Source: The Times of India RAIGARH, INDIA, January, 26, 2001: An estimated 360 Christian tribals reconverted to Hinduism under the banner of Vanwasi Kalyan Ashram on Wednesday. The function proceeded peacefully as BJP Rajya Sabha member Dilip Singh Judev washed the feet of the tribals before declaring their reconversion to Hinduism. Judev later claimed that 1,500 persons belonging to 315…
Source: Religion News Service KATARAGAMA, SRI LANKA, January 27, 2001: “It is very, very peaceful here,” said Hirono Hideki a 51-year-old Buddhist monk from Tokyo, referring to the Kataragama Temple in southern Sri Lanka. Declared a “Peace Area” by both Hindu and Buddhist leaders, the temple is a major pilgrimage spot for devotees of either faith. Temple elephants inside the…
GO TO SOURCE NEW YORK, January 25, 2001: Early efforts to escape government regulation have backfired on the biotech industry in America, according to this very long article in the New York Times. Opposition to labeling, lobbying in Washington to set their own rules and general ignoring of consumer concerns have all caught up with the industry the report says.…
GO TO SOURCE KUMBHNAGAR, INDIA, January 23: One man is given the responsibility of ensuring that the millions attending the Kumbh Mela have a satisfactory bath. Rising 30 feet above the Sangam confluence, stands a three-story control tower. Special Superintendent of Police, Alok Sharma, is constantly monitoring for danger signs that could bring a crushing stampede. Starting this evening an…
GO TO SOURCE ALLAHABAD, INDIA, January 27, 2001: Stepping into one of the hottest religious controversies in South Asia, the Dalai Lama has joined Hindu leaders in condemning the Muslim and Christian practice of actively seeking converts. “Whether Hindu or Muslim or Christian, whoever tries to convert, it’s wrong, not good,” the Dalai Lama said Thursday after a meeting with…
GO TO SOURCE BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, January 26, 2001: European Union farm ministers will meet next week amid calls for tougher measures to combat the mad cow disease crisis affecting the continent. As consumers lose their confidence in beef, governments will debate whether they should extend compulsory testing of cattle for the brain-wasting disorder to younger animals and ban potentially dangerous…
GO TO SOURCE LONDON, ENGLAND, January 25, 2001: Immigrating from Northern India in 1975, Perween Warsi started her own business over 20 years ago by making and selling samosas from her home in Derby. From this humble beginning her multi-million dollar business now employs 1,300 people in 4 factories. Such a success story confirms Britain Immigration Minister Barbara Roche’s statement,…
GO TO SOURCE BARODA, INDIA, January 26, 2001: HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj announced today: “Everyone is aware that the earthquake has wrought unimaginable destruction throughout Gujarat and other states in India. Thousands have died and thousands more have been made homeless. As citizens of Ahmedabad it is our duty to work together to do everything we can to help those…
GO TO SOURCE AHMEDABAD, INDIA, January 26, 2001: Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, BAPS, has its international headquarters in Ahmedabad. It has established massive earthquake relief work using scores of other BAPS centers in Gujarat, BAPS has outstanding experience in disaster relief, and is recommended by HPI as an excellent channel for donations to the relief effort, especially considering…
GO TO SOURCE ALLAHABAD, INDIA, January 25, 2001: Here, amid noisy crowds and cold winds laden with the sand of the Ganges, you can hear the sound of weeping from a cowshed-like structure. These are the unheeded cries of elderly women, abandoned by their families. This is the uglier side of the Maha kumbha Mela, where millions go to wash…