Source: Abhiyaan Gujarati Weekly AHMEDABAD, INDIA, February 24, 2001: Appealing for funds internationally to restore Jain temples in Gujarat after the devastating January 26th earthquake, the Jain community has made extensive efforts to preserve valuables at all locations.Thirteen villages suffered losses including the sacred pilgrimage place of Bhadreshwar. After locating 205 murthis in 65 damaged temples, a team of about…
GO TO SOURCE TRIPURA, INDIA, April 10, 2001: The Buddhist Chakma tribal community, living in the hill areas of Tripura, was exposed to insults by the Christian Tripura Tiger Force recently. Torching the Buddhist temple where the community worships as well as setting fire to 13 huts belonging to five families, the group has threatened any villagers who practice any…
Source: Ramakrishna Mission BELUR MATH, HOWRAH, INDIA, March 17, 2001: Swami Smaranananda, General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, announced today that after giving extensive primary relief to the victims of the 1999 Super Cyclone in Orissa, the RK Mission undertook the construction of 330 houses and three school-cum-cyclone-shelter houses as a part of its rehabilitation project at Kanaguli village, of…
GO TO SOURCE KOLKATA, INDIA, April 10, 2001: The Dalai Lama on Monday said the proposed mass conversion of one million Indian Dalits (“untouchables”) to Buddhism on October 14 would give those embracing the religion an equal standing in society. “I am always expressing, telling and sharing with new Buddhists, particularly those from so-called lower castes, that taking to Buddhism…
GO TO SOURCE DHARMASALA, INDIA, April 12, 2001: The Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute maintains its quiet, industrial facade giving little idea of the riches within here in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Dalai Lama founded TMAI as part of his effort to keep Tibetan cultural traditions alive in Indian exile. Through its network of 37 branch clinics throughout…
GO TO SOURCE NEW DELHI, INDIA, April 8, 2001: Following in close footsteps to India’s software revolution, the biotech industry has found a new haven for its development. Combining natural rich diversity, lenient biotech policies and qualified individuals conducting research, India hopes to expand both its wealth and medical and ecological breakthroughs. Critics such as environmentalist Vandana Shiva say the…
GO TO SOURCE HOUSTON, TEXAS, April 9, 2001: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America announced today a program whereby volunteers from can help with earthquake relief work. Volunteers must speak English, Hindi or Gujarati, and give at least one week’s time. Assignments depend on needs and volunteers’ interests and skills. Volunteers will get clean water, food and transportation to Bhuj…
Source: The Telegraph KOLKATA, INDIA, April 9, 2001: Religious leaders and followers of Ramakrishna Mission are appalled by the manner in which the famous words spoken by the sage to actress Nati Binodini have been portrayed in cartoons plastered all over city walls of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). The cartoon’s sage, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, with an Ajit Panja look and the devotee:…
GO TO SOURCE NEW DELHI, INDIA, April 5, 2001: “Wouldn’t it be better if we simply began chatting in it?” quipped Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee at the World Sanskrit Conference held last Thursday. A well-attended conference of Sanskrit lovers and scholars met to discuss music, art, yoga, history and philosophy. The Prime Minister’s appeal to popularize the ancient language brought…
GO TO SOURCE MUMBAI, INDIA, April 6, 2001: His reputation proceeding him, former U.S. President Bill Clinton will be feasting on curry when he visits Mumbai. Featuring curries from every region of India, the executive chef of the hotel Taj Mahal has planned and supervised the menu. Even though several of the normal menu entrees have meat in them, the…