Page 11 - Religion Belief
CM urges Modi to recommend late Sivakumara Swami's name for Bharat Ratna
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to recommend the name of late Lingayat seer Sivakumara Swami for the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (posthumously).The 111-year-old iconic seer passed away in January this year after a protracted illness. He was laid to rest with state honours at the Sidhaganga Mutt, which he headed. Thousands of devotees bid their 'walking god' a tearful farewell at the ceremony that was attended by top political leaders. A three-day state mourning was also declared in Karnataka by the Chief Minister Kumaraswamy."Dr Sivakumara Swamiji's service to the people deserves recognition at the highest level through the award of Bharat Ratna. Innumerous memoranda have been received from all political parties and civilians, Institutions and Associations, to confer the title of 'Bharatha Rathna award,'" reads the letter."He has rendered remarkable service to the society for over seven decades through ...
Dave Bautista slams priest calling for Pride Month boycott
Dave Bautista is not in a mood of letting anybody ruin the spirit of Pride Month. The actor, on Monday, clapped back at a bishop for denouncing the event that celebrates the LGBTQ community.Rhode Island bishop Thomas Tobin recently sent out a tweet urging his Catholic followers not to participate in any Pride-related activities.Bautista, in a tweet, stated that her mother is a lesbian and that the bishop does not "speak for most Catholics"."My mom's a lesbian. I think I turned out ok. And the activities she chooses is to help the homeless and people suffering from mental illness. I admit I'm not perfect but at least I was never a judgmental hypocrite! I'm sure you don't speak for most Catholics. Have a nice day," he wrote.Urging Catholics to not support or attend Pride Month Tobin, on Sunday, tweeted, "A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ "Pride Month" events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and ..
Dream of Hindus for Ram temple in Ayodhya to be fulfilled: Ram Vilas Vedanti
Ram Vilas Vedanti, a member of the Ramjanambhoomi Nyas, on Monday said that with BJP's return to power, the "dream of crores of Hindus" to have a Ram temple in Ayodhya will be fulfilled.He also said that a mosque should not be constructed next to the temple but built in Lucknow instead."Seers will hold a meeting soon. Crores of Hindus want a temple to be built at the place where Lord Ram was born. However, the Supreme Court has said that a mosque too should be built next to the temple which we do not agree with. The mosque can be built in Lucknow. Amit Shah had said that if BJP crosses the 300-mark in Lok Sabha, they will build the temple. And now they have crossed it," Vedanti told ANI here.He said after the construction of the temple in five phases, the idol of Lord Ram will be placed there."More than 80 per cent of the Muslims favour the construction of a Ram temple," Vedanti said.The meeting of the seers in Ayodhya will deliberate on three issues-- temple construction, abolition ..
Dalai Lama hails secularism, freedom of religion in India
The Dalai Lama Monday hailed secularism and freedom of religion in India, saying the country promoted and respected all religions and accorded freedom of faith to one and all. He also expressed his indebtedness to ancient Nalanda University for spread of Buddhism across the world. The Dalai Lama hailed India's Fundamental Right of freedom of religion during his day-long teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpos' 37 practices of Bodhisattva to Tibetan youths. Thirty seven practices of the Bodhisattva is an important text by Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo. According to the Central Tibetan Adminstration's official website, the 37 verses give instructions on how to follow the Bodhisattva path. As per the website, Gyalsey Thokm Sangpo implying the "son of the victorious ones" is a referance to the Bodhisattvas. "Through training along the path, the Bodhisattvas reach enlightenment therefore they are called sons or children of victorious ones, it says. During his teachings at the main Tibetan temple in ...
Declare Guru Nanak birth anniversary as 'national tolerance day': Amarinder
The Punjab government urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to declare the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak as national tolerance day, citing the Sikhism founder's message of love and compassion. In a letter to Modi, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said: "Since the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are as relevant today as they were in his times, the 550th 'Parkash Utsav' of Guru Nanak Dev, to be observed on November 12 this year, should be declared as National Tolerance Day as a befitting tribute to the great master." Singh suggested that the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru be observed in this manner every year thereafter, according to a statement. The chief minister pointed out that Guru Nanak travelled far and wide during his lifetime, spreading the message of inclusion and tolerance. Besides, Singh said, Guru Nanak set up a unique spiritual and social platform based on equality, fraternal love, goodness and virtue,. Highlighting the fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, Singh ...
Andhra CM to seek seer's blessings in Vizag
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will visit Visakhapatnam on Tuesday to seek the blessings of Hindu seer Swamy Swaroopanandendra Saraswati.
Punjab CM requests PM to declare Guru Nanak Prakash Purab as National Tolerance Day
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the auspicious 550th Guru Nanak Prakash Purab as National Tolerance Day.The CM wrote a letter to the Prime Minister seeking that the auspicious day is declared National Tolerance Day for the re-dedication of people to Guru Nanak Dev's message of love, compassion and tolerance."Since the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are as relevant today as they were in his times, the 550th Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev, to be observed on November 12 this year, should be declared as National Tolerance Day as a befitting tribute to the great Master," said the Chief Minister in his letter.He further suggested that the birth anniversary of the first Guru be observed in this manner every year thereafter.The Chief Minister mentioned that Guru Nanak Dev, during his lifetime, travelled far and wide, spreading the message of inclusion and tolerance, besides setting up a unique spiritual and social platform ...
Car bomb kills 13 in rebel-held northern Syrian town
A car bomb killed at least 13 people Sunday night near a mosque in a northern town held by Turkey-backed fighters, and wounded dozens of people, Syrian opposition activists said. The blast in the town of Azaz occurred Sunday as scores of people were leaving the mosque of Maytam, wounding dozens including children, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said the blast killed at least 14 people. It said the dead included four children. The Azaz Media Center, a local activist collective, reported at least 13 deaths, along with many others wounded. The blast occurred after the "iftar" meal that breaks a daylong fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The attack came a few days before Muslims celebrate the end of the holy moth with Eid el-Fitr, one of Islam's most important feasts. The town, which was once controlled by rival Kurdish fighters opposed to Turkey, has been hit by similar attacks in the past.
Pope Francis apologises to Roma for Catholic discrimination
Pope Francis has apologised to the Roma people on behalf of the Catholic Church for the persecution they have faced historically, during his visit to Romania.
Moradabad: Bajrang Dal workers stall event, allege religious conversion
Bajrang Dal workers on Sunday stalled a Christian event and handed over its organisers to police levying accusations of religious conversion on them.Speaking to ANI, one of the Bajrang Dal workers said, "We learned that in Kamal Barat Ghar near Jhanjhanpur police station a convention was being organised by some Christian clerics. It has been happening for the last three months and every Sunday new women are lured into it. They are persuaded to adopt Christianity and are offered to convert for good health and money. We have caught them red-handed and have brought them to the police. We will also register a case."A woman was among the people rounded up and brought to the police station by the Bajrang Dal workers on complaints of religious conversion.The woman, however, refuted the allegations of conversion.Speaking to ANI, she said, "There is no such thing. We only gather at that place to pray. Most people who attend it are our relatives."A Balyan, the dial-100 in charge of the area ...
Telangana BJP MLA accuses Owaisi of 'financially supporting' terrorists
BJP leader T Raja Singh on Sunday accused the AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi of "financially supporting" the terrorists while asserting that BJP will win the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency in 2024 and which will mark the "end for Owaisi.""Asaduddin Owaisi is supporting terrorist financially and today in his constituency more than 7000 Muslims from different nations are living. People are against Owaisi in the old city because he has not done anything for the old city. We are sure that in 2024 BJP will win the Hyderabad Parliamentary seat and it will be the end for Owaisi," Raja Singh while talking to ANI.This comes after Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy sparked a controversy by saying, "wherever in the county, a terrorist attack happens, its roots are found in Hyderabad." He also called Hyderabad a terror safe zone.Reacting to Reddy's statement, Owaisi had said, "He has spoken in a disgraceful manner even before taking charge. Talking like this in an irresponsible ...
Shahrukh, Salman, Katrina arrive at Baba Siddique's Iftar party
A host of celebrities, including Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Urmila Matondkar, attended the Iftar party thrown by Indian politician Baba.Baba Siddique's iftar party always hits the headlines and this year's was no different. The event was attended by a host of biggies from B-Town and Television industry, and leading politicians, including Nawab Malik, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson, and Mumbai NCP president Sachin Ahir.In 2013 Siddique's Iftar Party made headlines, when Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, reportedly, ended their 5-year-long cold war and decided to shake hands at one such party.This year, from the Bollywood industry, Aparshakti Khurana, Ravina Tandon, Madhur Bhandarkar, Abbas and Mustan Burmawalla, Aditya Pancholi, Sohail Khan, Ayush Sharma, Arbaaz Khan, Nushrat Bharucha, and Chunky Pandey graced the Iftar party.Television celebrities including Sanjeeda Sheikh and husband Aamir Ali, Kiku Sharda, Sumona Chakravarti, Karishma Tanna, Rashami ...
Pope apologises to Roma for Catholic Church's 'discrimination'
Pope Francis apologised to the Roma people on Sunday for the Roman Catholic Church's "discrimination" against them as he wrapped up a visit to Romania. Making up around 10 per cent of Romania's 20 million people, many Roma are marginalised and live in poverty and have suffered centuries of discrimination and insults. "I ask forgiveness - in the name of the Church and of the Lord - and I ask forgiveness of you. For all those times in history when we have discriminated, mistreated or looked askance at you," the pope said in a speech to the Roma community in the central town of Blaj. "My heart, however, is heavy. It is weighed down by the many experiences of discrimination, segregation and mistreatment experienced by your communities. History tells us that Christians too, including Catholics, are not strangers to such evil," he said. "Indifference breeds prejudices and fosters anger and resentment. How many times do we judge rashly, with words that sting, with attitudes that sow hatred ..
Jordan, Palestinians condemn 'provocation' as Israelis enter Al Aqsa Mosque to mark 'Jerusalem Day' anniversary
Jordanian and Palestinian authorities on Sunday slammed Israel for allowing Jews into the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in the capital's Old City -- in the holy month of Ramadan.It was the first time in the past three decades when non-Muslims entered the site during the final days of Ramadan, which coincided this year with the 52nd anniversary of the 'Jerusalem Day', when Israelis celebrate the anniversary of their occupation of East Jerusalem at the end of the six-day Arab-Israeli war in 1967, The Times of Israel reported.Police said that after the decision was made to let the Israelis enter in on early Sunday morning, Palestinians inside the compound started a riot "that included hurling of stones, chairs and various objects.Subsequently, Jerusalem District Commander Major General Doron Yadid ordered police forces to enter the Temple Mount and deal with the rioters."Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam. The mosque was built on top of the
BJP mixing religion, politics through 'Jai Sri Ram' slogan: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday alleged that the BJP was mixing religion with politics by repeatedly using the 'Jai Sri Ram' phrase. "Jai Sia Ram, Jai Ram ji ki, Ram naam Satya hai etc have religious and social connotations. We respect these sentiments. But BJP is using religious slogan Jai Sri Ram as their party slogan in a misconceived manner by way of mixing religion with politics (sic)," she said in a Facebook post. Banerjee said she had no problem regarding any particular slogan being used in political rallies or events of a party. "We do not respect this forcible enforcement of political slogans on others...," she said. The Trinamool Congress supremo also said attempts were being made to propagate the ideology of hatred, which should be opposed. "This is a deliberate attempt to sell hatred ideology through vandalism and violence, which we must oppose together," Banerjee wrote. The chief minister has lost her cool twice in the past few weeks over people ...
Uttarakhand: BJP library gets Quran, Bible apart from Hindu scriptures
In order to promote religious harmony among party workers and portray its secular image, the library located at the BJP office here houses Holy Quran and Bible apart from Vedas, Ramayan, Bhagawat Gita, Hanuman Chalisa and other revered Hindu scriptures."The library was inaugurated in 2017 by the BJP president Amit Shah and state BJP president Ajay Bhatt. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat decided to keep Quran and Bible for the BJP workers and people who visit the library to read," said Shadab Shams, BJP spokesperson."The BJP respects the feelings of all its workers including Hindu, Muslim, Christians or Sikhs, hence all type of literature is made available here," he added.The library houses a variety of literature that includes books on culture, history, geography, social sciences, communism, eminent personalities, spiritualism, and religion."Our workers and anybody who uses the library can do a comparative study of all religions and broaden his or her knowledge base. The library ..
Union Minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey visits Balaji temple in Tirumala
Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Sunday visited Balaji temple in Tirumala where he offered prayers thanking the almighty for BJP's victory in the Lok Sabha polls.Speaking to ANI, Choubey said: "We have come to pray to God for the blessing we got in the form of victory for BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.""I pray to God for the welfare of people. I pray to God to give us the strength to work for the people under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.The veteran BJP leader said, "I pray to lord to give our Prime Minister the strength to lead India as a world power."Choubey was retained as the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in the new Modi government.He won from Bihar's Buxar in the recently concluded national polls.Prime Minister Modi will visit the same temple on June 9.
Guruvayur temple awaits Modi, 'goshalas' and rail link on agenda
Authorities at the famed Sree Krishna Guruvayur temple will seek help to modernize its 'goshalas' (cow shelters) and put the shrine on the railway map when Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes visiting on June 8.
Pope to beatify 7 Romanian martyrs in deeply symbolic Mass
Pope Francis paid homage Sunday to Catholics who were persecuted, tortured and killed during Romania's communist regime by presiding over the beatification of seven bishop martyrs on his third and final day in the country. Francis presided over the eastern rite beatification Mass Sunday in Blaj, a stronghold of the Greek-Catholic Church that was outlawed during communism. The seven bishops had been arrested and imprisoned between 1950 and 1970 for adhering to their faith. Francis is expected to hold them up as models for the Romanian faithful today. Sunday's Mass marked the first time that Francis has ever presided over an eastern rite liturgy as pope, the Vatican said. The Mass is being celebrated on the symbolic "Field of Liberty," a huge expanse east of Blaj that was the site of an important nationalist rally in 1848. A century later, communist leaders marking the anniversary at the field demanded that Greek-Catholics join the Orthodox church. Many refused, and thousands of priests
Clashes erupt at flashpoint Jerusalem holy site
Palestinian worshippers clashed with Israeli police at a highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site on Sunday as an Israeli holiday coincided with the final days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Muslim worshippers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound were angered over Jewish visits to the site holy to both religions. According to police, protesters barricaded themselves in the mosque, from where they threw chairs and stones at forces who "dispersed" them. The Muslim Waqf organisation which oversees the site said police used rubber bullets and pepper spray, adding that two people were arrested. After the clashes, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said calm had returned and visits were continuing. The incident took place as Israelis marked Jerusalem Day, which commemorates the country's capture of the city's mainly Palestinian eastern sector in the 1967 Six-Day War. This year's holiday coincided with the final days of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. The Al-Aqsa compound, known to Jews as ..
