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Showing posts from May 22, 2008


Navya Shastra expresses concern over growing Hindu protests against movie The Love Guru

Navya Shastra , the international Hindu reform organization that has spoken out against astrology, female feticide, and Dalit discrimination, has expressed concern over the growing protests directed at the upcoming film ‘ The Love Guru ’ by some Hindu groups throughout the world. The organization calls upon these Hindu groups to recognize that hyper-sensitivity over inaccurate or even distorted religious depictions in print and in film erode the longstanding tradition of tolerance and criticism in the Hindu faith community. While Navya Shastra respects the right of these groups to protest, it strongly believes that calling for a ban of the film goes too far. Hindus have a remarkable history of freedom of thought and expression. Unfortunately, this is being eroded these days by hypersensitive and misguided chauvinistic pressure groups, perhaps taking their cue from more chauvinistic traditions, said Gautham Rao, Navya Shastra Research Director. The organization further no

School Teaching Vedas in Bihar

Schools that teach Vedas are very rare in India and in places like Bihar that struggles in the primary education sector it is even rarer. But Arshvidya Shikshan Prasikhshan Sewa Sansthan in East Champaran District in Bihar is a school teaching the Vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda. The Vedic School is run by Sushil Pandey, who is post-graduate in Sanskrit from the Benaras Hindu University (BHU). Arshvidya Shikshan Prasikhshan Sewa Sansthan is the only school in Bihar that imparts education in the three Vedas. There a couple of institutions that teaches any one of the Vedas. The school is also planning to include lessons from the Atharva Veda from the next academic session. Sanjeev Kumar Verma writes about the Vedic School in Times of India Adhering to the true Vedic rituals, the school follows the regimen as was followed in ancient Indian society and students enrolled here are moulded in that very way. "It is like preparing their bodies and min

Mata Vaishno Devi Serial on 9X Channel

Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi is undoubtedly one of the most revered forms of Shakti. She has millions of followers in India and abroad. Television serials and movies based on Mata Vaishno Devi have appeared earlier but in India there is always an audience for spiritual serials. Sensing this, 9X television channel has started airing a serial based on Mata Vaishno Devi. The producers claim that the serial Jai Maa Vaishno Devi is a story about the divine as well as the devotees, thus making the show a fusion of devotional narration and family drama. The show has been created with sensitivity and authenticity and revolves around the stories of Mata Vaishno Devi and her devotees, and the transformation the goddess brings in their lives. The serial is also depicting the creation of the universe leading to the creation of the Trikut Pravat, the holy abode of Vaishno Devi. The serial is produced by Dheeraj Kumar’s Creative Eye Productions and is directed by Anwar Khan. Rupa Dutta appea

Rounded Diya from Lladro

Diya, a small earthen lamp, is an indispensable aspect in all Hindu pujas. Realizing this Lladro , the world famous Spanish company noted for its porcelain figurines, has introduced Rounded Diya in its 2008 Spring Lladro figurines. The limited edition high quality porcelain Diya is priced at $175. The 2008 spring Lladro collection also includes a Ganesha Diya – a diya with the head of Lord Ganesh. The diya is available online for purchase and in India it is available in select Lladro stores. Surely the price of Lladro Rounded Diya is very high. It is a limited edition collectors item and is primarily meant for display and not for lighting. Lladro had earlier released highly quality limited edition porcelain figurines like Bansuri Ganesha , Veena Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi . The limited editions were priced above $900.