Page 218 - Religion Belief
DRI seizes 890 gm heroin worth Rs 2.67 cr
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials have arrested a person with 890 gram of heroin worth Rs 2.67 crore from Bihar's Jamui district late last evening, DRI official sources said today. Acting on a specific information, officers of DRI Patna intercepted a person namely Mohammad Guddu Sheikh (28) near Chakia, Jamui Mor in Jamui district late last evening and recovered the contraband he was carrying, the sources said. Sheikh is the resident of Birbhum district of West Bengal. Sheikh, the smuggler, has been arrested under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and has been sent to Beur jail after he was produced in a Patna court today, the sources said. The seized heroin is valued at Rs 2.67 crore in the International market.
MP CM flags off mobile museum 'Adi Shankara Sandesh Vahini' in
As part of the 'Ekatm Yatra', Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today flagged off a mobile museum, showcasing various aspects of the life of Adi Shankaracharya, from the home of the saint's mother near here. The journey of the mobile museum 'Adi Shankara Sandesh Vahini', is being organised to propagate the philosophy and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya among the youth. It will cover various places including Kalady, Udupi, Dharmasthala and Sringeri before concluding at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh on January 22, where a 108-feet high Ashtadhatu statue of the saint would be installed. The Madhya Pradesh government had on December 19 launched 'Ekatm Yatra' with an aim of collecting metal pieces for the statue. The yatra would culminate at Omkareshwar on January 22 after traversing through Indore, Dewas, Rajgarh, Guna, Ashok Nagar, Shivpuri, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Gwalior and Datia in Madhya Pradesh. It was at Omkareshwar, situated on the banks of the ...
Vaikunta Ekadasi festival celebrated with religious fervour
Thousands of devotees today thronged the famous Lord Ranganathaswamy temple in nearby Srirangam on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadasi festival which was celebrated with religious fervour. Adorned with glittering pearls and diamonds, the 'utsava' idol of Namperumal was brought out of the 'sanctum sanctorum' and later taken through the Paramapada Vaasal, the celestial gateway to heaven, at around 5 a.m. Devotees from various parts of the country, including from neighbouring Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, thronged the temple, considered as the foremost among the 108 sacred Vaishnavite shrines on the occasion and offered worship. About 3,000 police personnel were deployed for security and regulation of traffic in this temple town. Large number of devotees thronged Sarangapaniswamy temple in Kumbakonam on the occasion. The Vaikunta Ekadasi festival was conducted in Vaishnavite temples across the state.
Solomon's Temple, Mizoram's biggest Church opens to public
Tucked away in the lap of nature surrounded by lush green landscape, the Solomon's Temple, the biggest Church in Mizoram, is now open for public.After 20 years of construction, the church was recently inaugurated in the state and saw large number of people from across the globe attend the Church and be a part of the auspicious ceremony.Solomon's Temple, at Kidron Valley, Chawlhmun, on the western outskirts of Aizawl was built by a religious group called Kohhran Thianghlim (Holy Church) and is run by the members of the religious group."In the year 1991, God had shown me Solomon's Temple in my dreams. I never thought of Solomon's temple ever before, nor had any dream of constructing it, but when I was clearly shown in 1991, as soon as I wake up, I wrote down the temple as I saw in my dream", Lb Sailo, founder, Kohhran Thianghlim Church.Even before the completion of the Church, the architecturally rich Church attracted visitors from around the world due to its immense ...
Naidu releases Lok Sabha 2018 calendar
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday released the Lok Sabha calendar 2018 which is based on the theme of inscriptions in parliament.
Book questions conviction of Christians in Kandhamal violence
A book questioning the conviction of seven Christians in the sensational murder of Swami Laxmanananda in Odisha's Kandhamal in 2008, was today released by veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar. The revised edition of Anto Akkara's book 'Who Killed Laxmanananda?' also challenged the "Christian conspiracy" theory behind the killing of VHP member Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. "The book brings out the absurdities and discrepancies of the judgement convicting seven persons in the case wherein a document that later turned out to be forged is the only evidence," senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said at the book launch function here. In the violence that followed the murder of Swami Laxmanananda, nearly 70-80 people were killed. Thousands of houses were burnt, but not even a single conviction took place in the past nine years, she said. Swami Laxmanananda was killed at his ashram in Kandhamal on August 23, 2008, which led to a trail of violence against the Christians in the ...
Goa archbishop mentions PM's UN speech in his Xmas address
Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrao today referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "historic" UN General Assembly address of 2014 in which he spoke about the country's philosophy of 'vasudhaiv kutumbakam' (the world is one family), during his annual Christmas speech. Fr Ferrao addressed the annual get-together on the occasion of Christmas in presence of Governor Mridula Sinha and Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar amongst others at Archbishop palace here. On the occasion, he assured help from Church to the state authorities in building a supporting society for promoting peace and harmony. "I shall end with the assurance that we have given consistently on this meaningful occasion along these years, namely the Church in Goa will be only too glad to offer the collaboration in the building of a supportive society that sincerely and genuinely promotes peace and harmony in our land," said Fr Ferrao. During his ten-minute-long speech, he also invoked 'shlokas' ...
India can significantly contribute to world peace: Dalai Lama
The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, said today that India, a democratic and stable country, can make significant contributions towards peace in the world. The Dalai Lama said anger and compassion were all part of emotion, which can be controlled by ancient Indian knowledge. Addressing a conference on Ideas of Harmonious Coexistence: Religions and Philosophies of India here, the 82 -year-old leader said he would dedicate the rest of his life to revive the ancient Indian knowledge. "I think India can make some contributions regarding peace. Only in a peace, real peace comes... This country being most populated and democratic is very stable... India can make certain significant contributions regarding a peaceful world." "To decrease destructive emotions like fear, we must increase positive emotions like love," he said. The Dalai Lama said ancient Indian traditions can make a better world through education. Several religious leaders attended the conference. ...
Church of England bishop slams Christian Trump supporters
A senior Church of England bishop has slammed conservative evangelical Christians in the US for their "uncritical support" of Donald Trump, urging them to reflect on how their endorsement of the President relates to their faith.
Ahmadiyya community develops Rabwah on its own accord
The Ahmadiyya community, a section that moved its headquarters to Pakistan from India in 1948, purchased a barren stretch of desert land from the government, developing it on their own, naming it Rabwah."Today the city contains about 70,000 Ahmadis. The roads are paved and lined with greenery. An Olympic-size swimming pool, state-of-the-art library, free eye and blood banks and a world-class cardiology hospital have been set up. Much of the community is affluent, and the literary rate is over 85 percent. The city is small enough that people, even those who can afford cars, cycle everywhere," writes Mehreen Zahra-Malik in a New York Times article.Ahmadiyya or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at is an Islamic religious movement founded in Punjab, British India, near the end of the 19th century.Some Ahmadiyya-specific beliefs have been thought of as opposed to contemporary mainstream Islamic thought since the movement's birth, and some Ahmadis have subsequently faced persecution due to this. ...
Iran police taking softer line on Islamic codes: chief
Iranian police are taking a softer approach to breaches of Islamic rules, opting for education over punishment, Tehran's police chief said today. "According to a decision of the commander of the police force, those who do not observe Islamic codes will no longer be taken to detention centres nor judicial files opened on them," Brigadier General Hossein Rahimi said in a speech in the Iranian capital. "We offer courses and 7,913 people have been educated in these classes so far," he said, adding that there were more than 100 counselling centres in Tehran province. Rahimi, who was appointed in August, did not elaborate on which Islamic codes were in question or when the new guidelines were introduced. It marks a stark shift from his predecessor, General Hossein Sajedinia, who announced in April 2016 that there were 7,000 undercover morality police reporting on things like "bad hijab" -- a blanket term usually referring to un-Islamic dress by women. Figures are rarely given,
Two youths arrested for vandalising church on Christmas day
Two juveniles, involved in vandalising a church in the early hours on Christmas day in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district, were arrested today after the people handed them over to police. The duo, hailing from Tura town, confessed to their crime and admitted that it was done under the influence of alcohol, Superintendent of Police M G R Kumar said. "We have apprehended the two involved in the incident, and they will be produced in a juvenile court as per procedures," he said. The two juveniles broke the front glass of the Hawakhana Baptist Church in Tura town at around 2:45 am on Christmas day. The footage of the act captured on CCTV had gone viral on social media, following which a DSP was asked to inquire into the matter.
Bangladesh cultural minister condemns attack on minorities
Condemning the attacks on religious minorities and foreigners in recent times, Bangladesh Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor has said the social consciousness generated by Bengal Classical Music Festival would help eradicate the evil forces disrupting the harmony of the country.
Kaif trolled again, this time for wishing Merry Christmas
Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif became the target of online trolls yet again when he wished Merry Christmas to his followers on social media. Kaif, who has been trolled for posting a picture of him playing chess with his son, was attacked for putting up a family photo alongside a christmas tree while celebrating the festival. With the picture, he posted a message for his 800,000 plus followers on Twitter, reading: "With the Merry Christmas! May there be love and peace." While some wished the 37-year-old in return, others questioned his loyalty to his religion and even hurled abuses at him. However, there were a few who supported Kaif against the trolls. "Verry good kaif bhai koi dharm bura nhi hota hum Indian hai sab mil kar rahna chahte hai," wrote one Masroor Alam Sheikh. Kaif had been targetted earlier this year for posting pictures of him doing yoga. Kaif had responded at that time by saying that physical exercise had nothing to do with religion. However, he ...
MP CM invokes Jesus Christ's teachings
On the occasion of Christmas, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that if we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, peace and love prevail in this world.Speaking at an event in Bhopal, Chauhan said, "Jesus Christ was born in this world to spread peace. His teachings were to spread love, peace and humanity in the world. Even when Jesus was crucified he prayed the Almighty God to forgive the people who tortured him."Adding, "Love is such a beautiful thing that it brings the world together and Jesus has taught us this."Chauhan further expressed his happiness about the fact that a dance performance was presented at the event that carried the message of 'beti bachao'.The Madhya Pradesh CM also stressed on the fact that "we all are one and we all should live in harmony with each other".
Mo Farah targeted with racial abuses over Christmas post
The four-time Olympic gold medallist, Mo farah, was hurled with abuses for taking to social media to wish his followers Merry Christmas.The long-distance runner posted a picture of himself, wearing a Father Christmas hat, on his official Instagram account to send wishes of the festive day to his 6,67,000 followers.However, Farah - a practicing Muslim - was greeted with scores of racial and offensive messages for celebrating Christmas due to his faith, reports the Independent.One of the comments on his picture read, "Are you serious? You are Muslim you can't do this, I'm sorry for you."Another message said, "You are being given the name of our beloved prophet Mohamed and it is better to protect the honourable name and your religion of Islam."There were threads of abusive messages on his pictures, however, some of his followers also supported the Briton and criticised the negative response he was getting."The abuse Mo Salah is getting shows you why all the Middle East and Muslim ...
Thousands throng Sabarimala for Mandala Pooja
Thousands of devotees today offered prayers at the famous Lord Ayyappa shrine here on the occasion of 'Mandala pooja'. This marks the conclusion of the initial phase of the three-month-long annual pilgrimage season. The shrine was closed after the rituals and it would be reopened on December 30 evening for the Makaravillaku festival which falls on January 14 next year, temple authorities said. Pilgrims thronged the shrine chanting, "swamiye saranam ayyappa" since morning to witness the special poojas and 'deeparadhana' (aarti). Many of them had to wait for hours for darshan of the presiding deity. The idol of Lord Ayyappa was adorned with the glittering 'thanka angi' (holy jewels) when the sanctum sanctorum was opened for mandala pooja in the afternoon. According to officials, there was a heavy rush of pilgrims after the arrival of the golden attire, which was brought in a ceremonial procession from the Sree Parthasarathi Temple at Aranmula yesterday. Police made ...
Board of Shri Krishna Prasadam approves resignation of director
At meeting held on 26 December 2017
Left-handed people more likely to be atheists
People who are left-handed are more likely to be atheists, according to a study which suggests that religious people have fewer genetic mutations. Researchers at Oulu University in Finland, said that in pre-industrial times religiosity was passed on like other genetic attributes because it was associated with greater stability, mental health and better social behaviour. Lack of belief in god is connected to genetic mutations which cause attributes such as left-handedness or autism, according to the study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science. Modern religious people were likely to be descended from those who were highly religious in pre-industrial times, researchers said. "By contrast, atheists and believers in the paranormal would, disproportionately, never have reached adulthood or never have been born, because these beliefs, though very different, are partly an expression of the breakdown of selection and thus of rising mutational load," they ...
Union minister Hegde hints at removing 'secular' from Constitution
Union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde has hinted that Constitution which contained the word "secular" would be amended.Venting out his ire against the "seculars" at a public function in Koppal district on Sunday, Union Minister of State for Employment and Skill Development said, "Seculars do not know what their blood is. Yes constitution has given that right to say 'we are secular and we will say it'. Yes, I know but constitution has been amended many times, we will also amend it. We have come to power for that.""If you say you are a Muslim, Christian etc., I feel proud that you have connection with your religion and caste, but who are these so called seculars? Seculars don't have any parentage," Hegde said earlier in his address.This is not the first time that Hegde has made a controversial remark. Last year, he was booked for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Islam.In November, he refused to participate in the annual Tipu Jayanti celebration in Karnataka, as BJP, unlike ...