Hindu Icons: Now “Made in China”

www.telegraphindia.com CHANDIGARH, INDIA, August 13, 2005: You no longer have to be a Maoist for your God to come from China. Siva has shifted residence from Kailash to the land of the Great Helmsman, and Vishnu, Lakshmi and Ganesh have followed suit. After toys and dolls, communist China — where there are strict curbs on religious practice — has flooded…

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Canadian Jewish Congress Denounces Hindu Temple Desecration

www.cjc.ca VANCOUVER, CANADA, August 8, 2005: The Vancouver – Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region, denounced the recent desecration of the Geeta Gyan Society temple in Surrey, and has offered its support and condolences to the congregation. The temple was defaced with graffiti that included racial aspersions, swastikas, and threats. “No Canadian should face the spectacle of their place of worship…

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Inter-Faith Discussion in Delhi

Cihan News Agency NEW DELHI, INDIA, August 15, 2005: A symposium titled, “Peace, tolerance and harmony among world religions,” was held in New Delhi Sunday by the “Inter Faith Harmony Platform,” which was established by Indian Muslims. Many representatives from different religions participated in the symposium that was held for the first time in India. Indian deputy Karan Singh, who…

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Researchers Aim To Grow Meat In Test Tube

www.local6.com USA, August 15, 2005: A research team is proposing a new technique that would allow meat to be grown in a laboratory for mass consumption, according to a report. Researchers in the U.S. say the technology now exists now to produce processed meats such as burgers and sausages, starting with cells taken from cows, chickens, pigs, fish or other…

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Pilgrims Disappointed As Amarnath’s Ice Icon Melts

www.newindpress.com JAMMU, INDIA, August 15, 2005: Disappointment was writ large on Nirmal Sharma’s face when he returned after prayers at the cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir – the Siva Lingam or ice formation symbolizing Lord Siva had disappeared. “It was just a wet spot,” Sharma said of the place where the Siva Lingam – a stalagmite formation…

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UK Hindus Deal With Racism

icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.uk MERTON, UK, August 11, 2005: Attacks and harassment of Merton’s Hindu community will not stop the annual Ther (chariot) parade, organizers claim. Worshippers at the Shree Ghanapathy Temple on Effra Road, Wimbledon, have reported being abused in the street and one had his car damaged in attacks police are treating as racially motivated. The temple’s chief co-ordiantor, Ranjit Ratsingham,…

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Houston Hindu Youth Slain While Meditating in Park

www.chron.com HOUSTON, TEXAS, August 13, 2005: Meditation was a ritual of Akhil Chopra’s daily life. He began each morning with prayer and meditation before a small shrine in his southwest Houston apartment. During the workday, he might step outside for a moment of silence and calm, his friends and co-workers said. They believe the 28-year-old Hindu community leader was meditating…

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Raksha Bandhan Festival August 19

desai@connect.com.fj FIJI, August 12, 2005: Hasmukh Desai & family of Fiji sent the following explanation of the upcoming Raksha Bandhan festival: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full-moon day in the month of Sravana (July-August – This year on 19th Aug). The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolizes love, affection and the feeling of brotherhood. On this day, sisters tie an…

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Indian Government Details Subsidies for Religious Pilgrimage

www.pib.nic.in DELHI, INDIA, August 10, 2005: The Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahmed informed the Lok Sabha about the details of subsidy and other facilities which are being provided by Union Government, at present, for pilgrims visiting various religious shrines abroad. In summary, for the Hindu Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, the government pays pays US$73 for each pilgrim…

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