Press Release, Government of India INDIA, August 12, 2011 (Press Release, Government of India): As of 2005, about 2000 patents based on India’s traditional systems of medicine were being granted to private corporations every year by the United States, Europe, Germany, Canada and other countries. Each such patent gave the applicant exclusive rights on the use of the technology in…
Source KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, August 16, 2011 (The Star) The Indian community emphasizes the building of temples but has forgotten the importance of holding religious classes, said Malaysian Hindu Sangam president R.S. Mohan Shan. Religious classes must be conducted in every temple so that the people can learn about their traditions and customs. He said Hindu Sangam plans to train…
Source TAMIL NADU, INDIA, August 8, 2011 (Times of India): Mahalakshmi Subramanian has adopted the personal mission of renovating kovils (temples) across Tamil Nadu. Mahalakshmi is a devotee of Kanchi Paramacharya, who started the Kachimuthur Trust 35 years ago to renovate historic temples in the state. In support of that mission, she went from house to house collecting funds. Following…
Source It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.— Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Source WASHINGTON, D.C., USA, August 9, 2001 (Religion News Service): A third of the world — about 2.2 billion people — live in nations where restrictions on religion have substantially increased, according to a study just released by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life. The study also shows increasing polarization: intolerant countries are growing more hostile…
Source BOLTON, ENGLAND, August 18, 2011 (Asian Image): The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Noel Spencer, donned traditional dress to join in the celebrations at the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Arts and Culture Centre on Monday, which coincided with Indian Independence Day. The centre has been made a Place of Interest by the country’s tourism board, in recognition of its stunning selection…
Source LONDON, ENGLAND, August 9, 2011 (The Independent): Londoners who feel guilty about the hard-working cows that provide their milk can now soothe their collective conscience by drinking milk from cows that will only die of old age. The Hindu Ahimsa Foundation (www.ahimsamilk.org) guarantees that no cows, bulls or calves will be slaughtered in the production of its milk. Launched…
Source VISAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA, August 17, 2011 (Deccan Chronicle): Ninety-four feet tall and tipping the scales at over 50 tons, Visakhapatnam’s is the world’s largest Ganesh statue. Organizers are ensuring that the statue is completely eco-friendly. Arrangements are on in full swing to ready the statue for the festival, which will begin on September 1. The organizers, Sampat Vinayaka…
Source THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA, August 14, 2011 (PTI) Ten years ago, Keralas centuries-old classical Sanskrit drama “Koodiyattam” was declared a cultural “heritage of humanity” by UNESCO; but today, practitioners are struggling to make ends meet. Before this traditional theatre was selected, UNESCO had reserved the coveted tag for tangible heritages like monuments. The declaration was joyously welcomed by classical enthusiasts, and…
Source AUSTRALIA, August 11, 2011 (Stock & Land): The 2011 census collectors began their work only last night, but one result is already clear: the number of Australians who identify as Hindu is likely to have doubled since the last population survey in 2006. High immigration from the Indian subcontinent during the past five years, especially among white-collar professionals and…