Starbucks Faces Human Rights Case Over Nose Stud

SourceVANCOUVER, B.C, June 27, 2003: Starbucks could be facing two human rights complaints from two Indo-Canadian employees fired for refusing to remove a nose stud. Aisha Syed, who was fired last November after working at Starbucks for three years, has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal. “I’m very upset, and I see my firing as racism,” said Syed,…

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Hundreds Attend Temple Festival in Nashville, USA

SourceNASHVILLE, TENNESEE, September 14, 2003: Hundreds of people from different backgrounds gathered yesterday at the Sri Ganesha Temple in Nashville for the Indian Association of Nashville’s annual Indian Festival. “The reason we have this is to let the community become more aware of our temple and to experience Indian culture,” said Chander Kanal, president of the Association. “India has 27…

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Himalayan Glaciers Shrinking Dramatically

SourceNEW DELHI, INDIA, September 13, 2003: Environmentalists and climatologists are deeply concerned over the rapid shrinking of the Himalayan glaciers — the origin of most of the rivers in northern India — even as the Indian government seems indifferent to the grim implications of the scenario. The majority of the 15,000 or so glaciers in the Himalayas are receding faster…

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Lord Jagannath’s Prasad to be Home-Delivered

SourcePURI, ORISSA, September 14, 2003: Devotees of Lord Jagannath can soon order for Lord’s prasad (blessed food) from their home. The Orissa Postal Circle is going to join hands with the Jagannath temple administration to send prasad by post if the devotee is willing to pay in advance. According to chief postmaster Vatsala Raghu, the plan will come into force…

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Corporal Punishment Still Lawful in Tamil Nadu Schools

www.ndtv.comCHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, September 12, 2003: When 14-year-old Ram Abhinav, an eighth-grade student, committed suicide four months ago after he was allegedly beaten by his mathematics teacher, the Human Rights Commission stepped in to try and come up with a solution about corporal punishment in schools. Since Ram’s incident the commission has received at least ten reports of similar cases.…

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Britons Getting a Curried Cheddar

SourceLONDON, ENGLAND, September 13, 2003: Britons are about to sample an Indian-inspired culinary delight — tandoori flavored cheese. Supermarket chain Tesco is to start selling the cheese in 200 of its stores by the end of next month, according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. “We are testing the water with the tandoori cheese,” a Tesco spokesman said. “If it goes…

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Andhra Businessmen Find Market for Puja Offerings

SourceHYDERABAD, INDIA, September 12, 2003: As life gets more stressful and people increasingly turn to Gods and Goddesses, a new breed of entrepreneurs are finding a niche taking care of the puja (worship) needs of the masses. V.R. Rao of Vijayawada is already a minor legend among entrepreneurs for his success in marketing materials required for yagna (fire worship) and…

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India’s Supreme Court Orders Ban on Gender Determination Tests

Times of IndiaNEW DELHI, INDIA, September 11, 2003: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Centre and the state governments to swing into action and seize the unlicensed ultrasound machine s being used for sex determination purposes. It asked the authorities to strictly monitor the activities of ultrasound diagnostic clinics to prevent illegal female feticide. A Bench of Justices M.…

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Kerala-Born East Indians to Gather in Texas to Promote Their Traditions

SourceTHIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, September 4, 2003: Those born in the Indian state of Kerala who have migrated to the U.S.A., Canada, Kuwait, UAE, and Middle East European countries have found a way to maintain the rich traditions and heritage of their religion. On November 28 to November 30 of this year, 1,000 delegates from 400 families have decided to gather together…

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Millions Bid Farewell To Lord Ganesha

SourceINDIA, September 10, 2003: Millions of devotees all over India bid a fond farewell to Lord Ganesha on Tuesday amid chants asking the Lord to come back early next year. After his 10-day sojourn on Earth, the Lord’s icons, in various shapes and sizes, were immersed under the vigil of police personnel and the fervor of devotees. In Mumbai, the…

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