friends and relations celebrated the Ganeshotsavfestival at their home in Bandra, northwest Mumbai.
The Khans celebrate Ganeshotsav every year, but this time, the live telecast of the family performing aarti of Lord Ganesh has irked some community leaders. Later, the family took part in a ceremonial immersion of the idol of Lord Ganesh.
The social boycott call was issued in response to a demand by Abdul Rehman Anjaria, member of the Advisory Council, Jama Masjid, New Delhi.
Anjaria, who is also member All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB),said that the 'fatwa' would be in force until Khan and his family atone for their actions of worshipping an idol of Lord Ganesh, which is not permitted in Islam.
Referring to Salim Khan's outburst against the fatwa, Anjaria said they would call for certified tapes of his comments from the TV channel soon. “Depending on what he has said, the community elders may go for stringent action against the Khans, including a social boycott,” Anjaria explained.
According to Anjaria, Maulana Abdus Salam Bin Qasmi, president, Jamiat-Ul-Ulema-Hind, Mumbai, and Maulana Nizamuddin Ashrafi, principal, Darul Uloom Ali Hassain Ali Sunnat, Mumbai, who is also a member of AIMPLB, have also supported the 'fatwa'.
Salim and Salman Khan were not available for their comments.
Last year too Salman Khan had been issued a similar 'fatwa' by a Lucknow-based organization of Muslim clerics for joining the Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Justifying the decision to celebrate Ganeshotsav, Salim said his wife (Salman's mother) is a Maharashtrian Hindu and “worshipping Lord Ganesh is in my blood”.
IANS | Saturday, 13 September , 2008, 13:39
Veteran Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan, the father of actor Salman Khan, questioned a fatwa, religious edict, against him by some Muslim organizations for celebrating Ganeshotsav at their home in Mumbai.
“What is the locus standi of these people? Who are they to question people's religious beliefs? Why don't they issue such a 'fatwa' against terrorists and terrorism, which is un-Islamic? The clerics are talking nonsense,” he thundered before a television channel on the evening of September 12.
Mufti Manjar Hassan Khan Ashrafi Misbahi, the chief of Darul-Uloom Hijaziya Chishti, Mumbai, issued the 'fatwa' urging a religious boycott of the entire Khan family on September 10.
Last week, the Khan family was in the limelight when all members along with friends and relations celebrated the Ganeshotsavfestival at their home in Bandra, northwest Mumbai.
The Khans celebrate Ganeshotsav every year, but this time, the live telecast of the family performing aarti of Lord Ganesh has irked some community leaders. Later, the family took part in a ceremonial immersion of the idol of Lord Ganesh.
The social boycott call was issued in response to a demand by Abdul Rehman Anjaria, member of the Advisory Council, Jama Masjid, New Delhi.
Anjaria, who is also member All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB),said that the 'fatwa' would be in force until Khan and his family atone for their actions of worshipping an idol of Lord Ganesh, which is not permitted in Islam.
Referring to Salim Khan's outburst against the fatwa, Anjaria said they would call for certified tapes of his comments from the TV channel soon. “Depending on what he has said, the community elders may go for stringent action against the Khans, including a social boycott,” Anjaria explained.
According to Anjaria, Maulana Abdus Salam Bin Qasmi, president, Jamiat-Ul-Ulema-Hind, Mumbai, and Maulana Nizamuddin Ashrafi, principal, Darul Uloom Ali Hassain Ali Sunnat, Mumbai, who is also a member of AIMPLB, have also supported the 'fatwa'.
Salim and Salman Khan were not available for their comments.
Last year too Salman Khan had been issued a similar 'fatwa' by a Lucknow-based organization of Muslim clerics for joining the Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Justifying the decision to celebrate Ganeshotsav, Salim said his wife (Salman's mother) is a Maharashtrian Hindu and “worshipping Lord Ganesh is in my blood”.
Indian Muslims must respect sentiments of majority community, says Salman Khan’s father
Indian Muslims must respect sentiments of majority community, says Salman Khan’s father
September 14th, 2008 - 1:39 pm ICT by IANS -
Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) Salim Khan, Bollywood’s legendary scriptwriter and father of megastar Salman Khan, has denounced Muslim clerics who have issued a fatwa against him and his family for celebrating Ganeshotsav, the popular Hindu festival, in their home, asserting that worshipping Lord Ganesh is in his son’s blood as his mother is Hindu.”They claim to be speaking for Islam, but actually what they are doing is anti-Islamic. And I am relying on the scriptures of the Holy Quran, which says my religion is with me, yours is with you. Don’t force your religious beliefs on others,” Khan told IANS in an interview here.
Khan was responding to Wednesday’s fatwa - an Islamic religious edict - against his entire family issued by Mufti Manjar Hassan Khan Ashrafi Misbahi, the chief of Darul-Uloom Hijaziya Chishti, Mumbai.
“What is the locus standi of these people? Who are they to question people’s religious beliefs? They have never considered issuing such fatwa against any terrorist who butchers innocent people. They only pick on secular Muslims,” he pointed out in an emotion-charged voice.
Referring to his comments before a TV channel, Khan claimed that more than 96 percent of the viewers have wholeheartedly supported his “free and frank views”.
“Why should we then bother about this minuscule, less than four percent, of the rest?” he demanded.
Justifying his family celebrating Ganeshotsav at home, Khan explained to IANS: “We are born in India, it is our motherland and it is our duty to respect the sentiments of the people of this country, partake in their festivities, joys and sorrows.
“How can a handful of these people decide who will go to heaven and who will not? Have they already reserved their places in heaven?”
He recalled an incident last year when a Hindu youth rescued a young Muslim couple stranded on the rocks at the Bandra .Bandstand. The couple was sitting on the rocks when the high tide on the Arabian Sea caught them unawares.
He said that the youth, unmindful of consequences, jumped into the raging sea and rescued the couple, but lost his life.
“This is a symbol of humanity and love for fellow beings, irrespective of religious beliefs. These persons (clerics) must remember that the Holy Quran has termed killing of innocent persons equal to killing humanity. Do any of these people speak out against this?” Khan asked.
The scriptwriter - who along with Javed Akhtar penned the scripts of Bollywood blockbusters like “Sholay,” “Zanjeer,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Deewar,” and “Trishul” - said that Islam is a religion of peace - and even the Quran preaches peace throughout.
He urged Muslims to respect the sentiments of the majority community. “Those who cannot do this have no right to live here,” he declared.
Khan emphatically added that India’s 145 milllion Muslims survive because of the “goodness” of the majority community, so it is the duty and responsibility of every Muslim to remain grateful to this country.
Justifying the decision to celebrate Ganeshotsav with family last week, Salim said that his wife Sushila was forced to change her name to Salma after marriage by hardline Muslim clerics.
He pointed out that his wife being a Maharashtrian Hindu, “worshipping Lord Ganesh is in the blood of her son, Salman.”
He mentioned that one of his employees, a Muslim, runs a family business of making beautiful idols of Lord Ganesh, and there are many Muslims all over Mumbai and other parts who celebrate Ganeshotsav and other Hindu festivals with devotion.
(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
September 14th, 2008 - 1:39 pm ICT by IANS -
Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) Salim Khan, Bollywood’s legendary scriptwriter and father of megastar Salman Khan, has denounced Muslim clerics who have issued a fatwa against him and his family for celebrating Ganeshotsav, the popular Hindu festival, in their home, asserting that worshipping Lord Ganesh is in his son’s blood as his mother is Hindu.”They claim to be speaking for Islam, but actually what they are doing is anti-Islamic. And I am relying on the scriptures of the Holy Quran, which says my religion is with me, yours is with you. Don’t force your religious beliefs on others,” Khan told IANS in an interview here.
Khan was responding to Wednesday’s fatwa - an Islamic religious edict - against his entire family issued by Mufti Manjar Hassan Khan Ashrafi Misbahi, the chief of Darul-Uloom Hijaziya Chishti, Mumbai.
“What is the locus standi of these people? Who are they to question people’s religious beliefs? They have never considered issuing such fatwa against any terrorist who butchers innocent people. They only pick on secular Muslims,” he pointed out in an emotion-charged voice.
Referring to his comments before a TV channel, Khan claimed that more than 96 percent of the viewers have wholeheartedly supported his “free and frank views”.
“Why should we then bother about this minuscule, less than four percent, of the rest?” he demanded.
Justifying his family celebrating Ganeshotsav at home, Khan explained to IANS: “We are born in India, it is our motherland and it is our duty to respect the sentiments of the people of this country, partake in their festivities, joys and sorrows.
“How can a handful of these people decide who will go to heaven and who will not? Have they already reserved their places in heaven?”
He recalled an incident last year when a Hindu youth rescued a young Muslim couple stranded on the rocks at the Bandra .Bandstand. The couple was sitting on the rocks when the high tide on the Arabian Sea caught them unawares.
He said that the youth, unmindful of consequences, jumped into the raging sea and rescued the couple, but lost his life.
“This is a symbol of humanity and love for fellow beings, irrespective of religious beliefs. These persons (clerics) must remember that the Holy Quran has termed killing of innocent persons equal to killing humanity. Do any of these people speak out against this?” Khan asked.
The scriptwriter - who along with Javed Akhtar penned the scripts of Bollywood blockbusters like “Sholay,” “Zanjeer,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Deewar,” and “Trishul” - said that Islam is a religion of peace - and even the Quran preaches peace throughout.
He urged Muslims to respect the sentiments of the majority community. “Those who cannot do this have no right to live here,” he declared.
Khan emphatically added that India’s 145 milllion Muslims survive because of the “goodness” of the majority community, so it is the duty and responsibility of every Muslim to remain grateful to this country.
Justifying the decision to celebrate Ganeshotsav with family last week, Salim said that his wife Sushila was forced to change her name to Salma after marriage by hardline Muslim clerics.
He pointed out that his wife being a Maharashtrian Hindu, “worshipping Lord Ganesh is in the blood of her son, Salman.”
He mentioned that one of his employees, a Muslim, runs a family business of making beautiful idols of Lord Ganesh, and there are many Muslims all over Mumbai and other parts who celebrate Ganeshotsav and other Hindu festivals with devotion.
(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hindus are tortured in Kandhamal after the murder of Swami Laxmanananda
Hindus in Kandhamal are being tortured by the administration in many ways. They are targeted not to live in peace at their homes. Their families were issued threats by the administration and other communities. Hindus have no roof for shelter and no food to feed their family. Their houses are burnt by the criminals. They are not allowed to earn their bread and butter. Curfew is still imposed there. Police are guarding only the Christian villages. Christians are given special treatment in the shelter houses built by the District Adminstration. This is another instance of minority appeasement and a humiliation for the Hindu community where less than two per cent Christians reside and are involved in several illegal activities. The whole world is crying for the minority community but no one is concerned how hapless the Hindus are at their own land. The Vanvasi people are severely affected and targeted by the missionaries.”
This eyewitness account was given by a high-level delegation of BJP led by Sri Jual Oram, MP and national vice president, which visited Kandhamal district on September 4 to assess the situation after assassination of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
When Chief Minister, Governor and State Revenue Minister visited the area after the murder of Swamiji, the people gave their memorandum to them saying that the land grabbing by the missionaries, false Vanvasi caste certificates are the major causes for the ongoing violence. The missionaries also intentionally highlighted this incident out of proportion to get more aids. The delegation was of the opinion that if the concerns of Hindu society were not properly addressed and if the administration continued to help a particular community, then more grave situation may develop in future.
The delegation included Sri Jual Oram, MP, Sri Ananta Nayak, MP, Sri Mohan Majhi, Deputy Chief Whip, Sri Gourahari Nayak, MLA, Smt. Pramila Giri, MLA, Sri Nayan Kishore Mohanty, state general secretary, Smt. Bijaylaxmi Mishra, state president of Mahila Morcha, Smt. Simantini Jena, state seneral secretary, Mahila Morcha, Sri Arun Panda and Sri Gyanadev Beura.
The visit of the delegation began from Bhubaneswar with prior information to the Home Secretary, DGP, SP and Collector of Kandhamal. It first reached Phulbani and discussed the matter with the Collector and SP in the chamber of District Collector. During discussion with the Collector and SP it was revealed that there was a lathicharge at Tikabali during the visit of Revenue Minister and out of which a tense situation was created. Hence it was necessitated to re-clamp the curfew at four places i.e. Phulbani town, Tikabali, K. Nuagaon and Baliguda. In the meantime some BJP workers and general public approached the delegation and explained that there was the severe lathicharge and eight people were hospitalised at Phulbani district hospital. The victims included Kunia Bhukta (serious injured), Simpa Kanhar, Bastigia (serious injured), Gaham Nayak, Purunagarh (serious injured), Ranjani Kanhar, G. Dirgisahi, Urmila Pradhan, Sarita Kanhar, Purnima Bhukta, Gopinath Behuria.
The District Administration citing tense in the area advised the delegation not to visit the area and return back to Bhubaneswar. But, in spite of it the delegation proceeded to the hospital first and saw the injured persons. It shocked to see the old, aged and innocent people. The team also collected information about the persons arrested. It observed that it was a rampant arrest of the innocent people without any fault of them or without any evidence of their crime. Only selectively the workers of VHP, Bajrang Dal and BJP, who were engaged in maintaining peace, were arrested by the District Administration.
The team then proceeded to Chakapad but it was restrained to proceed to Tikabali police station. The District Administration did not allow the team following instruction from higher authorities. “We sat on dharna inside the premises of Tikabali PS. It was night and as lady delegates were also with us, we thought it is better to take rest in Phulbani and continue the tour next day”, Shri Oram said.
The team observed that a particular community was given relief and the police was not giving protection to rest of the society. The public was scared, facing difficulties; particularly the daily labourers without their fault were hungry.
There is no progress in the investigation of Swamiji’s assassination. The dishonest persons from a particular community are taking opportunity out of the announcement of the relief fund assistance by Central and State Governments.
- Organizer
This eyewitness account was given by a high-level delegation of BJP led by Sri Jual Oram, MP and national vice president, which visited Kandhamal district on September 4 to assess the situation after assassination of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
When Chief Minister, Governor and State Revenue Minister visited the area after the murder of Swamiji, the people gave their memorandum to them saying that the land grabbing by the missionaries, false Vanvasi caste certificates are the major causes for the ongoing violence. The missionaries also intentionally highlighted this incident out of proportion to get more aids. The delegation was of the opinion that if the concerns of Hindu society were not properly addressed and if the administration continued to help a particular community, then more grave situation may develop in future.
The delegation included Sri Jual Oram, MP, Sri Ananta Nayak, MP, Sri Mohan Majhi, Deputy Chief Whip, Sri Gourahari Nayak, MLA, Smt. Pramila Giri, MLA, Sri Nayan Kishore Mohanty, state general secretary, Smt. Bijaylaxmi Mishra, state president of Mahila Morcha, Smt. Simantini Jena, state seneral secretary, Mahila Morcha, Sri Arun Panda and Sri Gyanadev Beura.
The visit of the delegation began from Bhubaneswar with prior information to the Home Secretary, DGP, SP and Collector of Kandhamal. It first reached Phulbani and discussed the matter with the Collector and SP in the chamber of District Collector. During discussion with the Collector and SP it was revealed that there was a lathicharge at Tikabali during the visit of Revenue Minister and out of which a tense situation was created. Hence it was necessitated to re-clamp the curfew at four places i.e. Phulbani town, Tikabali, K. Nuagaon and Baliguda. In the meantime some BJP workers and general public approached the delegation and explained that there was the severe lathicharge and eight people were hospitalised at Phulbani district hospital. The victims included Kunia Bhukta (serious injured), Simpa Kanhar, Bastigia (serious injured), Gaham Nayak, Purunagarh (serious injured), Ranjani Kanhar, G. Dirgisahi, Urmila Pradhan, Sarita Kanhar, Purnima Bhukta, Gopinath Behuria.
The District Administration citing tense in the area advised the delegation not to visit the area and return back to Bhubaneswar. But, in spite of it the delegation proceeded to the hospital first and saw the injured persons. It shocked to see the old, aged and innocent people. The team also collected information about the persons arrested. It observed that it was a rampant arrest of the innocent people without any fault of them or without any evidence of their crime. Only selectively the workers of VHP, Bajrang Dal and BJP, who were engaged in maintaining peace, were arrested by the District Administration.
The team then proceeded to Chakapad but it was restrained to proceed to Tikabali police station. The District Administration did not allow the team following instruction from higher authorities. “We sat on dharna inside the premises of Tikabali PS. It was night and as lady delegates were also with us, we thought it is better to take rest in Phulbani and continue the tour next day”, Shri Oram said.
The team observed that a particular community was given relief and the police was not giving protection to rest of the society. The public was scared, facing difficulties; particularly the daily labourers without their fault were hungry.
There is no progress in the investigation of Swamiji’s assassination. The dishonest persons from a particular community are taking opportunity out of the announcement of the relief fund assistance by Central and State Governments.
- Organizer
கர்னாடகா: ஐம்பதாயிரம் கிறிஸ்துவர்கள் தாய்மதம் திரும்பினர்
Bringing converts back into fold
17 Sep 2008, 0451 hrs IST, Rishikesh Bahadur Desai,TNN
Bangalore Edition
BANGALORE: Raju Gouda of Ucchangi Durga in Davanagere district has changed his religion twice, but not his name.
He was born a Veerashaiva and converted to Christianity in his 20s. A few years later, he met VHP volunteers who were involved in re-conversion. He came back to Hinduism after a few meetings with them. Now, Gouda leads the re-conversion movement.
Similar is the case of many others. "The reconversion movement is slowly taking root across Karnataka. We have already succeeded in bringing back over 50,000 coverts,'' said Ga Ra Suresh, who oversees VHP's Paravarthana movement. He is convinced that none of the reconverts have gone back to Christianity.
To him, the process is not reconversion . "We call it mainstreaming,'' he added.
Paravarthana focuses on the recent convert. "We are not bothered about Christians who have been converted centuries ago. They embraced that faith under different socio-political conditions. Christian beliefs and practices are ingrained in them. We don't touch them. Our primary targets are those who have been converted by inducement, or under duress, in recent decades,'' Suresh said.
According to him, Protestant para-church organizations like the New Life institution (that was targeted in Mangalore and Chikmagalur) are into large-scale illegal conversions. "Such organizations can't be called churches. They are run by salaried employees whose job is proselytizing,'' he said.
According to him, such people are more likely to become the targets of attacks by rightist organizations, rather than priests. They choose particular caste groups in different districts.
In Hyderabad-Karnatak region, they target Madigas (scheduled castes). In North Karnataka districts like Bijapur and Gadag, they have converted Lambanis, and in Bagalkot and Dharwad districts, Kurubas have been converted. "Most of the time, they use a neo-convert to carry on conversions,'' he said.
According to him, converts are induced with land, free education for children and other gifts like sewing machines. "Most conversions happen in hospitals. The poor who are denied quality healthcare are impressed by the way missionary hospitals are run. They become easy targets,'' he said.
He does not completely accept the argument that low caste Hindus convert to escape untouchability and atrocities by the upper castes. "This is not fully true. There may be some such cases. But escaping caste-based discrimination is not the only reason behind conversion,'' he said.
According to him, caste-based discrimination exists even among Christians . "There are separate churches for Dalit Christians. Upper caste converts don't marry lower caste converts. In fact, several churches in Kollegal have different doors for Dalit Christians and others,'' he said.
How reconversion takes place
The process of reconversion is simple . Paravarthana volunteers visit the house of the converts regularly, and convince them of the need to come back. They are told stories about the achievements of saints and leaders from lower castes. The volunteers ensure that they regain pride in their community and Hinduism.
When the family is ready to reconvert, the members are given Ganga jal (water of the holy river) or 'gomutra ' (cow urine) to drink. A swamiji of the same caste or from a Veerashaiva mutt visits their house and performs the 'ling dharana' ritual to bring them back. Most of these families embrace Veerashaivism. "They become followers of Basavanna , who had produced saints from all castes,'' Suresh said.
Paravarathana also seeks the Arya Samaj, which has been carrying out the Shuddhi reconversion movement for nearly a century. Arya Samajis perform a small homa and issue a certificate. This works well for large-scale reconversions.
As per the 2001 census, these are the figures of Christians in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur districts.
DAKSHINA KANNADA
Total population: 18,97,730 Christians: 1,64,982
UDUPI
Total population: 11,12,243 Christians: 65,634
CHIKMAGALUR
Total population: 11,40,905 Christians: 27,501
source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/Bringing_converts_back_into_fold_/articleshow/3492054.cms
17 Sep 2008, 0451 hrs IST, Rishikesh Bahadur Desai,TNN
Bangalore Edition
BANGALORE: Raju Gouda of Ucchangi Durga in Davanagere district has changed his religion twice, but not his name.
He was born a Veerashaiva and converted to Christianity in his 20s. A few years later, he met VHP volunteers who were involved in re-conversion. He came back to Hinduism after a few meetings with them. Now, Gouda leads the re-conversion movement.
Similar is the case of many others. "The reconversion movement is slowly taking root across Karnataka. We have already succeeded in bringing back over 50,000 coverts,'' said Ga Ra Suresh, who oversees VHP's Paravarthana movement. He is convinced that none of the reconverts have gone back to Christianity.
To him, the process is not reconversion . "We call it mainstreaming,'' he added.
Paravarthana focuses on the recent convert. "We are not bothered about Christians who have been converted centuries ago. They embraced that faith under different socio-political conditions. Christian beliefs and practices are ingrained in them. We don't touch them. Our primary targets are those who have been converted by inducement, or under duress, in recent decades,'' Suresh said.
According to him, Protestant para-church organizations like the New Life institution (that was targeted in Mangalore and Chikmagalur) are into large-scale illegal conversions. "Such organizations can't be called churches. They are run by salaried employees whose job is proselytizing,'' he said.
According to him, such people are more likely to become the targets of attacks by rightist organizations, rather than priests. They choose particular caste groups in different districts.
In Hyderabad-Karnatak region, they target Madigas (scheduled castes). In North Karnataka districts like Bijapur and Gadag, they have converted Lambanis, and in Bagalkot and Dharwad districts, Kurubas have been converted. "Most of the time, they use a neo-convert to carry on conversions,'' he said.
According to him, converts are induced with land, free education for children and other gifts like sewing machines. "Most conversions happen in hospitals. The poor who are denied quality healthcare are impressed by the way missionary hospitals are run. They become easy targets,'' he said.
He does not completely accept the argument that low caste Hindus convert to escape untouchability and atrocities by the upper castes. "This is not fully true. There may be some such cases. But escaping caste-based discrimination is not the only reason behind conversion,'' he said.
According to him, caste-based discrimination exists even among Christians . "There are separate churches for Dalit Christians. Upper caste converts don't marry lower caste converts. In fact, several churches in Kollegal have different doors for Dalit Christians and others,'' he said.
How reconversion takes place
The process of reconversion is simple . Paravarthana volunteers visit the house of the converts regularly, and convince them of the need to come back. They are told stories about the achievements of saints and leaders from lower castes. The volunteers ensure that they regain pride in their community and Hinduism.
When the family is ready to reconvert, the members are given Ganga jal (water of the holy river) or 'gomutra ' (cow urine) to drink. A swamiji of the same caste or from a Veerashaiva mutt visits their house and performs the 'ling dharana' ritual to bring them back. Most of these families embrace Veerashaivism. "They become followers of Basavanna , who had produced saints from all castes,'' Suresh said.
Paravarathana also seeks the Arya Samaj, which has been carrying out the Shuddhi reconversion movement for nearly a century. Arya Samajis perform a small homa and issue a certificate. This works well for large-scale reconversions.
As per the 2001 census, these are the figures of Christians in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur districts.
DAKSHINA KANNADA
Total population: 18,97,730 Christians: 1,64,982
UDUPI
Total population: 11,12,243 Christians: 65,634
CHIKMAGALUR
Total population: 11,40,905 Christians: 27,501
source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/Bringing_converts_back_into_fold_/articleshow/3492054.cms
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