SourceNEW DELHI, INDIA, June 2, 2003: Nicotine-addicted MPs may soon be confined to a smokers’ den in Parliament as part of a national drive against public smoking. A report quoted Health Minister Sushma Swaraj as saying that her ministry was planning to declare the upper and lower houses, main lobby and the Central Hall used for joint sessions as smoke…
SourceTHIRUKKOVILAR, INDIA, May 30, 2003: Many temples around Thirukkovilar are in a state of disrepair, often lacking in simple supplies such as oil for lamps. At a temple dedicated to Lord Siva, a temple chariot catches the eye for it is decorated with marvelous art depicting Hindu legends and stories. The chariot was last used 15 years ago in a…
SourceWASHINGTON D.C., U.S.A., May 29, 2003: Americans are making yoga stand on its head with creative innovations and marketing muscle in what appears to be the second coming in the United States of the ancient Indian practice. The number of Yoga practitioners in the US has tripled from 5 million in 1998 to 15 million, according to a survey to…
SourceUDUPI, INDIA, May 28, 2003: The President of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat, B. Bhujanga Shetty, has said yoga, moral education, and the activities of the Seva Dal (a group committed to do social service) will be made compulsory in government and private schools in the district. Mr. Shetty said the zilla panchayat (village council) had directed the heads of schools…
HPISRIKAKULAM, INDIA, May 30, 2003: The state government has issued notices canceling the deeds of leaseholders of temple lands. Notices were served to beneficiaries who had lease agreements with Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Amadalavalasa on Thursday. The decision was taken after the government found that the revenue earned through such lease deeds was minimal. It was found that some…
www.ndtv.comNEW DELHI, INDIA, May 31, 2003: Cutting edge technology meant to detect genetic abnormalities before conception is now being used for the ethically questionable practice of selecting the sex of a child, usually a son. Invitro fertilization (IVF) clinics are now offering would-be parents the means to have a son, and this could have a lasting impact on the increasingly…
SourceKAUAI, HAWAII, June 1, 2003: An HPI reader asked a logical question upon hearing about the $10,000,000 settlement and apology coming from McDonald’s for misleading vegetarians into thinking the company’s french fries were vegetarian. He asked, “Did they take the meat out?” The answer is no. On their list of ingredients (“source” above) is this: “Large French Fries: Potatoes, partially…
SourceBANGALORE, INDIA, May 31, 2003: Faced with acute water scarcity and the prospect of the monsoon being delayed, the Karnataka government is asking temples to conduct pujas to bring rain. Places of worship will reverberate with prayers on June 4 and 5, seeking the assistance of the Gods to solve the crisis as drinking water sources are fast dwindling because…
SourcePAPPANCHAVADI, INDIA, May 30, 2003: The installation of the 36-foot high Viswaroopa, Jayamangala, Panchamuka Sri Anjaneya Swami idol and the Panchamuka Hanumath Yantra in Panchavati Kshethram, popularly known as Pappanchavadi on the Tindivanam-Pondicherry highway via Kilianur, will take place between 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon on June 11, according to S. Ramani Anna, managing trustee, Sri Jayamaruthi Seva Trust and…
SourceUNITED STATES, May 20, 2003: The June issue of National Geographic carries an article on India’s “untouchables.” The on-line home page has drawn criticism for linking the subject of untouchables back to Hinduism as the underlying cause that mandates caste injustice. It is not known whether the article mentions that caste discrimination is perpetrated in India by Christians and Muslims…