Page 201 - Religion Belief
Dubai's iconic buildings light up in colours of Indian Flag
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lit its iconic buildings from Friday night ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.Navdeep Suri, Ambassador of India to the UAE, posted pictures on Twitter and said, "Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame & ADNOC headquarters are lit up in Indian flag colours ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to UAE."PM Modi will reach Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening and where he will be given a ceremonial reception before meeting the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential palace.
Muslim Board rules out compromise on Babri Masjid
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), the apex body of Indian Muslims, on Friday ruled out any compromise on Babri Masjid, rejecting a proposal by one of its members Maulana Salman Nadvi reportedly supporting construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
Guj religious body thanks UAE for gifting land for temple
Expressing gratitude to the rulers of the United Arab Emirates(UAE) for gifting a piece of land to build a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha today said the "noble gesture creates hope for unity in diversity". The organisation, in a statement, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would perform the ground breaking ceremony of this first ever Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi tomorrow. In a statement, Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, the chief spokesperson of the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha) Swaminarayan Sanstha, thanked the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi for gifting the land to BAPS, saying the decision reflected the "guiding vision of tolerance and harmony of the founding fathers of the UAE". The temple, expected to be completed by 2020, will be built at Abu Mureikhah, off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Highway, and will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple, he said, adding that the stones would be carved by artisans in India and ..
Congress trying to force church into Meghalaya politics: BJP
The BJP on Friday accused the ruling Congress in Meghalaya of trying to force the church into electoral politics over visa rejection to Reverend Paul Msiza to attend a religious function in the state's Garo Hills region.
Court notice to Twitter over hate speech videos
A court here on Friday issued notice to Twitter on a contempt complaint seeking suspension of operation of the Twitter account of a woman called Sakshi Bhardwaj who is making hate speeches about Sikh gurus and religion.
Hong Kong cardinal says Vatican deal with China 'evil'
A war of words between a Hong Kong bishop and the Vatican escalated today with the outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen calling the Pope's warming ties to Communist China "evil". Beijing and the Vatican severed diplomatic relations in 1951, and although ties have improved in recent years as China's Catholic population has grown, they remain at odds over which side has the authority to ordain bishops. The Vatican relaunched long-stalled negotiations three years ago and now seems to be nearing concrete steps towards solving the major stumbling block of how to designate bishops. The issue has flared up again after two underground Chinese bishops, recognised by the pope, were asked by a top Vatican diplomat to resign in favour of state-sanctioned prelates, including one who was excommunicated by the Vatican in 2011. Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of semi-autonomous Hong Kong and a staunch opponent of any rapprochement between the Vatican and Beijing, last month accused the ...
Five Buddhists jailed in Vietnam for 'public disorder'
Five members of a Buddhist sect, including a father and two of his children, were jailed in Vietnam today for "disrupting public disorder" after clashing with police last year, a case of possible religious persecution according to rights groups. Religion is state-controlled in Buddhist-majority Vietnam, which has been accused of curbing freedom of worship especially among those perceived to be engaged in activism or politics. Three members of a family belonging to the Hoa Hao Buddhist sect were sentenced to jail on Friday along with two other people for between three and six years following a trial in southern An Giang province, according to state media. Bui Van Trung and his son Bui Van Tham were sentenced to six years in prison. Trung's daughter Bui Thi Bich Tuyen was jailed for three years, An Giang's official mouthpiece reported, adding that his wife Le Thi Hen was sentenced to two years of house arrest. They were all found guilty of "causing public disorder", while
Over 2000 people play 'shankh' to create world record
Another world record was created on the second day of Rajim Kumbh Mela after over 2,100 saints and locals played conch shells 'shankh' together in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband.The feat was certified by the Golden Book of World Records.'Maha Aarti' was also performed after 'shankhnaad' by Chhattisgarh Ministers, MLAs and saints.Earlier on Tuesday, another record had been set after three lakh earthen lamps were lighted at the fair.The Rajim Kumbh Mela started on February 7, where special preparations were made on the arrival of monks and saints.Speaking to ANI, Chhattisgarh Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Brijmohan Agrawal said, "Conch shells are blown before every pious event. Sound of 2100 shells will soothe environment. We wanted to send message of peace and prosperity. Golden Book of World Records certified this. Our Kumbh Mela will now be known across the world."On Wednesday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh had inaugurated Rajim Kumbh Mela and Ganga Aarti performance ..
America a nation of believers: Trump
America is a nation of believers, President Donald Trump today said at the annual National Prayer Breakfast. In his second appearance at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, Trump steered clear of partisan politics and focused on his belief in the countrys dependence on God. "America is a nation of believers, and together we are strengthened by the power of prayer, Trump said, addressing a gathering of national and international religious leaders and people of eminence. Addressing the 66th annual event, Trump said each year, this event reminds that faith is central to American life and liberty. "Our founders invoked our Creator four times in the Declaration of Independence. Our currency declares, 'In God We Trust'. And we place our hands on our hearts as we recite the Pledge of Allegiance and proclaim we are 'One Nation Under God'," he said amidst applause from the audience. The National Prayer Breakfast is a massive ecumenical gathering put on annually by a group of ...
Meghalaya CM hits out at Modi government for rejecting Church leader's visa
Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Thursday hit out at NDA Central government for rejecting the visa application of Baptist World Alliance chief, Reverend Paul Msiza, to attend the 150 years celebrations of Christianity in the state's Garo Hills region.
Nepal's last king prays for world peace at Lingaraj Temple
Nepal's last King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev today prayed for strengthening of the Indo-Nepal relationship and prevalence of peace across the world. "I prayed for peace and also to maintain cordial relationship between India and Nepal. There is already a good relationship between India and Nepal. I wished for further strengthening of the ties," Bikram Shah Dev told reporters after visiting the Lingaraj Temple here. Thanking the Centre as well as the Odisha government for making elaborate arrangements to facilitate his visit to the temple, he said, "I wish Lord Shiva will bless all of us so that we can maintain peace in the world." The king said it was his third visit to the 11th century Shiva shrine. He stayed inside the temple for about 30 minutes and the temple administration gave him a gift, officials said. Later in the evening, the king offered puja to Lord Gopinath (Krishna) at Sakhigopal in Puri district, they said. Bikram Shah Dev left for Puri to attend a ...
Rs one crore donated to TTD run Vedic Trust
A Chennai based religious trust today donated Rs one crore to the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here with a request to use the amount for the temple run Sri Veda Parirakshana Trust. Representative of the trust Prasanna Kumar on behalf of K Venkatesan, Chairman of Sri Guru Chandrikananda Samiti Trust, handed over a bank DD for the amount to TTD Joint Executive Officer K S Srinivasa Raju, temple sources said. Last year too the Venkatesan had donated Rs one crore to the temple, the sources said.
Karna govt backs out of move on mutts
Under flak from BJP and spiritual heads, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka today backed out of its proposed move to bring mutts and also temples and other religious institutions run by them under the ambit of the religious endowment act. "There is no such thinking before the government to bring any temples, maths or religious institutions.... we will look after those that are under the (relevant) department, why should we take others, it is extra burden..." Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told the state Legislative Council. A recent public notice seeking comments from the stakeholders on the move has rankled the BJP which described it as an "anti-Hindu policy" and challenged the government to take over 'masjid', 'dargahs' and churches. The notice had also sought views regarding religious institutions belonging to Jain, Buddhist and Sikh communities being brought under the purview of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act
Baptist leader denied visa, govt asks consulate in S Africa to
Global Baptist body chief Paul Msiza, who was scheduled to attend a programme in Meghalaya, has been denied a visa with a church leader claiming this has "upset" the Christians in the poll-bound state. The government went into damage control mode asking the Indian consulate in South Africa to reconsider his visa application. As president of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), Msiza is the pastoral head of the Baptists community worldwide like the Pope of the Catholics, and he was invited to attend the church programme in Meghalaya, a Baptist leader said here. Msiza was scheduled to attend the 150th years celebrations of the Baptist Church at Rajasimila in East Garo Hills district beginning today. His visa application was submitted on January 29 and he was informed about its rejection last night, general secretary of the Garo Baptist Convention Rev J R Sangma said. Meanwhile, Union Tourism Minister K J Alphons today said here that the Indian consulate in South Africa has ...
Cabinet apprised of an MoU signed between India and Tunisia for cooperation on Youth matters
The objective of the MoU is to create international perspective among the Indian Youth, to promote exchange of ideas, values and culture and to involve them in promoting peace and understanding.
Church leader's visa rejected, Congress condemns it
Baptist World Alliance president Paul Msiza, who was scheduled to attend a church programme in Meghalaya, has been denied a visa, a church leader claimed today. The Indian consulate at Johannesburg in South Africa informed the BWA president last night that his visa to visit Meghalaya for attending a programme had been rejected, Rev J R Sangma, general secretary of the Garo Baptist Convention told PTI. "The BWA President for us is the Pastoral head of the Baptists Community worldwide like the Pope of the Catholic community," the Baptist leader said. He was scheduled to attend the 150th celebration of the Baptist Church in Meghalaya at Rajasimila in East Garo Hills district, beginning from today. The visa application was submitted on January 29 last, Sangma said. "The Baptist Christians are very upset about the rejection of his visa," Sangma said. The Garo Baptist Convention, a Christian denomination in Meghalaya, has over 2.6 lakh baptised adults in 2013, according to ...
Mutt head resumes fast seeking apology from Vairamuthu over
The head of Manavala Mamuni Mutt here today resumed his indefinite fast demanding an unconditional apology from popular film lyricist Vairamuthu for his alleged remarks against Goddess Andal. Sri Ramunuja Jeer (mutt head) of Sri Manavalamauni Mutt withdrew his fast last month stating that he would wait till February 3 and then resume it if Vairamuthu did not apologise. As there was no response from the poet till today the religious head decided to resume his fast. A large number of people from different sub-sects of Hindu religion had staged protests in parts of Tamil Nadu demanding unconditional apology from the lyricist. Cases have also been filed against the poet in Chennai and Rajapalayam. In his address at a literary event at Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district, Vairamuthu had last month spoken about Goddess Andal and it was also published in a Tamil daily. It led to outrage among devotees, who alleged that the lyricist had offended the Goddess and them conversely by
Rajim Kumbh Mela brightens with three lakh earthen lamps
Three lakh earthen lamps were lighted at Rajim Kumbh Mela in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband to mark a world record.The feat was certified by the Golden Book of World Records.The Rajim Kumbh Mela started on February 7, where special preparations were made on the arrival of monks and saints.Inaugurating the fair, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh had offered prayers at the bank of Mahanadi River.Speaking to ANI, state Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal said "If one earthen lamp emanates so much light then how much light will those three lakh lamps emanate? We had aimed for lighting 2.5 lakh lamps but with help of people we were able to light up 3.2 lakh lamps. It was certified by the Golden Book of World Records".He further observed the necessary steps taken regarding the arrangements made for the saints.
Meghalaya Christians upset as Baptist leaders visa rejected
Christians in poll-bound Meghalaya are upset with the ruling BJP-led NDA government after it rejected the visa application of the Baptist World Alliance Chief, Reverend Paul Msiza, to attend the 150 years of Christianity in Garo Hills region.
Muslims have "no business" to be in India: BJP MP Katiyar
BJP MP Vinay Katiyar, known for making controversial remarks, said today Muslims have "no business" to stay in India and that they should settle in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The former Uttar Pradesh BJP chief claimed that Muslims had divided the country "on the ground of their population". Since they were responsible for the partition, there was no need for them to stay in India, he told TV news channels. "Muslims should not be staying in India. They divided the country on the basis of their population. There is no need for them to stay in this country. They got a separate land. They should go to Bangladesh or Pakistan. They have no business to be India," the Hindutva hardliner, the founder chief of the Bajrang Dal, said. The two-term Rajya Sabha member, whose tenure ends in April this year, was responding to AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi's statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday that those calling Indian Muslims Pakistanis should be criminally prosecuted.