Hindus upset over trivialization of their gods in an Hollywood TV episode

April 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Nevada(US), Apr 24 (ANI): Hindus are upset over the depiction of their gods in “Hammer of the Gods” episode in the “Supernatural” TV series reportedly aired on April 22 and say that such trivialization of their sacred deities was disturbing.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Lord Ganesh and Goddess Kali were highly revered in Hinduism and such absurd depiction of them with no scriptural backing was hurtful to the devotees. Ganesh and Kali were meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be thrown around loosely in reimagined versions for dramatic effects in TV series.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, asked the producer EW Network and director Rick Bota to issue a public apology and urged them not to reimagine Hinduism concepts and deities in the future to advance the commercial or other agenda.

Hindus welcomed Hollywood and other entertainment industries to immerse in Hinduism but taking it seriously and respectfully and not just for indecorous showing of Hindu symbols and concepts to advance their selfish agenda. Casual flirting sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees, Rajan Zed pointed out.

Zed argued that Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at; Zed said and added that inappropriate use of Hinduism concepts and symbols was not okay.

Meanwhile Bhavna Shinde of Forum for Hindu Awakening has described it as inappropriate and denigration and a Hindu leader of Trinidad Devant Maharaj said that he was deeply offended.

According to reports, in this episode, Winchesters are shown kidnapped by a group of gods, including Ganesh and Kali and held hostage, who want to use Winchesters as bargaining chips. Kali is relegated to escaping with Winchesters in their car to get away. Kali sits on the lap of angel Gabriel who guards her with his angelic blade. Devil turns Ganesh into a stain on the wall. Its cast includes Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Rekha Sharma, Keith Dallas, etc.

Supernatural is a series of CW Network which was formed as a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation. The CW is America”s fifth broadcast network and claims to be the only network targeting women 18-34.

In Hinduism, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major venture. Goddess Kali, who personifies Sakti or divine energy, is considered the goddess of time and change. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus disappointed at Pope for not reaching out to minorities during Malta visit

April 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), April 19 (ANI): Hindus find it a disappointment that there was reportedly no mention of any interfaith dialogue with non-Catholic religious leaders during Pope Benedict’s two-day “Apostolic Journey to Malta” which ended April 18.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it appeared that Catholic Church in Malta was not serious to share minority viewpoint and discuss issues of religious equality with minority religions/denominations, which was very sad.

He had earlier urged Malta Archbishop to organize the meeting of leaders of various religions and denominations with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI during this visit.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that as a dominating majority in Malta, Catholics and Pope had a moral responsibility to take care of minority brothers/sisters from different faith/denomination backgrounds. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus want world’s wealthy countries to do more for environment

April 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), April 7 (ANI): Hindus ask richest nations of the world to do more for environment in view of the global ecological crisis.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that richer nations should lead the way and show responsibility by cutting greenhouse gases and atmospheric ozone concentrations and tackling global warming.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that world’s poor were most vulnerable to the environmental problems resulting from climate change. Senseless uses of natural resources, extravagance, greed, etc., were some of the major causes of this ecological crisis.

Rajan Zed further said that religions should also come forward to do their share of tackling global warming and persuading others on this issue.

“We as leaders of various religions of the world should fulfill our obligations by voicing the environmental issues. Religions should not stay silent spectators to threatening ecological crisis faced by humanity”, Zed stressed and urged all world religious leaders, religions and denominations to openly bless environmental causes and develop a global partnership on this subject.

Zed pointed out that ancient Hindu scriptures, especially Atharva-Veda, were highly respectful of mother nature. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus greet Christians on Easter

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), March 24 (ANI): Hindus have sent greetings to Christian communities world over for upcoming Easter.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a release in Nevada (USA) today, expressed warmest greetings on the upcoming Easter, wishing that it brought joy, happiness, blessings and cheer to all.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment, he added.

Christianity is the largest religion of the world, while Hinduism with about one billion adherents, is the oldest and third largest religion. Easter, the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ, is the greatest and oldest feast of the Christianity. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus laud Russian and Armenian church leaders for efforts at interreligious relations

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), March 24 (ANI): Hindus have welcomed reported joint statement of the leaders of Russian Orthodox Church and Armenian Apostolic Church stressing the importance of interreligious relations in pursuit of peace.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded the reported recent declaration of Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Kirill and Patriarch Karekin II of Armenian Apostolic Church, which said: “It is only through the common efforts of all the traditional religions in the world that we can defend the value of faith for people”s private and public life”.

Emphasizing the need of interfaith dialogue, Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out, “Religion is a complex component of human life. Dialogue helps us to see interconnections and interdependencies between religions and even similarities in doctrines. Religions should at least work together on common religious concerns like peace-making and peace-keeping, social and economic development, freedom and human rights.” (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Corbell faces censure motion over insulation program

March 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The ACT Opposition will try to censure Attorney General Simon Corbell in the Legislative Assembly today but the Greens have signalled they will block the move.

The Liberals have been harrying Mr Corbell over how much he knew about problems with the Commonwealth’s home insulation program in the Territory.

Opposition Leader Zed Seselja says documents about the scheme they uncovered earlier this month prove Mr Corbell misled the Assembly.

“He claimed there were no complaints about poor insulation when there clearly were. The documents we have prove that,” he said.

But Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury says Mr Corbell was only saying there were no complaints about unsafe installation in the ACT.

“This is really about semantics. I think the Minister was quite up front in the Assembly,” he said.

But he says the Minister could have provided more detailed information.

Mr Corbell has lashed out at the Opposition.

He says he was being asked about whether there were any unsafe installations and the Opposition is just playing politics.

“This is a completely unwarranted motion from a Liberal opposition with no ideas of its own, which is lazy and which is simply copying Tony Abbott,” he said.

“The Government rejects these claims out of hand.”

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

University of Houston forms partnership with Banaras Hindu University

March 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), March 15 (ANI): The University of Houston in Texas (USA) and Institute of Technology of Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi (India) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in instruction and academic exchange.

This new relationship will reportedly include joint education programs at the graduate level, exchange visits of scholars and faculty collaboration in research and technology.

Collaborative programs the two institutions will explore include dual degree programs in which degrees could be granted by both parties. The MOU agreement is reportedly for five years.

Welcoming this collaboration between two prominent education centers of USA and India, acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that some other leading institutions of both the countries should also form partnerships so that students and faculty could share strengths the other partner offers.

Learning brought more light to the mankind, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Inhumane pushing of Gypsy families between European countries continues

March 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), March 8 (ANI): Roma migrants are returned by force to places where they are at risk of human rights violations, according to Thomas Hammarberg, European Commissioner for Human Rights.

Roma reportedly migrated mostly from Indian subcontinent to Europe many centuries ago.

In his “viewpoint” published on his official website, Hammarberg says: European migration policies discriminate against Roma people. Of particular concern is the fact that some Roma who have been forcibly returned have ended up in the lead-contaminated camps of Èesmin Lug and Osterode in northern Mitrovica, inhabited for a decade now by Roma families, including children, with deeply serious effects on their health.

Expulsions of Roma have been carried out in contravention of European Union law. In other cases destruction of Roma dwellings has been used as a method to persuade Roma to leave “voluntarily”. Discrimination of Roma in migration policies has met with little or no opposition in almost every country. This may not be surprising in view of the lingering anti-Gypsyism in large parts of Europe, Hammarberg adds.

To push Roma families between countries, as now happens, is inhumane. It victimizes children – many of whom were born and grown up in the host countries before they were deported, Human Rights Commissioner points out.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it was shocking to see how inhumanely Europe was treating its about 15 million Roma brothers-sisters.

It was clearly reprehensible, hazardous and immoral and a blatant failure of Europe to meet its international obligations. When it came to Roma, Europe frequently failed to implement its own laws distinctly mentioned in its own books.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that besides the absence of any serious efforts at their inclusion, Roma were being used as “punch bag” and blamed for the social ills of Europe. European neglect was trapping Roma in cycles of persecution and poverty. Roma issue should be one of the highest priorities of human rights agenda of Europe and world, thus reversing the history of persecution, Zed stressed. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Disney ‘to bring Hindu mythological superheroes to screen’

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), September 14 (ANI): Disney is reportedly in talks with India’s Vimanika Comics to bring Hindu mythological superheroes to film and television.

It could see Karna brought to life on screen.

In mythology, Karna was the son of Kunti and sun-god Surya who was equipped with celestial arms and armor.

However, Hindus are concerned.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, while welcoming Hollywood to film ancient Hindu scriptural subjects, urged them to stay true to the story and the spirit of the scriptures.

Zed said that changing ancient Sanskrit scriptures to fit the Hollywood machine were likely to hurt the Hindu sentiments.

According to him, refashioning Hinduism concepts, symbols, doctrines for mercantile greed is not acceptable, as it is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly.

Vimanika reportedly plans to launch graphic versions of Dashaavatar, Legend of Karna, Lord Shiva, and Lord Garuda; and is looking to convert comics to online/mobile games. Its other titles include “Moksha”. Its tagline is “Bringing you Myth like no Other”! (ANI)

Filed Under: Entertainment News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus want Diwali, Holi added to restricted trading days list in Australia

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), Sept 14 (ANI): Hindus have urged New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia to add “Diwali” and “Holi” on the list of restricted trading days in the new law.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that Hindu workers in NSW would like to be home on these days to celebrate the festivals with their families, friends, and the community.

Currently, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day morning, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day are on the list.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that NSW was a diverse community including Christians (various denominations), Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews, Baha’is, Taos, Shinto, Confucians, Zoroastrians, Aboriginals, Jains, non-believers, etc., and if given a choice, all of them would like to be with their families and loved ones on their festivals and NSW government should honor their feelings. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hollywood celebs ‘to participate in India’s Kumbh Mela’

August 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), Aug 27 (ANI): Rumour has it that some Hollywood celebrities will partake in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, termed as biggest spiritual gathering on earth, in India during January-April next year.

The names of the celebrities, however, are being kept under wraps.

For international celebrities, business tycoons and other VVIPs, many luxury camps with all-weather cottages will be set-up on the banks of holy river Ganga.

The Mela is expected to see an influx of about 100 million people.

Some American tour companies are promoting the tour for about 9,000, excluding airfares.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, has suggested that Hollywood celebrities should go to the Mela as pilgrims and not as tourists.

In addition to immersing in holy Ganga waters, Zed has urged the celebrities to explore the rich philosophy, which Hinduism offers.

Kumbh Mela will be held from January 14 to April 28 and includes 11 bathing dates in between, at Haridwar.

A belief system in India is that all sins/evils committed by the Mela pilgrims and their ancestors back to the 88th generation will be washed away forever by a dip in Ganga during these dates and that they will achieve salvation and emerge regenerated and healed. (ANI)

Filed Under: Entertainment News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus want actress Jolie to take up apartheid cause of European Roma

July 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), July 10 (ANI): Hindus have urged Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to undertake the cause of apartheid of 15-million Roma people of Europe.

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman, in a statement in Nevada today, said that Jolie, world’s most powerful celebrity, would be very effective in focusing public opinion world over on Roma apartheid. Many Hollywood and other entertainment bigwigs had successfully worked against South Africa’s apartheid in the past.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that Jolie had promoted humanitarian causes world over and Roma would be the next worthwhile cause for her to undertake. If she wanted his services in regard to Roma cause, he was willing to support her.

Alarming condition of Roma people was a social blight for Europe and the rest of the world as they reportedly regularly faced social exclusion, racism, substandard education, hostility, joblessness, rampant illness, inadequate housing, lower life expectancy, unrest, living on desperate margins, language barriers, stereotypes, mistrust, rights violations, discrimination, marginalization, appalling living conditions, prejudice, human rights abuse, racist slogans on Internet, unusually high unemployment rates, etc., Rajan Zed pointed out.

It was like an undeclared apartheid and it was almost total societal exclusion of Roma. The maltreatment of Roma was outside even the European Union norms. Roma issue should be one of the highest priorities of human rights agenda of Europe and world, Zed stressed and added that he was hopeful that Jolie would not stay apathetic and silent spectator when fellow Roma brothers/sisters were reportedly facing blatant injustice and discrimination in Europe.

Ultra famous-talented-rich-beautiful 34-year old Oscar winner Angelina Jolie (Changeling) is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency and is known for her refugee projects, conservation work and philanthropy. She has received Citizen of the World Award, Global Humanitarian Award, Freedom Award, etc. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus urge Obama to visit Hindu temple also in case of rotation of churches

July 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nevada, July 7 (ANI): Hindus urged US President Barack Obama to put a Hindu temple also on his list, if possible, in case he decided to attend a number of different churches in rotation.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that President Obama was most welcome to visit any Hindu temple he selected in/around Washington DC. A report quoted President Obama, while discussing handling church in Washington DC, as “…We may choose, rather than to join just one church, to rotate and attend a number of different churches.”

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, applauded President Obama for including “Hindus” in his inaugural address on January 20 in Washington DC, when he said, “We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers”.

Again, in his address to Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference in Washington DC on July 19, President Obama said: “So as we join in prayer, we remember that this is a nation of Christians and Muslims and Jews and Hindus and non-believers.” Zed commended Obama for recognizing Hindus and for his inclusiveness approach.

Rajan Zed pointed out that serious and honest interfaith dialogue was the need of the hour. And we all knew that religion comprised much more than our own particular tradition/experience. In our shared pursuit for the truth, we could learn from one another and thus could arrive nearer to the truth, Zed stressed.

Zed offered Obama wholehearted Hindu support in his worldwide efforts in the areas of human improvement, peace, ecological responsibility, social and economic development, etc.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are over two millions Hindus in United States of America. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus urge Indian government to honour Jacko with postage stamp

June 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, June 30 (ANI): Leading Hindus are urging the Indian government to honour Michael Jackson posthumously by issuing a postage stamp.

Rajan Zed, the President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said the King of Pop was treated like a God in the sub-continent, reports Contactmusic.

Zed says, “When Michael flew to India in 1996 for a live show, he was welcomed at the Mumbai airport by an aarti, which is a Hindu ceremony performed in adoration of a deity or any outstanding personage or guest.

“I now urge the government of India to honour Michael Jackson posthumously at least by issuing a postage stamp. Michael’s personal life might had been controversial, but he did provide joy to a large populace of the world through his music.”

Jackson died at the age of 50 after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest. (ANI)

Filed Under: Entertainment News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus welcome anti-discrimination directive of European Parliament

May 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), May 24 (ANI): Hindus have welcomed new anti-discrimination directive of European Parliament aiming at guaranteeing equal treatment and tackling multiple iscrimination.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, hailing the new directive said that discrimination should have been outlawed in European Union (EU) long time back. All EU citizens should be treated equally.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that equality has been a core value in Hinduism and it even advocates ‘uncolored’ approach towards all things and beings.

Rajan Zed urged EU member states to respond positively towards this directive. Although not perfect, this directive is a “step in the right direction”, Zed added.

According to reports, this directive is intended to reduce discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation, whether direct or indirect, and whether based on real or presumed criteria.

The directive will apply to social protection and health care, social benefits, education and access to goods and services, including housing. It describes harassment as iscrimination.(ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus slam Paltrow’s blog over usage of religious terminology

May 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, May 19 (ANI): Gwyneth Paltrow has been slammed by Hindu scholars for using religious terminology to promote her ‘mundane’ weekly Goop blog.

According to U.S. Hindu leader Rajan Zed, the actress should learn more about the ancient religion before using taglines like ‘nourish the inner aspect’ on her website.

Zed is afraid that Paltrow is leading impressionable minds astray by suggesting her weekly musings are deep and philosophical – and then just writing about material, “external” matters.

“There are not many deep, spiritual and philosophical thoughts in the blog, which are an essential part of nourishing the inner self,” Contactmusic quoted him as saying.

“The actress needs to grow-up and stop writing about mundane topics like ‘Boots by Gucci’, ‘Banana Pancakes’, ‘The Hungry Cat’ and ‘Tweezerman’ – in which she talks about taming the unruly eyebrows of men.

“Instead, she needs to talk about topics like realising self, immortality, deeper reality, eternity, soul, inner realms of the mind and spirit, pure consciousness.

That’s if she’s truly serious about inner aspect,” he added. (ANI)

Filed Under: Entertainment News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus laud CBS for interfaith music special

May 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), May 13 (ANI): Hindus have applauded CBS Television Network for a special interfaith presentation “Faith, Music and Culture”, to be broadcast on June seven.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that attempts of a major broadcasting network like CBS to bring major world religions together through music was an admirable feat. It includes Hasidic hip-hop, Sufi devotional qawwali, Hindu kirtan chanting of Sanskrit mantras, and Christian cappella.

But Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged CBS to present kirtan in its authentic form and not refashion it to enhance ratings, as kirtan was sacred chant of the Hindus. Treat it respectfully, looking at it from devotees’ viewpoint.

Zed further said that religion was the most powerful, complex and far-reaching force in our society, so we must take it seriously. And we all knew that religion comprised much more than our own particular tradition/experience. In our shared pursuit for the truth, we could learn from one another and thus could arrive nearer to the truth.

CBS Corporation, headquartered in New York and launched in 1928, is a mass media company operating in virtually every field of media and entertainment, which serves all 50 states of USA and key international markets. Its Chief Executive Officer is Leslie Moonves and its recent quarterly revenues totaled around 3.16 billion dollars. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus urge authentic portrayal of Lord Buddha in upcoming mega-film

May 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), May 11 (ANI): Welcoming the recent announcement of English language international mega-film on Buddha, Hindus have urged its makers to present an authentic portrayal of his life and times.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Gautama Buddha, besides Buddhists is also revered by Hindus. Reimagining of scriptures and life of Buddha purely for mercantile greed would likely to hurt the devotees.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that they welcomed filmmakers to work on religious themes and figures, but they would recommend them to handle faith related subjects very carefully and sensitively, as cinema was a highly powerful medium.

Apparently the most expensive film ever made in Bollywood, this reportedly about 122 million dollars project, produced by Spice Enfotainment headed by industrialist B. K. Modi and directed by Filmfare Award winner Ashutosh Gowarikar (Lagaan) with a diverse cast and crew, is expected to go on the floor in May 2010 and be completed by the end of the year.

Reportedly scripted by Oscar winner David S. Ward (Sleepless in Seattle) on a book by Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, biographical “Buddha” will be shot in the foothills of Himalayas. Spiritual and temporal leader of Tibetan Buddhists His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama reportedly also has some kind of advisory role with the movie.

Founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha (roughly 568-483 BCE) is also known as Sakyamuni or Siddhartha. Buddha means Wise One or Enlightened One. For Hindus, he was ninth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu (the all-pervader). (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hindus want England faith schools to teach all major religions

May 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, May 9 (ANI): Hindus want that faith schools in England should provide well-balanced education about religions, educating pupils about all major religions.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that since today’s schoolchildren were tomorrow’s leaders, they wanted these kids to grow-up as well balanced and nurtured citizens of tomorrow without any biases, stereotypes and caricatures.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that since these schools received state funding, the religious schools should be open to all interested; these should teach the basics of other religions also besides the patron faith; and these should intake more socio-economically disadvantaged children.

Rajan Zed argued that these schools should change their focus from, as many critics say, covert social selection to achieve superior academic and other performance. Historically, such schools were launched to provide free education to those who could not afford.

Zed pointed out that an independent body should be established to regulate their admission processes as many schools were blamed of “backdoor selection” and “cream skimming”.

According to reports, there are about 4,657 Church of England schools, 2,053 Roman Catholic, 82 other Christian, 36 Jewish, eight Muslim, two Sikh, and one Hindu schools in England.(ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Confederation launched to empower Americans of India descent

March 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Confederation launched to empower Americans of India descent

Confederation launched to empower Americans of India descent

An “Indo-American Leadership Confederation” (IALC) has been formed to empower Americans of India descent and work for flourishing, proud, and united community.

With Rajan Zed, acclaimed Indo-American statesman, as Chairperson, this nonpartisan and nondenominational cultural-political-educational-social-communication-networking-advocacy-monitoring organization aims at reaching Indo-American communities spread across United States of America (USA).

According to Zed, this Confederation is committed to strengthening the community and work for their social, personal and economic development. Its various goals/objectives/operations include representing Indo-American interests in USA and India and advancing their economic and social welfare, monitoring and advocacy for issues of interest, promotion of appreciation/understanding of heritage/culture/languages of Indo-Americans, strengthening communication, provide a forum for dialogue/communication among Indo-Americans and other Americans, work to resolve issues unique to Indo-Americans and advance their interests, improve social interaction, educate legislature and media about Indo-American concerns, operating nonpartisan political action projects, uniting the community, acting as a resource, outreach and friendly relations with other American communities, greater understanding of values, attempt to clear misconceptions, service, etc.

Rajan Zed points out that theme of IALC is Indo-Americans and others working to educate, empower, and organize the Americans of India descent. We shall work for fostering in Americans of India roots a consciousness and pride in their heritage; we shall endeavor to inspire our youth to discover and develop their personal best; and we shall urge the Indo-Americans to make a positive difference in their communities and in the wider world; Zed adds. -Sampurn Media

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts