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…
GO TO SOURCE UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA, April 5, 2001: Before, no father wanted to marry his daughter to a boy in water-starved Raj Samadhiyala. Motivated by various non-governmental groups, however, Raj Samadhiyala and like villagers throughout India are now producing an undreamt-of bounty by “water harvesting.” The construction of thousands of earthen check dams, the recharging of tanks (reservoirs) and…
GO TO SOURCE MOSCOW, RUSSIA, April 9, 2001: Russia is perhaps the only European country where the Valmiki Ramayana, the story of Lord Rama written by the Hindu sage Valmiki, has sold tens of thousands of copies in Russian. More than a thousand people offered prayers and tributes to the Hindu God Ram in the first ever Ramnavami celebrations, at…
GO TO SOURCE BANGALORE, INDIA, April 3, 2001: Bangalore could very well be called the City of Temples with at least four to five temples on every other road. Many of these houses of worship have been built on government land. With no apparent patrons or upkeep, many have fallen into disrepair. Chief Minister S.M. Krishna has warned the populace…