SourceGERMANY, March 3, 2004: Journalist Francois Gautier sends the following report. “As you know one of the biggest problems today is that Indian journalists are not always proud of their own culture and roots and, as result, tend to have a very negative outlook on India, which, in turn, influences Western correspondents posted in India. It is therefore very important…
SourceCHENNAI, INDIA, February 26, 2004: Chennaiwasis (Chennai residents), according to this article, are exhibiting their religious fervor throughout the city when a decade ago religious observances were confined to the home plus women visiting temples on Fridays and Tuesdays. The article says, “The official figures may say that there are some 5,000 large and medium-sized temples across Tamil Nadu, but…
SourceUNITED KINGDOM, February 26, 2004: According to a recent survey, Britain is one of the least religious countries in the world. The poll of 10,000 people in 10 countries found only 46% of British people said they have always believed in God, 27% less than average and above only Russia (42%) and South Korea (28%). The UK had the highest…
SourceDELAWARE, U.S.A., February 28, 2004: When 18-year-old Nikhil Neelkantan of Newark got his driver’s license, the first place he drove was the Hindu Temple in Hockessin for reflection and prayer, begins this article. Since then, he has gone to the temple every week, surprising his father, Neel, who emigrated from India 35 years ago. “When we grew up in India,…
SourcePATIALA, INDIA, February 15,2004: Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, the renowned musician, feels only government patronage will promise a secure and lucrative future for artistes in the performing arts and will encourage children to become musicians. At present, he feels, more and more classical artistes, are prefering to establish academies in the West than in India. Explaining his contribution to popularizing…
SourceNEW YORK, February 26, 2004: As religious diversity continues to grow in the United States, a young person’s decision to date or marry within their own religion has become more difficult. The article explains that according to the City University of New York’s American Religious Identification Survey the number of Muslims increased 109 percent from 1990 to 2001 and the…
SourceNEW YORK, NEW YORK, March 1, 2004: Kamud Mayur (“source”), sister of the late Rashmi Mayur, informs HPI that the memorial service for her brother will be held on March 24 and 6:00 pm at the Church Center, 2nd floor, 777 UN Plaza, 44st and 1st Avenue in New York City. His friends and wellwishers are welcome. Rashmi Mayur was…
SourceDURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, February 14, 2004: After 25 years of compiling information, Joy Brain, a veteran researcher, has produced a CD where South Africa’s 1.2 million Indians will be able to trace their roots back to India. The article explains that South Africa’s Indian community are descendents of indentured laborers who came to South Africa in 1860 to work on…
SourceGEORGETOWN, GUYANA, February 28, 2004: In Central Georgetown today, a Phagwah Mela and Bazaar will be held on the lawns of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar. The Sabha will also inaugurate an Art and Craft Shop during the Mela. There will be dancing, music, exhibits, games and delicacies, a release from the Sabha said. Alcoholic beverages…
SourceMERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, February 21, 2004: When Ralph McLaney, assistant principal at Carver Middle School, resigned from his position rather than paddle a student, the debate over corporal punishment took to the forefront again. The article explains, “A decision last month by the Canadian Supreme Court to outlaw the use of the strap by teachers has left the United States and…