Biraja Icon Controversy

SourceBHUBANESWAR, INDIA, November 29, 2004: Controversy over the shifting of the Biraja idol from the famous Biraja temple in Jajpur (click here for more on the temple) and a missing yantra (gold plate with mystical diagram and mantras) from the seat of the icon, took a new turn with the Opposition Congress today demanding a CBI inquiry into the incident…

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Pro-Sankaracharya demonstration held in New York

SourceNEW YORK, NEW YORK, December 1, 2004: Indian-Americans have demonstrated in front of the Indian Consulate General seeking the immediate release of Sankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti peetham. About 150 people, braving cold weather, raised slogans and held placards. Nearly 30 organizations were represented in the two-hour demonstration held yesterday afternoon. “No justice for Hindus in India,” “Hindu saints in…

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Vegetarianism Gains in Russia

SourceRUSSIA, November 11, 2004: (HPI note: This article is translated from the Russian newspaper Pravda.) Vegetarians of the planet have recently celebrated the day of Vegans – the most radical group of the movement. Vegetarianism is gathering pace in the world again, although the peak of the movement occurred in Europe in the beginning of the last century. The idea…

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Speciality Paper Helping Save the Elephants

SourceSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, November 24, 2004: When Brian and Cindy Smucker visited Sri Lanka last January on a trip sponsored by Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade association, they were looking for unique products to sell in their store back home. The Smuckers found what they wanted when they visited the Elephant Millennium Foundation. Brian Smucker explains, “In Sri Lanka,…

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Speaks On Hindu Identity

SourceINDIA, November 27, 2004: “It is interesting to probe into the psyche of identity, which often is a source of security, insecurity, conflict and comfort. Perhaps the following reasons would answer the identity crises of the Hindus. The broadmindedness of Hinduism, its inherent inclusiveness and secularism, makes Hindus feel guilty about claiming their identity, as it is embedded in their…

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UK TV Soap Criticized by Hindus

SourceLONDON, ENGLAND, December 1, 2004: Hindu leaders have rejected an apology from Coronation Street (click here for plot summaries) after a scene showed a Hindu statue used as a weapon. Viewers saw Maya threaten Sunita with a statue of Hindu God Lord Ganesh as part of a long running plot line. ITV apologized for any offence caused but said it…

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Kanchi Shankaracharya Denies Making Confession to Police

SourceCHENNAI, INDIA, November 29, 2004: Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi has described as an “absolute lie” the police claim that he had confessed to his involvement in the Sankararaman murder, Tamil Nadu BJP Unit President C. P. Radhakrishnan, who met the seer earlier in the day, claimed on Monday night. “I have not committed any mistake. Why should I make a…

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India’s Prime Minister Urges Caution In Hindu Cleric Murder Investigation

SourceNEW DELHI, INDIA, November 26, 2004: India’s prime minister has urged authorities to ensure a top Hindu cleric suspected in a murder case is treated well in custody and says “extreme care and consideration” must be taken in investigating the charge. Police arrested Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, the most respected Hindu cleric in southern India, on Nov. 11 for his suspected…

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HAF Expresses Distress over the Arrest of the Sankaracharya of Kanchi

SourceUSA, November 24, 2004: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) issued this statement: HAF expresses great distress over the arrest of one of the most widely admired and respected Hindu spiritual leaders, the Sankaracharya of Kanchi, Pujya Shri Jayendra Saraswati. The Sankaracharya has been an inspiration and guide to Hindus throughout the world. Further, he has led important reforms in India…

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Australian Study Finds Direct Correlation Between White Bread Consumption and Diabetes

SourceVICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, November 5, 2004: In an effort to curb the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes, an Australian study has brought significant parallels to light. After studying the diet and health records of 36,000 men and women for four years, researchers found a direct correlation between the consumption of white bread and starchy foods with diabetes. The news release…

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