The Indian Panorama

Tag: Rajan Zed

  • 23 New Jersey school districts to close on Diwali in 2022: Hindus call for Diwali holiday in all NJ schools

    23 New Jersey school districts to close on Diwali in 2022: Hindus call for Diwali holiday in all NJ schools

    EDISON, NJ (TIP): Welcoming 23 New Jersey public school districts closing schools on Diwali this year, Hindus are urging all public school districts and private-charter-independent schools in the state to close on their most popular festival Diwali. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada,  said that it was simply not fair with Hindu pupils of most of the New Jersey schools, as they had to be at school on their most popular festival while there were holidays to commemorate festivals of other religions.

    Rajan Zed indicated that since it was important for Hindu families to celebrate Diwali day together at home with their children; closing schools on Diwali would ensure that and would also display how respectful and accommodating New Jersey schools were to their faith.

    If schools had declared other religious holidays, why not Diwali, Zed asked. Holidays of all major religions should be honored and no one should be penalized for practicing their religion, Zed added.

    Rajan Zed suggested that all New Jersey schools, public-private-charter-independent, to seriously look into declaring Diwali as an official holiday, thus recognizing the intersection of spirituality and education. Zed noted that awareness about ‘other’ religions thus created by such holidays like Diwali would make New Jersey students well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow.

    Zed urged New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy, New Jersey Acting Education Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan and New Jersey State Board of Education President Kathy Goldenberg; to work towards adding Diwali as an official holiday in all the state’s public schools, and persuading the private-charter-independent schools to follow. Zed also thanked Boards of Education of school districts, which closed schools for students on Diwali, for understanding the concerns of Hindu community. Rajan Zed further says that Hinduism is rich in festivals and religious festivals are very dear and sacred to Hindus. Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

    “The List of Religious Holidays Permitting Student Absence from School” of the New Jersey State Board of Education contains 21 Hindu holidays; which include Guru Purnima, Onam, Naga Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Diwali, Goverdhan Puja, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Vasant Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Govinda Dwadashi, Meena Sankranthi, Holika Dahan, Holi, Souramana Yugadi, Chandramana Yugadi, Ramnavami, Hanuman Jayanti. Onam is listed here for 12 days, Navaratri for nine, and Diwali for five.

  • Upset Hindus urge Australia fightwear firm to withdraw battling Hindu gods rashguards

    Upset Hindus urge Australia fightwear firm to withdraw battling Hindu gods rashguards

    MELBOURNE (TIP): Upset Hindus are urging Gosford (New South Wales, Australia) based fightwear firm “Raven Fightwear” for immediate withdrawal of “Battle of the Gods – Hanoman v Ganesha” rashguards displaying images of Hindu deities Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman in a battle mode.

    Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada said that it was trivialization of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman, who were highly revered in Hinduism, as there was no scriptural evidence that any Hanuman versus Ganesha battle took place. Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, also urged Raven Fightwear and its CEO to offer a formal apology, besides withdrawing “Battle of the Gods – Hanoman v Ganesha” rashguards from its website and stockists.

    Zed further said that such trivialization of Hindu deities was disturbing to the Hindus world over. Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers, Zed added.

    “Battle of the Gods – Hanoman v Ganesha” men’s/women’s long sleeve rashguards were priced at $64.95 each on the website of Raven Fightwear, which specializes in Mixed Martial Arts apparel and claims to be “one of Australia’s fastest growing fight wear brands”. It has stockists in Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Czech Republic, Singapore, Russia; and its products include shorts, rashguards, gloves t-shirts, hoodies. “Our designs center around Norse mythology”, it states.

    In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking. Lord Hanuman is known for incredible strength and was a perfect grammarian.

  • Amazon sells Hanuman leggings despite past Hindu protests on trivializing Hindu gods

    NEVADA (TIP): Upset Hindus are seeking apology and urging online retailer Amazon.com for the immediate withdrawal of leggings carrying images of Hindu deity Lord Hanuman; calling it highly inappropriate.

    “Hanuman the Great” Women’s Leggings are selling at Amazon.com for $48.00 – $58.00 and are described as: “ultimate fashion statement to express your style”.

    Hindus have protested and contacted Amazon.com many times in the past over what they felt was trivialization of Hindu deities on various products sold on its website and had been mostly successful in persuading the company to remove those.

    Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada, said that Lord Hanuman was greatly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to adorn one’s legs. Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the faithful.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, also urged Amazon.com President Jeffrey P. Bezos to offer a formal apology, besides withdrawing Lord Hanuman leggings, as this was not the first time for the company to offer such products which were deemed offensive by Hindu devotees.

    Zed further said that such trivialization of Hindu deities was disturbing to the Hindus world over. Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the devotees, Zed added.

    Rajan Zed suggested that Amazon.com and other companies should send their senior executives for training in religious and cultural sensitivity so that they had an understanding of the feelings of customers and communities when introducing new products or launching advertising campaigns.

  • Indian American delivers Hindu Invocation at Nevada Assembly

    Indian American delivers Hindu Invocation at Nevada Assembly

    CARSON CITY, NEVADA (TIP): Nevada State Assembly in Carson City started its day with a set of Hindu mantras on May 24, containing verses from world’s oldest existing scripture.

    Hindu statesman Rajan Zed delivered the invocation from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the Assembly. After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayer. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of Indo-European languages.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, recited from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He started and ended the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in

    Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work. Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed said, “Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya”; which he then interpreted as “Lead us from the unreal to the Real, Lead us from darkness to Light, and Lead us from death to immortality.” Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged assembly members to keep the welfare of others always in mind. Assembly members, employees, public and others present were seen standing in prayer mode with their heads bowed down during the invocation.Wearing saffron colored attire, a ruddraksh mala (rosary), and traditional sandalpaster tilak (religious mark)  on the forehead, Zed sprinkled few drops of water from river Ganga of India, considered holy by Hindus, around the podium before the prayer.

    Zed presented a copy of Bhagavad-Gita to Speaker Jason Frierson, who introduced Zed.

    In the State of Nevada, besides Nevada Assembly and Nevada Senate, Rajan Zed has already delivered Hindu prayers at Cit Councils of Las Vegas, Henderson, Sparks and Boulder City; Clark County Board o Commissioners and Carson City Board of Supervisors. Besides Nevada, he has also read opening prayers in United States Senate and US House of Representatives in Washington DC, various State Senates and State Assemblies/Houses-of-Representatives, various County Commissions and City Councils all over USA.

    Bestowed with World Interfaith Leader Award, Zed is a global Hindu and interfaith leader, who besides taking up the cause of religion worldwide, has also raised huge voice against the apartheid conditions faced by about 15-million Roma (Gypsies) in Europe. Many cities in USA have named October 25 as “Rajan Zed Day”.

    Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA. Nevada Assembly has 42 members.

    Nevada, largest gold producer and 7th largest state, was admitted to USA in 1864. Nevada, also called “Silver State”, is known for Las Vegas, Burning Man, Lake Tahoe, etc. Brian E. Sandoval is Governor.

  • Hindus urge all Utah schools to offer yoga like some Salt Lake City schools

    Hindus urge all Utah schools to offer yoga like some Salt Lake City schools

    SALT LAKE CITY (TIP): Hindus have commended Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) in Utah for offering yoga in its various schools, calling it a step in the positive direction.

    Course Catalog (2017-2018) of its East High School (EHS) offers Yoga I (9-12), whose description includes: “In this course students will unite the mind and body with the spirit, creating a more whole person” and it includes “meditation”. Its list of yoga benefits includes “self-realization” and “inner peace”. It also offers Yoga II (10-12), whose description includes enhancing “mind/body connection”.

    Yoga was also offered in EHS, West High School and Highland High School of SLCSD as a course in 2016-2017. Yoga was reportedly one of the electives in Nibley Park School (K-8) and in 2015 – 2016, several teachers used “Yoga Me Do” in Newman Elementary School. Third graders at Lincoln Elementary School have been practicing yoga, and according to a write-up on SLCSD website: “At the end of each session, when the entire room shares a long “Om,” it is amazing to feel the unity, calm, and peace pervade the space.” Grades 11-12 Course Catalog (2017-2018) of neighboring Park City High School includes Yoga, whose description includes “mind-body connectivity” and meditation exercises.

    Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement from Nevada applauded SLCSD for coming forward and providing an opportunity to students to avail the multiple benefits yoga offered.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, exhorted all public, private, charter and independent schools of Utah to adopt yoga as part of their curriculum so that students did not miss a learning opportunity in this competitive world.

    Rajan Zed also urged Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, Utah State Board of Education Chair Mark Huntsman and Utah Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Sydnee Dickson; to work towards formally introducing yoga as a part of curriculum in all the public schools of the state, thus incorporating highly beneficial yoga in the lives of Utah’s students.

    Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Ze pointed out.

    Rajan Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

    According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to a “2016 Yoga in America Study”, about 37 million Americans (which included many celebrities) now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self-image. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Zed added. Tagline of SLCSD, said to be the oldest public school district in Utah with one of its high school founded in 1890, is “Your Best Choice”. Heather Bennett and Dr. Lexi Cunningham are its Board President and Superintendent respectively.

  • Hindus concerned about fate of “Hindu Prayer Room” in Iowa’s Grinnell College

    Hindus concerned about fate of “Hindu Prayer Room” in Iowa’s Grinnell College

    IOWA (TIP): Because of significant physical changes and construction projects at Grinnell College Iowa, Hindus are worried about the fate of existing dedicated “Hindu Prayer Room” with 24-hour access.

    Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement  urged College President Dr. Raynard S. Kington and Trustees Chair Patricia Finkelman to ensure that spirituality and worship services of the Hindu students were not affected during this transition period.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that if murti of Lord Ganesha, reportedly installed by a priest in the existing “Hindu Prayer Room”, was moved to a new “Hindu Prayer Room”; administration should provide assistance to the college Hindu students group to reinstall it with proper ancient rituals by a priest.

    Moreover, they expected the new “Hindu Prayer Room” be of the same (or bigger) size as the existing one, as it was one of the attractions for Hindu students to come to Grinnell, Rajan Zed noted. “The Scarlet & Black”, student newspaper of Grinnell, in a news posted on February 17, however, wrote: “…the new building will feature a significant reduction in size of the Hindu Cultural Suite…”.

    Zed hoped that Grinnell would continue to recognize the intersection of spirituality and education and respond to the spiritual needs of Hindu students. Dedicated Hindu prayer/meditation room for rituals, quiet reflection, festivals and spiritual exercise helped in the personal growth of Hindu students.

    Located in the “Center for Religion, Spirituality and Social Justice” (CRSSJ), which is relocating; the existing “Hindu Prayer Room” is reportedly accessible to students from eight am to 12 midnight every day when the College is in session, but by request, a student can have 24-hour access using their student ID to enter the building.

    Meanwhile, Debra Lukehart, Vice President for Communications of Grinnell College, in an email response to Rajan Zed, wrote: “…transition plans have not yet been finalized…. The Hindu Prayer Room that is currently housed in the CRSSJ facility will necessarily move this summer…, but we expect a dedicated space will be identified.”

     

  • Yoga improves memory by reducing stress levels, as per University of Illinois study

    Yoga improves memory by reducing stress levels, as per University of Illinois study

    CHICAGO (TIP): “Yoga practice improves executive function by attenuating stress levels”, according to a study conducted by researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in USA.

    An abstract of the study posted online from the December 2016 edition of Biological Psychology journal, stated: An 8-week Hatha yoga intervention attenuated stress response in an older adult sample.

    It concluded: Eight weeks of regular yoga practice resulted in improved working memory performance that was mediated by an attenuated response to stress.

    According to UIUC News Bureau: Researchers found that eight weeks of hatha yoga classes moderated stress levels and led to better performance on challenging cognitive tests. This study, supported by National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health, was conducted at Exercise Psychology Laboratory of UIUC directed by Professor Edward McAuley.

    Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed called the UIUC looking into the usage of multi-faceted yoga in stress levels and cognitive performance “a step in the positive direction”. Zed urged all major world universities to explore various benefits yoga offers.

    Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, noted.

    Rajan Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

    According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to a “2016 Yoga in America Study”, about 37 million Americans (which included many celebrities) now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Zed added.

    According to Oxford Dictionary of Hinduism, hatha-yoga (yoga of force) is a form of yogic practice designed to bring about liberation and immortality in this life, through the purification and manipulation of the practitioner’s body.

    UIUC, founded in 1867, claims to be a “world-class leader in research, teaching, and public engagement” and “pioneer innovative research that tackles global problems”. Robert Jones is the Chancellor.

  • Following Syosset, Hindus seek Diwali holiday in all New York school districts

    Following Syosset, Hindus seek Diwali holiday in all New York school districts

    NEW YORK (TIP): Hindus have welcomed reports of Syosset Central School District (SCSD) in New York adding Diwali, most popular of their festival, as an official holiday on the 2017-2018 school year calendar.

    Rajan Zed, a Hindu activist, in a statement in Nevada, describing it as a step in the right direction, urged all other public school districts and private schools in New York State to do the same.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that it would be a positive thing to do in view of presence of a substantial number of Hindu students at schools around the state, as it was important to meet the religious and spiritual needs of these pupils.

    Rajan Zed indicated that schools should make efforts to accommodate the religious requirements of Hindu students and show respect to their faith by not conducting regular business and scheduling classes on Diwali. We did not want our students to be put at an unnecessary disadvantage for missing tests/examinations/papers, assignments, class work, etc., by taking a day-off to observe Diwali.

    If schools had declared other religious holidays, why not Diwali, Zed asked. Holidays of all major religions should be honored and no one should be penalized for practicing their religion, Zed added

    Rajan Zed suggested all New York schools, both public and private, to seriously look into declaring Diwali as an official holiday, recognizing the intersection of spirituality and education. Zed noted that awareness about other religions thus created by such holidays like Diwali would make New York students well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow.

    Zed urged New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State Education Department Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and New York State Commissioner of Education MaryEllen Elia; to work towards adding Diwali as an official holiday in all the 700 school districts, and persuading the private schools to follow.

  • South Australia Hindu Temple plans $600,000 expansion

    South Australia Hindu Temple plans $600,000 expansion

    ADELAIDE (TIP): Shri Ganesha Temple (SGT) in Adelaide’s southern suburb Oaklands Park in South Australia is reportedly planning a $600,000 expansion to host bigger events, weddings, classes, etc.

    This Temple, built at the site of a former Lutheran Church, has approached City of Marion regarding this project and City’s Development Assessment Panel, whose task is to assess proposed development, will consider its proposals, reports suggest.

    Expansion plans at SGT, a State Heritage Place, reportedly include building an outdoor cooking area, dining room extension, etc.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, commended efforts of Temple leaders and area community towards running this Hindu temple complex.

    Rajan Zed further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this Temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

    SGT, reportedly conceived by the Hindu Society of South Australia in 1985 and formally opened in 2001, serves over 20,000 Hindus; including immigrants from India, Mauritius, South Africa, Fiji, Trinidad, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Surinam, Malaysia, etc.; besides students. Ganesha is the presiding deity at the Temple, where other deities include Laxmi Narayan; Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati; Muruga Valli and Deivanai; Hanuman; Bhairava; Navagraha; and Shiva Linga.

    This Temple, which opens daily; besides offering worship services and being a social gathering place; also holds various festivals, satsangs, pujas; runs a children library; undertakes various community assistance programs; organizes blood donation campaigns; helps new migrants; and offers food donations and educational scholarships. It organized over 80 festivals in 2015. Milk Abhishekam here costs $50, reports indicate.

  • Hindus seek New York Mayor’s Apology over School Principal depicted as Goddess

    Hindus seek New York Mayor’s Apology over School Principal depicted as Goddess

    NEW YORK(TIP): Members of an Indian American Hindu activist group have reached out to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Department of Education chancellor Carmen Farina for an apology following a New York Daily News report that showed a Queens junior high school principal depicted as a Hindu deity.

    Rajan Zed, a Hindu activist in Nevada, in speaking of a mural that shows Junior High School 226 principal Rushell White as a multi-armed Hindu goddess, said that Hindu goddesses were highly revered in Hinduism and were meant to be worshiped in temples or home shrines and not to be used indecorously or thrown around loosely in reimagined versions for dramatic effects on public school premises.

    He added in the June 29 statement, “Inappropriate usage of Hinduism concepts and symbols for pushing selfish agenda was not okay.”

    Reportedly, the school White leads has a large Hindu population. Assistant principal Dave Possner was reported to have leaked the mural to the press. The situation was compounded further when Possner, 42, of Staten Island, added that White gave him bad marks as payback for exposing the school mural.

    The artwork at the South Ozone Park school also showed Possner as an outcast, tiny little man off in the distance, according to the Daily News report.

    “Mrs. White is after me for being a whistleblower,” Possner told the Daily News. “Anyone can see this is retaliation. She’s angry at me because I exposed her mural in The News.”

    The mural was ordered to be hung up by White, 40, on June 23, but came down June 27 after complaints by staffers at the school.

    Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that the mural was unnecessary and urged the city’s Department of Education to publish a disclaimer about this on its website along with proper explanation about Hindu goddesses.

    “Hinduism is 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 frivolously,” Zed stressed. “No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at.”

    Though seeking the apology from the mayor and education department chancellor, Zed noted that “Hindus understood that the purpose of school mural in this case apparently was not to denigrate Hinduism, but casual flirting like this sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees.”

    Zed further said that Hindus welcomed educational institutions to learn more about Hinduism but take it seriously and respectfully.

    Department of Education officials said they are investigating White’s role in the creation of the mural.

  • Bharatiya Temple & Cultural Center (BTCC) of Greater Lafayette, Indiana concludes installation of murtis

    Bharatiya Temple & Cultural Center (BTCC) of Greater Lafayette, Indiana concludes installation of murtis

    Bharatiya Temple & Cultural Center (BTCC) of Greater Lafayette in West Lafayette (Indiana, USA) has completed traditional installation of statues of Hindu deities. BTCC, which formally opened in 2012, now reportedly has statues of ShivParivar, VishnuParivar, VenkateswaraParivar, RamParivar, RadhaKrishna, Ganesh, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kartikeya; in addition to Navagrahas.

    Besides daily aarti, Bharatiya Temple & Cultural Center; whose mission includes “To promote friendship and goodwill among people of all religions”; also conducts festivals, havans, yoga, meditation, discourses on Bhagavad Gita, cultural programs, balvihar and bhangra classes, community lunches, charitable activities, etc. 

    Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, commended efforts of BTCC leaders and area community for realizing this Hindu temple complex.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple would help in this direction.

    Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

    Bhavin Shah, Surya Dwadasi and Padma Subramaniam are President, General Secretary and Treasurer respectively of BTCC; whose goal includes providing “avenues for religious, humanitarian, cultural and educational resources to the community”.  Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

  • Hindu gods at Santa Barbara Museum

    Hindu gods at Santa Barbara Museum

    SANTA BARBARA, CA (TIP): The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) in California is showcasing images of Hindu deities in an upcoming exhibition “Puja and Piety”, which will run from April 17 to August 28.

    It includes 12th century volcanic stone sculpture of Shiva, 11th century sandstone sculpture of Balarama, 19th century paintings of Kali and Devi, cart of Vishnu, etc.

    It presents over 160 objects of diverse media created over the past two millennia and is one of the major presentations of the SBMA’s 75th-anniversary year in 2016.

    Commending SBMA for exhibiting Hindu artifacts, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d’Orsay of Paris, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize Hindu art focused exhibitions, thus sharing the rich Hindu art heritage with the rest of the world.

    SBMA, whose Guiding Principles include “stimulate thought”; comprises of 27,000 works of art spanning over 5,000 years of human creativity, including classical antiquities and Monet paintings; serves about 150,000 visitors annually. Larry J. Feinberg is the Director, while John C. Bishop Junior is the Trustees Chair.

  • Hindus welcome idea of Meditation Room in University of Wyoming

    Hindus welcome idea of Meditation Room in University of Wyoming

    Hindus have welcomed the idea of Meditation and Prayer Room in University of Wyoming (UW) campus in Laramie.

    Rajan Zed, a hindu statesman based out of Nevada, said that an interfaith space in the shape of Meditation and Prayer Room would be a step in the positive direction for UW. Many educational institutions in USA and Canada already had prayer/meditation room for quiet reflection and spiritual exercise.

    Zed pointed out that with the presence of Meditation and Prayer Room, UW students would have a spiritually meaningful life in addition to material success after they graduate from here. Meditation and Prayer Room would be another feather in UW’s cap in making it a top class and wholesome university.

    Moreover, UW needed to recognize the intersection of spirituality and education, Rajan Zed added.

    A meditation/prayer room is reportedly in the plans of UW’s new engineering building. In a resolution, Associated Students of the UW Student Government supported “the implementation of a designated meditation and prayer room, welcoming persons of all faith and belief systems on the University of Wyoming campus”, which was passed on November 17 last.

    Founded in 1886, UW, claimed to be a nationally recognized research institution and ranked among nation’s top universities and top “adventure colleges”, serves about 14,000 students from all 50 states and over 90 countries in approximately 200 areas of study. Former Vice President Dick Cheney and father of modern Total Quality Management W. Edwards Deming are among its alumni. Richard McGinity is the UW President, while David F. Palmerlee is President of Trustees Board of UW, whose Mission includes: expose students to the “complexities of an interdependent world”.

  • Fortune Magazine apologizes to Hindus for cover depicting Bezos as Lord Vishnu

    Fortune Magazine apologizes to Hindus for cover depicting Bezos as Lord Vishnu

    NEW YORK (TIP): American business magazine Fortune has apologized for juxtaposing image of Amazon.com President Jeff Bezos as the likeness of Lord Vishnu over the cover of its January one international edition, which upset the Hindus.

    Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest campaign on this issue saying that it trivialized their venerated deity, has thanked the Fortune and its editor Alan Murray for showing maturity and responsibility and understanding the feelings of the community.

    Statement from Murray, titled “Apology for Fortune’s January international edition cover” and posted at Fortune.com, says: “The cover of Fortune’s January 2016 international edition featured an illustration of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos as a Hindu deity. Neither the artist nor the editors of Fortune had any intention of parodying a particular deity or of offending members of the Hindu faith. It is clear that we erred and for that, we apologize.”

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, calling it an unnecessary dragging of a Hindu deity to prove their point of view, had urged Fortune to issue a formal apology.

    In a statement in Nevada today, Rajan Zed suggested Fortune and other media companies worldwide to send their senior executives and editors for training in religious and cultural sensitivity so that they had an understanding of the feelings of the customers and communities.

    Zed pointed out that Hindus understood that the purpose of Fortune in this case apparently was not to denigrate Hinduism, but casual flirting like this sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees. Humor was a part and parcel of Hindu society, but there were certain convictions in every tradition, which were venerable and not meant to be taken lightly.

    Rajan Zed said that Lord Vishnu was a highly revered major deity in Hinduism meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used indecorously or thrown around loosely in reimagined versions for dramatic effects.

    How a mortal could be depicted as Lord Vishnu, who is the director of our destinies, Zed asked and added that inappropriate usage of Hinduism concepts and symbols for pushing selfish agenda or mercantile greed was not okay.

    Rajan Zed stressed 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 frivolously. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at.

    Zed stated that Hindus welcomed media companies to immerse in Hinduism but taking it seriously and respectfully and not just for improper showing of Hindu symbols and concepts to advance their commercial or other agenda. Hindus were for free speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at misusing it hurt the devotees. Media companies should be more sensitive while handling faith related subjects and sacred symbols.

    This Fortune cover page is headlined as “Amazon INVADES INDIA” (How JEFF BEZOS is conquering the next ‘trillion-dollar market’) and created by Sydney (Australia) based illustrator Nigel Buchanan; whose clients include The Wall Street Journal, MTV, The New York Times, etc. Interestingly, a Fortune article was headlined “Sacrilege”, when The Economist ran a cover in 2010 with an image of Steve Jobs with a halo.

    Lord Vishnu is “preserver” in the Hindu triad with Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva as the aspect of the Supreme. He has ten incarnations to establish dharma (divine law). Moksh (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

  • Maine College institute’s Hindu shrine

    Maine College institute’s Hindu shrine

    Bates College in Lewiston (Maine, USA), a highly selective residential college, founded by Freewill Baptists in 1855, has instituted a Hindu shrine.

    Applauding Bates for provision of the shrine located in its Chase Hall, Rajan Zed, described it as a step in the positive direction.

    Zed, is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged all USA universities, colleges and residential schools; both public and private; to respond to the spiritual needs of diverse student body and provide permanent and dedicated Hindu prayer/meditation room for rituals, quiet reflection, festivals and spiritual exercise.

    It would help in the personal growth of Hindu students who were present in substantial numbers on various campuses. It was important to meet the spiritual needs of these students, Zed added.

    Rajan Zed suggested that these Hindu prayer rooms should have an altar containing murtis (statues) of popular Hindu deities and other temple objects such as metallic bells and dholak (hand drum. He or other Hindu scholars would be glad to help, if asked, regarding the structure of Hindu prayer room, Zed said.

    “One of the first US institutions of higher learning to admit women and people of color“, Bates claims to be “a college for coming times“. It has about 2,000 students and offers 33 majors and 20 minors. Ava Clayton Spencer is the President, while Michael W. Bonney is Trustees Chair.

  • Hindus worldwide laud Singapore for allowing Thaipusam live music

    Hindus worldwide laud Singapore for allowing Thaipusam live music

    NEVADA (TIP): Worldwide Hindus have commended Singapore government for reportedly allowing live music at colorful Thaipusam Hindu street procession in January, for the first time in over four decades.

    Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) called it a step in the positive direction.

    The instruments reportedly allowed on this about three kilometers route; which begins at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and ends at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on January 24; are the nadhaswaram clarinet, a barrel-shaped drum called the tavil, and the urumi melam or Indian drum. Ban has been reportedly in place since 1973.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that traditions of music and dance were important in Hinduism and these go back in history. Elements of musical theory were first found in ancient Sama-Veda, and by tradition, the dance was invented by Lord Shiva who first danced the cosmic tandava.

    Rajan Zed further said that Hindu community had made lot of contributions to the nation and society in Singapore and it was a nice gesture on the part of the government to allow live music in their religious procession. Zed also commended Singapore Hindu Endowments Board for their efforts in this regard.

  • Construction continuing on Hindu Hanuman Temple of Greater Chicago

    CHICAGO (TIP): Construction is reportedly continuing on large two-storey Hanuman Mandir of Greater Chicago in Glenview (Illinois).

    According to reports, construction is expected to wind-up in 2016 on this 37,200 square feet white-marble and glass temple on a 3.98 acres lot; which is said to include fountains, tall glass dome and tall sikhras. Besides sanctuary, it will also include a community center for various cultural, educational, social and spiritual programs. Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has  commended efforts of temple leaders and area community for realizing this Hindu temple complex.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

    Mandir has announced various Sunday School programs, including Indian languages, Bhagavad-Gita, yoga, religion and culture, etc.

    Lord Hanuman, greatly revered and worshipped in Hinduism, is known for incredible strength and was a perfect grammarian. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

  • Hindus criticize ban on yoga in Los Angeles parks & beaches

    LOS ANGELES (TIP): Hindus are critical of Los Angeles City Council’s recent reported decision of banning yoga, among other things, at public beaches and parks.

    A Hindu leader Rajan Zed, who strongly criticized the attempts to regulate yoga in the past by various states in USA said that it seemed like an unnecessary obtrusion and burdensome on yoga in Los Angeles. Zed, who

    is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged Los Angeles City Council to reconsider and exclude yoga from the vending ban in city parks and beaches, which appeared to be criminalizing of yoga.

    Zed noted that yoga was a mental and physical discipline by means of which the human-soul (jivatman) united with universal-soul (parmatman). For Patanjali, author of the basic text, the Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

    Rajan Zed further said that yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche; and regulating it was kind of a religious infringement. Although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, yoga was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all, Zed added.

    According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to an estimate, about 21 million Americans, including many celebrities, now practice yoga.

  • World’s largest children’s museum displays Hindu Lord Ganesh

    INDIANAPOLIS (TIP): The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (CMI), said to be world’s largest children’s museum, in partnership with National Geographic, is displaying a statue of Hindu Lord Ganesh in its current Sacred Journeys exhibition.

    This Lord Ganesh statue was custom made for the Museum and shipped from India recently.

    Other areas of the “National Geographic Sacred Journeys” exhibition that focus on Hinduism, include Ganges River where they talk about Kumbh Mela, which includes a Ganga Jumna Lota pot and shows some contemporary items that people who go to the Kumbh Mela might purchase; Ganesh Chaturthi Festival; and Diwali Festival, which contains many Diwali hanging lanterns and diyas.

    Rajan Zed, a Hindu priest, in a statement, commended CMI for exhibiting Lord Ganesh statue and Hinduism focused displays.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d’Orsay of Paris, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize Hinduism focused exhibitions, thus sharing the rich Hindu heritage with the rest of the world.

    This 7,000-square-foot exhibition will continue till February 21 and is funded through a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

    It also includes displays of Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Great Mosque in Mecca, Bodh Gaya in India, Tepeyac Hill and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Dome of the Rock mosque, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Bodhi Tree, Caves in the bluffs along the Dead Sea; fragments of the Dead Sea scrolls, Jewish ritual objects, a piece of the Kiswah, throne built for the Dalai Lama, stone from the Western Wall, the trunk Brigham Young carried from New York to Utah, a replica of the Shroud of Turin, a sand mandala; etc. It “reflects this diversity of religious and spiritual pilgrimage through immersive environments created with photography from National Geographic”.The National Geographic Society claims to be “inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888” and reaches over 700 million people a month.

  • Boston museum displays art formed of Hindu bindis

    Boston museum displays art formed of Hindu bindis

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) in Boston is currently exhibiting artwork titled “Not All Who Wander Are Lost”, which uses Hindu bindis as a signature element.
     

    Created by artist-in-residence England-born Bharti Kher for the Museum’s façade, it reflects on maritime travel, and uses bindis as a central motif “to map demographic movement in an abstract way”; and shall be displayed till January next.

     

    Commending ISGM for exhibiting art centered around a Hindu symbol, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth.

     

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d’Orsay of Paris, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize Hindu art focused exhibitions, thus sharing the rich Hindu art heritage with the rest of the world.

     

    Bindi (also known by tika, tilak, pundra and other names), also sometimes referred as “third eye” and flame, is an auspicious Hindu symbol, and is also used for meditative purposes.

     

    ISGM, designed as a work of art in totality, provides an unusual backdrop for the viewing of art. It contains works by Titian, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Manet, Degas, Whistler and Sargent. Anne Hawley is the Director. 

  • Unique $11 million Hindu Hanuman Temple opens in Texas

    Unique $11 million Hindu Hanuman Temple opens in Texas

    FRISCO, TEXAS (TIP): Frisco (Texas) now has a 34,000 square-foot Marakata Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, reportedly costing over $11 million.

    This Temple, which opens daily, besides Hanuman as the main deity, also carries the murtis of Hindu deities Ganapati, Shiva, Rajeshwari, Ram Parivar, Venkateshwara, Dattatreya, Subramanyam, Ayyappa and Nagendra. Its history goes back to 2007 and it conducts aarti twice daily and offers free lunch on Saturdays. It already has a Cultural Center and intends to build a library and a museum, reports suggest.

    Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, commended efforts of Temple leaders and area community for realizing this unique Hindu temple complex.Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new Temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

    Besides regular worship services, this Temple also offers classes on yoga; art; Carnatic music; bhajans; Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Kannada and Gujarati languages; Bhagavad-Gita chanting; Kuchipudi dance; and Sri Vishnu Sahasranama. It also conducts Datta Kriya Yoga workshops, youth activities and religious instruction for children and youth under Bala Datta program, etc. It also performs Vaahana Puja (vehicle prayer) for divine blessing for the new vehicle; and requires five lemons, one coconut, few flowers and few fruits for this prayer ceremony.

    Built under the guidance of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji of Avadhoota Datta Peetham of Mysuru (India), it also has a multi-purpose hall, homa-kund, yoga center and six classrooms. Temple Chairman is Prakasa Rao Velagapudiand; while Priests include Narasimhamurthy Garudadri, Vishwaksena Chandrasekhara, Shardul Pandya, Ganapati Rama Aiyer Kalyana Krishnan and Harihara Sastry. Food with onion and garlic is not allowed inside.

    Lord Hanuman, who is greatly revered and worshipped in Hinduism, is known for incredible strength and was a perfect grammarian. Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA. Frisco, formed in 1902 and an affluent city part of Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is one of the fastest-growing cities in USA and has been ranked as one of the “best places to live” in the nation.

  • $5 million Hindu Ram Temple opening in New Zealand

    $5 million Hindu Ram Temple opening in New Zealand

    AUCKLAND (TIP): A $5 million Shri Ram Mandir, a Hindu temple and community complex in Henderson, about 13 kilometers from Auckland (New Zealand) city center, will formally do Grand Opening on June 13, concluding eight days of ceremonies starting June 6.

    A project of Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust, a registered charity established in 2011, whose objectives include enhancing “cross-cultural understanding”; this three-level complex with a reported capacity of about 1,000 persons aims to address the spiritual, social, and cultural needs of the community.

    Besides a sanctuary on the top floor, it will also include a community center and place for youth activities. In addition to being involved in community/social service and advancing Hinduism, it also aims to promote harmony among diverse communities.

    Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) , applauded efforts of temple trustees and area community for realizing this Hindu temple complex.

    Opening ceremonies include prayashchit, cultural programs, shradh, poojans, yag, homs, nagar & jal yatras, 108 kalash and other poojans, artis, vasses, devta jaagran, praan pratisthapnam, pushpanjali, various prayers and a hawan fire ritual.

    In addition to offering worship services; Shri Ram Mandir also reportedly plans to organize cultural activities, festivals, events, community gatherings, educational projects, services for seniors, social welfare and community service programs, camps and spiritual-philosophical-recreational-cultural activities for youth, classes/seminars/discourses /lectures on Hinduism, and establish library.

    Its Bhoomi Pooja was held on July 21, 2012, although the idea of the temple was initially launched much earlier. Marble and Hindu artifacts have reportedly been imported from India for this temple, which is claimed to be the biggest temple in New Zealand when completed.

    Pravin Kumar, a businessman and community activist, is President of the Trust; Salendra Kumar is the Treasurer; while other trustees include Giyannendra Prasad and Shiu Charan.

    Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.

    Henderson is a major suburb of Auckland, the most populous and largest urban area in New Zealand.

  • Hindu chariot processions planned in 3 Florida cities

    Hindu chariot processions planned in 3 Florida cities

    NEVADA (TIP): Ratha Yatras (Hindu Festival of Chariots) have reportedly been planned in the three cities of Florida (USA).

    Starting with Clearwater Beach on May 10, this annual parade will reportedly be held on the Daytona Beach on May 23 and Jacksonville Beach on August 15. It is like getting a taste of India and Hinduism without leaving Florida.

    According to reports, Clearwater Mayor George N. Cretekos will be attending the Clearwater Beach festival and it will include “Free 5 Course Feast”, kirtan, cultural program and parade.

    Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed applauded efforts of the organizers and Florida community to realize these wonderful festivals, exhibiting the richness of Hinduism.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

    Rath Yatra is said to be the oldest known parade in the world and it is believed that pullers of this Lord Jagannatha’s chariot receive immense spiritual benefit. Popularized outside India by International Society for Krishna Consciousness founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, this annual parade festival has reportedly been held annually in over 50 major cities in USA, Canada, Europe, etc., since 1960s.

    The original Ratha Jatra is held on a grand scale in Puri (Odisha, India), where the presiding deities of Sri Mandira-Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra-with celestial wheel Sudarshana are driven on the chariots to about two miles north Gundicha temple in an elaborate ritual procession, where the huge colorfully decorated chariots are drawn by thousands of devotees. After a stay for seven days, the deities return to their abode in Sri Mandira. A glimpse of Lord Jagannatha on the chariot is considered to be highly auspicious and even a touch of the chariot is believed to yield benefits equivalent to several pious deeds. Many poets have written its glories. This year, it will be held on July 18.

    Rajan Zed points out that ancient Hindu scripture Katha Upanishad talks about the concept of chariot, where soul is the deity, body is the chariot, and intellect the charioteer. Skanda Purana glorifies Rath Jatra’s sanctity.

  • Idaho Governor issues proclamation mentioning Senate’s 1st Hindu invocation

    Idaho Governor issues proclamation mentioning Senate’s 1st Hindu invocation

    Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter has issued a proclamation declaring April one as “Rajan Zed day” after Hindu statesman Zed and mentioning “historical first Hindu invocation in the Idaho State Senate” of March three.

    Three Idaho state senators reportedly refused to attend this Hindu invocation and one of them reportedly stated in a media interview: “Hindu is a false faith with false gods”.
     
    The proclamation, issued in Lenore, Idaho, and carrying the Seal of the State of Idaho and signatures of Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter and Secretary of State Lawrence Denney, says: “…on March 3, 2015 the historical first Hindu invocation in the Idaho State Senate was read by Rajan Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism,…”
     
    It further states: “…Zed’s initiatives to bring various religious communities together throughout the world so that they can live in peace and mutual trust and enrich themselves through dialogue should be honored…”
     
    Proclamation also points out: “…it is important to honor Zed’s leadership role in attempting to help the helpless…”
     
    It adds: “…Zed works tirelessly to uplift about 15 million Roma (Gypsies) people of Europe who live in apartheid conditions by frequently speaking about their maltreatment, issues and concerns; and urging other religious leaders to do the same…”
     
     
     

     

  • Kent: Another hindu temple attack in US – Indians Concerned

    Kent: Another hindu temple attack in US – Indians Concerned

    A Sanatan Dharam temple was vandalised in Washington state with windows broken and the word “Fear” painted on it, less than a fortnight after another temple was attacked.

    Members of the the Sanatan Dharma Temple in Kent, about 30 km from Seattle, who came for worship Friday “were greeted by shards of broken glass after vandals targeted the building,” KING5-TV, a Seattle NBC affiliate, reported. According to the temple web site, “Amalaki Ekadashi” was to be observed Saturday.

     

    Bricks were used to smash every window of the building and parts of the structure were ripped apart, said KOMO-TV, an ABC affiliate in Seattle. “The crime is small-minded with big intentions, shattering calm with hate,” the station’s reporter, John Humbert, said. “Silence isn’t the answer.”

    Universal Society of Hinduism President Rajan Zed, said: “Hindus nationwide are highly concerned” by the second attack on a temple in recent days.

    “It was shocking for the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful US Hindu community numbering about three million, who had made (a) lot of contribution to the nation and society, to receive such signals of hatred and anger.”

    On February 15, the Hindu Temple Cultural Centre in Bothell city, about 35 km from Seattle, found a swastika painted on it and “Get Out” scrawled in large letters with spray paint. In the US, white supremacists have adopted the Nazi swastika as an ideological symbol.

    The two temple attacks came after President Barack Obama’s criticism of India at an inter-religious prayer meeting earlier in February where he said intolerance there “would have shocked Gandhiji”.

    Both temples do not have security cameras “and info on the vandals remains elusive,” KOMO-TV said. The incidents are under police investigation.

    Several attacks on Hindu temples have taken place across the US in the last few months. In August a murti (idol) of Shiva at the Vishwa Bhavan Hindu Mandir in Monroe in the state of Georgia was desecrated with black paint. The local sheriff’s office arrested two people in connection with the attack.

    Between July and October in Loudon county in Virginia, police have documented 17 separate incidents of anti-Hindu vandalism, the Hindu American Foundation said.

    In a twist to the Kent incident, an Islamic organisation tried to deflect attention away from Hinduism, claiming that the attack was directed against Muslims, even though the building had a large sign, “Kent Hindu Temple.”

    According to KOMO-TV, Arsalan Bukahari of the Washington Council on American-Islamic Relations said many of these acts of aggression target smaller religious groups that some bigots think are Muslim.

    Leading US Christian fundamentalists have attacked Hinduism. Pat Robertson, who has called Hinduism “demonic,” criticised the practice of yoga this week.

    While doing yoga, he said on the 700 Club TV programme, “you don’t know what the Hindu says, but actually it’s a prayer to a Hindu deity and so it sounds like gibberish.” Robertson is a pastor who was once a candidate for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination and has a following of millions.

    Another Christian pastor, Franklin Graham, has denounced Hinduism as a “false religion” and said that “none of their 9,000 gods is going to lead me to salvation. We are fooling ourselves”.