tvnz.co.nz

HYDERABAD, INDIA, February 13, 2008: The government of Andhra Pradesh announce its intention of subsidizing pilgrimage trips for Christians who want to travel to Israel. The subsidy is being modelled on that already offered by the central government to Muslims wanting to join the annual haj pilgrimage to Mecca, according to N.D. Tiwari, the state governor, who announced the subsidy.

Those who oppose the idea say the government is pandering to minority communities ahead of state elections next year, arguing that while the Indian Constitution mandates positive discrimination for dalits and tribals, it does not permit discrimination on the basis of religion.

Details of the subsidy are still to be decided, Mohammad Ali Shabbir, the minister for minorities welfare, said on Tuesday.

You can read an editorial about the initiative published by The India times here.

www.metrowestdailynews.com

ASHLAND, NEW ENGLAND, USA, February 11, 2008: One of New England’s largest Hindu temples will offer seven $1,000 scholarships. The Sri Lakshmi Temple, in Ashland, will also give two scholarships to local high schools to award as they see fit, said Raj Raghavan, the temple’s chairman of youth culture and education.

“We just felt that we have to be part of the community and increase the youth who come to the temple and get involved in temple activities,” said Raghavan, a trustee at the temple.

Auditions for the first scholarship are Sunday. The first award will be given to a student who performs Hindustani classical music, but the temple wants to encourage students who do not intend to perform professionally. The second scholarship audition is Feb. 23 for all types of Indian classical dance, and another one will feature music from southern India, Raghavan said. The remaining scholarships will recognize academic merit.

For more information, contact the temple at 508-881-5775.

www.thecheers.org

BIHAR, INDIA, February 11, 2008: Though the Saraswati Puja festival is marked in praise of Goddess of knowledge with deep fervour in many parts of India, it holds its special significance in Bihar, especially for kids.

Several children are introduced to reading writing and arithemetic skills in a ceremonial function named “Khalli Chuai” on the occasion of a Saraswati Puja that is invariably organised on the Basant Panchmi day (arrival of Indian spring, Feb 11 this year). After worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the parents help their children in writing “Om” on a slate with chalk.

“Today is the day to start learning by worshipping the Goddess Saraswati. It is a very auspicious day,” said Suresh Dutt Mishra, a priest. Mothers believe if their children start learning from today, they become extra intelligent. “We believe the children will be blessed by Goddess Saraswati with more wisdom and intelligence,” said Priyanka, mother of a child.

www.hinduismtoday

The whole path is a total surrendering. All four sects of Hinduism meet in surrender, prapatti, to the Divine. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (1927-2001)