Page 6 - Religion Belief
Pope seeks more 'freedom' in theology, dialogue with Islam
Pope Francis is calling for a reform of the way theology is taught in Catholic schools, saying students must learn about dialogue with Judaism and Islam, and that overall there must be greater freedom in theological pursuits. The Jesuit pope made the call during a speech Friday at the Jesuit-run theology university in Naples. It follows his outreach this year to the Muslim world with the signing of a joint statement with the imam of Cairo's Al Azhar, the seat of Sunni learning, establishing the relationship between Catholics and Muslims as brothers, with a common mission to promote peace. In his speech, Francis said dialogue and partnership with the Muslim world is necessary "to build a peaceful existence, even when there are the troublesome episodes by fanatic enemies of dialogue.
Yoga not connected with any religion, says Kerala CM
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Friday said yoga does not have connection with any religion and attempts were being made to brand it as a communal practice, which was not right. "There are attempts to brand yoga as a communal practice. This is not right. Yoga does not have any connection with religion... Yoga will help people to stay away from lifestyle diseases and drugs... it provides all the physical health for a human body," Vijayan said inaugurating the state-wide yoga day celebrations here this morning. Vijayan also said the state government will take necessary steps to spread the practice of yoga. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam participated in the yoga day celebrations at the Raj Bhavan here. Yoga day celebrations were also held at the Southern Naval Command at Kochi. In Alapuzha, former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajashekharan participated in the yoga day celebrations organised by the local unit of BJP.
AN-32 crash: Def Min Rajnath pays homage to air-warriors, meets their families
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Friday paid homage to all 13 air-warriors who lost their lives in the AN-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh early this month. Mortal remains of some of the deceased were also brought to Delhi, from where they would be sent to their hometown. Singh also met families of the deceased personnel here at the Palam Technical Area. "Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss," he tweeted. The Russian-made aircraft crashed on June 3 in Arunachal Pradesh. The IAF traced the aircraft on June 11, but could not retrieve the bodies due to bad weather and hostile terrain. The bodies were finally recovered and brought to the Johrat Air base on Thursday.
Yoga should not be misunderstood as a religious practice: Kerala CM
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday urged locals not to misunderstand yoga as a religious practice while adding that everyone, irrespective of caste, must practice asanas in order to stay fit and healthy."When you perform 'Padmasana' you inhale while raising both your hands; now that is not a common effort but a kind of an exercise. That will help modulate our minds positively. That need not be misunderstood as a religious practice. Anyone can practice yoga; people irrespective of religious and caste boundaries should practice yoga," he said at the state-level celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram."In fact, none of the postures being performed as part of yoga have any connection to any religion," he added.The Kerala Chief Minister also said that some people in the region are trying to deliberately mislead others over the practice of yoga."Will ensure that yoga is practiced all across the state. Lifestyle diseases are affecting us. Yoga ...
Indian-origin pioneer of Muslim charity in South Africa dies
Shawkat Ali Thokan, an Indian-origin man considered the pioneer of the Islamic movement in South Africa, was buried here Thursday after he died following a lengthy illness. He was 81. Born in Maharashtra in India, Thokan died on Wednesday and was laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg. He emigrated to South Africa with his parents when he was 10. Thokan was the first National Coordinator of the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF), a faith-based, educational and socio-welfare organisation that helps the Muslim community. The organisation in almost five decades has assisted tens of thousands of students at all levels, as well as funding scores of budding entrepreneurs to become self-sufficient through training programmes. "Sanzaf stands as a monument and symbol of passionate persistence, commitment, dedication, vision and a yearning to succeed - these are the values that he leaves behind," head of AWQAF SA Zeinoul Abedien Cajee said. "Even in his last years and days he
Cong Veerashaiva-Lingayat leaders seek OBC status to community
Karnataka Congress leaders from Veerashaiva-Lingayat community Thursday met Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and demanded that the government recommend to the Centre, granting of the OBC status to the community. The leaders also sought setting up of Veerashaiva-Lingayat Development Corporation. The delegation that met Chief Minister in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara included- KPCC Working President Eshwar Khandre, Home Minister M B Patil, senior legislators Shamanur Shivashankarappa and S R Patil, among others. "Those in Veerashaiva-Lingayat community who are backward- socially, economically and in education- for them Veerashaiva-Lingayat Development Corporation has to be set up. All of us leaders and MLAs have submitted a memorandum to theChief Minister," Khandre told reporters after the meeting. "Also, we have requested to recommend inclusion of Veerashaiva-Lingayat in the Other Backward Class (OBC) list at the Centre. CM and DCM have responded ...
SGPC's support sought to celebrate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev
The Punjab government has sought the support of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday asked a group of ministers (GoM) to approach the SGPC, the apex religious body of Sikhs, for support to celebrate the 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev on a common platform. Singh gave the directions during a meeting of the executive committee constituted to commemorate the birth anniversary, an official statement said here. The CM expressed his keenness to celebrate the event in unison with the participation of the SGPC and other religious organisations, in line with Guru Nanak Dev's message of love, peace, harmony and brotherhood. Amarinder Singh mandated the GoM to extend a formal invite to the Akal Takhat Jathedar and the SGPC president to seek their whole-hearted support, cooperation and guidance. The GoM comprising Pujab ministers Charanjit Singh Channi, O P Soni ..
Special prayers for Muzaffarpur children at Kolkata's Bhootnath temple
In view of the ongoing Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) crisis in Muzaffarpur, people in Kolkata offered special prayers at the Bhootnath temple here on Thursday for the speedy recovery of the children."We are praying for the speedy recovery of children suffering from encephalitis in Muzaffarpur. We pray to God that he gives strength to the families of those children," Hindu Chetna Manch worker Dilip Giri told ANI.So far as many as 117 children have lost their lives in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district due to the outbreak of encephalitis."It is said that when modern medicine fails, only prayers work. That is why we are praying," Giri said.
Telangana: Trump's fan observes fast for him every Friday
A young man from Konnea village, who unveiled a six feet statue of the United States President Donald Trump in Telangana, on Wednesday, said that he observes a fast every Friday for the American leader.Bussa Krishna unveiled the statue on the occasion of the Trump's birthday on June 14 and performed 'Abhishek'."I have installed Donald Trump's statue on his birthday and I pray to him like a God. For the first time, I saw Trump in my dream and it has repeated for the second time. The day India vs Pakistan match was held I saw him in my dream and thankfully India won the match. After this incident, I have kept Trump's picture as my display wallpaper of my mobile," he said while speaking to ANI.Krishna said that Trump's statue cost him around Rs 1.3 lakh."I installed Trump's statue with my own money and it cost me around Rs 1.3 lakh. After installing his statue many people are calling me a Trump fan. I also observe fast on every Friday for Trump. I will live as Trump fan and die as Trump .
Woman's torso found near Kamakhya temple in Assam
The torso of a woman was found near the Kamakhya temple atop the Nilachal Hill here on Wednesday evening ahead of the annual religious fair on the occasion of Ambubachi festival, police said. Items used in offering prayers and a pair of woman's sandal were also recovered from the site, they said. The body was found on the steps leading to the Banadurga temple adjacent to the main Kamakhya temple, police said. Guwahati Commissioner of Police Deepak Kumar, who visited the site, told reporters that security arrangements have been intensified in view of the gruesome death. Assam Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had Tuesday visited the temple premises and reviewed preparations for the annual socio-spiritual congregation from June 22-25. During the four-day Ambubachi festival, Devi Kamakhya is believed to go through her annual cycle of menstruation. The doors of the temple are closed for the devotees and regular rituals are suspended for four days. Likening the earth to Devi Kamakhya, no ..
Outfit's protest alleging encroachment on govt land by Church
A fringe Hindu outfit Wednesday organised a protest march at Panchalimedu in Idukki district alleging encroachment by a Catholic church on government land. Panchalimedu, a hill situated near Mundakayyam, is considered as one of the 18 hills related to Sabarimala and part of 'Poonkavanam' (sacred forest area) of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala temple. According to legend, the Pandavas along with Draupadi (Panchali) stayed for a year in a cave in the hill during their 14-year exile. There is a Goddess Bhuvaneshwari temple atop the hill. However, it is also a Christian pilgrimage centre where there are around 14 concrete crosses erected en route to the hill top since 1956. "There are 14 crosses and a temple on the hill since the time when the land was taken over by the government in 1965 after the Land Reforms Act. However, three new wooden crosses came up after Easter this year," district collector H Dineshan told PTI. The issue popped up after the ...
Indian-origin imam triggers controversy in BBC's UK PM debate
An Indian-origin imam chosen by the BBC for a select panel of members of the British public to put their questions to the UK's prime ministerial hopefuls during a live television debate has triggered controversy over some of his past anti-Jewish remarks on social media. Imam Abdullah Patel challenged frontrunner Boris Johnson and the four others remaining in the Conservative Party leadership race over tackling Islamophobia in Britain during the debate telecast by the BBC Tuesday night. Johnson said he was "sorry for the offence" his comments about veiled Muslim women looking like "letter boxes" and "bank robbers" had caused, while Pakistani-origin minister Sajid Javid urged all his fellow candidates to commit to an external investigation into the issue of Islamophobia within the Tory party. However, by Wednesday morning the narrative had shifted against Patel himself as some of his past messages from Twitter were unearthed. "Every political figure on the Zionist's payroll is scaring ..
Man worships Donald Trump in T'gana, erects statue
An admirer of Donald Trump's "strong leadership" and "bold attitude" in Telangana has erected a six-foot-tall statue of the US president at his home and worships him like a "god". As tensions over trade-related issues heat up between India and the US, Bussa Krishna, a 32-year-old farmer from Konne village in Jangaon district, unveiled the Trump statue and applied 'tilak' and garlanded it before performing "Abhishekam" and "Aarti" by chanting "Jai Jai Trump." Krishna said he 'worships' Trump because he is a strong leader and he likes his bold attitude. He said he wants to meet Trump some day. His mother said Krishna spent Rs 1.3 lakh to install the statue and even organised feast for villagers. On June 14, when Trump celebrated his 73rd birthday, Krishna pasted a poster of the US president outside his home to wish him. Next week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is visiting India and in his preview to the visit he has said the US is "open" to discuss trade issues but has also pushed ..
Proud of who you have become over the years: Amarinder to Rahul
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh wished good health and a long life to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his birthday on Wednesday. "Wish you a very happy birthday, dear @RahulGandhi. Proud of who you have become over the years; I see my dear friend (late) Rajiv (Gandhi) in you," Singh tweeted. "May God bless you with a long, healthy and prosperous life," the chief minister said. Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also wished good health and a long life to Rahul Gandhi, who turned 49 on Wednesday.
Former beauty queen Ushoshi Sengupta harassed in Kolkata, 7 held
Seven people have been arrested on Tuesday for allegedly chasing and attacking model-turned-actor Ushoshi Sengupta, and vandalising the app-based cab she was travelling in, Kolkata Police said.Sengupta, was attacked on 11.40 pm on Monday when she was travelling with her friend in an Uber cab. The Miss India Universe 2010 posted on social media about the incident alleging that a gang of miscreants tried to drag her out from the cab.Ina social media post, Sengupta wrote about the incident and claimed that she was travelling with her friend in an Uber when few boys in a bike came and hit the car in front of the Government Housing Society under Charu Market police station area. Subsequently, the boys stopped the car at Exide intersection and Jawaharlal Road crossing in Kolkata."In a fraction of second there were 15 boys and they all started banging the car window and dragging the driver out," she alleged."Last night 17th June 2019 at around 11:40 pm I took an uber from JW Marriott ...
Telangana: Man unveils 6-feet-statue of US President on his birthday
A young man from Konnea village here unveiled a six feet statue of the United States President Donald Trump on the occasion of the latter's birthday on June 14.Bussa Krishna, who unveiled the statue, said he will offer prayers to the statue every day. He also performed 'Abhishek' of the statue with milk today."I will offers prayers to the statue and adore the statue every day on equal footing," he said.Krishna said he has been impressed by Donald Trump for his straightforwardness.He has also been admiring Trump's photo for the past three years.
Thousands in Istanbul pray for ex-Egyptian president Morsi
Thousands joined in prayer in Istanbul on Tuesday for former Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi who died the previous day after collapsing during a trial hearing in a Cairo court. The prayers, called by Turkey's religious authority Diyanet, took place in the city's Fatih mosque. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a close ally of Morsi, is due to attend afternoon prayers there. Ankara's relations with Cairo deteriorated after the Egyptian military, then led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, ousted Morsi in 2013. Sisi then became president. Erdogan on Monday called Morsi a "martyr" and blamed Egypt's "tyrants" for his death. Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president in 2012 after the Arab Spring uprisings, was overthrown after a turbulent year in power. He was buried on Tuesday, as rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for an independent probe into the causes of his death.
Kerala Lalithakala Akademi holds ground on award to cartoon
Kerala Lalithakala Akademi has decided not to intervene in the decision of the jury to award first prize to the cartoon of K K Subhash featuring former Bishop Franco Mulakkal.In a press release dated June 17, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi said: "Our executive committee and General Council held a meeting and examined the cartoon. They have decided not to intervene in the jury's decision and Kerala Lalithakala Akademi values the decision of the jury."In the meeting, it was also decided to consult legal experts to examine whether the cartoon hurts any constitutional or religious sentiments of the people.The cartoon made by Subhash was named 'Vishwasam Rakshathi' and had appeared in a Malayalam magazine after Mullakal was accused of rape by a nun.The cartoon featured Mullakal as a rooster standing on the top of a police cap.The religious body had raised an objection about the use of undergarment being carried on the holy stick.Mullakal was arrested by the Kerala Police in September 2018 ...
Khaleda gets six-month bail in defamation cases
A Bangladesh court on Tuesday granted a six-month bail to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in two defamation cases filed against her.
Nitish visits AES-hit Muzaffarpur, faces protests
Hundreds of angry protesters staged a demonstration on Tuesday against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's visit to Muzaffarpur district, where 107 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).