SourceUSA, June 8, 2004: Jagadguru Swami Pragyanand of Pragya Mission International is visitng USA first time after being conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar by the oldest akhada (Community of Hindu Monks) of India, Avahan Akhada. Although he has visited the USA more than 60 times, this time it makes it a special honor for his devotees to welcome him as…
SourceCALIFORNIA, USA, June 8, 2004: Indian immigrants have the highest life expectancy among California residents, exceeding the state average by almost six years, according to a recently-released study. The study, titled “The Demographics of Mortality in California” and conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), revealed that immigrants in general outlive the US born residents. Life expectancy for…
SourceLONDON, ENGLAND, June 8, 2004: The Home Office invited a delegation from Hindu Council UK for a consultation on the oncoming legislation for “Ministers of Religion from abroad.” Dr. Stadlen, Head of the Faith Communities Unit, chaired the meeting and explained that the White Paper, “Secure Borders, Safe Haven,” undertook to review the existing arrangements whereby they would like to…
SourceINDIA, June 6, 2004: A Hindu holy man known as Ludkan Baba, or Rolling Baba, is rolling his way to Lahore, Pakistan, on a mission of peace, Nick Meo reports in The Times. In 1983 the holy man Mohan Das decided to make his pilgrimages more of a challenge by rolling along the ground instead of walking. Since then he…
SourceSANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, June 7, 2004: The sari-wearing firebrand who for two decades has fiercely fought biotechnology in her native India was complaining yet again about the men in lab coats who say they know best how to manage the world’s food supply, according to this long article in the New York Times. And the audience was enthralled. “Ten thousand…
The Washington PostWASHINGTON, May 20, 2004: When 57-year-old Prabha Bhamdri emigrated from India 36 years ago, little did she know that one day she would be planning Hindu weddings in America in a big way. Until 10 years ago Bhamdri, who has a master’s degree in sociology, worked as a rehabilitation counselor. When a friend needed help with her son’s…
SourceSOUTH AFRICA, May 30, 2004: Govindsamy “GM” Moodley vowed never again to play the veena after the death of his wife and biggest fan, Dolly, two years ago. But family and friends convinced the Isipingo Beach musician to take up the south Indian stringed instrument again as a tribute to her. Now, for the first time since he began playing…
SourceCHENNAI, INDIA, June 1, 2004: Discipline, going ahead with whatever planned undeterred by external disturbances, patriotic fervor – these qualities of members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS, India’s largest volunteer organization) came to the fore at the concluding session of the Sangh’s annual training camp. The valedictory function of the camp, which began on 12 May at Tambaram, came…
SourcePURI, ORISSA, June 4, 2004: The Snan Yatra or bathing festival of the Deities of the Jagannath temple in Puri was held on Thursday. The Snan Yatra marks the end of the hot and humid Hindu month of Jyestha. The icons of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan are brought in a ceremonial procession to a high altar called the Snan…
SourceLEICESTER, ENGLAND, June 5, 2004: Police are to create a multi-faith prayer room at force headquarters for officers, staff and visitors. The force hopes to open the room – suitable for Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs – at its headquarters in Enderby later this year. It is the latest large organization in Leicestershire to provide a space where people of…