Source OMAN, March 18, 2014 (Times Of Oman): The world’s first great civilizations appear to have collapsed because of an ancient episode of climate change – according to new research carried out jointly by scientists and archaeologists of a British and an Indian university. Their investigation demonstrates that the Bronze Age “megacities” of the Indus Valley region of Pakistan and…
Source NEW DELHI, INDIA, March 20, 2014 (Free Press Journal): The State should not be seen as propagating any religion and the word secularism should be construed in right context, the Delhi High Court today said while seeking response from the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India on a PIL for withdrawal of coins having religious symbols embossed on…
Source The learned have prescribed penance for the murderer of a pious man, a drunkard, a thief or for one who has violated a solemn vow. But there is no pardon for the ungrateful.— The Panchatantra
Source INDONESIA, March 13, 2014 (Bali Daily): The debate is ongoing between developing and developed nations to make an international legally binding instrument to protect traditional knowledge and cultural expression. During a two-day consultative meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) hosted by Indonesia, the two sides expressed divergent views on the best ways forward to protect traditional knowledge and cultural…
Source BANGALORE, INDIA, March 19, 2012 (Times Of India): Interest in India’s spiritual and religious market is now spawning a whole variety of startups and online ventures. And many are taking advantage of the market’s fragmentation and low technology penetration. Goonjan Mall, founder of Online Prasad, not only now brings you prasad from different temples, but has also launched a…
Source To associate with a sadhu is like sitting near a seller of perfumes. You may not be able to own any of the wonders he holds, but what emanates from them will envelop you.— Saint Kabir (1440-1518), Indian saint revered by Hindus and Muslims
Source KAUAI, HAWAII, March 15, 2014 (Hinduism Today): Contrary to our recent announcement, the latest issue of Hinduism Today has not yet been posted on our web site, but should be within a few days.
Source UNITED STATES, March 14, 2014 (Huffington Post, by Suhag Shukla): The American Academy of Religions (AAR), the largest body of professionals pursuing the academic study of religion, issued a statement this week in response to Penguin Books India’s decision to withdraw and destroy copies of Wendy Doniger’s “The Hindus: An Alternative History.” In part, the AAR Board states: “…But…
Source INDIA, March 13, 2014 (International Business Times): Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, doesn’t officially start until Monday, but people in some areas, such as villages in Uttar Pradesh in the north, have already begun throwing colored powder and dyed water into the air for Lathmar Holi. Holi’s origins can be traced to Hindu legends, including the tale of…
Source It is Divinity that shapes, not only your ends, but also your acts, your words and thoughts. Your duty is to treat everybody, including yourself, as a manifestation of the Lord.— Swami Sivananda (1887-1963), founder of Divine Life Society, Rishikesh