“IIT Bombay cancels Hamas sympathiser Prof Achin Vanaik’s talk on Israel-Palestine conflict after students oppose”, Swarajyamag, November 8, 2023:
“The proposed lecture by Hamas-sympathiser Professor Achin Vanaik on the Israel-Palestine conflict at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has been canceled, Indian Express reported.
Originally scheduled for Monday evening, the event was postponed to Tuesday by IIT authorities. However, students received an email from the Department of Humanities and Social Science on Tuesday, announcing the cancellation of the lecture.
Professor Vanaik’s talk aimed to shed light on the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the consequences of the recent outbreak of violence…..”
“Assam: 200-year-old Shiv-Narayan temple of tribal people set on fire allegedly by Islamists; situation tense”, Organiser, November 8, 2023:
“Local tribal people were in a state of shock, and there was anger when they learned about the heinous incident of the 200-year-old Shiv-Parvati and Lakshmi-Narayan temples being set on fire. It is their only place of worship in the Ratabari area, but it has been reduced to ashes.
The incident ignited tension among the locals, who have been worshipping the deities for hundreds of years in the temple inside the forest of Damsora village. Taking advantage of the darkness of the night, miscreants set fire to the ancient temple, which had been a revered religious site for centuries, as the temple is situated in an isolated location.
Locals said that the temple was established in the early 1800s by one Devi Ram Barman near the tribal village. For generations, this sacred place has been at the heart of tribal worship……”
In recent times, Karnataka has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding its examination dress code, revealing a stark disparity in the treatment of religious symbols in the state. This controversy revolves around the contrasting treatment of Karnataka Public Service Commission candidates wearing ‘Mangalsutra’ and the ‘hijab.’
Karnataka Public Service Commission student asked to remove mangalsutra
In a recently reported incident, female students preparing for the Karnataka Public Service Commission examination were mandated to remove their ‘Mangalsutra’ and other traditional Hindu ornaments before entering the examination hall. This directive included earrings, necklaces, and toe rings.
This decision was met with backlash, with questions about whether the rule was exclusive to Hindus. It must be highlighted that while Muslim candidates wearing hijabs were checked, they were permitted to enter the examination hall in their hijabs, unlike Hindus, who had to remove their matrimonial symbols. One student expressed her concerns, stating, “In Hindu culture, there’s no requirement to remove the mangalsutra. We’ll remove them when we have to; just like how they checked for hijab and allowed them, they should have also checked us and allowed us inside.”
Hijab allowed in Karnataka NEET exam centres
This incident came on the heels of a separate controversy related to the wearing of the ‘hijab’ in educational institutions. Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar clarified that wearing the ‘hijab’ was allowed during exams, such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). On the one hand, the ‘mangalsutra’ was banned in a civil services exam, while on the other hand, the ‘hijab’ was permitted in the NEET exam.
Karnataka must address these issues with a fair and consistent approach. Discriminatory practices and double standards have no place in an inclusive and diverse society. The state should strive to ensure that all students are treated equally, regardless of their religious backgrounds, and that examination dress codes are fair and accommodating to all.
A similar incident was reported from Telangana last November. “A controversial incident came to light in Hyderabad where Hindu women were asked to remove jewellery such as bangles, earrings, neck chains and Mangalsutra before entering an examination centre, while Muslim women were allowed to enter wearing a burqa. The incident took place in the Degree College in Adilabad on 16th October during the Telangana State Public Service Examination. A video of the incident was circulated on Twitter”, reportedSanatan Prabhat.
“Forced conversion, chief a professor at Owaisi’s university, aim of turning India Islamic and more: Modi govt may ban pro Hamas Hizb-ut-Tahrir”, Opindia, November 8, 2023:
“Months after the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) busted the terror module of the Islamic terrorist group Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) and the NIA named it under UAPA, 1967, the Central government is examining a proposal to ban HuT.
It is worth noting that HuT members recently raised ‘Jihad, Jihad’ slogans during a pro-Palestine street protest in London. During the protest, some people screamed ‘Jihad-Jihad’ in support of Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and its attacks in Israel. This incident has sparked calls for an international ban on HuT.
The Metropolitan police, however, issued a statement on October 21 which said that after assessing the video of the Hizb ut-Tahrir’s protests “no signs or banners were identified that were unlawful…..”
Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K. Annamalai just said the unthinkable in a state where Dravidian ideologue is revered by many. Annamalai declared that, once the BJP comes to power in the state, the statue of EV Ramasamy Naicker, known as ‘Periyar,’ located outside the Ranganathar Temple in Srirangam, and similar statues in other temples, will be removed.
What is the significance of this?
As a part of his padayatra across the 234 constituencies of Tamil Nadu, Annamalai reached Srirangam in Tiruchirapalli district, where he addressed a large gathering on November 7, 2023. He criticised the DMK and other Dravidianist parties for installing a plaque outside the Ranganathar Temple that denigrated believers in god. This statue and the plaque that said, ‘Those who believe in god are fools; those who believe in god have been tricked. Do not believe in god.’
He vowed that under BJP rule, the plaque and flagpole would be removed, and statues of revered figures such as Azhwars, Nayanmars, Tamil scholars, and freedom fighters would be installed and worshipped.
Notably, the 12-foot-high statue of EVR outside the Srirangam temple was installed in December 2006 by K. Veeramani, the head of the Dravidar Kazhagam, a group associated with EVR. The statue was unveiled amidst protests by various Hindu organizations. Post this, members of the Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK) damaged the statue, and this led to incidents of violence across the state.
Did EVR target Hindu Dharma alone?
Periyar, or EVR, was known for his “rationalist” approach and preached rationalism to his followers and believers of the Dravidian ideology. He even ensured his devout wife stopped going to the temple by putting her through harassment by the youth he instructed to carry out the task. EVR did condemn Islam; he advocated for the abolishment of purdah and encouraged free intermingling between men and women, emphasizing mutual attraction and understanding for marriages. They questioned the practice of hiding women behind religious veils.
However, as the movement gained momentum, it faced resistance from different religious communities, especially Muslims. P. Kalifullah, a Muslim League leader, criticized the application of atheist principles to Islam by the Self-Respect Movement. The Dar-ul-Islam publication warned against Dravidian race politics and cautioned against elevating figures like Tiruvalluvar to the status of prophets.
In response to this resistance, EV Ramasamy seemed to change his stance. He indicated a willingness to accept Ambedkar and his followers turning to Islam if it meant escaping the untouchability imposed by Hinduism. The Dravidian leader even expressed commonality between the original “Dravidian” religion and Islam, suggesting a convergence.
Is there a statue outside a mosque or a church?
While there aren’t many, there are probably a few statues outside churches and mosques. However, these mosques and churches might not hold the same relevance and significance for Muslims and Christians as the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple does for Hindus.
Source: Quora
The Srirangam temple stands as the first and most important temple, especially for Vaishnavaites as it is considered as the first of the 108 divyadesams dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu. As an attempt to insult the Brahmin community (who were the ones that Dravidianists loved to pick on), the DK installed the statue and the plaque outside the temple.
The Srirangam connection to Annamalai’s vow
The fact that Annamalai took the vow outside the Srirangam temple has greater significance on a nationalist level. In June 1801, the Marudhu Brothers, who were the de-facto rulers in the region of Sivaganga, declared their defiance against the British from the Srirangam Temple, marking the historic Jambudweepa Declaration, vowing not to submit to British rule.
Centuries later, Annamalai making another proclamation to take the Dravidianist forces head on has resonated with a large number of Hindus in the region positively.
Christian evangelist Paul Dhinakaran is a well-known figure in the field of evangelism and conversion efforts in India. He recently visited Arunachal Pradesh to take part in the Jesus Calls Arunachal Prayer Festival alongside his family. Notably, the Chief Minister of the state, Pema Khandu, and several ministers also attended the event.
On the first day of the event, Paul Dinakaran expressed his intention to offer prayers for Pema Khandu, the council of ministers, and the state of Arunachal Pradesh. He referred to the state as “God’s garden,” Pema Khandu, and the ministers joined the prayer.
He said, “It is you (Jesus) who chooses to rule the state from time to time; thank you for choosing our dear Hon’ble CM and cabinet. May the government be blessed by you and your guidance to do whatever you want to do for the people. Let your hand be on this state, let it progress as a great tourist destination, bless the family of CM and families of the ministers”.
Following this, Pema Khandu delivered a speech at the event’s inauguration. During his address, he expressed gratitude to Paul for offering prayers for government employees. As reported in The Commune, he said, “We are all god-fearing people. We worship God with full devotion, and we must believe. If anything is difficult, then the first thing we remember is God. So I request all of you gathered here, whatever religion you believe in, if you are Christian, then we must believe from the bottom of our hearts. You saw the miracle of this a little while ago. When needed, Jesus will give blessings from above to everyone. God always helps us in life by giving us blessings. We are all children of God. We know that there are several tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. This is God’s gift that despite having so many tribes, no bad accidents have occurred in the state. So all of you keep praying like this, then our future life of all settled here will be very good”.
He then talked about his deceased father, Dorjee Khandu. He said, “I joined politics in 2011, and you all know the reason why, because of the accident of my father Dorjee Khandu. I am from a business background. After the accident, I had to come into politics all of a sudden in 2016 when a big political gap started forming in the state, and a unique thing happened in Arunachal Pradesh. The 60 Assembly seats comprise all parties – the Congress, the BJP, and others. And for the first time, everyone told my name and pushed me forward. They said that if anyone can take care of the state, it is you. I was not politically mature, but with all your blessing and blessings of God.”
Hinting at the upcoming parliamentary elections, he said, “We had appealed to all religious leaders to say no to money culture in politics, and I’d like to thank all the Christian denominations. In 2009, after our request, the Christian community spread the message of money culture and openly expressed their opposition to it and even convinced people about it. I request that in the 2024 elections that we have a stronger sentiment against money culture and come together and Say No To Money Culture.”
He added, “We thank Paul Dinakaran and his family for coming so far to the state and pray for the well-being of the state, and we have to implement that prayer in our lives practically. If you listen to the prayer and do not implement it in your life, there is no use for it. So my request to all the people who have come from various districts of Arunachal Pradesh is to remember these points.”
He articulated the grants initiated by his late father, Dorjee Khandu. “My late father Dorjee Khand started the corpus fund, and he started giving grants; after that, I became the CM in 2016, and I continued the good work he did, especially in the education sector. We provide grants in aid and corpus to institutions every year. We gave it this year and will do it next year, too. I am doing all that I can for the Don Bosco College in Itanagar and Ziro. Education is a priority for the government, so all the organisations of the Christian community and RK Mission, too, who are working in the sector, we have been helping all the organisations, and we will continue to do it.”
The festival spanned three days, and video footage from each of these days suggested that prayers were presented as the means to “resolve” the health issues of patients.
According to reports, numerous tribal children attended the event and were exposed to what was described as unscientific “magic healing” by the well-known Christian Evangelist. During these sessions, he claimed to heal them through special prayers.
The Social Justice Forum of Arunachal Pradesh, an organization dedicated to safeguarding the faith, culture, and identity of the Indigenous Tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh, has raised concerns about instances where Paul Dhinakaran used children in his “magic healing” performances. They pointed out that the Christian pastor may violate the Drugs & Magical Remedies Act of 1954 by exposing tribal children to superstition.
He is also involved in proselytization efforts, asserting that one must embrace Jesus as God in order to be cured of ailments.
TRIBALS SPOOKED INTO CONVERSION Dinakaran claims Eye & Respiratory Diseases, Dumbness, Epilepsy, Organ failures, Deafness etc caused by Evil powers, Evil Spirits n Devil. Thus 2 get cured 1 has 2 accept Jesus @AmitShah@IMAIndiaOrg Plz promote Medical Sciences not Superstition pic.twitter.com/W3oFvH5biC
— Social Justice Forum Of Arunachal Pradesh (@JuticeForumAP) November 2, 2023
— Social Justice Forum Of Arunachal Pradesh (@JuticeForumAP) November 2, 2023
Legal Rights Observatory took notice of this issue and reported it to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The NCPCR has issued notices to the Director General of Police (DGP) in Arunachal Pradesh and the Chief Minister for their alleged official endorsement of fraudster pastor Paul Dhinakaran’s “magic healing” of tribal individuals in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
NCPCR issued notices to @DgpPradesh & CS @ArunachalCMO for officially promoting fraudster pastor Paul Dhinakaran's magic healing of Tribals in Itanagar #ArunachalPradesh in which juveniles were exposed to unscientific magic healing by the infamous Christian Evangelist under… pic.twitter.com/UMEDCv8tHQ
In the complaint issued by the NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights), it says, “The Commission has received a complaint that a Pastor named Paul Dinakaran, during his Healing Crusade, is claiming to cure illnesses using magical healing powers. Upon further investigation, it has come to the Commission’s attention that Pastor Paul Dinakaran has been displaying children he claims to have healed in front of large crowds”. Furthermore, the Commission has pointed out that Paul Dinakaran may be in violation of the Drugs & Magic Remedies Act of 1954. To address these allegations, the NCPCR has taken action under Section 13 (1) of the CPCR (Child Protection) Act, 2005.”
It’s worth mentioning that missionary organizations, like that of Paul Dinakaran, have played a significant role in the conversion of the indigenous population in Arunachal Pradesh, leading to its transformation into a majority-Christian state. According to the 2011 Census, the Christian population exceeded 30%.
Notably, based on specific intelligence information, officials from the Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on 28 locations associated with the “Jesus Calls” and “Karunya” group of educational institutions, which are managed by the evangelist Paul Dinakaran.
Bihar Chief Minister and member of the I.N.D.I Alliance, Nitish Kumar sparked a controversy owing to his derogatory language during the Assembly session in the state on the importance of women’s education and fertility rates on 7th November 2023.
Speaking on fertility rate and women’s education, he said, “It is not a bad thing. We said if the girl is educated and when she gets married, the husband would have sex with her every night. Babies are made this way. When the girl is educated, she knows that he will do it. Yes, that’s fine, but she will tell him to ejaculate outside. Because of this, the numbers are falling.”
#WATCH | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar uses derogatory language to explain the role of education and the role of women in population control pic.twitter.com/4Dx3Ode1sl
The remarks, made during a session of the state Assembly, have faced significant criticism from women MLAs and the National Commission for Women. However, Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav contended that the statement should be viewed as an attempt to promote sex education.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “Let me tell you one thing. It is wrong if someone misinterprets it. The statement of the CM was regarding sex education. People are hesitant whenever the topic of sex education is discussed. This is now taught in schools. Science and biology are taught in schools. Children learn it. He said what should be done practically to stop the increase in population… This should not be taken in a wrong manner. It should be taken as a sex education…”.
Several legislators, including Yadav, were seen chuckling at his comments.
The language used by Nitish Kumar did not amuse members of the BJP, and netizens have since criticised the ‘disparaging’ language used. The X handle of Bihar BJP posted, “There hasn’t been a leader more vulgar than Nitish Kumar in Indian politics. It appears that Nitish babu is bitten by the ‘adult, B-grade films’ bug. There should be a ban on his double-meaning remarks. It seems he has been influenced by the company he keeps. ”
भारत की राजनीति में नीतीश बाबू जैसा अश्लील नेता देखा नहीं होगा।
नीतीश बाबू के दिमाग में एडल्ट "B" Grade फिल्मों का कीड़ा घूस गया है। सार्वजनिक रूप से इनके द्विअर्थी संवादों पर पाबंदी लगानी चाहिए।
As reported by The Mint, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for an “immediate and unequivocal apology” from the Chief Minister on behalf of all women in India. Chairperson Rekha Sharma said that his ‘crass’ remarks were an ‘affront to the dignity and respect that every woman deserves.’
On behalf of every woman in this country, as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, I demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar. His crass remarks in the Vidhan Sabha are an affront to the dignity and respect that… https://t.co/xNom7jqnzq
“Such derogatory and cheap language used during his speech is a dark stain on our society. If a leader can make such comments so openly in a democracy, one can only imagine the horror the state must be enduring under his leadership. We stand firm against such behaviour and call for accountability,” she added.
Some of the netizen reactions are shared below:
#NitishKumar has a history of such disgusting language , outside and inside Vidhan Sabha , this is not the first time that he has uttered such filthy statement, he has crossed all boundaries of shamelessness every time , listen to the Cheap Minister , and look uncomfortable is… https://t.co/st8xHgDCJhpic.twitter.com/LimEo29VzQ
The derogatory words used by CM Bihar demands highest level of Condemnation. Seems he has lost his mind and talking all sort of unparliamentary language. This is just robbing the Modesty of Women.
— Lakshmi Singh – लक्ष्मी सिंह🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@ItsMrsSingh) November 8, 2023
After widespread public outrage, Nitish Kumar apologised for his comments. As reported by Hindustan Times, he said, “I apologise if I have hurt anybody. It was not intended to hurt anybody. I have always maintained that education is necessary for population control. I have also stood for women empowerment and women’s development,”
Bihar CM #NitishKumar 'takes back' population control remark; BJP says resign, don't apologise!
Two minor girls of Delhi were abducted, deceitfully taken to Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh and forced into prostitution but one of the girls escaped after finding an opportunity and revealed the sordid truth, police said on Tuesday.
The minor girl approached police and narrated the horrors that she had to face in captivity.
Police have arrested Noor Jahan, 26, Rangepalli alias Jyoti, 60, Jahangir alias Kana, 35, and Allaudin, 38, in connection with the case.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shahdara, Rohit Meena, has revealed disturbing details of the plight of the two young victims, stating that a case was registered based on the harrowing statement of one of the girls.
The victim revealed that Noor Jahan, who is the wife of accused Jahangir, would frequently visit their home, persuading the girl’s mother to allow her daughter to work outside the city. However, she concealed her sinister motives.
According to officials, Noor Jahan, residing in close proximity to the victims’ shanty, eventually managed to convince the family to entrust their daughter and her minor friend into the care of her husband.
Jahangir, who has a criminal history in the Seemapuri area, took the two girls to Anantapur where they were handed over to another woman.
“In Anantapur, the victims were held in captivity, confined to rooms, and subjected to illicit activities against their will,” said the DCP.
One of the victimised girls, however, steadfastly refused to comply with these demands, bravely resisting her captors and continuously raising an alarm. “Then, one day, she seized an opportunity to escape and made her way back to Delhi, where she disclosed her traumatic experience to her parents,” said the DCP.
Subsequently, the parents wasted no time in seeking help from the police, leading to the registration of an FIR under the relevant sections of the law.
“A specialised team was assembled to apprehend the culprits,” said the DCP.
Jahangir’s criminal history is extensive, having been involved in 28 cases, and he had been declared a proclaimed offender.
In a swift operation on August 23, police first raided Noor Jahan’s residence, successfully apprehending her.
“Simultaneously, another team was dispatched to Anantapur, rescuing the victim girl’s friend, who had been forced into prostitution,” said the officer, adding that over several months, the police conducted relentless raids, ultimately succeeding in apprehending all the accused involved in this heinous crime.
(The story has been published via a syndicated feed with a modified headline.)
Image used for representational purpose only. Image source - IANS
The NIA said on Tuesday that it has filed a supplementary charge sheet against Saheer K.V., an integral part of the Popular Front of India (PFI) assault team, in connection with its probe into the Kerala PFI case.
An agency spokesperson said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary charge sheet against Saheer, an accused in a case registered against the PFI in Kerala.
Saheer, a resident of Palakkad and the Pattambi area secretary of the PFI, was apprehended by the Absconder Tracking Team of the NIA on May 16 this year.
The official said that Saheer had been on the run since the heinous crime involving the targeted killing of a person named Sreenivasan on April 16 last year.
“He was an integral part of the PFI assault team responsible for carrying out the terror act. He now faces multiple charges under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC),” the official said.
The NIA had filed a comprehensive charge sheet against 59 accused individuals involved in this case on March 17 this year.
The NIA had registered a case in September last year to probe the criminal conspiracy hatched by the PFI and its leaders and cadres to create communal divide between the people of different communities through radicalisation of impressionable Muslim youth, training them in handling of weapons, and raising funds for carrying out acts of terror and violence with the ultimate objective of establishing an Islamic Rule in India by 2047.
The official said that efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the remaining 10 absconding accused persons.
(This article has been published via a syndicated feed)
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Kupwara, officials said.
Officials said here that Lt. Governor Sinha and Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde accompanied by Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji at Kupwara on Tuesday.
The Lt. Governor congratulated the ‘Amhi Punekar’ and 41 Rashtriya Rifles for their historic initiative.
“Great Shivaji’s statue will be a source of inspiration for people and the bravehearts of the Army. He was a great warrior and founder of Swarajya. Shivaji was a born leader, who scripted a new history of India through his mesmerising victory against the enemy.”
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was also fountainhead of high standards of morality, right conduct and respecter of all religions and sects. Youth must follow his ideas and ideals and selflessly serve the poor and weaker sections of society and contribute to nation-building.”
“By unleashing his military genius and moral force, Shivaji mobilised millions of Indians and achieved sovereignty for Maratha empire. His universal and eternal values continue to be relevant today and guiding us on the path of social equality and peaceful co-existence,” the Lt. Governor said.
He called for celebrating the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj festival in Kupwara on November 7 every year.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister said that Chhatrapati Shivaji is an inspiration for every Indian.
“Maharashtra has a great tradition of sacrifice and bravery. It is indeed commendable that this statue is being erected at Kupwara in the same year as the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji,” Shinde added.
(This article has been published via a syndicated feed)
