Page 217 - Religion Belief
Raj BJP MLA targets muslims over population growth
A ruling BJP MLA in Rajasthan today courted controversy by alleging that Muslims were bearing more children with an aim to outnumber Hindus and to take control of the country by 2030. The remarks by Banwari Lal Singhal, an MLA from Alwar, in a Facebook post come ahead of a bypoll to the Alwar parliamentary seat on January 29. "Muslims were giving birth to 12-14 children....while Hindus restrict the number to one or two. "The way the Muslim population is increasing, the existence of Hindus is in danger. It is a well-planned conspiracy to have a Muslim in the chair of president, prime minister and chief ministers," he said. "Hindus will become secondary citizens if Muslims become lawmakers," he further alleged. Asked about his comment, Singhal told PTI: "I wrote the post after a lot of consideration and I am not going to take it down." The MLA said he wrote the post after watching a video about Muslim population growth in India. "It's a conspiracy of Muslims to capture all .
Two Christians killed in New Year attack on Egypt liquor store
A gunman killed two Copts celebrating the New Year in an Egyptian alcohol shop early today, judicial and security sources said, the latest deadly violence against the Christian minority. The shooting came just three days after a gunman, identified as a wanted jihadist, killed nine people in an attack on a church south of the capital. An assailant rode up in the back of a motorcycle taxi and opened fire on the liquor store in Cairo's twin city Giza at around 1:30 am (local time), when the streets were still bustling with New Year revellers, the sources said. The store's Coptic owner survived but two of his friends who were celebrating with him were killed. Police are still investigating the motive of the attack, the sources said. Alcohol consumption is forbidden by Islam and liquor stores, most of which are run by Copts, have come under attack in the past by hardline Muslims who believe they should be banned. On January 2 last year, a Muslim slit the throat of a Coptic ...
People throng temples in Andhra, Telangana to begin New Year
People in the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana thronged temples to seek divine blessings on Monday to mark the beginning of 2018.
CM among lakhs who pray at Puri temple on New Year's Day
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was among lakhs of devotees, who offered prayers at Sri Jagannath Temple at Puri on the occasion of the New Year's Day today. Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Maheswar Mohanty and Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patasani accompanied the Chief Minister during his prayers at the temple. After having darshan of the Lord in the 12th century shrine, Patnaik came out waving to the people waiting outside to greet him. "I prayed to Lord Jagannath for the well-being, peace and prosperity of the people of Odisha," Patnaik told reporters. Though there was heavy rush at the temple, there had been no special arrangement for the chief minister. "We took the chief minister via a separate way to the temple keeping an eye that common devotees do not suffer," said Sri Jagannath Temple chief administrator P K Jena. Jena said the temple was opened to devotees at about 1.45 a m today for smooth darshan as over 5 lakh people thronged the temple.
Dalai Lama rues 'too much westernisation' of modern India
The Dalai Lama has rued that India was 'neglecting' the ancient knowledge and heading towards the western culture, while also stressing on the importance of ancient knowledge and science of the country.Addressing a gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, the Buddhist spiritual leader said, "Modern Indian is neglecting ancient thoughts. Modern Indian is too much westernised. You should pay more attention to ancient India knowledge. Modern Indian should not forget their knowledge."He further said that India is the only country on this planet which can combine modern facility, education, science and technology."In ancient times, Indians were our gurus. Now they have become 'chelas' [disciples], and others [the western world] seem to have become their guru. There is need of revival of ancient Indian knowledge. India can make a significant difference to the rest of the world," he added.He said that Indian knowledge and traditions can control inner peace of a human being."Today, we have many
More Muslim women should join politics: Swamy
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday said more Muslim women should join politics.His statement comes in the backdrop of Ishrat Jahan, a petitioner in the triple talaq case, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata."Ishrat Jahan is a fearless lady and has taken up a right cause, which is within the Constitution of India. Her courage is an example of Indian women and we welcome her in the BJP. We would like more Muslim women, who identify with India and its history as their own, to join politics. The BJP would welcome them," Swamy said.He also said that the BJP was only against those Muslims who consider themselves as descendents of Muhammad Ghori and Mahmud Ghazni."This development is an answer to those who say that the BJP is against Muslims. The BJP has never been against the Muslims. We are for those Muslims who accept that their ancestors were Hindus, which is what DNA studies show. When you claim that you are descendents of Muhammad ...
People welcome New Year with fervour in TN
: The new year was welcomed with fervour across Tamil Nadu and in neighbouring Puducherry with people thronging places of worship in the wee hours of today. Special poojas were conducted in various temples including the famous Sri Parthasarathy Temple in Chennai, Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple in Tiruttani and Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple in Madurai among others. Similarly, mass prayers were held as the clock struck 12 at the famous Santhome Basilica Church and Annai Vailankanni Shrine (Our Lady of Good Health), Besant Nagar in Chennai and Annai Vailankannai Shrine in Nagapattinam district. Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister K Palaniswami, DMK Working President M K Stalin, MDMK chief Vaiko and PMK leader S Ramadoss also extended their wishes on the occasion. In Puducherry, devotees offered prayers at the famous Manakula Vinayakar Temple while others visited the Aurobindo Ashram in the Union Territory. Several cultural programmes were organised as ..
AIMPLB objects to allowing Muslim women to travel for Haj without male guardian
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) does not concur with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of allowing the Muslim women to travel for Haj without 'Mehram' or male guardian."This is a religious issue, and not something to be brought up in legislation and passed in the parliament," AIMPLB secretary Maulana Abdul Hamid Azhari told ANI, adding, "99 per cent men and Muslims follow their religion in accordance with what their religious authorities say, and not what PM Modi ji or anybody else says."According to Islam, Azhari said, a woman cannot travel longer than three days or more than 78 miles without a male guardian, be it for Haj or to any other place.Addressing the nation in the 39th edition of his 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi suggested single women pilgrims be excluded from the lottery system implemented to select Haj pilgrims.Azhari, however, countered the suggestion saying single women were not obliged to go for Haj."If a woman
Pope Francis laments wars, injustices that 'ruined' 2017
Bidding 2017 farewell, Pope Francis today decried wars, injustices, social and environmental degradation and other man-made ills which he said spoiled the year. Francis presided at a New Year's Eve prayer service in St Peter's Basilica, a traditional occasion to say thanks in each year's last hours. In his homily, the pope said God gave to us a "whole and sound" year, but "we humans in so many ways ruined and hurt it with works of death, with lies and injustices." "The wars are the flagrant sign of this repeated and absurd pride," he said. "But so are all the little and big offenses against life, truth, brotherhood, that cause multiple forms of human, social and environmental degradation." Francis added: "We want to, and must assume, before God, our brothers and Creation our responsibility" for the harm. Despite the gloom, Francis said "gratitude prevails" thanks to those who "cooperate silently for the common good." He singled out parents and educators who try to raise ..
Deadly crackdown on anti-president protests in DR Congo
Eight people were killed today and dozens arrested as security forces in DR Congo cracked down on Catholic worshippers who gathered at churches across the country to demand President Joseph Kabila leave power, a UN source said. Despite appeals notably from the United Nations to respect people's right to protest, troops fired tear gas into churches and bullets in the air to break up gatherings at Catholic masses, in one case arresting 12 altar boys leading a protest in Kinshasa. Internet links were also down as church and opposition groups defied a ban by authorities to push ahead with the demonstrations. "Eight deaths -- seven in Kinshasa and one in Kananga," in central Democratic Republic of Congo, the source told AFP, adding there had been "82 arrests, including priests, in the capital and "41 in the rest of the country." At least four dead were civilians in the vast, mineral- rich central African country, wracked by tension over delayed elections. A government ...
PM Modi lauds Sabarimala temple cleanliness drive
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recounted the encouraging story of 'Punyam Poonkavanam' programme, a voluntary campaign started by police officer P. Vijayan at Sabarimala temple in Kerala to create awareness on cleanliness."The ongoing 'Punyam Poonkavanam' programme in Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a great example to create awareness on cleanliness in the country," said Prime Minister Modi in 39th 'Mann Ki Baad'.Prime Minister Modi also said a cleanliness survey will be conducted from the January 4 to March 10 to evaluate achievements in the cleanliness of urban areas."Swachh Survekshan 2018 - the largest cleanliness survey in the world, will be conducted from the January 4 to March 10 to evaluate achievements in the cleanliness of urban areas. Survey will cover a population of more than 40 crores in more than 4000 cities," he saidSabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala.
Service is part of India's culture: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that "service to people" was the biggest identity of humankind and also a part of India's culture.
Puri pandas to visit shrines for tips on hygiene, good conduct
The New Year promises to be a good one for those hoping to visit Puri's revered Jagannath Temple, for plans are afoot to train its 'pandas' or priests by taking them on a tour of shrines across India. A group of pandas, who perform a spate of rituals, will travel to other noted places of worship to pick up tips on cleanliness and ways to conduct themselves, a temple official said. The temple authorities are working out an itinerary for the tour which is expected to start in next winters. The move follows complaints about the behaviour of the pandas, many of whom are said to intimidate worshippers with demands for 'dakshina' or by forcing them to undergo rituals. "We are planning to take around 60 sevayats to different religious places such as the Vaishno Devi temple, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Tirupati Balaji and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala. We call it an exposure trip because it will show them how others behave with devotees," a highly-placed temple ...
Kirtan Fest to mark New Year's eve celebration at ISKCON
A New Year's Eve 'Kirtan Fest' will be held at the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at Mayapur on December 31 to ring in 2018. The devotees will assemble at the 'Panchtattava Extension of Chandradaya Temple' of ISKCON Mayapur from 7 pm tomorrow and chant kirtan till 12.30 am - half an hour into the new year, senior devotee Brahmachari Ashray Govind Das said today. To mark the occasion, the temple was being decked up with flowers, lights, balloons while 'Maha Prasadam' - a blend of traditional Bengali, Italian, Russian, South American delicacies for the presiding deity Sri Radha Madhav - will later be distributed among the participants of the Kirtan Fest, Das said.
Ex-SIMI member arrested at Mumbai Airport
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Saturday arrested a former member of the banned terror outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) from the Mumbai International Airport.Based on a tip-off that a former SIMI member often visited India, the ATS arrested Sarjeel Sheikh.Sheikh (34) was an absconding accused in a case lodged at Kurla police station under section 10,13 UAPA r/w 143,144, 145,147,149,353 IPC r/w 135, 37 BP Act.He has been handed over to Kurla police for further action.The ATS is probing the purpose of his visit to the country.
Anti-terror cops arrest ex-SIMI member from Mumbai airport
The Anti-Terrorism Squad of Maharashtra today apprehended a former Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) member from the international airport here. ATS officials said that Sarjeel Sheikh (34) was caught today morning based on a tip-off that some absconding former members of the SIMI were visiting India regularly. Sheikh was an absconding accused in a case registered at Kurla police station relating to assault on a public servant as well as unlawful assembly, officials informed. He has been handed over to Kurla police for further legal action, said officials.
Sikh American float to feature 'langar' in California's famed
A float depicting Sikh tradition of 'langar sewa' (community kitchen) will be a part of the upcoming Rose Parade on New Year's Day in South California. Formally called the 'Tournament of Roses', the parade is a 129-year-old American tradition that attracts up to one million visitors and is broadcast live across the US. The float will visually transport spectators back to Punjab, the Sikh Coalition said. Utilising 90,959 flowers and 500 pounds of vegetables, the float will symbolise the meals that can be expected in a langar hall. The float will also showcase beautiful brick walls, a marbled dome roof and scalloped arches to replicate those found at the Darbar Sahib. This would be the fourth consecutive year for a Sikh float appearing at the popular Rose Parade in California. "Growing up in California, it was always a dream to see a Sikh float in the Tournament of Roses Parade," said Bhajneet Singh, a member of the Sikh committee responsible for the float entry for the ...
Death toll rises to 10 in Cairo shooting
The Egyptian Interior Ministry on Friday confirmed the death of 10 people after a gunman opened fire outside a Coptic Christian church in Southern Cairo on Friday.According to local media reports, the exchange of fire between the security forces and the attacker ended with the gunman shooting himself.Coptic Christians in Egypt were attacked several times by the extremist organisations in recent times.Earlier on Sunday, two people were killed and eight injured after unknown assailants opened fire at a cafe in Cairo.Reportedly, Cairo's security chief is headed to the spot.
National Youth Festival in Jaipur
More than 5,000 youths from different parts of the country will attend the 22ndNational Youth Festival, scheduled to be held here from January 12 to 16. "The prime minister has been invited to address the gathering. Soldiers, youth achievers of different fields and other eminent people have also been invited to the festival," Major General (retired) Dilawar Singh, the Director General of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, said today. Career counselling, panel discussions on the issues of cleanliness, river conservation, direct benefit transfers and environment will also take place.
Devotees throng Tirumala temple Vaikunta Ekadasi day
About 1.5 lakh devotees from different parts of the country today thronged the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here on the occasion of 'Vaikunta Ekadasi' festival. With the massive queue complexes already occupied, pilgrims were waiting since yesterday afternoon in serpentine lines on the hills and they were allowed for offering worship from the wee hours of today. After offering worship, devotees walked out through the traditionally bedecked sacred 'Vaikunta Dwarams (passage)', which is opened only on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. The presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara was adorned with several ornaments, including the giant diamond studded golden crown, temple sources said. A golden chariot procession carrying the idol of the Lord was also taken out around the over 2000-year-old shrine on the occasion.