Page 208 - Religion Belief
Punjab R-Day tableau to showcase 'Sangat and Pangat' theme
'Sangat and Pangat', the love for entire humanity with the spirit of communal harmony, is the theme of the official tableau of Punjab for the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26.
MP govt to launch social equality movement
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said a "social equality" movement will be launched by his government through a "cultural integration" trust to be formed in the name of Adi Shankaracharya. The remarks are viewed as a bid to cobble up social engineering in the state which is going to polls later this year. The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. "Our society is divided in different castes and sects. We have to uproot all the social differences. The movement of social equality in the state will be started to achieve this purpose," the chief minister said while addressing a function to mark the culmination of the "Ekatm Yatra" at Omkareshwar, a town known for the famous temple of Lord Shiva. The programme was attended by seers and spiritual leaders. Chouhan said the state government would hold a string of programmes in the coming days for ensuring "social harmony" by establishing "Adi Shankaracharya Cultural Integration ...
Indian Mujahideen co-founder arrested
The Delhi Police here on Monday arrested Abdul Subhan Qureshi, the co-founder of Indian Mujahideen (IM) and ideologue of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).Qureshi, one of the 'most wanted' fugitives of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), carried a reward of Rs four lakh on his head.He was the mastermind of 23 serial blasts in Ahmadabad and the recovered 29 unexploded IEDs from Surat in 2008.Interpol Red Notices were issued against him for his role as the main conspirator in the Ahmadabad serial blasts.He is also a suspect in the July 11, 2006, Mumbai train blasts.A team of Special Cell under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Govind Sharma not only apprehended the most wanted terrorist Qureshi (46) but also succeeded in nipping the revival bid of banned terrorist outfit Indian Mujahideen.The Special Cell was working on the leads from the interrogation of other arrested accused who had links with IM and SIMI after the escape of Qureshi in 2008.It ...
Agra comes live on Basant Panchami
Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, came alive on Monday on the occasion of Basant Panchami, with admirers flocking to the modest tomb of Urdu poet Mian Nazir Akbarabadi whose birthday falls on this day.
Court sends conspirator of 2008 Gujarat blasts to 14-day PC
The main conspirator of the 2008 Gujarat serial blasts was today handed over to the Delhi Police by a city court for custodial interrogation for two weeks. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat sent Abdul Subhan Qureshi, co-founder of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and linked to the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), to 14-day police custody after an application was moved by Special Cell of the police in this regard. According to the police, 46-year old Qureshi was arrested from Ghazipur in east Delhi on Saturday evening on secret information that he would come to meet an old acquaintance. He was being followed by teams of the Special Cell and other intelligence agencies. He had been living in Nepal under a fake identity and had gone to Saudi Arabia between 2015-2017, police had said at a press conference earlier. Qureshi's name had also cropped up in the probe into the serial blasts in Mumbai and Bangalore, police said. More than 50 persons were ...
BJP MP announces 'Vedic yagya' outside Red Fort in March
The sprawling lawns outside the Red Fort, a 17th century Mughal monument, will host a week- long 'Vedic yagya' in March to blunt "conspiracies" hatched by the country's "inimical forces", BJP MP Maheish Girri said today. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are among the political bigwigs invited to the event, Girri, who is organising the seemingly extravagant affair, involving over 1,100 priests, between March 18-25, said. A number of Delhi-based businessmen have come forward to fund the Hindu ritual, aimed at "worship of the Vedas and the nation in the same breath", having unmistakable political overtones, especially considering its theme, guest list, location and timing. The prime minister unfurls the tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 every year, a tradition started by the nation's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. Unveiling the blueprint of the 'Rashtriya Raksha Mahayagya' in a press conference here, Girri said
Nitish extends Basant Panchmi greetings
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today extended his greetings on the occasion of Basant Panchmi, celebrated as "Saraswati Puja". In his message, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the festival would foster peace and prosperity and help the state "regain its old glory by virtue of knowledge and learning". Kumar, accompanied by state Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and others, also took part in Saraswati Puja celebrations held at the residence of Chief Information Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sinha, an official release said.
Pakistan maintains ban on Basant festivities
Even as Basant Panchmi, the festival marking the onset of spring, is celebrated with great pomp and show, the occasion remains lackluster in Pakistan.The government imposed a strict ban on Basant, a festival earlier celebrated by Punjabis of all faiths to mark the commencement of the spring season.Authorities cite safety reasons behind the diktat, even as clerics issue edicts branding the festival as pagan in origin.The ban is now in its twelfth year. In 2013, a plan to revive the celebrations was dropped after the terror group Jamat-ud-Dawa said the festivities were un-Islamic.Last year, restrictions got stricter when Chief Minister of Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif, said that no one would be allowed to play with the lives of people and concerned District Police Officer would be held responsible for any violation."Complete BAN on Basant...No one can be allowed to play with the lives of ppl...concerned DPO will be responsible for any violation of ban," Sharif had tweeted.However, the order ..
Enforce Sharia in Pak Punjab, says spiritual leader
A spiritual leader in Pakistan's Punjab Province has given a week's time for government to impose Sharia laws.Spiritual leader Pir Hameeduddin Sialvi of the Astan-e-Aalia Sial Sharif Pir Sialvi said, "I am giving [the Punjab government] one week's time, and if Nizam-e-Mustafa [Islamic Sharia] is not enforced during this period, than protests will be held across Punjab.""Minor girls are being raped and murdered in every city and the government has failed to arrest the culprits," he added.He vowed to continue the movement for Khatm-e-Nabuwat or the finality of Prophethood (PBUH) till his last breath.Sialvi also demanded the resignation of Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah for his remarks against the Ahmadi community in a recent television show.The Pir has been consistently putting pressure on the government to introduce the Sharia across Pakistan.In December last year, the Astana-e-Aalia Sharif had announced that it would not support the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in ..
Conspirator of 2008 Gujarat blasts held in Delhi
The main conspirator of the 2008 Gujarat serial blasts has been arrested following an exchange of fire days ahead of Republic Day, Delhi Police said today. Abdul Subhan Qureshi, co-founder of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and linked to the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), was arrested from Ghazipur in east Delhi on Saturday evening. The Special Cell had information that he would come to meet an old acquaintance in Ghazipur, said P S Kushwah, deputy commissioner of police (Special Cell). Qureshi, 46, was being followed by teams of the Special Cell and other intelligence agencies. He had been living in Nepal under a fake identity and had gone to Saudi Arabia between 2015-2017, Kushwah said at a press conference. Qureshi, who was editor of the SIMI magazine, was described as a good organiser. His name had also cropped up in investigations into the serial blasts in Mumbai and Bangalore, the official said. More than 50 persons were killed when 20 blasts ripped through ..
Dreaded SIMI-IM terrorist arrested
Delhi police on Monday arrested a dreaded terrorist affiliated with banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) - Indian Mujahideen (IM).Abdul Subhan Qureshi of SIMI-IM was arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police after a brief exchange of fire.According to police, Qureshi was involved in 2008 serial blasts in Gujarat and was in the national capital to execute a big conspiracy ahead of the Republic Day. He is a software engineer.The 2008 Gujarat bombings were a series of 21 bomb blasts that hit Ahmedabad, India, on July 26, 2008, within a span of 70 minutes. 56 people were killed and over 200 people were injured.
2008 Gujarat blasts mastermind held by Delhi police
Delhi Police today claimed to have arrested a man, suspected to be the mastermind of the 2008 Gujarat blasts, from here. PS Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), said they arrested one of the most wanted terrorists of Students Islamic Movement of India(SIMI) - Indian Mujahideen (IM) Abdul Subhan Qureshi after a brief exchange of fire. "He is the mastermind of the 2008 serial blasts in Gujarat," Kushwah said. The officer did not divulge further details.
Basant Panchmi celebrated with religious fervour, gaiety
Basant Panchami is being celebrated across the nation today with religious fervour and traditional gaiety.On this day, many people revere Goddess Saraswati and seek Her blessings for prosperity in their wisdom and knowledge.Prayers were offered in various schools and pandals, wherein students recited Saraswati Vandana and sought blessings of the Goddess of knowledge, music, art and culture.The occasion also witnessed the devotees taking a holy dip in Ganga and enjoying flying kites.In Uttar Pradesh, the fourth bathing festival is being held at Magh Mela in Allahabad.Moreover, the denizens were also seen gathering at the banks of Sangam - the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers on this occasion to take a holy dip.
President, PM greets nation on Basant Panchami
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday greeted the nation on the occasion of Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja.
PM Modi wishes for happier society on Basant Panchami
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended greetings to the nation and wished for happier society on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami."Greetings on Basant Panchami. I pray that this auspicious occasion makes our society happier and even more harmonious. May the blessings of Maa Saraswati always remain with us and bestow us with wisdom," the Prime Minister tweeted.The festival, which marks the onset of spring, is celebrated all over India in various ways depending on the region.Many people revere goddess Saraswati on this occasion and seek her blessings to prosper in wisdom.
Man accused of converting tribals to Christianity in Jhabua
A 35-year-old man has been booked for allegedly trying to convert tribals to Christianity, a police official said. Raju Bariya has been charged with religious conversion based on a complaint made yesterday by one Karma, Meghnagar Police Inspector J R Barde said today. Barde said Karma had complained that Bariya, a resident of Sajali-Surji-Mogji village, some 23 kms from here, was using "allurements and objectionable literature" to convert tribals to Christianity. The complainant has also alleged that Bariya was spreading hatred against Hinduism, the official said, adding that a search was on to nab Bariya.
Cardinal Alencherry breaks silence on land deal controversy
Facing allegations over a controversial land deal, the head of the Syro-Malabar Church Cardinal George Alencherry today said all issues relating to it would be resolved soon. "The issue will be resolved soon," he said in his first public statement on the controversial land deal in the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese, in which the church allegedly suffered a huge financial loss. Addressing a mass at a Church at nearby Kuravilangad, he thanked all those who gave him strength through their prayers He urged them to continue with their prayers. "There is no place for division among Christians. Certain things occur due to the shortcomings. That will be rectified," Alencherry said. The Cardinal's statement came after a section of faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church accused Cardinal Alencherry, who is also Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, of selling prime land of the archdiocese in Kochi for "a very low price". They had alleged the role of land mafia in the sale of ...
Sidhu releases Rs 11 cr for Durgiana temple project
Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu today released Rs 11 crore for renovation and beautification of Durgiana temple in the state. Asking officials to complete the renovation work by June 30, Sidhu took a round of the entire open plaza being built at the entry point of the temple. He said it was the duty of the government to beautify and upkeep the places of religious importance. "The previous government released around Rs 6 crore for the project and today I have released Rs 11 crore for the renovation work. I will ensure that there is no dearth of funds for this prestigious project," Sidhu said.
Protest demonstration against Vairamuthu, Kanimozhi
BJP and various Hindu outfits today demanded an unconditional apology from lyricist Vairamathu for his alleged remarks against Goddess Andal and also DMK MP Kanimozhi for her derogatory remarks against the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati. Activists of Aathmeega Adiyargal and Akhila Bharatha Hindu Thuraviyargal staged a protest demonstration here and raised slogans against both Vairamuthu and Kanimozhi. Andal, the only woman among the 12 revered Vaishnavite saints hailed as 'Alwars' in Tamil, is also venerated as a Goddess and a gifted poet in view of her classic Tamil work 'Thiruppavai,' in praise of Lord Krishna. According to spiritual texts, she lived in the eighth century AD in Srivilliputhur. Thiruppavai is a celebrated work in spiritual Tamil literature and is also part of the Vaishnavite "Divya Prabhantham (a collection of verses respected as sacred and in praise of Lord Narayana)." A case was registered on January 13 Vairamuthu for his alleged .
Excavation unearths ruins of China's largest Taoist temple
After a four-year excavation, archaeologists have confirmed the location of China's largest Taoist temple, built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and used continuously until it was destroyed by fire in 1930. Xin Lixiang, an archaeologist from China's National Museum who is also a scholar on Qin and Han dynasties, said that the Great Shangqing Palace was a place of worship for a line of emperors throughout Chinese history and was the primary location for the Zhengyi sect of Taoism. Archaeologists have excavated 5,000 square meters of the palace, which was dedicated to a Chinese Taoist master, located at the foot of Longhu Mountain in east China's Jiangxi Province. The Zhengyi sect of Taoism was found by Zhang Daoling who was known as Celestial Master Zhang and is believed to have lived and practiced Taoism at Longhu Mountain. Zhang's Taoist temple was originally built on top of the mountain during the Han Dynasty (202 BC -220 AD). During Song Dynasty, a Taoist palace ...