Losing an Edge, Japanese Envy India’s Schools

www.nytimes.com MITAKA, JAPAN, January 2, 2008: Japan is suffering a crisis of confidence these days about its ability to compete with its emerging Asian rivals, China and India. But even in this fad-obsessed nation, one result was never expected: a growing craze for Indian education. Despite an improved economy, many Japanese are feeling a sense of insecurity about the nation’s…

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Hinduism Today Launches YouTube Channel With Festival Video

www.youtube.com KAUAI, HAWAII, January 2, 2008: Hinduism Today Magazine is proud to announce its presence on YouTube. Visit Hinduism Today’s YouTube channel to watch a three-part documentary of the Thai Pusam celebration at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, January 2007, attended by more than a million devotees. This professional documentary about the meaning and significance of the festival itself, with…

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Paryaya Peetha Row Continues to Rage

www.hinduonnet.com UDUPI, INDIA, January 1, 2008: No solution seems to be in sight for the “Paryaya Peetha” controversy with seven of the Asta Mutts opposing Puttige seer Sugendra Theertha Swamiji ascending the peetha on January 18 and performing Sri Krishna pooja for the two-year term. Even as Puttige seer asserted his right to ascend the Paryaya Peetha, as per the…

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Astrology, Numerology All Set To Ride The Internet Traffic

www.hindustantimes.com MUMBAI, INDIA, December 29, 2007: Astrology is fast catching up to become a Knowledge Process Outsourcing business, with more and more non-resident Indians seeking astro-numerical counselling. Chennai-based Sundhar Raja, who completed a pilot project offering astro-numerological services through internet recently, is hoping to garner a revenue of Rs. 1 crore during the current fiscal year. “Over 50 per cent…

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In India, a New Breed of Missionary Stirs Passions

www.usatoday.com JHABUA, INDIA, December 28, 2007: Biju Verghese believes the end of the world is coming. This faith makes his work urgent: Convert as many Indians to Christianity as possible. Or, as he puts it, “reach the unreached at any cost.” Verghese is a new breed of missionary, tied not to the mainline Protestant or Catholic churches that came with…

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Theft of Bangladesh Relics Triggers Diplomatic Rift

www.timesonline.co.uk PARIS, FRANCE, December 28, 2007: A row has erupted between France and Bangladesh after the theft of two ancient statues led to the cancellation of a ground-breaking exhibition of Hindu artefacts. Bangladesh scrapped the exhibition at the Guimet Museum, amid claims that France could not be trusted with some of the country’s finest cultural treasures. French officials pointed out,…

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Specialized Hindu Funerals in the USA

FROM RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE SAYREVILLE, NJ, December 28, 2007: Greg Young is the co-owner of the Hindu Funeral Home in Sayreville, NJ, USA, one of two funeral homes in the state catering exclusively to Hindu services. While many funeral homes cater to different faiths, Young said he and co-owner Peter Kothari realized there was a niche to be served with…

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Tamil Nadu Temples Claimed to Be Bigger than Akshardham

news.in.msn.com CHENNAI, INDIA, December 28, 2007: Officials of the famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai maintain that Delhi’s Akshardham is smaller than at least three different temple complexes in Tamil Nadu. “Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai are definitely larger temple complexes,” said B Raja, joint commissioner of the Meenakshi Temple. He pointed out that the outermost wall…

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Nepalese Monarchy Voted Out

english.aljazeera.net NEPAL, Decemeber 28, 2007: Nepal’s provisional parliament has approved a motion to abolish the monarchy and declare the Himalayan country a republic. More than two-thirds of parliament voted to amend the country’s interim constitution. Friday’s vote ensures the king will be removed immediately after constituent assembly elections scheduled for mid-April next year. The agreement ended months of political deadlock…

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