Introduction to Hinduism in Malaysia

Hinduism in Malaysia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

View from Batu Caves with gigantic Lord Muruga statue looking over devotees.

Hinduism is a minority religion in Malaysia. An estimated 9% of the total population of Malaysia are ethnic Indians, of whom almost 89% are practicing Hinduism. Most of the ethnic Indians are Tamils from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Contents 1 History 2 Culture 3 Persecution 4 References 5 See also 6 External links

History

Hinduism was prevalent in Malaysia prior to the arrival of Islam in the 15th century. Traces of Hindu influence remain in the Malay language, literature and art.
Indian settlers came to Malaysia from Tamil Nadu in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these came to work as labourers on rubber plantations, while those who were English-educated occupied more professional positions. A minority of Indian immigrants to Malaysia during this time period came from Northern India and Sri Lanka.

Culture

Malaysian Hinduism is diverse, with large urban temples dedicated to specific deities, and smaller temples located on estates. The estate temples generally follow the tradition of the Indian region from which the temples' worshippers originate. Many people follow the Shaivite, or Saivite, tradition (worship of Shiva), of Southern India. However, there are also some Vaishnava Hindus in Malaysia as well, many of them of North Indian extraction, and these Hindus worship in temples such as the Geeta Ashram in Seksyen 52, Petaling Jaya, or the Lakshmi-Narayan Temple in Kampung Kasipillay, Kuala Lumpur. Services in these temples are usually conducted in Hindi and English.

Folk Hinduism is the most prevalent variety, including spiritualism and worship of local gods.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness also has a number of followers in Malaysia, and maintains temples in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Taiping and Seremban. The Ratha-Yatra festival is held once a year, when the Deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra are placed on a chariot which is pulled through the streets by devotees, accompanied by a party chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
There are also few devotees of Sri vaishnava(Ramanucharya)and Madhva Sampradayaa.. There are also a few followers of Sai Baba

Since the Second World War a revival of Hinduism has occurred among Indian Malaysians, with the foundation of organisations and councils to bring unity or to promote reform.
Hindu religious festivals

Some of the major Hindu festivals celebrated every year include Deepavali, Thaipusam.

Thaipusam celebration near Batu Caves.

.....

Persecution

See also: HINDRAF and 2007 HINDRAF rally

Between April to May 2006, several Hindu temples were demolished by city hall authorities in the country. On April 21, 2006, the centuries old Malaimel Sri Selva Kaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur was reduced to rubble after the city government sent in bulldozers ostensibly because of a violation of construction laws.
The president of the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam in Selangor State has been helping to organize efforts to stop the local authorities in the Muslim dominated city of Shah Alam from demolishing a 17-year-old Hindu temple. The growing Islamic conservatism in Malaysia concerns many Malaysians who follow minority religions such as Hinduism.

Many Hindu advocacy groups have protested what they allege is a systemic plan of Temple cleansing in Malaysia. The official reason given by the Malaysian government has been that the temples were built "illegally." However, several of the temples were centuries old and predated many mosques which do not receive the same treatment.

On May 11, 2006, armed city hall officers from Kuala Lumpur forcefully demolished part of a 90-year-old suburban temple that serves more than 3,000 Hindus. The "Hindu Rights Action Force," or HINDRAF a coalition of several NGO's, have protested these demolitions by lodging complaints to the Malaysian Prime Minister . Their chairman, Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy, said:

“These state atrocities are committed against the most underprivileged and powerless sector of the Hindu society in Malaysia. We appeal that this Hindu temple and all other Hindu temples in Malaysia are not indiscriminately and unlawfully demolished,”.

In 2007, Malaysian Hindu organizations protested the destruction of Hindu temples by the Malaysian regime. On October 30, 2007 the 100-year-old Maha Mariamman Temple in Padang Jawa was demolished by Malaysian authorities. Following that demolition, Works Minister and head of the Malaysian Indian Congress Samy Vellu, who is of Indian origin, said that Hindu temples built on government land were still being demolished despite his appeals to the various state chief ministers.

Such temple destructions in Malaysia have been reported by the Hindu American Foundation.
HAF notes that the Government of Malaysia Restricts Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association contrary to Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and Article 10 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution, and that the application filed by Malay Hindus to hold gatherings have been arbitrarily denied by the police. The Government has also tried to suppress a campaign launched by an NGO, the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) to obtain 100,000 signatures in support of a civil suit against the Government of United Kingdom. HINDRAF has accused the Malaysian government of intimidating and instilling fear in the Indian community^.

The Hindraf rally prompted the Malaysian government to open dialogue with various Indian and Hindu organizations like the Malaysia Hindu Council, Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram, and Malaysian Indian Youth Council (MIYC) to address the misgivings of the Indian community. HINDRAF itself has been exluded from these talks and no significant changes have resulted from the discussions.

 References

1. ^ CIA - The World Factbook - Malaysia
2. ^ ^{a b} HAF Condemns Continuing Destruction of Hindu Temples in Malaysia, Calls for Support to Protesting Malay Hindus, HAF report
3. ^ HINDRAF home
4. ^ NGOs discuss Indian issues with PM in heart-to-heart chat The Star - December 15, 2007

See also

• List of Hindu temples all over the world

External links

• Malaysia's clash of cultures
• dbkl-smashed-statues-of-hindu-gods blog
• 100-yr-old Hindu temple razed in KL
• Video of Hindu temple demolition in Malaysia
• New religious dispute sparks fears of rising Islamization in Malaysia
• Malaysia 'convert' claims cruelty
• Malaysia Hindu activists arrested
• Malaysia Hindu activists released
• Scores charged over Hindu rally
• Malaysia court rejects Hindu bid
• Detentions over Malaysian Hindu rally
• Malaysia burial row fuels tension
• Protesters threaten bloodshed over Hindu temple
• http://www.mamandram.org/ 
• http://www.hindusangam.org.my/ 
• http://www.hinduyouth.com.my/ 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indian (Tamil-Hindu) community in Malaysia may soon disappear

By PTI

Posted On Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 02:33:59 PM

Kuala Lumpur: With most families opting for fewer children, the minority ethnic Indian community in Malaysia may fade away soon, a community leader said here. Malaysia Hindu Sangam deputy president Balatharumalingam expressed the fear that this scenario could soon turn into reality as it had become a normal practice for Indian families to have only one or two children. There is a possibility that the Indian population in the country would be reduced drastically and there is a possibility the community could disappear, local Tamil daily 'Tamil Nesan' quoted Dr Balatharumalingam as saying. Multi-cultural Malaysia is composed of three main races comprising majority Malays, 25 per cent ethnic Chinese and eight per cent ethnic Indians, mostly Tamils. Most Indians were brought to the then Malaya by the British to help out in the rubber plantations.

Hinduism in the United Kingdom

Hinduism in the U.K.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

(The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the Neasden Hindu temple, or Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in north-west London)

Hinduism was the religion of 558,342 people in Great Britain according to the 2001 census but an estimate in a British newspaper in 2007 has put the figure as high as 1.5 Million.

UK-wide Hindu organisations include The National Council of Hindu Temples, the oldest UK-wide Hindu organisation comprising 88 Hindu temples,The Hindu Council UK representing almost 400 affiliated cultural and religious organisations of various Hindu denominations including temples and The Hindu Forum of Britain, with nearly 300 member organisations.

Most Hindus in the UK live in England, with half living in London alone, but small communities also exist in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. For details of Hinduism in each country of the United Kingdom, see:

• Hinduism in England
• Hinduism in Northern Ireland
• Hinduism in Scotland
• Hinduism in Wales

See also

• List of Hindu temples in the United Kingdom
• Hinduism by country

 References

1. ^ UK 2001 census
2. ^ Hindu school is first to make vegetarianism a condition of entry | Schools special reports | EducationGuardian.co.uk
3. ^ Member bodies National Council of Hindu Temples (UK), accessed 3 August 2009
4. ^ Affiliates Hindu Council UK, accessed 4 August 2009
5. ^ About us About us, accessed 12 December, 2008
6. ^ Minority religions mainly in London. National Statistics. Accessed 5 Jun 2006.

 External links

• Hindu Council UK
• Hindu Forum of Britain
• National Council of Hindu Temples(UK)
• Connecting British Hindus: An enquiry into the identity and public engagement of Hindus in Britain
• UK Hindus appeal for recognition
• British Asians: Hindus, ‘Desis’ or What
• National Hindu Students Forum UK

Introduction toThe Hindu Council UK (HCUK)

 

 

 

 

About Hindu Council UK

The Vision

Hindu Council UK was founded in 1994 for all Hindus domiciled in the United Kingdom, combining all the Hindu faith denominations, whilst representing various Hindu communities and Hindus from different parts of the world settled in the United Kingdom. It’s main purpose was to give the UK Hindus an effective voice on policy matters with the Government of the day whilst enhancing mutual understanding among the major faiths predominant in the UK. Hindu Council UK is itself a non-partisan faith organisation.

Our Work

The work that the Hindu Council UK undertakes falls into two separate but connected categories, viz: the interfaith commitment through the Inter Faith Network of the UK and the review of policies affecting Hindus through a consultation process with the Government of the day.

Interfaith Network

There are various dialogues among different faiths that occur continuously throughout the year by way of

Leaders of all major faiths meet centrally at the Inter Faith Network regularly throughout the year, and   Local level inter-dialogue meetings are held throughout the country to promote mutual understanding for a harmonious co-existence.

Government Consultation

Along with other major faith councils, Hindu Council UK is invited to consult on Government policy from time to time . The consultation processes take place in agreement with the Inter Faith Network and Hindu Council UK input and feedback from a Hindu point of view. Various Government departments are involved, particularly the Home Office and Department of Trade and Industry. In addition Hindu Council UK is represented at other government related bodies like the Commission for Racial Equality and the new Single Equality Board.

Affiliates

Hindu Council UK represents an amalgamation of various Hindu denominations in the UK through their temple bodies and cultural organisations. In addition community, youth and women organisations are represented.

The Executive

Hindu Council UK’s Executive is comprised as follows:

Board of Directors / Trustees General Secretary Executive Chairs and Officers Executive Members

Non Executive Roles

Supreme Counsel Committee Representative

In the main the Executive is comprised of representatives from temples and organisations but individual members who wish to volunteer their services are encouraged to co-opt into roles matched to their skills. Supreme Counsel is comprised of senior people retiring from the Executive, and Committee Representatives are from various Temples and Cultural Organisations.

Communications

Communication is considered to be of the utmost importance and Hindu Council UK’s policy is not to limit itself to its member organisations but to reach every Hindu interested in community service so as to encourage input on legislative and policy matters at the widest scale possible.

http://www.hinducounciluk.org/newsite/index.asp

Introduction to Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB)

 

About the Hindu Forum of Britain

The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) is the largest umbrella body for British Hindus with more then 420 member organisations from around the country. HFB is the first port of call from the central government and the most reported Hindu organisation in the British media.
HFB’s activities are broadly divided into three areas: public policy and community consultation for the government; capacity building and project development for the Hindu community; and developing good interfaith relations with other faith communities to build a cohesive and inclusive Britain. At the core of the Forum’s activity is a strong belief in the richness and diversity of the Hindu culture, its value system that encompasses for respect for all beings and faiths and a cultural heritage that facilitates community cohesion and coexistence.

Public Policy and community consultation

HFB facilitates consultation and communication to support and influence public policy by providing broad and collective views of the Hindu community on a wide range of issues. HFB also identifies issues and requirements of the community nationally and regionally through its large network of member organisations and links with other Hindu bodies. Some of the consultation exercises conducted by HFB include responses to the Home Office policy on race equality and diversity, the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, QCA and Religious Education Curriculum, Home Affairs Select Committee on Terrorism and Community Relations, Ministers of Religion from Abroad and others.

Capacity building and project development

HFB has identified capacity building as a crucial activity to accelerate integration and social inclusion of the Hindu community in Britain. This is undertaken through initial activities to identify gaps in the community capacity resulting in projects that seek to decrease the gap. Some of  the current HFB projects include:
Parliamentary Internships – Increase the participation of young Hindus in the democratic process through an MP shadowing scheme and high-powered seminars and interaction between young Hindus and Parliamentary leaders.
HFB Religious Education Toolkit - Distribute Hindu religious education packs to all schools in selected Boroughs to enable them to teach Hinduism in a standardised way.
Hindu Security Forum at the Met - After the successful conclusion of the Hindu Security Conference, The HFB has set up a Hindu Security Forum with the Metropolitan Police.
Interfaith relations and community cohesion - HFB firmly believes that good relations between the faith communities in Britain will contribute to community cohesion and social inclusion, which are essential ingredients for peace and prosperity. HFB has established multilateral and bilateral dialogues with the umbrella bodies of the other faith communities and plays an active role in the Interfaith Network of the UK. HFB is also represented in the initial consultation on the new Commission for Integration and Cohesion announced by the Home Secretary. HFB has organised many special interfaith events involving different faith communities.

HFB Departments

To manage the different projects and execute the various activities of HFB, there are many internal departments that are chaired by prominent members of the community. Each department is set up as a separate committee with its own team:
Secretariat and office – the nerve centre for communications, administration and policy implementation
Treasury – the management of all our funds, payments, income, budgets and human resources
Legal Advisory Committee – a panel of expert Hindu lawyers to advise HFB on legal and constitutional matters
Strategic Planning Committee – a panel of business persons who organise fund raising events for HFB
Media and Publications Committee - the public relations and media coordination unit of HFB
Membership Committee – a team of volunteers who communicate and cultivate HFB members
Events Committee – a team to manage cultural and other events organised by HFB
Interfaith - a team to establish multilateral and bilateral dialogues with the umbrella bodies of the other faith communities.
HFB Chaplaincy Board - Training and accrediting chalplains for placement in Universities, Prisons and Hospitals.

HFB’s Advisory Role

• Representatives of HFB are appointed to advise the following bodies:
• Race Hate Crime Forum
• London Criminal Justice Board
• London 2012 Forum
• Metropolitan Police Diversity Forum, Diamond Group and Purple Group
• DWP Ethnic Minority Employment Stakeholder Group
• DCA Electoral Policy Division
• Academic and Media Watch on Anti-Semitism
• Proposed Commission for Integration and Cohesion

HFB Organisational Structure

HFB is run by a democratically elected and appointed National Executive Committee. The National Executive Committee has members from different regional and national organisations, members of the Board of Trustees, and representatives from the others.
HFB also has a Patrons Council comprising of prominent British Hindus and a Spiritual Commission comprised of leading spiritual leaders who act in an advisory capacity. The National Executive Committee elects the Management Committee comprising of the President, Secretary General, Vice Presidents, and the Treasurer who implement the policy formulated by it. Each member organisation of the Hindu Forum of Britain can also nominate a representative to the HFB General Council which meets at least once every year at the Annual General Meeting.

http://www.hinduforum.org/

Sikh and Hindu girls have been intimidated by Muslims (United Kingdom)

Police protect girls forced to convert to Islam

 

Sir Ian Blair: Police and universities working together to tackle 'aggresive conversions'

Extremist Muslims who force vulnerable teenage girls to convert to Islam are being targeted by police, Met chief Sir Ian Blair has revealed.

Police are working with universities to clamp down on "aggressive conversions" during which girls are beaten up and forced to abandon university courses.
• Muslim pupils 'need their own showers'

The Hindu Forum of Britain claims hundreds of mostly Sikh and Hindu girls have been intimidated by Muslim men who take them out on dates before terrorising them until they convert.

Sir Ian spoke about the problem at a conference organised by the forum.

A Met spokesman said: "Neighbourhood officers work with university authorities in London and we would encourage anyone targeted in this way to seek help and support and where necessary use third party reporting facilities if they do not want to contact police directly."

Ramesh Kallidai, of the Hindu Forum of Britain, said: "Some girls are petrified because they are constantly being phoned up, having their door knocked.

"One girl was beaten up on the street and others have been forced to leave university."
• Met police chiefs are to review a controversial stop-and-search power used in the fight against terrorism. Assistant commissioner Andy Hayman, the overall head of Britain's anti-terrorist operations, said he had concerns about the number of stops carried out in London using Section 44 legislation.

By .....Pakistan Christian Post

 

 

 

 

Christians have been crushed and crippled in Pakistan, Prof. Salamat

Islamabad: January 4, 2010; (PCTV) The Pasdar-e-Pakistan movement is not a political party. It is simply a movement with a vision to –re-establish the Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, that is a modern democratic and secular state, where  all the citizen enjoy equal rights and equal responsibilities. Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his companions appointed Jogindar Nath Mondal a scheduled cast Hindu as the First President of The  Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. And later on he was made the first law minister of the new state. Dewan Bahadar S. P. Singha was the first speaker of The West Punjab Assembly. Unfortunately after the sad demise of the father of the nation these two great minorities leaders of Pakistan were humiliated and ridiculed. As a deadly one migrated to India and the other faced death. With the passage the fanatic rulers of Pakistan followed a suicidal policy toward the minorities and especially the Christians of Pakistan. The Pasdar-e-Pakistan   movement organized a seminar in Margalla Hotel, Islamabad on Dec 2, 2010 to highlight the tedious and complicated problem Pakistan is confronted with today and how to secure the bright future of Pakistan under the dynamic leadership of General (Retd.) Pervaiz Musharraf. Muhammad Ali Saif chaired this function and Dr. Sher Afghan Niazi graced the seminar as Chief Guest.  Hundreds of Christians headed by Prof. Salamat Akhtar, the Central President of Pakistan Masihi Leagure participated in this seminar simply because this movement considers them equal citizens not to speak of the religious political parties even Pakistan People Party, Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Muslim League (Q), and even Awami National Party  all claim to be liberal, progressive and democratic  parties can not make a Christian as a full fledge member. Dr. Sher Afghan Niazi, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Major General Rashid Qureshi, Barrister Fawad Chaudry, Sardar Aman, Ms Maria Khakwani where as from minorities side Prof. Salamat Akhtar, James Allah Ditta, Hanook Bhatti, and Akash Raj addressed the people. Prof. Salamat Akhtar, Presedent of Pakistan Masihi League, established in 1928 as All India Christian League and a  co-creator of Pakistan with All India Muslim League said that in Pakistan the minorities and especially the Christians have been crushed  and crippled. We do not enjoy equal rights in Pakistan even the constitution of Pakistan does not gurrantee us equal rights. All the rulaers in Pakistan have followed a genocidal policy toward the Christians. The leaders who claim that the Christian have equal rights Prof. Salamat Akhtar challenged those political leaders for a dialogue on platform of their own choice

WHO WILL SAVE HINDUISM?

By Deepak Kamat
Here is Website



I hate to repeat the cliches but I have no options to repeat it.  Hinduism is under relentless onslaught — chiefly from Islamic-Christian-Left-Corporate baiters of various hues.  The attack is in all dimensions — physical, mental, intellectual and probably spiritual.

To add to the difficulty, Hinduism is an unorganised religion (way of life).  So the logical question that any concerned Hindu has is: Who will save Hinduism?

Now certainly, there are several individuals and  organisations that are working for Hinduism — overtly and covertly.  I desist from mentioning their names.  However, I am afraid to say that their  efforts are just a drop in the  ocean.  The area to be covered is too vast and the work that is done is too little.

Despite our organisational weakness, the ironical fact is that Hinduism is spreading like wildfire.  Remember the Newsweek Report that even the USA is a Hindu nation.

That is because Hinduism does not require saviours.  The basics of Hinduism is designed in such a way that it is timeless.

Let me explain: The fundamentals of Hinduism is in the four purusharthas (objectives) of dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth) , kama (fulfilment of desires) and moksha (freedom).  Freedom is the highest virtue in Hinduism.

The human soul longs for freedom.  All human beings (including the self-styled enemies of Hinduism) long for freedom.  The difference is only in the path.

Muslims think they can attain absolute freedom by converting or killing the kafirs.  Christians think that absolute freedom in the lap of God is reserved only after they kill or convert heathens.  Communists have their own concept of freedom by killing the haves (bourgeoise) through a bloody revolution.  The MNCs think they can have absolute freedom by killing competitions and having absolute monopoly.

The only sad part for the Four Ms (Muslims, Marxists, Missionaries and multinational companies) is that their path won’t lead to absolute freedom.

The path to absolute freedom is logically detailed in the Pathanjali Yoga Sutras and the Vigyan Bhairava Tantra.   Don’t get me wrong.  I am not making Patanjali the Mohammed of Hinduism.
Patanjali says that — Yoga is the cessation of the mind (Yogaha Chitti Vritti Nirodhakaha).
Absolute freedom can be attained only through the stilling of the mind.  Both Yoga and Tantra are full of those techniques.

It is Yoga and Ayurveda that will save Hinduism because there are practical techniques in it to lead man to freedom.  Yoga and Ayurveda is not  a dogma. It really sets you free.
Hinduism as an idea will never die so long as the human race will continue to exist.  No need for saviours.  Hinduism does not need it.

Postscript: Only a dying person needs to be saved.  Hinduism is alive and kicking.  I am of the opinion that the Four Ms (Muslims, Marxists, Missionaries and Multinational Macualyites) need saviours because they are on the deathbed.

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Over 1700 Reconverted To Hinduism In Gujarat

January 3rd, 2010 Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
SURAT, GUJARAT, INDIA, December 22, 2009: In its offensive against conversion of tribals to Christianity, Maharashtra-based Shree Sampraday sect claimed to have reconverted 1,747 people back to Hinduism in Surat on Monday. The Surat district magistrate, however, took note of the organizers’ failure to seek permission for reconversion as stipulated in the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.

The camp to reconvert tribals who had embraced Christianity was held in the city for the first time. Nearly 5,000 people from Maharashtra and Gujarat participated in the ceremony. The participants were given sacred thread to mark their reconversion.

“We organized the event in Surat to promote Hinduism in urban areas. We have a series of events planned in the near future to hold such reconversion camps in urban areas of Gujarat,” said Yashwant More, secretary of Surat District Seva Samiti of Shree Sampraday.

Posted in Hindu Press International

Bangladesh Human rights by (Jahangir Alam Akash)

Human rights deteriorate in Bangladesh

Activist: A Bangladeshi activist demonstrates for rights during a photography exhibition on Tibet in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Nov.1, 2009. (Photo/drik)

Hamburg, Germany, December 31 — Human rights in Bangladesh were anything but healthy in 2009 under the ruling Awami League led alliance. According to a report on Thursday by the oldest Bengali newspaper of Bangladesh, the Daily Sangbad, around 4,000 people were murdered, which averages to about 11 deaths each day. There were 10 politically motivated murders and 12,074 torture cases related to women. Tender grabbing was a common feature of the ruling party cadres.

There has been an alarming rise in human rights violations in the country since the new Awami League led coalition come to power in January. But the government denied any wrongdoings. It has also denied any role in the extrajudicial killings in the country and has continued to violate the country’s constitution and other laws.

The attitude of people in law enforcement agencies has not changed, at least on the issue of extra judicial killings despite the judiciary ordering them to stop killing people under the guise of “crossfire,” “encounter,” and “gunfight.” Although much of such action has stopped, it is not a sustainable solution. But the decision has been hailed an eye-opener by many including human rights organizations.

The High Court issued the suo moto order over extra judicial killings on November 17. It gave the government two weeks, initially, to explain why the killing of two brothers, Lutfor and Khairul Khalasi by law enforcement agencies in Madaripur on Nov.16 should not be declared extrajudicial. The government has yet to reply and the Attorney General has sought more time, presumably until the court resumes on January 3, 2010.

During the year although there were some positive activities by the government, most sectors in the country were devoid of any human rights, the rule of law and good governance. Religious minorities were oppressed and press freedoms were violated almost every other day.

When the Awami League was in opposition, they opposed extrajudicial killings but when in power, they turned a blind eye. Despite the High Court orders, law enforcers killed more than 11 people. According to media reports, from Jan.7 until to Dec.14, law enforcers killed some 142 people. Law enforcers have killed some 1,600 peoples since 2002 when Operation Clean Heart, led by the army began.

Repression of minorities and indigenous people has been an ongoing event with impunity to the perpetrators. The murdered include a converted Christian NGO worker Swapan Mondal, Hindu freedom fighter Nirapad Kobiraj - killed by the RAB under the excuse of crossfire, a senior citizen Jatindra Lal Dey, an indigenous girl Maching Khai Marma who was also raped, schoolteacher Akhil Saha, Ashish Sarker, and businessmen Sumon Goala and Goutam Sarker.

During the year, many cases of rape and physical torture of women and girls belonging to ethnic minorities were reported. Also, least 70 incidents of land grabbing occurred in minority communities across the country.

Other criminal acts observed were violence against women, sexual harassment of women and girls in educational institutions, offices, factories and other workplaces. So-called social leaders victimized at least 15 families by issuing extrajudicial penalties such as beatings and canings in the name of arbitration, mediation or conciliation.

Seventy-six people including 57 army officers were killed in a mutiny after the ruling coalition came to power. Reportedly, 66 members of the Bangladesh Rifles died in the custody of the alleged mutineers. It is believed they were tortured and then killed. Yet, the perpetrators have not been brought to justice.

During the year, terrorists killed three journalists including a young community journalist. The New Age reporter F.M. Masum was brutally tortured by so called elite forces for reporting corruption scandals of influential politicians. Many journalists were also threatened, tortured and harassed for similar reporting.

The one good act of the government was to sentence to death the 12 accused in the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. The highest court of Bangladesh pronounced the verdict. Although the death penalty is one of the greatest human rights violations, the whole nation looked at the case as a trial of war criminals whose acts led to mass rape, murder, riots, looting and other inhuman activities during Bangladesh’s liberation war of 1971.

Jahangir Alam Akash is a writer, journalist, and human rights defender. Since May 29, 2009, he has been residing in Hamburg, Germany, as a scholarship guest of the Hamburg Foundation, due to his status as a politically persecuted journalist. He is working for peace, democracy since 1989. He can be contacted by email at
jahangiralamakash@gmail.com.
http://jaakash.wrdpress.com/

Mass Weddings for the Poor by (Bharat Vikas Parishad )

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Mass Weddings for the Poor

 

January 2nd, 2010 Source: www.hindustantimes.com
NOIDA, INDIA, December 27, 2009:As many as 101 couples “from economically weaker sections of the society” tied the knot at a mass marriage ceremony held in Noida on Saturday. The event was organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad, a socio-cultural voluntary organization.

Rajinder, one of the bridegrooms said, “I felt on top of the world when I was asked to board a horse chariot. I am so poor I cannot even think of hiring a band party. Had I not been selected for the mass marriage, I would have married a girl in a temple in the presence of a few relatives.”

Parishad member T.N. Chaurasia said, “The couples were given televisions, sewing machines, cycles, utensils, beds and other household items each needed to start a new married life.”

Posted in Hindu Press International

Bharat Vikas Parishad

Hindu Artwork @ American Virginia Museum

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Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts Has Acquired Rare Hindu Artwork

 

January 2nd, 2010 Source: www.littleabout.com
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, December, 2009: Renowned Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond (USA) has acquired a rare 18th-century legend scroll from Andhra Pradesh, one of the few of its kind to survive today.

Dr. Joseph M. Dye III, VMFA’s curatorial chair, reportedly says it is a “rare and unrivaled painting” that is “dramatically” longer than other known examples and is clearly the work of a master atelier. “I can say with complete confidence that this is the greatest South Indian painting that I have seen in my 42-year professional career.”

The VMFA already has a large collection of Hindu arts and artifacts and has organized Hinduism related exhibitions in the past.

Posted in Hindu Press International