From: The Asian Age
BJP promises ‘Adhyatmik Disneyland’
Jan 28, 2012 - YOJNA GUSAI | Age Correspondent New Delhi
It’s not Mickey Mouse but Lord Krishna which has fired the saffron imagination — on building a “Disneyland-type” theme park in Uttar Pradesh’s nucleus of “brajbhoomi” (land where Krishna was born), Mathura and where he frolicked with the gopis, Vrindavan.
For the lotus brigade these cities will be the country’s “Adhyatmik Disneyland”, said the BJP manifesto for the UP elections, released on Friday. The BJP, which has also revived the Ram Mandir issue, wants to keep religion as one of its major planks to consolidate its Hindu hardliner votebank.
Mathura being where Krishna grew to manhood, paintings and sculptures will be put up “to depict his journey from the prison of his maternal uncle Kansa to Brajbhoomi”. Temple staff and devotees will also move around dressed as Krishna, his elder brother Balram and his cowhered friends. Similar images will be put up at Vrindavan.
Seeking divine help to win in UP, the BJP manifesto also promises to create a “teerthatan mantralaya” (ministry for pilgrimage). And that’s not all. An airport is also promised at Ayodhya, Lord Ram’s birthplace, and Chitrakoot, abode of Ram, wife Sita and brother Lakshman during their 11-year exile. The BJP also promises that it will provide Haj-type subsidies for pilgrims headed for Mansarovar.
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January 29, 2012
After Madhya Pradesh now the Karnataka govt introducing Gita in School
From: Deccan Chronicle
Gita: From home to school?
January 10, 2012
Bengaluru
First the government allowed the Swarnavalli Maha Samsthanam Sonda of North Canara district to give discourses on Bhagvad Gita in schools to “enlighten” students. When faced with violent protests by student organisations in Kolar, Haveri and other places, it quickly assured them that attending the discourses was optional. But it has now gone a step further and wants to make the Gita a part of the state syllabus. Accusations that the ruling BJP was trying to saffronise state education while ignoring many of the real problems besetting it have been flying thick and fast since Chief Minister D.V.Sadananda Gowda announced on Sunday that the government was ready to make Gita a part of the syllabus.
Many feel the move could boomerang. Dr. S R Keshava, an economist and professor at Bangalore University (BU) warns that if the government goes ahead with its plan to introduce the Gita as part of the syllabus it could affect the secular nature of society and lead to demands for study of other religious books too in schools. “I do not want to diminish the importance of the Gita. It is respected the world over. But I cannot support making it a part of the curriculum. Tomorrow the government could come under pressure to introduce texts of other religions too,” he says, wondering what the need is to go down this controversial path when the state's students are struggling to make a mark in national admission tests and Karnataka’s contribution in the fields of science, technology, research and development is nowhere near satisfactory. “Also government schools dont have enough students. The state should be trying to find a solution to these problems, instead of talking about introducing the Gita in the curriculum,” Dr Keshava argues.
Senior officials of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) too do not support the idea of making Gita a part of the syllabus as they fear it could lead to divisions among children from different backgrounds studying in state schools. “What we need is upgrading of the syllabus to prepare students for future challenges at a time when the education sector is undergoing rapid changes. But the state government has failed to tackle this. We still don't have answers how to prepare students for the Central curriculum, how to increase the enrollment in government schools or introduce the Right to Education (RTE) Act," points out an officer.
Gita: From home to school?
January 10, 2012
Bengaluru
First the government allowed the Swarnavalli Maha Samsthanam Sonda of North Canara district to give discourses on Bhagvad Gita in schools to “enlighten” students. When faced with violent protests by student organisations in Kolar, Haveri and other places, it quickly assured them that attending the discourses was optional. But it has now gone a step further and wants to make the Gita a part of the state syllabus. Accusations that the ruling BJP was trying to saffronise state education while ignoring many of the real problems besetting it have been flying thick and fast since Chief Minister D.V.Sadananda Gowda announced on Sunday that the government was ready to make Gita a part of the syllabus.
Many feel the move could boomerang. Dr. S R Keshava, an economist and professor at Bangalore University (BU) warns that if the government goes ahead with its plan to introduce the Gita as part of the syllabus it could affect the secular nature of society and lead to demands for study of other religious books too in schools. “I do not want to diminish the importance of the Gita. It is respected the world over. But I cannot support making it a part of the curriculum. Tomorrow the government could come under pressure to introduce texts of other religions too,” he says, wondering what the need is to go down this controversial path when the state's students are struggling to make a mark in national admission tests and Karnataka’s contribution in the fields of science, technology, research and development is nowhere near satisfactory. “Also government schools dont have enough students. The state should be trying to find a solution to these problems, instead of talking about introducing the Gita in the curriculum,” Dr Keshava argues.
Senior officials of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) too do not support the idea of making Gita a part of the syllabus as they fear it could lead to divisions among children from different backgrounds studying in state schools. “What we need is upgrading of the syllabus to prepare students for future challenges at a time when the education sector is undergoing rapid changes. But the state government has failed to tackle this. We still don't have answers how to prepare students for the Central curriculum, how to increase the enrollment in government schools or introduce the Right to Education (RTE) Act," points out an officer.
India: Gita not religious claims court - can be taught in MP schools
From: Indian Express
‘Gita not religious, can be taught in schools’
Milind Ghatwai : Bhopal, Sat Jan 28 2012, 00:43 hrs
Holding that Gita contained philosophy and not religious teachings, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday dismissed a petition challenging introduction of ‘Gita Sar’ (essence of Gita) in school curriculum.
When the Catholic Bishop’s Council filed the PIL in August last year, the court gave the petitioner’s counsel two months to read the holy book in entirety and make up his mind.
Filed through council’s spokesman Fr Anand Muttungal, the PIL had not per se opposed Gita but wanted the MP government to teach a summary of all religions, instead of one particular religion.
The PIL had also argued that most government schemes drew their names from Hindu mythology and that the state had failed to project a secular image. Ladli Laxmi, Balram Tal and Kapil Dhara were among the schemes cited along with practices like ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ in government functions, which promote just one religion.
When the matter came up for hearing before the Division Bench of Justices Ajit Singh and Sanjay Yadav on Friday, they asked petitioner’s counsel Rajesh Chand, who had been given two months time on August 6, whether he had read Gita.
Additional Advocate General Prashant Singh told The Indian Express that the Bench asked a few more questions and were not satisfied with the answers. The court held that Gita was essentially Indian philosophy and not a religion.
After the primary arguments, lasting for barely 10 minutes, the Bench dismissed the petition. Fr Muttungal said the council would take a decision on challenging the order after reading the complete order.
‘Gita not religious, can be taught in schools’
Milind Ghatwai : Bhopal, Sat Jan 28 2012, 00:43 hrs
Holding that Gita contained philosophy and not religious teachings, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday dismissed a petition challenging introduction of ‘Gita Sar’ (essence of Gita) in school curriculum.
When the Catholic Bishop’s Council filed the PIL in August last year, the court gave the petitioner’s counsel two months to read the holy book in entirety and make up his mind.
Filed through council’s spokesman Fr Anand Muttungal, the PIL had not per se opposed Gita but wanted the MP government to teach a summary of all religions, instead of one particular religion.
The PIL had also argued that most government schemes drew their names from Hindu mythology and that the state had failed to project a secular image. Ladli Laxmi, Balram Tal and Kapil Dhara were among the schemes cited along with practices like ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ in government functions, which promote just one religion.
When the matter came up for hearing before the Division Bench of Justices Ajit Singh and Sanjay Yadav on Friday, they asked petitioner’s counsel Rajesh Chand, who had been given two months time on August 6, whether he had read Gita.
Additional Advocate General Prashant Singh told The Indian Express that the Bench asked a few more questions and were not satisfied with the answers. The court held that Gita was essentially Indian philosophy and not a religion.
After the primary arguments, lasting for barely 10 minutes, the Bench dismissed the petition. Fr Muttungal said the council would take a decision on challenging the order after reading the complete order.
Madhya Pradesh: Non veg food dropped and dress code in university after pressure from Hindu Right student group
From: Times of India
MPBOU takes back decision
TNN Jan 19, 2012
BHOPAL: In yet another incident of moral policing by the activists of Akhil Bhartiya Vidharthi Parishad (ABVP) , the Bhopal based Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University (MPBOU) has decided to drop the non-vegetarian menu from the list of the canteen.
The ABVP workers demonstrated in protest against the non vegetarian meals being included in the university canteen menu.
When contacted, vice-chancellor of MPBOU, Prof SK Singh said that the university has decided to take back the decision of including non-vegetarian meals in the menu of the canteen. "A tender regarding the catering was floated by the university. It was just a routine practice of floating the tender for catering service in which non-veg was also included. However, we have decided to drop it from the menu after a section opposed the step," Prof Singh said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of the ABVP said that " non -vegetarian food is served no where in the campus. Such institutions are the temple of education and serving such food is against the ethics." In a release on Wednesday he said, "this act should condemned."
On Wednesday ,the ABVP threatened to continue its agitation and succumbing under the pressure, the VC dropped the non-veg dishes from the menu.
In Bhopal, a dress code was introduced in MLB girls college after a move initiated by the ABVP last year. Amidst resistance from students, the dress code was implemented from January 2 this year.
MPBOU takes back decision
TNN Jan 19, 2012
BHOPAL: In yet another incident of moral policing by the activists of Akhil Bhartiya Vidharthi Parishad (ABVP) , the Bhopal based Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University (MPBOU) has decided to drop the non-vegetarian menu from the list of the canteen.
The ABVP workers demonstrated in protest against the non vegetarian meals being included in the university canteen menu.
When contacted, vice-chancellor of MPBOU, Prof SK Singh said that the university has decided to take back the decision of including non-vegetarian meals in the menu of the canteen. "A tender regarding the catering was floated by the university. It was just a routine practice of floating the tender for catering service in which non-veg was also included. However, we have decided to drop it from the menu after a section opposed the step," Prof Singh said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of the ABVP said that " non -vegetarian food is served no where in the campus. Such institutions are the temple of education and serving such food is against the ethics." In a release on Wednesday he said, "this act should condemned."
On Wednesday ,the ABVP threatened to continue its agitation and succumbing under the pressure, the VC dropped the non-veg dishes from the menu.
In Bhopal, a dress code was introduced in MLB girls college after a move initiated by the ABVP last year. Amidst resistance from students, the dress code was implemented from January 2 this year.
University in Pune bows to ABVP film fatwa - Seminar on Kashmir cancelled
From: The Hindu
Pune, January 29, 2012
In Jaipur replay, university bows to ABVP film fatwa
Amruta Byatnal
Filmmaker Sanjay Kak during an interview with The Hindu. File photo
The Hindu Filmmaker Sanjay Kak during an interview with The Hindu. File photo
Symbiosis University has cancelled the screening of documentary filmmaker Sanjay Kak's Jashn-e-Azadi on Kashmir, after the right-wing student organisation, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), raised objections to its ‘separatist' nature. The film was supposed to be screened at a three-day national seminar called ‘Voices of Kashmir' at the Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, organised in association with the University Grants Commission (UGC) on February 3, 4 and 5.
The organisation now wants the entire seminar cancelled, ABVP Pune unit Secretary Shailendra Dalvi told The Hindu on Saturday evening. “The content of the seminar, like the film, is anti-India, and against the Indian Army. We will not stand for anything that divides the country. Symbiosis has agreed to cancel the film screening, and we are giving them three days' time to think about the event, too,” Mr. Dalvi stated.
Last week, Jaipur Literature Festival organisers were forced to cancel a videoconference with author Salman Rushdie after protesters threatened to disrupt the event.
Speaking to The Hindu over telephone, Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce principal Hrishikesh Soman stated that the ABVP had approached him on Friday, and that the college agreed to cancel the film screening “considering their [ABVP's] emotions and feelings.” “I told them that the seminar is entirely academic, apolitical and non-religious. But the film has met with criticism from all corners. So we have decided to avoid unnecessary controversies and cancel the screening,” Mr. Soman said. “If people have a very strong reason to protest the film, then we should be tolerant enough,” he stated. The seminar will be attended by senior journalist and Jammu and Kashmir interlocutor Dileep Padgaonkar, among others.
Asked if the college would cancel the event altogether, Mr. Soman said: “After the first meeting, the ABVP has not made such a request yet. If they do, then we will try to sort it out.” Asked if the cancellation of the film screening withheld the students' right to experience and discuss all sides of the Kashmir conflict, Mr. Soman said: “I don't want to get into petty issues. The seminar will be purely intellectual, and will focus on socio-cultural and educational issues in Kashmir.”
Mr. Soman said Mr. Kak had been “informed categorically” that the film screening had been cancelled. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Kak stated he would be attending the seminar in spite of the cancellation. “I will utilise the two hours given to me and talk about what I want to talk about,” he said. Mr. Kak is scheduled to deliver a presentation on “Speaking about Kashmir” on February 3. His film, Jashn-e-Azadi, made in 2007, explores the meaning of azadi (freedom) in violence-gripped Kashmir.
Apart from Mr. Kak and Mr. Padgaonkar, the panel of speakers includes Hamid Marazi, Zaffar Iffat Fatima, M.K. Raina, Pran Kishore, Sanjay Nahar, and Babali Saraf. Iffat Fatima's documentary Where Have You Hidden My New Crescent Moon will be screened at the seminar, a press note stated.
Pune, January 29, 2012
In Jaipur replay, university bows to ABVP film fatwa
Amruta Byatnal
Filmmaker Sanjay Kak during an interview with The Hindu. File photo
The Hindu Filmmaker Sanjay Kak during an interview with The Hindu. File photo
Symbiosis University has cancelled the screening of documentary filmmaker Sanjay Kak's Jashn-e-Azadi on Kashmir, after the right-wing student organisation, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), raised objections to its ‘separatist' nature. The film was supposed to be screened at a three-day national seminar called ‘Voices of Kashmir' at the Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, organised in association with the University Grants Commission (UGC) on February 3, 4 and 5.
The organisation now wants the entire seminar cancelled, ABVP Pune unit Secretary Shailendra Dalvi told The Hindu on Saturday evening. “The content of the seminar, like the film, is anti-India, and against the Indian Army. We will not stand for anything that divides the country. Symbiosis has agreed to cancel the film screening, and we are giving them three days' time to think about the event, too,” Mr. Dalvi stated.
Last week, Jaipur Literature Festival organisers were forced to cancel a videoconference with author Salman Rushdie after protesters threatened to disrupt the event.
Speaking to The Hindu over telephone, Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce principal Hrishikesh Soman stated that the ABVP had approached him on Friday, and that the college agreed to cancel the film screening “considering their [ABVP's] emotions and feelings.” “I told them that the seminar is entirely academic, apolitical and non-religious. But the film has met with criticism from all corners. So we have decided to avoid unnecessary controversies and cancel the screening,” Mr. Soman said. “If people have a very strong reason to protest the film, then we should be tolerant enough,” he stated. The seminar will be attended by senior journalist and Jammu and Kashmir interlocutor Dileep Padgaonkar, among others.
Asked if the college would cancel the event altogether, Mr. Soman said: “After the first meeting, the ABVP has not made such a request yet. If they do, then we will try to sort it out.” Asked if the cancellation of the film screening withheld the students' right to experience and discuss all sides of the Kashmir conflict, Mr. Soman said: “I don't want to get into petty issues. The seminar will be purely intellectual, and will focus on socio-cultural and educational issues in Kashmir.”
Mr. Soman said Mr. Kak had been “informed categorically” that the film screening had been cancelled. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Kak stated he would be attending the seminar in spite of the cancellation. “I will utilise the two hours given to me and talk about what I want to talk about,” he said. Mr. Kak is scheduled to deliver a presentation on “Speaking about Kashmir” on February 3. His film, Jashn-e-Azadi, made in 2007, explores the meaning of azadi (freedom) in violence-gripped Kashmir.
Apart from Mr. Kak and Mr. Padgaonkar, the panel of speakers includes Hamid Marazi, Zaffar Iffat Fatima, M.K. Raina, Pran Kishore, Sanjay Nahar, and Babali Saraf. Iffat Fatima's documentary Where Have You Hidden My New Crescent Moon will be screened at the seminar, a press note stated.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani versus J&K Sharia court
From: The Times of India
Geelani slams J&K Sharia court
M Saleem Pandit, TNN | Jan 29, 2012
SRINAGAR: Criticising the self-styled Sharia court in Srinagar that "expelled" four Christian priests charged with converting Kashmiri youth, Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Saturday said people who make a noise about religious conversions never bother to raise their voices against atrocities committed on common Kashmiris. He also spoke glowingly of missionary-run schools in J&K.
Geelani said it's the duty of every Muslim to protect members of the minority community. "Asking a few people to leave the state is no solution to religious conversions. I am not in favour of the decision taken by the Sharia court, which is to banish a few people for their alleged role in conversions," Geelani said in a statement from New Delhi.
"Muslims should protect their religion themselves; expelling somebody from Kashmir is no solution to the problem," said the separatist leader, adding, "Kashmiris can't ignore the contribution of Christian missionary schools like Burn Hall, Tydale Biscoe school and Presentation Convent towards the education system in the Valley. Unfortunately, Muslims have not been able to build educational institutions like these despite having all available resources."
On January 19, a self-styled Sharia court had issued a fatwa asking four Christian priests to leave the state for "luring Muslims to Christianity". The court also directed the J&K government to take over the management of missionary schools besides monitoring their activities.
As a result of the edicts, Kashmir's 400-strong Christian community felt threatened and Christian groups across India asked the Centre to take steps to protect them.
Geelani slams J&K Sharia court
M Saleem Pandit, TNN | Jan 29, 2012
SRINAGAR: Criticising the self-styled Sharia court in Srinagar that "expelled" four Christian priests charged with converting Kashmiri youth, Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Saturday said people who make a noise about religious conversions never bother to raise their voices against atrocities committed on common Kashmiris. He also spoke glowingly of missionary-run schools in J&K.
Geelani said it's the duty of every Muslim to protect members of the minority community. "Asking a few people to leave the state is no solution to religious conversions. I am not in favour of the decision taken by the Sharia court, which is to banish a few people for their alleged role in conversions," Geelani said in a statement from New Delhi.
"Muslims should protect their religion themselves; expelling somebody from Kashmir is no solution to the problem," said the separatist leader, adding, "Kashmiris can't ignore the contribution of Christian missionary schools like Burn Hall, Tydale Biscoe school and Presentation Convent towards the education system in the Valley. Unfortunately, Muslims have not been able to build educational institutions like these despite having all available resources."
On January 19, a self-styled Sharia court had issued a fatwa asking four Christian priests to leave the state for "luring Muslims to Christianity". The court also directed the J&K government to take over the management of missionary schools besides monitoring their activities.
As a result of the edicts, Kashmir's 400-strong Christian community felt threatened and Christian groups across India asked the Centre to take steps to protect them.
Offended by lack of offence
In the first few weeks of the year 2012, when members of the Muslim, Christian and Sikh communities were successively offended and humiliated, Hindus are feeling left out.
Even as the Hindu community was reeling under the refusal by a Russian court to ban the Hare Krishna version of the Bhagavad Gita, the year began well for Christians when Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman offended their sentiments by using the word ‘Hosanna’ in a song for Ekk Deewana Tha. The Catholic-Christian Secular Forum, which in the past has been shamefully humiliated by other films, many of which were not released in India, demanded the deletion of the H-word “claiming it is a sacred term for Christians and Jews and should be used only in prayer.” They admitted it was negligent on their part not to have taken offence when the song was released with the same hurtful lyrics in a Tamil film in 2010. . . .
FULL TEXT HERE: http://kafila.org/2012/01/28/hindus-offended-by-lack-of-offence-sajan-venniyoor/
Even as the Hindu community was reeling under the refusal by a Russian court to ban the Hare Krishna version of the Bhagavad Gita, the year began well for Christians when Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman offended their sentiments by using the word ‘Hosanna’ in a song for Ekk Deewana Tha. The Catholic-Christian Secular Forum, which in the past has been shamefully humiliated by other films, many of which were not released in India, demanded the deletion of the H-word “claiming it is a sacred term for Christians and Jews and should be used only in prayer.” They admitted it was negligent on their part not to have taken offence when the song was released with the same hurtful lyrics in a Tamil film in 2010. . . .
FULL TEXT HERE: http://kafila.org/2012/01/28/hindus-offended-by-lack-of-offence-sajan-venniyoor/
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