Thursday, November 29, 2012

Modi The Great

Cho Ramaswamy said when he introduced Shri Modi Ji in a meeting as
"Now I introduce you to
the Merchant of Death to TERRORISM,
the Merchant of Death to CORRUPTION,
the Merchant of Death to NEPOTISM,
the Merchant of Death to OFFICIAL INEFFICIENCY,
the Merchant of Death to BUREAUCRATIC NEGLIGENCE,
the Merchant of Death to POVERTY AND IGNORANCE,
the Merchant of Death to DARKNESS AND DESPAIR"
 
 
We have already entered the slog overs of a five year test match in Gujarat. From all possible fronts, by all possible means, and with all possible weapons, constant attacks on Narendra Modi are being made. Normally the contest should have been between two parties, but the Opposition has turned it into a 'Narendra Modi verses the eleven' match. The eleven being Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Arjun Modhvadia, Shaktisinh Gohil, Shankarsinh Vaghela, Keshubhai Patel, Pravin Togadia, NGOs, local media, national media, and so called seculars.

While some attacks from the eleven are quite exciting and fun, what is most entertaining is the way Narendra Modi is handling, defeating and humiliating his attackers.

The three batsmen from Gujarat Congress are yet to find a single chink in Narendra Modi's armour even after being at it for eleven years. Like a frustrated Shoaib Akhtar, they keep making unintelligent moves that backfire on them. Modi tackles them primarily by completely ignoring them and letting the actual numbers, track record on development, and his following to speak for him. Recently, Congress goofed up by using an image from Sri Lanka to allege malnourishment under the Gujarat Government. Alert netizens uncovered the hoax and forced Congress to go on the defensive. Modi somehow manages to turn each such attack into an unwitting compliment from his opponents. They call him monkey and he becomes Hanuman!

Narendra Modi chose to handle Keshubhai Patel the graceful way – by not responding. He is staying clear of commenting on anything related to Patel's attacks, thus maintaining his own dignity and letting Patel make a fool of himself. The same is true of Pravin Togadia and others as well. With real support from the people of Gujarat, who have risen above class, caste, and religion-based politics, Narendra Modi handles his opponents well.

Congress does not seem to have forgotten that Modi, who they called a 'Maut Ka Saudagar' turned into a 'Vote Ka Saudagar' during the last Assembly election. This has caused such great depression to their two frontline bowlers that even after five years they hesitate to bowl against Modi. The State Congress has advised them not to bowl anything loose to Narendra Modi, but it seems they are not even willing to take the ball in their hands! Such a shameful surrender! Even if they bowl, one is a baby bowler and not even worth Modi's attention while the other doesn't even know the Gujarat pitch.

Local media is working hand-in-hand with the eleven in this dirty game. To them, everything Modi does is questionable. If Modi gives tickets to sitting MLAs they conclude that Modi has scrapped the 'no-repeat' theory in fears of losing the election. If he does the opposite, they predict that there will revolt against the party and Modi will lose the election. Gatherings of just a few hundred in Opposition rallies are reported as thousands. Journalism in the State has descended to such lows that Modi doesn't even have to make an effort to counter attacks coming through it.

During this last five-year match as well as during last 12 years, we have witnessed the most intense campaigns by NGOs to defame Modi. There were affidavits after affidavits, cases after cases and inquiries after inquiries. All possible allegations have been levelled against the two-time elected head of State in the last decade. Thanks to the effective Indian Judicial System, Modi has delivered fatal blows to such malicious organisations.

National media kept the Godhra carnage and the resulting three days of violence across the State alive for many years. Even when Gujarati people from all religions decided to put it behind them and move ahead on the path of development, the media didn't let it go. They twisted the number of dead in the riots from one thousand to more than two thousand. They reported that the police didn't do anything to stop the riots and hid the fact that police firing killed many while stopping the riots. Thanks to the power of social media, Modi has been successfully countering the canards spread by sections of the national media. Comment sections on any number of web articles are full of discussions on Modi. These provide a true picture of the following that Modi can boast of. The irony is that the more they try to vilify Modi, the more Modi's image improves.

Modi's best response to the so-called secularists in India is his inclusive approach to development. Reports showing the true position of Gujarati Muslims on all fronts – education, share in Government jobs, wealth, business are enough to shut the mouths of those who insist on seeing everything through the communal prism.

For Modi, scoring in the slog overs is not for winning. Elections can't be won during last the few months. He won the Gujarat contest a long time ago by a huge margin. In fact, he created records for himself to break by ambitiously looking ahead. This election is a contest between the Modi of 2007 and the Modi of 2012.

--

If an egg is broken by an outside force, a life ends. If it breaks from within, a life begins. Great things always begin from within.

Posted by at 11:41 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Gods and Goddesses in India

Secret of the Puranas



--
If an egg is broken by an outside force, a life ends. If it breaks from within, a life begins. Great things always begin from within.

Posted by at 7:34 AM 0 comments

There are no bad people

There are no bad people

1644

The Divine can only be found in deep rest (meditation).
Do you know what the obstacles to deep rest are? It is the cravings and aversions in the mind.
If the mind is filled with cravings and aversions, rest is not possible. And if there is no rest, the goal of Sadhana (spiritual practices) cannot be achieved.
That is why we need to be free from the cravings and aversions in our mind.
So, how do we do that?
'I don't need anything from anyone', this is what we need to keep in our mind.

When we don't need anything from anyone, we will not have cravings towards anybody. When there is no craving, there will be no aversion.

Don't think of anyone as a bad person. There is no bad person in the world. If people do something bad, it is because of their ignorance or lack of awareness, or because their mind has been hurt. So, don't have negative opinions about anybody.

Q: Gurudev, you just said that we should not consider anyone as bad. If others treat us badly, how do we react to that?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: If others have a negative opinion about you, it is their problem, not yours. From your side, do not consider anyone as bad.
By doing this, your mind will be clear and pleasant and your intellect will be sharp. Otherwise, the people whom you consider as bad will begin to haunt your mind like a ghost.
When such thoughts get into your mind, you will not be able to do something creative.

Q: If somebody has really done something wrong towards us, what should we do?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When someone does something bad to you, think, why would they do it? One reason could be that they are not healthy.

Do you see a fool or a mentally ill person as a culprit? No!
If a mentally ill person says something bad to you, do you take their words seriously? No. You just move on knowing that he is mentally ill.
So, when someone says something bad to you, think of it in the same way. When a disturbed person says something bad, why should you feel disturbed?

Q: In order to be peaceful, we have to learn not to expect from others. But in day-to-day life, at the office or at home, different people are supposed to do different things. If they don't do it, then problems arise. Everyone has to do his or her job.
Please guide us on this.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: If someone does not do the job that he or she is supposed to do, then we need to tell them to do it. We need to exercise our authority there.
If there are lazy people who don't do their work, we cannot sit quiet. We need to make them aware of their duty.
If we have craving or aversion towards them then we cannot bring awareness in them. It will only make us angry.

Q: What is the meaning of Cause and Effect?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Cause and Effect are called 'Karana' and 'Karya'.
Cow is the cause, milk is the effect. If there is milk, it is because of the cow.
The cause for the cow is grass. The cause for the grass is the Earth. The cause for the Earth is the Sun.
Behind every happening, there is a cause.
Paramakarana, the cause of all causes is the Divine. That is why, it is said, 'Tasmai Namah Paramakarana Karanaya.'
The cause of all causes is Shiva.

Q: Gurudev, we say 'Achamanyam Samarpayami'. Water is known as 'Apa', so why do we call it as 'Achamanyam'?
What is the significance of offering water?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, water is also known as Achamanyam. This is a practice that has been going on since ages. Before starting and ending anything, Achamanyam is offered.
It is the process where we do Abhimantra (mantra chanting on the water. You take a pot of water, place your hand on top and then chant mantras. The mantras are supposed to be absorbed into the water) and then offer it. It is not just plain drinking water. The water is charged through the mantra vibrations.

Whenever a guest comes home, water is used to wash their feet (padya). Then, water is given into their hands (arghya). After this, they are given water to drink to quench their thirst (achamanyam). These three practices were practiced in olden times.

When someone comes to your house, don't you ask, 'What would you like to drink? Would you like some lemonade, milk, tea or coffee?'
Don't you give them some water to drink?
In the same way, in olden times, they used to have the practice of Padya, Arghya and Achamanyam.
Padya means washing the feet of the guest at the entrance of the house, so that the dirt on the feet does not enter the house. Arghya is to wash their hands. Achamanyam is giving them water to drink, indicating that the discussion can begin.

Q: What is the significance of 'Panchamrita (mixture of five foods used in Hindu worship) Abhisheka'? Why were only these materials chosen?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: These five are like nectar: Milk, Curd, Honey, Jaggery and Ghee. Though jaggery needs to be used, sugar is being used instead of jaggery nowadays.

Five Devatas (Deities) reside in them. Savitru resides in Sugar, Vishwedeva in Honey, Surya in Ghee, Vayu in Curd, and Soma in Milk.
So, when you offer them as Abhisheka, the intention is that – may the qualities of the Devas blossom in our life.

We pray for peace in everybody's mind.
Let there be joy in everybody's mind.
Let there be strength, courage and longevity in people's lives.
Let there be contentment and prosperity in people's lives.
Let there be radiance in life.
Let the winds and rivers flow in sweetly.
Let our days and nights be sweet.
Let every soil particle bring sweetness to us.
Let us get sweetness from the Akasha, Devatas and Pitrus (departed ancestors).
Let our speech and thoughts be sweet.
Let the society bring us sweetness.
Let the Vanaspati (Lord of the forest) bring us sweetness.
Let the Sun bring sweetness to our lives.
Let our whole life bring sweetness to other people's lives.
Let us bring sweetness to the collective consciousness.

Q: Please tell us the way to attain never-ending and unshakable devotion.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Assume that you have unshakable devotion.
Sage Narada says in the Bhakti Sutras that devotion is not an object that can be obtained. If you drop all the doubts, devotion is already there.

Q: If we study law, there is a guarantee of becoming a lawyer. If we study engineering, there is a guarantee of becoming an engineer if we put in our efforts. However, there is no guarantee of getting liberation if we keep doing our Sadhana and keep walking this path.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It is definitely guaranteed.
Arjuna asks the same question in the Bhagavad Gita. So, Lord Krishna replies, 'Na hi kalyana-krt kascid durgatim tata gacchati', (Chapter 6, Verse 40).
For one who walks the spiritual path, you will only move higher and higher.

Q: Many great saints, though they attained enlightenment, did not give it directly to anybody. They just preached about the steps to attain it. Why does God not give enlightenment directly to everyone? Are samskaras (impressions) necessary for this?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Samskaras are necessary. If you are here, it means that somewhere you had the interest and curiosity to come. Without that interest, how could you come here? So, a little bit of samskaras are necessary.
However, only samskaras are not enough. In life, samskaras, opportunities and grace are all needed. Along with these, self-effort is also required.
If you want to come to the satsang but keep lying in your bed, will it help?
So, self-effort, samskaras, opportunities and grace are all needed.

Q: Are there chances of epilepsy attacks even for people who do Sadhana regularly?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It depends on what the person eats, drinks and does the whole day. It is possible if eating, drinking and living habits are not proper.
If there is too much stress in the nervous system then there are chances of such attacks.
If one lives a healthy life, it will not happen.


Posted by at 2:43 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 16, 2012

José Mujica - The world's 'poorest' president

Finally! A politician who DOESN'T fiddle his expenses: The 'poorest president in the world', who lives on a ramshackle farm and gives 90% of his earnings to charity

 

It's a common grumble that politicians' lifestyles are far removed from those of their electorate. Not so in Uruguay. Meet the president - who lives on a ramshackle farm and gives away most of his pay.

Laundry is strung outside the house. The water comes from a well in a yard, overgrown with weeds. Only two police officers and Manuela, a three-legged dog, keep watch outside.


  • Uruguayan president Jose Mujica lives on a farm on the outskirts of Montevideo with his wife and three-legged dog
  • Part-time farmer's proudest and most valuable possession is his tired-looking Volkswagen Beatle
  • Glimpse into president's austere lifestyle comes in week former Labour MP Margaret Moran was found fiddling her parliamentary expenses

    • COMPARE HIM WITH OUR SONIA CLAN, PRATHIBHA CLAN, LALU, KARUNANIDHI - THE TEAM THAT LOOTS THIS GREAT NATION.

    With trust in Britain's politicians at its lowest ebb in decades, perhaps those in the corridors of power could take a leaf out of the man dubbed 'the poorest president in the world'.

    There is no chance of Uruguayan leader Jose Mujica being caught fiddling his expenses or paying a clever account to avoid taxes - he barely claims a salary.

    The charismatic 77-year-old has refused to adapt his lifestyle to embrace the trappings of power that come with being the country's figurehead.

    Turning down the invitation to live at a luxurious grace and favour residence owned by the state, he instead continues to reside at his ramshackle farm situated a few miles away from the country's capital city of Montevideo.

    The only sign the country's leader is at home are the pair of police officers who stand guard at the end of his heavily tractor-rutted dirt track.


    Turning down the invitation to live at a luxurious grace and favour residence owned by the state, he instead continues to reside at his ramshackle farm situated a few miles away from the country's capital city of Montevideo.

    The only sign the country's leader is at home are the pair of police officers who stand guard at the end of his heavily tractor-rutted dirt track.


    Mr Mujica gives 90 per cent of his monthly salary, the equivalent of £7,500, away to charity leaving him with just £485 a month to live off.

    The part-time farmer's proudest and most valuable possessions are his tired-looking Volkswagen Beetle and his three-legged dog Manuela.

    Water comes from a well which is surrounded by overgrown weeds and the laundry goes not in a tumble dryer but on the washing line outside.

    Mr Mijuca's proudest and most valuable possessions are his tired-looking Volkswagen Beetle and of course his three-legged dog Manuela

    Mr Mujica on his farm with his three-legged dog Manuela

    The president's austere lifestyle is a world away from that of many politicians in the UK who have been caught out trying to unethically and in some cases illegally boost their incomes by fiddling their expenses.


    But Mr Mijuca, a former left-wing revolutionary, says he has no interest in amassing a fortune. He says he has all he needs and that material wealth does not buy happiness.

    Speaking to the BBC he said: 'I'm called 'the poorest president', but I don't feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more,' he says.

    'This is a matter of freedom. If you don't have many possessions then you don't need to work all your life like a slave to sustain them, and therefore you have more time for yourself,' he says.

    'I may appear to be an eccentric old man... But this is a free choice.'

    In contrast to many western politicians who aim to amass property empires, Mr Mujica last year declared his total assets at just £135,000.

    Elected in 2009, he spent the 1960s and 1970s as part of the Uruguayan guerrilla Tupamaros, a leftist armed group inspired by the Cuban revolution.



    He was shot six times and spent 14 years in jail, most of which was spent in tough conditions and isolation. He was only freed in 1985 when Uruguay returned to democracy.

    The altruistic leader used the Rio+20 conference in June this year to promote his anti-capitalist message to the world. He said: 'We've been talking all afternoon about sustainable development. To get the masses out of poverty.

    'But what are we thinking? Do we want the model of development and consumption of the rich countries? I ask you now: what would happen to this planet if Indians would have the same proportion of cars per household than Germans? How much oxygen would we have left?

    'Does this planet have enough resources so seven or eight billion can have the same level of consumption and waste that today is seen in rich societies? It is this level of hyper-consumption that is harming our planet.'

    Although he came to power with a landslide victory, his popularity has waned slightly of late after two controversial moves.



    Firstly, unlike the previous president he refused to veto a parliamentary bill which legalised abortions for pregnancies up to 12 weeks. Secondly he has agreed to a debate about legalising cannabis which has riled some sections of society.

    Yet the president will not be too worried as Uruguayan law means he is unable to stand for re-election in 2014, leaving him able to comfortably slip back into his simple life on the farm.

    Posted by at 10:24 AM 0 comments

    Wednesday, November 14, 2012

    Sanatana Dharma - The Eternal Religion

    If Hinduism has survived over thousand years of plunder and pillage by violent intolerant invaders, endured the organised proselytization of the missionaries with enormous cash, survived the negative propaganda and indoctrination methods of the uncultured leftists, with neither blasphemy laws nor coercive doctrines to keep the flock together, then there should be something special about Hinduism.

    Today there are over a billion Hindus in over 100 countries contributing positively to the societies and communities they live in, enriching the countries they have adopted and being warmly recognised so. No wonder in the Hindu scriptures, it is referred as Sanatana Dharma - The Eternal Religion
    Posted by at 5:35 AM 0 comments

    Benefits, Concessions and Schemes for Senior Citizens in India

    Benefits, Concessions and Schemes for Senior Citizens in India
    <    http://voice4india.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/benefits-concessions-schemes-se
    nior-citizens-india/>
    .
    Government of India has earmarked special benefits and concessions for
    Senior Citizens of India. Here is a brief compilation of same for your ready
    reference :

    (1) Court cases involving senior citizens
    The Chief Justice of India has advised Chief Justices of all High Courts to
    accord priority to cases involving older persons and ensure their
    expeditious disposal. [vide letter of Government of India, Ministry of
    Social Justice & Empowerment (SD Section), New Delhi, F. No. 20-76/99-SD
    dated 03.11.1999]
     

    (2) RTI Act (Right to Information Act)
    Second appeals filed by senior citizens and differently abled persons under
    the Right to Information Act <http://rti.gov.in/> (RTI) are taken on a high
    priority basis, according to
    <http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=243813> a directive of
    the Central Information Commission (CIC).
    For, senior citizens and physically challenged if appeals are already
    pending with the CIC/SCIC, they should write to the CIC/SCIC about their
    status.

    (3) Health Care
    (a) There is provision for separate queues for senior citizens at hospitals
    and health care centres when they visit for any health related concerns or
    clinical examinations.
    (b) The Delhi Government runs special clinics for Senior Citizens
    <http://voice4india.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/sunday-clinics-senior-citizens-
    delhi/> in most of its hospitals in Delhi.
    (4) Finance & Taxation
    (a) You are advised to refer to the Indian Income Tax Department
    <http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/> for the current slabs of Income Tax
    including rebate admissible to senior citizens. As per recent finance budget
    2008-09 (presented on 29th February, 2008) the threshold income when you
    start paying tax stands at Rs. 2.25 lakh per annum for senior citizens. In
    this case the qualifying age as specified by Income Tax Department is 65
    years.
    (b) The benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961
    <http://law.incometaxindia.gov.in/TaxmannDit/DisplayPage/dpage1.aspx?md=2&ty
    p=se&yr=&ch=> has been extended to the investments made under 5-Year Post
    Office Time Deposits Account and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, with effect
    from 01.04.2007.
     
     

    (5) Banking
    (a) Government also gives a higher rate of interest
    <http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Banking.html> to senior citizens on certain
    Savings schemes which it runs through its large network of Post Offices
    (Senior Citizens Savings Scheme
    <http://www.indiapost.gov.in/seniorcitizen.html> ) and Public sector Banks.
    For further details you are advised to contact your nearest Bank or local
    Post Office <http://www.indiapost.gov.in/> .
    (b) Some banks like State Bank of India <http://www.statebankofindia.com>
    charge only 50% of the applicable prescribed charges in respect of following
    services:
    i) Issue of duplicate passbook/statement of account
    ii) Issue of cheque books,
    iii) Noting of standing instructions,
    iv) Stop payment instructions,
    v) Charges of non maintenance of minimum balance,
    vi) Issue of balance certificate,
    vii) Signature verification,
    viii) Ledger folio charges
    ix) Minimum balance requirement is also 50% for these class of customers.
    Please check with your nearest Bank on what special facilities exist for
    Senior Citizens and Pensioners.
     

    (6) Telecommunications
    (a) Department of Telecommunications has made special provisions for senior
    citizens who apply for a new telephone connection. The department has
    earmarked separate priority category for senior citizens wherein they can
    apply for registration.
    (b) In case of any complaint or fault with the telephone a senior citizen's
    complaint is redressed on a priority basis.
    (c) MTNL (Delhi) <http://delhi.mtnl.net.in/> gives 25% discount
    <http://delhi.mtnl.net.in/commercial/tariff_delhi2.htm> in rentals (Tariff
    Plan-250 only) and installation to Senior Citizens who are 65 years or above
    in age. Please submit proof of age when applying to MTNL for availing this
    concession. Application form for a new connection (MTNL Delhi) in senior
    citizen category is available here
    <http://www.mtnl.net.in/download_forms/basic/newconnectionn.htm> .
    (d) MTNL (Mumbai) <http://mumbai.mtnl.net.in> has a Non-OYT-Special
    <http://mumbai.mtnl.net.in/telecomservices/telephoneconnect1.html> category
    for Senior Citizens aged 65 years or above. To apply for a new connection in
    Mumbai, senior citizens can fill this application form
    <http://mumbai.mtnl.net.in/download/forms/nlf.pdf> . Whereas to avail senior
    citizen concession on an already existing telephone connection (MTNL Mumbai)
    this application form
    <http://mumbai.mtnl.net.in/download/forms/seniorcitizen.pdf> needs to be
    filled in.
    Kindly note that these filled in forms are to be submitted to the MTNL
    offices in your city or sanchar haat. In case of any specific query you may
    also call toll free MTNL Help line 1500 from any MTNL number.
    (e) BSNL: I did not find any scheme with BSNL
    <http://www.bsnl.co.in/service/telephone_concesstion.htm> where concessions
    were admissible to senior citizens. I hope BSNL would consider such rebates
    soon.
     

    (7) Travel by Indian Railways
    (a) Travel by Indian Railways <http://indianrail.gov.in/> is 30% cheaper
    for all Senior Citizens who are 60 years in age or above, while women aged
    60 years or above are entitled to 50% concession in fare. Indian Railways
    provides this fare concession to elderlies in all its trains including
    Shatabdi <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shatabdi_Express> , Rajdhani
    <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajdhani_Express> and Jan Shatabdi trains.
    Kindly note that while travelling all Senior Citizens need to carry proof of
    their Date of Birth / Age with a Photo ID Card.
    (b) There are separate Counters / Queues for Senior Citizens at all Railway
    Stations for purchase, booking or cancellation of tickets.
    (c) Special arrangements are available for those who find it difficult to
    walk or move on their own. Wheel Chairs are available at all major
    junctions, District Headquarters and other important Railway stations for
    the convenience of Senior citizens and also for those who are in need.
    (d) Indian Railways have recently introduced specially designed coaches
    which have provisions for hand rails and specially designed toilets for
    handicapped persons. These coaches also have space for wheel chairs.
     

    (8) Travel by Airlines
    (a) Senior Citizens are entitled to 50% discount
    <http://www.indianairlines.in/scripts/otherdiscounts.aspx> on Economy Class
    fares on all flights of Indian Airlines
    <http://www.indianairlines.in/index.aspx> subject to certain conditions.
    (b) Air India <http://home.airindia.in/SBCMS/WebPages/Home.aspx> gives 45%
    discount
    <http://home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Senior-Discount.aspx?MID=25> in
    economy class on domestic sectors to senior citizens (women aged 63+ and men
    aged 65+).
    (c) Other Airlines operating in India also offer discounts to senior
    citizens. It is advisable to check with them before you plan your travel.
     

    (9) Travel by Roadways (state transport)
    (a) State Road Transport Undertakings
    <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_in_India> have made provision
    for senior citizens for reservation of 2 seats in the front row of all
    buses.
    (b) Some state governments also give concessions (in fare) to senior
    citizens, while some also have specially modelled buses for the elderlies.
     

    (10) Law (Legislations)
    Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens
    Indian Government has recently enacted a law for welfare of elderlies
    (senior citizens and parents). This law creates provisions for maintenance,
    protection and security of elders.
    Posted by at 5:08 AM 0 comments

    Friday, November 9, 2012

    US MP taking oath by Bagavath geeta

    அமெரிக்க பார்லி.யில் முதல் முறையாக பகவத் கீதையின் பெயரில் பதவிப் பிரமாண செய்யும் முதல் எம்.பி

    வாஷிங்டன்: அமெரிக்காவின் ஹவாய் நாடாளுமன்ற உறுப்பினராக வென்றுள்ள இந்து மதத்தைச் சேர்ந்த துளசி கப்பார்ட் பகவத் கீதையின் பெயரில் சத்தியபிரமாணம் செய்ய இருக்கிறார். அமெரிக்க வரலாற்றில் முதல் முறையாக பகவத் கீதையின் பெயரில் ஒரு எம்..பி பதவியேற்பு செய்வது இதுவே முதல் முறை.

    குடியரசுக் கட்சியின் சார்பில் போட்டியிட்டிருக்கும் முன்னர் இவர் 21-வது வயதில் ஹவாய் சட்டசபை தேர்தலில் வெற்றி பெற்றார். அதன் பின்னர் 23-வது வயதில் ஹவாய் தேசிய பாதுகாப்புப் படையில் இணைந்தார். பின்னர் 2008-ல் ஆண்டு குவைத்துக்கு அனுப்பப்பட்டார்.
     

     
    தற்போது 31வது வயதில் எம்.பி.யாக வெற்றி பெற்று நாடாளுமன்றத்தில் நுழைந்திருக்கிறார். அமெரிக்க நாடாளுமன்ற வரலாற்றில் முதல் முறையாக இந்துக்களின் புனித நூலான பகவத் கீதையின் பெயரில் சத்தியபிரமாணம் எடுக்க இருக்கிறார். இவருக்கு அமெரிக்கா வாழ் இந்துக்கள் வாழ்த்துகளைத் தெரிவித்து வருகின்றனர்.
    Posted by at 11:39 AM 0 comments

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012

    Chennai schoolteacher 'persecuted' for Hindu prayer


    From

    http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/107167-chennai-schoolteacher-persecuted-for-hindu-prayer.html


    TUESDAY, 06 NOVEMBER 2012 23:16
    KUMAR CHELLAPPAN | CHENNAI

    In what is being seen as an assault on religious freedom, the management of an admittedly secular school in Chennai has suspended a teacher for reciting Hindu prayers during assembly.

    Abirami, a chemistry teacher of the State Bank of India Officers' Association Educational Trust School (SBIOA), recited the prayers in the school assembly on March 13, 2012 hoping to inspire the 330 students who were about to write the chemistry paper in the public examination.

    "I recited the lines Om Mathru Devo Bhava, Om Pitru Devo Bhava, Om Acharya Devo Bhava, Om Vighneswaraya Namaha, Om Neela Saraswathiye Namaha which was repeated by the students. But before they could reach the stanza Om Vighneswaraya Namaha, school's vice- principal Jayanti Sundar, a Christian who is also an evangelist, switched off the mike. I told her that prayers were not yet over and continued reciting the full prayer when she pushed me aside and asked another Christian teacher to lead the prayers. They put me under suspension on that day itself on charges of physically assaulting the vice-principal in front of the school students," Abirami told The Pioneer.

    She said that though the school was launched by the State Bank of India Officers Association, it has turned out to be a Christian management school. "Only Christian prayers are allowed in the school assembly though majority of the students are from the Hindu community. It was only on the day of the chemistry examination that I took part in the school assembly and recited the prayer. My intention was to recite prayers for the benefit of students belonging to all religions," said Abirami.

    Though she has been under suspension for the entire academic year 2012, the management is yet to complete the disciplinary proceedings which in itself are a violation of education department rules. "The internal disciplinary proceedings against her are under progress. Ours is a secular school and all the charges levelled against us are baseless. Abirami is trying to divert the attention of the general public by inciting religious sentiments," PC Selvarani, the school principal, said. She alleged that Abirami was trying to spoil the minds of the students. But she refused to divulge the reasons behind the suspension and disciplinary proceedings against Abirami.

    Students who took part in the March 13 school assembly said Abirami did not in any way violate the school discipline. "Abirami offered prayers for all religions equally. While she was offering the prayers, vice-principal Jayanthi Sunder tried to snatch the microphone from her hands. Consequently, Abirami resisted this act and did not force Jayanthi Sunder physically in any form. I could deduce no reason for her suspension," said S Vidhyalakshmi, a student who was present in the assembly on the fateful day.

    Some of the students backed Abirami's claim that only Christian prayers are recited in the school assembly everyday. "Only Christian teachers are allowed to lead the assembly and recite the prayers. This has baffled us," one of the students who did not want to be quoted said.

    B Haran, a political commentator, described as outrageous the action of the school authorities. "This is a classic case of minorities serving their religion wherever they are. They infiltrate a secular institution, take control of management and convert it into a minority institution. This is what has happened exactly in this case. The SBOA is now controlled by the Church. That is Indian Secularism for you," said Haran.

    V Sundaram, all India general secretary (ideology), Janata Party, called the bluff on the school management. A former IAS officer withy more than three decades of administrative experience, Sundaram termed the action of the school management as a violation of the freedom of religion. "If we interpret true secularism, the court itself can take suo moto note of the news and initiate action against the school," he said.

    Hindus and Muslims are hurt by the school management's action, if comments on the social networking websites are any indication.

    Though Abirami approached the chairman of the CBSE and the Chief Minister's cell with her grievances, she is yet to get an acknowledgement.


    Posted by at 11:31 PM 0 comments
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