GO TO SOURCE SRINAGAR, INDIA, June 6, 2002: The state government is thinking of allowing those who want to undertake the Amarnath pilgrimage to register their names through any of the branches of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank spread all over the country. Besides registration, there is a move to insure pilgrims for US$1,042 against death or physical disability suffered…
GO TO SOURCE BANGKOK, June 8, 2002: Religious leaders from all major faiths will assemble in the Thai capital next week to shape a program of community initiatives aimed at solving some of the world’s pressing problems. The agenda for this summit has already singled out three broad global themes that demand the attention of heads of faiths: conflict resolution,…
Source: Religion News Service NEW YORK, NEW YORK, June 5, 2002: A recent study by the group Religion Counts says religious organizations are becoming more prominent at the United Nations and will continue to have a “potent” role in shaping future international public policy. “Religion has been a critical part of the UN since its inception and continues to offer…
Source: www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/07ltte.htm SRI LANKA, June 8, 2002: Sri Lanka announced it would lift the ban on the Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam ten days before the exact date for beginning direct talks with the rebels and said setting up an interim regime for the northeast would be the focus of such talks, along with steps to ensure human rights…
GO TO SOURCE RISHIKESH, INDIA, June 3, 2002: June 3rd was the 50th birthday of HH Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj (Pujya Muniji),the President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, India and also the founder/chairman of India Heritage Research Foundation, the international non-profit organization which is bringing out an Encyclopedia of Hinduism. A three-day Sadhana and Seva Camp was…
GO TO SOURCE US, June 8, 2002: At least 300 civil lawsuits alleging clerical sex abuse have been filed in 16 states since January, when the case of a pedophile priest in Boston spurred claims against Roman Catholic dioceses across America, a nationwide review by The Associated Press found. Lawyers say the rush of litigation is truly dramatic for such…
GO TO SOURCE LONDON, ENGLAND, June 6, 2002: Queen Elizabeth visited a Hindu temple for the first time in Britain and did so in her stocking feet. She removed her shoes as a sign of respect as she and the Duke of Edinburgh entered the Highgatehill Murugan Temple in Archway, north London. This temple was built by Tamil Hindus from…
GO TO SOURCE LONDON, ENGLAND, June 7, 2002: The UK press article entitled “Joke of Edinburgh” sarcastically recounts the Queen’s husband’s gaffe during their visit to a Hindu temple yesterday: “Prince Philip put his foot in it yet again yesterday when he asked four Tamil high priests: ‘Are you Tigers?’ The Hindu leaders had to give the daft duke a…
GO TO SOURCE AYODHYA, INDIA, June 2, 2002: Thousands of Hindu nationalists prayed and marched Sunday here, winding up a 108-day celebration that was part of a campaign to pressure the government to let them build a temple at the site of the razed Babri Masjid. Nearly 10,000 police and military troops guarded the northern town of Ayodhya, where authorities…
Source: Jakarta Post BALI, INDONESIA, June 6, 2002: Bali is a land rich in culture and archaeological remains, which provides a clue to the island’s ancient civilization. One of the most comprehensive and important archaeological sites worth visiting is Pakerisan and Petanu riverbank areas in Gianyar, 40 kilometers northeast of Nusa Dua. The area is now being promoted by the…