RSS opposes caste-based census

24/05/2010 07:31:26 PTI

NAGPUR: RSS on Sunday said nationality should be the basis in the ongoing national census and not caste.

"The RSS is following the principles of late Dalit leader B R Ambedkar. Right from the beginning, RSS is in favour of a casteless society and any attempt to dilute it will hurt the sentiments of people," RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi told reporters here.

RSS has been striving to build a casteless society, he said.

"There is no provision for identifying and separating illegal migrants in the country while preparing the National Population Register (NPR). This will prove to be a threat to the national security and integrity," he said.

According to him, preparation of a multi-utility identity card on the basis of NPR will be incorrect. "Therefore, RSS demands that identity cards be issued only after verification of nationality and the nationality provision should be the basis for NPR," Joshi said.

He said government should fix some criteria for giving reservation to other backward communities (OBCs). "There should not be any hurry and government should initiate a national debate on it. There needs to be a dialogue with various social groups in this regard," he said.

When his attention was drawn towards BJP's demand for inclusion of a provision of OBC category in the national census records to identify OBC population, Joshi evaded a direct reply saying it was for the BJP to decide.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had recently said that the Cabinet will shortly take a decision on whether caste-based census should be undertaken or not.

Karthik
25/05/2010 02:57:30 Kudos to RSS
I fully endorse Sri. Venugopal Ji's sugestions. RSS's stand is cent / cent correct. Vande Matarm

K.Venugopal
24/05/2010 08:04:10

Dissolve caste organisations and form Hindu Front.
The Hindus of various castes who are today benefiting from reservations are living in fool's paradise by imagining that caste census will give them a greater proportion of reservations. Muslims and Christians are also going to enroll themselves under various castes and then they, being more organized than the short-sighted Hindu caste leaders, will corner the major chunk of all reservations. On top of it they will also get special minority rights, which Hindus of no caste are going to get. So it is better for Hindus of all persuasions to reject caste census. Instead they have to be united as Hindus and demand special rights as the majority. What political, economic or social powers have the two largest Hindu castes of Kerala today - the Ezhavas and Nairs? If they unite under the Hindu banner, wouldn't they be running Kerala? Why is it we lack even this minimal common sense?

http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=11153&SKIN=B

Caste in the Census

10/05/2010 11:08:54 Organiser Editorial

The demand for a caste-based census is being strongly advanced by the prominent OBC parties, while it is being opposed by the Home Ministry as fraught with numerous hindrances.

The Parliament was repeatedly thrown to uproarious scenes by the senior leaders demanding an amendment in the format for the questionnaire for census enumeration. Within the ruling UPA , in the Congress Party itself there is no unanimity on the issue with the union cabinet divided down the middle supporting and opposing the caste-based census. Only the Home Ministry, which is overseeing the census work is clear that the demand is dangerous and difficult to accomplish.

The supporters of the caste-based census have their reasons. Their politics in the first place hinges on caste. But they woke up too late. The census exercise for 2011 is well in progress. It is now too late for the enumerators to go back and repeat the process all over again. A caste-based census will help the OBC parties have a better idea of the constituency profile for making their political moves. It will also give them more opportunities to make fresh caste based reservation demands. Afterall caste is a sensitive issue. People kill each other in the name of caste. Even parents resort to honour killings of their children to protect the caste purity. Caste is thicker than blood! Inter-caste marriages are still rare and with every passing day people are getting more and more caste conscious. This often undermines a collective Hindu personality. And the government policies, reservation benefits and economic interests have perpetuated the caste system. There is also political profit in the caste. The Congress Party recently announced its list of office bearers for Bihar prominently announcing the caste tag of each individual. Other parties are not far behind when it comes to finalising the candidates’ list and ministerial berth. The other day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi claimed that the tainted union Communications Minister A Raja cannot be removed because he is a dalit. So even for taking action against corruption one has to consider caste. This is the travesty of our times.

For four decades after independence national leaders taught us to forget caste, religion, language and provincialism to develop a national psyche. India is one. Indians are one. Our only identity is that Indian nationality. But in the last two decades the politicians have revived casteism and now it has become a political agenda. There are many ways of listing the caste. A comprehensive survey by the National Commission of Backward Classes and or the state Commissions of Backward Classes could generate reasonably authentic data on castes. The Anthropological Survey has listed 65,000 castes. The Government of India has officially recognised 6000 castes and sub-castes under the OBC. Unlike the SC-ST category which has a uniform central list of 1885 notified castes, the OBC lists are different for the state and centre.

A note prepared by the Home Ministry listed a number of practical difficulties for the enumerators and also raised certain fundamental objections on the politician’s obsession with caste based census. "Operational difficulties", in carrying out caste-based census would overshadow the basic objective of the census itself, according to the Home Ministry.

The Ministry is right. The last caste-based census was done in 1931 under the British, and the national leaders afterwards opposed a caste census as divisive. There is no doubt the caste-based census could become misleading and can lead to double counting. Further, there is no religious sanction for the Christians and the Muslims to declare their caste though majority of them enjoy the benefits of caste reservation both at the state and central level. The biggest fear, expressed by the Home Ministry is that a caste census could result in "motivated returns through organised and surreptitious means to project higher numbers of a particular caste". If that happens the sanctity of the census will become suspect.

K.Venugopal
11/05/2010 05:52:20 Caste - NIL
Caste, whatever its merit in holding together the Hindu society may have been in the past, has today become a fissiparous tendency against Hindu identity. Strengthening caste would only ensure the invalidation of Hindu identity. At least the BJP should have been against caste census, which would only help to strengthen caste identities. I have personally decided to declare my nationality as Hindu, my religion as Advaita and caste as NIL.

http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=11047&SKIN=B

Non-Muslim women can’t marry Muslims: Alld HC

12/05/2010 14:41:28 PTI - http://www.zeenews.com/news625911.html

Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court has held that a Muslim man's marriage to a woman of another religion shall be considered void and against the tenets of Islam if he fails to get her converted to the religion before wedlock.

In its order, a division bench comprising Justices Vinod Prasad and Rajesh Chandra also ruled that remarriage of a Muslim man shall be held void if he abandons his first wife without divorcing her and fails to treat children born of the marriage in a fair and just manner.

The order was passed yesterday when the bench dismissed a writ petition of one Dilbar Habib Siddiqui, a resident of Allahabad, who had married a Hindu girl named Khushboo on December 29, last year.

Siddiqui had moved the court with the plea to quash the FIR lodged against him by Khushboo's mother Sunita Jaiswal alleging that he had kidnapped her daughter, a minor at that time, and had compelled her to marry him.

Refuting the charges levelled against him in the FIR, Siddiqui produced a copy of Khushboo's high school certificate to prove that she was a major at the time of marriage and her (Khushboo's) representations to higher authorities, upon learning about the FIR, that the marriage was a result of mutual consent.

While holding that having more than one wife is permissible under Islam, the court, however, took strong note of the fact that before tying the knot with Khushboo, Siddiqui had not disclosed to her that he was already married and was the father of three children.

His first wife had appeared before the court during the course of the hearing and alleged that Siddiqui had abandoned her and their three children, compelling them to "live like destitute".

The court noted that Siddiqui "albeit married, had deceived Khushboo Jaiswal, who did not intimate us that she was in the knowledge of the petitioner's first marriage".

"For a valid Muslim marriage, both the spouses have to be Muslim. In the present writ petition, this condition is not satisfied", the court remarked and quoted from a verse in the Holy Quran which says, "Do not marry unbelieving women until they believe... Nor marry your girls to unbelievers until they believe".

Besides, the petitioner's marriage to Khushboo without divorcing his first wife and not dealing with his three children in a fair and just manner was "against the tenets of the Holy Quran" and hence "cannot be legally sanctified", the court said.

The bench quoted the following verse from the holy book while making the above observation - "Marry woman of your choice, two, three or four; But if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one... that would be more suitable to prevent you from doing injustice".

Dismissing the petition, the court directed that investigations in the impugned FIR be conducted expeditiously and authorities of the Nari Niketan, where Khushboo is currently housed, hand her over to her parents.

Vijayalakshmi
13/05/2010 06:16:27 Ban marriage conversions
I endorse the views of Sri venugopal.

K.Venugopal
12/05/2010 23:28:03 Ban marriage conversions.
While we, as Indians, are free to abide by our own social and religious beliefs in matters pertaining to marriage, as codified in the Marriage Acts of different religions, the constitution also validates any marriage under Special Marriage Act. Furthermore, all Indians have the choice to be governed either by their respective religious Marriage Acts or the Special Marriage Act. This being so, the condition that a Hindu girl converts to Islam before being eligible to marry a Muslim would not be binding if the couple decides to marry under the Special Marriage Act. Therefore, since Islam does not permit inter-religious marriages, there should be a law prohibiting a Muslim man from marrying a Hindu girl except under the Special Marriage Act so that the Hindu girl does not have to convert. We should start a campaign for the passing of such a law.

http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=11063&SKIN=B

New British PM David Cameron, Extols 'Hindu way of life'

11/05/2010 12:51:30

David Cameron, leader of Conservative party has been elected as the new Prime Minister of United Kingdom today. Following PTI report highlights his views about India and Hinduism. For the whole world Indian way of life is ‘Hindu way of life’ .

Britain's PM-to-be wants special ties with India
PTI

David Cameron, the man most likely to take over as the next Prime Minister of Britain, has promised to forge a "new special relationship" with India and support India's bid for a seat in the UN Security council.

Cameron, who made his first overseas visit as leader of the Conservative party to India in 2006, has been in close touch with the Indian community, extolling the 'Hindu way of life'.

He has often addressed large gatherings of Indian spiritual leader Morari Bapu in Britain.

At 43, he will join the ranks of Tony Blair who was also 43 when he became the Prime Minister in 1997. Blair was the youngest person to hold the apex office since Lord Liverpool in 1812, at the age of 42.

His party's manifesto says that the party will "work to establish a new special relationship with India, the world's largest democracy".

It also commits the party to "work towards greater stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan" and support India's bid for a seat in the UN Security Council.

Speaking at a recent 'Ram Katha' event addressed by Morari Bapu in Wembley, Cameron said the Hindus' commitment to hard work, family values and patriotism found resonance in the "British way of life".

He addressed a similar Morari Bapu event in Leicester some time ago.

Wembley has a large Hindu population, and in 2008 Britain's state-funded Hindu school was established in the London borough.

Britain's Hindus constitute the third largest religious group after Christianity and Islam.

Heaping praise on British Hindus, he said members of the community, "don't just contribute to our society. You shine a light on how we must live".

Cameron said: "Hindus are the most family-orientated community in Britain. You are more likely to stay married, keep your families together and especially look after your elderly".

"While maintaining their religious and cultural traditions, British Hindus have consistently shown, through their service, their patriotism, their contribution to our society, that they are truly British too".

Picking on research conducted by the respected Runnymede Trust titled "Connecting British Hindus", Cameron supported the growing demand that Hindus in Britain should be called "British Hindus" or "British Indians" and not "British Asians".

The Tory leader also stressed the importance of role models within the community.

Although there have been moves to remove barriers of race and ethnicity, more needed to be done to encourage minorities to take up careers in politics, law and the armed forces, Cameron said.

"I want to see more people from your and other minority communities playing their rightful role in helping to run our country to make it a better place for us all to live in.

"The Hindu community is a shining example of the can-do, will-do attitude we need in our country," he said.

K.Venugopal
11/05/2010 13:10:48 Politicians know the art of appeasing.
Being a politician in the hunt for votes, he would have equally extolled the 'Islamic way of life'.

Karthik
12/05/2010 20:58:59 Jeswins
India itself is a meaningless name and thus anyone wants to be proud by calling himself Indian First is suiciding himself. Hindustan is our identity. It is a country of those who are Hindus and those who were Hindus. With the issue over EVMs burning hot as a debate, anyone who comments on BJPs failure is premature. It is upto X ians whether to praise Mohanlal for wearing a cross or giving a virgin birth. Christian names and symbols are as alien to Bharat/Hindustan as the British PM is. But one should congratulate the British PM for atleast acknowledging Hindu (Bharathiya) way of life which Mother Teresa failed to do during her entire life.

jeswin
12/05/2010 23:17:48 No right to critisize Mother Theresa
How can you criticize Mother Theresa?
Did you know the good work she had done India?Even thousands of 'Matha Amithanandamayis' lives in India,Mother Theresa's name will stand seperate.All the blessings that India enjoying nowadays ,main part is because of her prayer for India.

K.Venugopal
13/05/2010 05:08:36 Poothana Theresa
It is tragic when people suffer due to poverty and the best of people have always come forward to contribute their mite towards poverty alleviation. Many have of course exploited the poor. Among the most "successful" exploiters of the poor has been Mother Theresa. It is well documented that all the poor people whom Mother Theresa saved from the streets were housed and provided with bare necessities while she built a financial empire out of their poverty. And she used that fund for her "harvesting of souls" activities. Her successor was not someone from the street but a person from a rich and elite family. You can't compare her with Mata Amritanandamayi, who has not exploited the poor but liberated many from poverty to the higher art of living. Mother Theresa is no mother. She is the modern avtar of Poothana who tried to poison Krishna. In Greek mythology there is a witch called Circe, who transformed her enemies into animals. This is what the so-called Mother Theresa did - transforming her enemy Hindus into Christians.

http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=11053&SKIN=W

Salman Rushdie Not Competent to Judge Hinduism

19/03/2010 20:48:09 Dr Vijaya Rajiva

Salman Rushdie, the novelist, is now Distinguished Writer in Residence at an American university, Emory University.

After a long stint at writing and the publicity that went with the fatwa on his head after writing Satanic Verses, Rushdie has shown both that he is a skilful writer and a determined outlaster
of fatwas. One should admire him for both and wish him all success in his present avatar .

But is he competent to be an authoritative judge on Hinduism?

Clearly not. He knows next to nothing on the subject, not only because he is not well informed, but also as a Muslim growing up in India, he did not absorb anything of the religion, even by osmosis, as even a non practicing Hindu would. He simply does not know the tradition or its scripture and philosophy or its practice. Yes, he learnt a lot from Wendy Doniger’s book The Hindus: An Alternative History.

What other source did he have ?

Therefore, his pronouncement on Doniger’s book is embarassing to say the least. His further admission that he found her writing an invaluable resource, is a naïve expression of his own ignorance of Hinduism. This is what he had to say in India Today (March 14, 2010):


“ She is the most eminent scholar in the field. She is not a fly-by-night operator. I have read her and found her writing an invaluable resource,” said Rushdie, adding , “Ninety- nine point nine per cent of those who call themselves Hindus would learn and value her colossal work.”

He, Salman Rushdie, is overawed by the quantitative length of the book (as Ms. Doniger merrily and scurrilously goes along!) and is truly overwhelmed by his own ignorance of the subject . Is it any surprise that he has been taken for a ride ?

Doniger’s translations from Sanskrit have been critiqued by many scholars (both Hindu and non Hindu, Indian and Western). There are gross factual errors in the book. Does
Rushdie think he can identify them or that he is a Sankritist who can testify to the authenticity of her translations from the Sanskrit ? Does he know the Hindu tradition at all ?And although he grew up in India does he have any knowledge of Hinduism’s daily practices ?

Rushdie, buoyed by his new found successes has rushed in (no pun intended!) to evaluate an ancient civilisational religion of which he knows next to nothing. In Satanic verses, he can claim
some knowledge and understanding since it is his own faith. He is writing as an insider, so to speak. But with Hinduism, his endorsement of a fraudulent (in many people’s opinion) author’s views leaves one wondering what his motives are.


More importantly, the ninety nine point nine per cent of Hindus that Rushdie is referring to are the majority of practicing everyday Hindus who do not need his misplaced advice on what Hinduism is, thank you.

This pronouncement of Rushdie’s is an indication of the arrogance/stupidity of literary

artists who assume that success in their chosen field, automatically guarantees that they are experts and gurus in other fields.

Having read the book and reviewed the comments and criticism of Doniger’s scholarship by qualified experts, the present writer is of the opinion that Doniger’s claim to fame and name as an expert on Hinduism, is fraudulent. The NBCC (National Book Critics Circle) in
the U.S., it is believed , withdrew her name from a potential book award, after receiving criticisms and complaints about the poor quality of her scholarship.

She claims to “love Hindus” but contradicts this by writing a lengthy book that trashes everything the everyday Hindu believes in and holds sacred. This may appeal to Mr.Rushdie since he is not a Hindu. The millions of every day Hindus have not heard of this woman, but surely would be shocked and scandalized by her outpourings on a tradition that she is not familiar with and at best, has only a distorted knowledge of.

Rushdie, in supporting her alleged scholarship and touting her book as an invaluable source, is not only revealing his own ignorance of Hinduism, but is also spitting on the everyday Hindu.

(Dr.Rajiva taught Political Philosophy at a Canadian university).



K.Venugopal
22/03/2010 09:26:35 Rushdie's favourable opinion would not transform fallacies into facts
In all discussions about anyone's viewpoint, whether supportive or condemnatory, the motive of the person holding a particular viewpoint is often a point of consideration. Unfortunately, we also often read motives into a person's viewpoint that may not have existed in the person's intention. I think it is somewhat perilous to read motives into any person's viewpoint. Therefore a viewpoint, methinks, would be best considered if it is considered on the face value of its expression. However, the question of going beyond motives in viewpoints is applicable only in works of art or opinion. Works claiming to be non-fiction should go solely on facts. While an expression of opinion may elicit contrary and contrarian opinions, a work claimed to be non-fiction should not elicit contrary opinions. Either the fact is right or wrong. And the onus of proving it right lies squarely on the author of the work. If Ms. Doniger's work falls short in proving the facts stated therein, that parts which fail to do so would be nothing less than trash. While no one is perfect and a margin of error in any claimed piece of non-fiction can be allowed for, an unproportional amount of error would qualify the whole work as trash. Since I have not read her book in question and may not be qualified to judge where she might have been liberal with truth, some of the errors pointed out by critiques seem to me to justify the questioning of her scholarship. Rushdie may have been impressed by her scholarship because he might not be otherwise knowledgeable of the subject and may not have subjected himself to reading her critiques. Rushdie is not known to be a Hinduism expert. Therefore his opinion of Ms. Doniger's book does not amount to much.

http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HkPage.aspx?PAGEID=10663&SKIN=W

Husain - A muslim ! So What?

15/04/2010 10:29:25

PRESS NOTE OF SANSKAR BHARATI ON CONTROVERSIAL PAINTINGS OF M.F. HUSAIN

Freedom of Expression:

Sanskar Bharati believes in the freedom of expression for creative persons and is determined to uphold the same at any cost. At the same time artists should be responsible of their social responsibilities. While availing of the freedom of creativity, it becomes their duty to ensure that they do not hurt the feelings of any section of society. In the recent controversy on the paintings of Hindu Goddesses like 'Durga', 'Sarasvati' and 'Sita' by Maqbool Fida Husain, Sanskar Bharati recognizes an artist's right to creative freedom but condemns the misuse of that freedom by him to hurt the religious feelings of a very large section of our society.


Hindu Gods/Goddesses by Husain.

Durga:

Husain has violated all norms of decency and artistic finesse while painting Goddess Durga. She is in fact not shown astride, but in sexual union with a tiger. In many paintings, Husain has taken up the theme of sex between animals and women. He has done paintings on sex between a horse and a woman, and a bull and a woman. But he has done the most abominable act by extending this series to portraying Goddess Durga.

Rescuing Sita:

Never in the history of Indian art, Goddess Sita or Hanuman have been depicted in stark nakedness. Sita was never rescued by Hanuman. Here Husain not only violates the principles of traditional iconography, but invents a new theme to denigrate Sita, the Goddess worshipped by millions of Hindus all over the world. Hanuman's tail as a phallic symbol crosses all limits of decency, which have been used in his Durga painting also.


Vishnu:

Lord Vishnu is mostly painted with four hands holding 'Shankh', 'Padma', 'Gada' and 'Chakra'. But hands of Vishnu that hold these attributes have been amputated in Husain's portrayal. His legs have also been cut off. Maimed, mutilated and exhausted Vishnu reclines on his spouse Lakshmi and 'Vahan - Garuda'. Should cutting of hands and legs of Vishnu be regarded as creative freedom or deliberate affront to Hindu sensibility?


Sarasvati:

Sarasvati is regarded as Goddess of Knowledge, art and wisdom by all Hindus. They worship her as the one 'wrapped in white & pure garment' (Ya Shubhra Vastravruta). Showing this 'Goddess in white', as nude not only violates the iconographic tradition of thousands of years, but also outrages the Hindu psyche and sensibility.


Lakshmi:

Lakshmi is also stark naked, perched on the head of Lord Ganesh, a posture highlighting unmasked sexuality.


Hanuman - V

The tilte of the painting is Hanuman - V. It is done in water colour on paper. It shows a three faced Hanuman, and a nude couple (male & female). The identity of the woman is not in doubt. The erect genital of Hanuman is bent in the direction of the female. The obscenity is too obvious. Would it not injure the feelings of Hindus?


Hanuman - 13

It is one of the most obnoxious paintings. In sheer obscenity, it surpasses Husain's all other works. It shows stark naked Sita with not a thread on her body, sitting on the thigh of an equally naked Ravana, while a naked Hanuman is attacking the latter.


George Washington and Arjun on the Chariot:

Lord Krishna driving the chariot of Arjun in the Mahabharata is a theme depicted in all genre of visual arts, that adorn the walls of most Hindu homes. But Lord Krishna stands replaced in Husain's painting called 'George Washington and Arjun on the Chariot'. Why has Husain done so? In his eyes, Lord Krishna is no God and stands denigrated and reduced to the level of a mere human being - George Washington. Or, this painting is meant as a flattery to American sentiments, identifying him with an Indian God? Either way, it would amuse no Hindu.


Non-Hindu Subjects by Husain


Fatima - Prophet Mohammed's Daughter:

Husain's Fatima is the embodiment of serenity and grace. Clothed properly with a book in her hand, she is swathed in blue light. Why did Husain not take the same artistic liberty with Fatima's painting which he has taken in drawing the images of Sita, Lakshmi, Durga and Sarasvati? Is it because of the fear of Fatwas of Muslim clergy? Has he not misused the tolerance and catholicity of Hindus, and pushed them to retaliate?


Portraits of Husain's Daughter and Mother:

Husain has painted his daughter and mother with all their clothes on and covered from head to toe, as should normally be done. He has not disrobed them as he had done with the paintings/sketches of Hindu Goddesses - Durga, Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Sita. Why has he not availed artistic licence in painting his mother and daughter?


Mother Teresa:

Husain's 'Mother Teresa' is an outstanding piece of art. It brings out the compassion of Mother Teresa in relief, without unduly insulting her persona, as he had done with Hindu Goddesses.


The Dove of Peace:

Muslims believe that the number 786 symbolise's Allah's Grace. Husain paints the number along with a dove, symbolically making a statement that Allah grants peace, a very noble and commendable emotion. One wishes that Husain had painted the Gods and Goddesses of Hindu religion with the same emotion.


Deliberate and Maleovalent Act


Why Husain has painted Durga, Sita, Sarasvati, Lakshmi etc. in nude while he paints his step-mother 'Shirin', Prophet Mohammed's daughter 'Fatima', and his own daughter covered with garments all over? What artistic and aesthetic value has Husain acheived by disrobing Hindu Goddesses? Can an artistic assertion of freedom be partisan and effected by religious affiliations?

He has painted a panel depicting Einstein, Gandhi, Mao Tse Tung and Hitler, in which only Hitler is naked. It seems that Husain paints only those characters nude, against whom he feels hatred and repugnance. Does this explain his painting Hindu Goddesses in the nude and obscene?

Has it something to do with his being an admirer of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the separatist Muslim communalist who Partitioned India and created Pakistan? It is not surprising that Husain's biographer, Dhyaneshwar Nadkarni observed that - - - " three paintings, 'Muharram', 'Maulvi' and 'Duldul Horse' indicate the profound religious grooming that has been part of Husain since his youth. He has inculcated his religious streak both as an individual and as an artist".


Khajuraho and Konark Sculptures:

This is true that sculptures at Konark and Khajuraho are erotica, depicting the man-woman relationship in generic terms. These sculptures nowhere represent a God or Goddess generally or specifically. But Maqbool Fida Husain has made specific Goddesses as the subject of his obscene paintings.


Husain - A muslim ! So What?


The fact that Husain is a Muslim is irrelevant. Had the artist been a Hindu, he too would have been similarly condemned for hurting the feelings of a section of the society. Art does not discriminate between man and man on the basis of one's religion.


Nudity and Nakedness:


Nudity and nakedness have a very thin dividing line. It is the same fine line that distinguishes an erotic piece of art from the obscene. Violating this dividing line, Husain has hurt the feelings of millions of people by his naked and obscene depictions.


Call for Peaceful Satyagraha:


Husain has deliberately and intentionally hurt the religious sensibilities of millions of people by his naked and obscene depiction of their Goddesses. He is guilty of creating a wedge and disharmony between Hindus and Muslims. He has not only hurt Hindus, but also Muslims who are working for communal harmony. He deserves to be condemned in the strongestterms.

Sanskar Bharati does not approve acts of vandalism committed by some misguided people recently to protest against Husain's controversial works. Instead, it calls people to registar thier protets through peaceful means.

They should persuade people to socially ostracise him, boycott his painting exhibitions, not to purchase or hang his works and picket peacefully and offer Satyagraha to get all his paintings removed from the offices and galleries where they are on display. People should not take the law into their hands. Let the law take its own course.

D.P. Sinha, I.A.S. (retd) for, Sanskar Bharati

Anil Balakrishnan
15/04/2010 22:55:26 Hussain
Dear Venugopalji,

Husain is worse than a Bastard - He should paint the nude picture of Mohammed having sex with his seven year old wife
KSV SUBRAMANIAN
15/04/2010 22:47:46 Freedom of expression to insult hindus ?
This is the selective freedom of expression. Why the same kind of freedom of expression is not extended to other religions ? Surely they, the cowards, are afraid of the consequences. Why don't those who support Hussain allow themselves and their family members to be painted the way he has painted our Gods and Goddesses?
K.Venugopal
15/04/2010 11:38:12 Please permit me my freedom of expression.
Reading this article, I request the liberty of those monitoring this forum to permit my freedom of expression. Assuming that I have been granted that freedom, I wish to express my feelings by calling M.F.Hussain a bastard.


http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HkPage.aspx?PAGEID=10850&SKIN=B

Are there such leaders still?

13/03/2010 12:31:04 R. Sajan

Dear HK readers,

Below is a true experience by an HK reader. Its an example to all how to serve our nation selflessly without any publicity....'Simple living and high thinking'.

HK
---------------------------------------------------------------------

I happened to meet Kummanam Rajasekharan last week. It was only our second meeting. On both occasions, we discussed Sabarimala matters; and he did not share my views on most things. But he suddenly asked me whether I would like to visit Thiruvannamalai with him. I agreed because he was after all, MD of a big newspaper, among other things; and it would be a posh trip. An AC car would be certain, security assistants would look after all movements.

The next day, I was shocked to find him and his companion CG Rajagopal, the Media Head of the VHP inviting me to join them in the Second Class compartment of a night train. Morning found us getting fresh in the Retiring Room of Erode Station, not even single room Hotel accommodation. In to Jolarpettai Passenger to Samalpatti, and two hours of ordinary bus from there to Thiruvannanmalai; Rajagopal helping both of us older men with our bags!

Lunch at the Aum Amma Ashram, of plain rice and a vegetable curry; but cooked and served benevolently by the Amma’s only Attendant and Manager, Swami Samahithananda, with us seated on the floor. Amma’s rare Darshan, though it was not a Darshan Day, and Kummanam arranges a simple garland and fruits beautifully on a steel plate, to offer it very reverently and gracefully to the Amma. Amma blesses us and we leave for the Town, me looking forward to a Hotel room with TV and amenities, preferably AC.

My friends take me instead to the District Kaaryaalay of the RSS. Smart RSS boys solicitously welcome us. The VIP Room is forced on me by Kummanam who sleeps on the floor without a bed along with the others in the Hall. The VIP Room has a cot, no bed! But I fall into sound sleep immediately.

Early morning and we go around the Town, to the Arunachala temple, Ramana Ashram etc. No AC Car to travel. There are three TVS 50s. Kamaraj, the District Karyavah, rides one with CG Rajagopal on the pillion; Sewa Pramukh for two States, Padmakumar carries Kummanam; and Pavendran carries me because I want to move slower. Midday meal at Ramanasram’s free food offer. Back to Kaaryaalay for a nap and into a Bus to Salem; and Second class again on a Train to Ernakulam. Kummanam carefully wakes me up at 3. 30 AM to get down at Aluva.

I have journey-ed with many VIPs and journalists, minor and big time. But this was an eye-opener adventure for me. What did I get out of the trip other than the spiritual glow? I usually take an Auto or Taxi to my house at Desam; or ask someone to bring the car. This time however, I wait at the Bus Stand till 5.30 for the Bus. At home, the wife rushes to make tea for me. I tell her to go back to sleep; tea can wait for the usual morning hour.

Prasad
14/03/2010 06:55:41 Pranamams Mahathma
My humble pranamams to this most noble leader. Kummanam ji, it is great leaders like you that Karyakarthas are able to carry on the great burdens without complaint. Your life is a lesson of true Hindu lifestyle. I wish sure all those higher up in the BJP will read this and start measuring up themselves upto the likes of Sri Kummanam.
K.Venugopal
14/03/2010 04:58:47 He takes everything in his stride.
In the late 80s I worked in Janmabhoomi for a brief period, staying in the Sangha karyalayam in the next compound. Rajatten of course was the editor at that time and was also staying in the karyalayam. On most days Rajatten would be in the office till 11 pm or even later and I would be with him, not because I also had work but because it was such a joy being in his company and I wished to accompany him back to the karyalayam. We would return to the karyalayam and our dinner would be waiting for us, with everyone else having gone to bed, including the cook. So it was self-service. However, there were many nights when there would be only little food left because there might have been unexpected guests at the karyalay. On days such as these, Rajatten would insist on me getting the bigger share and be satisfied with less. But on certain nights, when karyakarthas may have unexpectedly gone elsewhere, there would be ample food left and both of us would have hearty meals. He would say, we have the finish the whole thing. And he would repeat his favourite bhojan mantra - Ullappam Onam illathappam karkidakam! Did it ever cross his mind to complain when he had to starve? Never. He is a person who is able to take everything in his stride. No wonder swayamsevaks love him.
Krishnaraj
13/03/2010 23:15:01 True SwayamSevak
No wonder, he is a true SwayamSevak.
manoj nair
13/03/2010 22:14:27 simple living
dear all, Kummanam's life is an example for all. His way of living is much much simple than what stated hear. You can see him many times he is taking dinner at "Tattu Kada" alone. Due to non availability of transportation, he used to walk kilometers. there are many examples. we can write a big book about his life. His life is completely dedicated for the Hindu society.
shiv
13/03/2010 22:18:13 Leaders need to use the opportunity
This is a good article. Rajsekharan and Rajagopal have access to Amma and its manager.

Did they use the opportunity to tell Amma or amma's manager that Amma's TV is misused by commie management/infiltrators and they are carrying -ve propaganda against Hindus and Hindu culture..
pradeep
13/03/2010 22:06:27 We need more Kummanam
we need hundreds of Kummanam in kerala. i pray god for his long life to serve the hindu society in kerala
T.K. Manu
13/03/2010 22:00:32 Its really surprised!!!
Hi... I am really surprised to read this information. I saw Kummanam few occassions in TV only and the whole Keralites knows him since long time specially after Nilakkal movement. Being a state leader and the spokeperson of Kerala Hindus, I never thought his way living is like this. Because in our experience a small Panchayat member of also travelling in a/c car with 2-3 assistance.... thanks Mr. sajan and HK for sharing this great information....
uma
13/03/2010 15:11:30 yes this is their life
Yes.Kummanam is an example of the numerous dedicated hindus who are too simple and their motto is not their comfort,but comfort of all hindus .High in their posts,in the hindu social ladder,these men serve us with such dedication without paying any attention to their age or ailments.
I happened to know few of them.Padmanabha swamy of Chalakudy seems to me one of the same.His house is oppen for any one coming .You will certainly get a good simple meal with love and attendance.A place to rest and
freshen up and there you see the simplicity of a great man dedicated to hindu wellbeing. There are many many others.Most of the them endure such hardships with such motivation that aa a common person we start feeling so low in front of them.My little association I had with these people had been an eye opener for me

Swami Nithyananda redeems himself.

13/03/2010 09:53:49 K.Venugopal

If the first video of Swami Nithyananda purportedly having sex was shocking, the second video now showing on the net is even more shocking - I think it is a masterly evidence, released by the Swamiji himself, of his claim that the first video was morphed. This is exactly what the second video proves. There is no sex at all here. Massaging yes, but no sex. And massaging only of Swamiji’s face, shoulders, back and chest. The only question now is whether the Swamiji should have allowed a woman to even touch him, that too in his bedroom. This apart, the woman doing the massaging came through as a trained, disciplined and efficient professional nurse. Maybe she is a disciple - but then she could well have been a sister or mother or daughter, certainly not a sexual paramour.

Who released the second video? Certainly not the folks who released the first video. Why would anyone who wanted the Swamiji’s name tarnished release a video which does not incriminate the Swamiji in any way? Therefore it is obvious that it was released under the instructions of the Swamiji himself. This also reveals that Swamiji had a CCTV installed in his bedroom as a security measure and it was from these genuine tapes that the scoundrel of a driver got professionals to morph and "expose" the Swamiji. Now I understand why the Swamiji is silent about sex in the video - he feels it is absolutely below his dignity to talk about surreptitious sex. With the release of the second tape, he has let all critiques and the public in general do the talking to clear his name.

Now what is left is for the Swamiji is to bring hefty criminal charges against all those who sought to vilify him. He owes it to the Hindu society - for the real purpose of the vilifiers was to vilify Hinduism itself.

Jayaraj
16/03/2010 23:09:09 hi
The points of view of mr. vijaya must be his personal and not HK's. Its not out of question if some one belives that HK medium is used to protect a now notorious individual.
Murali S Thampan
16/03/2010 22:59:32 Opinion
Dear Dr. Vijaya Rajiva,

What is required is a cerebral analysis and not deluded theories. No body is interested in the issue of landed property of Sri. Nityananda. It seems you are trying to push him upon Hindus which majority will resist, howsoever strong the argumens appears to be . As for Sri.Nityanda is concrened-A conman is conman.

Thank you all for reading and airing their views.

Regards,

Murali
Raj Puducode
16/03/2010 21:56:20 Islamic Godmen
LUCKNOW: Heightened superstition coupled with blind faith in self-proclaimed godmen saw a middle-aged housewife being held hostage for three days, pinned to a charpoi, gagged and her throat and wrists slit, before she was stubbed with lit candles and beaten with a stick, simultaneously. The victim, somehow managed to escape on the pretext of going to the bathroom.
Writhing in pain, the victim approached the Lucknow police on Tuesday seeking action against the godmen and his associates who recommended treatment to get rid of evil spirits.

Talking to TOI, the victim identified herself as Nisaa Bano, widow of late Qurban Ali of Akbar Nagar under Mahanagar police station circle. “I was not keeping well since my husband’s death and regular visits to the local doctor were also not yielding results when a distant relative of my sister-in-law Ferozan asked us to meet a Maulvi duo Mubeen and Anees from Mehmoodabad in Sitapur. The two were supposedly learned people and vested with powers to help people rid of evil spirits,” said Nisaa Bano.

Moaning in pain every time she moved her head or hands which led to the pulling of the skin around the slit injuries on her neck and wrists, Nisaa said she met the duo at Ferozan’s house in Laxmanpuri of Lucknow on March 10 last. The moment they arrived on the scene, they announced that they could feel the presence of an evil spirit somewhere near them and eventually pointed out towards Nisaa, saying: “They are in you”. This was enough to impress Nisaa and convince her that the duo could help her out of her ailments.

Shortly thereafter, the treatment started on the first floor room of the house where the Maulvis asked her to lie on a charpoi with her eyes closed. “Moments later when I opened my eyes, I found myself pinned to the charpoi with my limbs tightly tied to it. Every time I cried for help, the duo would try to silence her saying that it was not Nisaa but the evil spirit in her that was trying to mislead everyone.
Hary Nambiar
16/03/2010 10:07:46 Receipie has changed and the pudding is not delicious any more
This pudding is now badly fermented. The odor it emanates is very unpleasant. Instead of serving it to the guests it must now be flushed into the sewage. We don’t deserve this lack of courtesy. I hope the publishers understand.
Dr Vijaya Rajiva
16/03/2010 02:25:05 To Dr.Murali Thampan

You continue to fail to understand the relevant point. It does not matter how many people say he is guilty, these are accusations. In a democratic society a person is innocent until proven guilty.

He is being judged by the media without any proof and you seem to be repeating this.

Mr. Venugopal has cited a second video.Let us wait and see that.
The Swami has also given interviews to Times Now (Arnaub Goswami).

Rajiv Malhotra has done 2 interviews with him. Mr. Malhotra is a highly respected intellectual and founder Chair of Infinity Foundation, at Princeton University.Here is a link to the first interview on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgiFa5uOt7k

Rather than rush to judgment it is better to stand back and see what the situation is.
All the facts have not come in yet.There are other accusations against the Swami such as that the land has been acquired illegally. He replies to that in the interview.

It is very important that in these times, when the liberal media and other outside forces are trying to corner Hindus and Hinduism, that we keep a cool head and examine each situation carefully.


K.Venugopal
15/03/2010 13:55:58 Congratulations every one.
I am proud of all the comments that have appeared here so far. I think Mr. Kanchan Gupta - Daily Pioneer has hit the nail on the head in his article “Don’t block the ‘Internet Hindus’” quoted elsewhere in HK. I would have been spending sleepless nights wondering the fate of the Swami but all the comments I have read so far gives me much peace of mind. Hindus are robust. They are no longer going to take anything lying down. And Hindus no longer have any fear - they are willing to call a spade a spade (a bloody spade, in Osho's language, if I may say so!). I am glad HK has come to be a forum being used by a growing number of Hindus to have their say. Hindus cannot be straitjacketed and Hinduism does not believe in it. Congratulations every one. With the Swamiji or without him, we are going to ensure Hindu victory.
Murali S Thampan
15/03/2010 11:36:57 Hinduism and Sri. Nityananda
Some of my views here are to provide clarifications to Dr. Vijaya Rajiva and Mr. Nambyar.

1. The points raised by me cannot be "issues" but associated matters that is being discussed due to the haste in which an author and a group of people trying to protect an adharma and by taht process putting him on the tops of Hindusim. The question could be-where discussed. Many of our friends do discuss some of the contents of this site and the comments are an offshoot of that. Many things are being apprciated and when a fallacy is noticed, I would like to call it sas fallacy and not fantasy. Vast majority of the Hindu community will not tolerate any attempt to push Sri. Nityananda on this great religion.

2. Comparison is natural when some people tries to create confusion by equating accusations against a fake sanyasi as if they are against hindusim. Here is when the writer /commentator has offended or attempting to offend hindusim.

3. Where is the question of charges? It is a private matter of a man and a woman. That should end up there. As a Hindu I am not subscring to certain views that he is being castigated. He is destined to suffer now as he acted as if he was/is one of the wholesale dealer of a great religion or some of its tenats.

4.Due process of law is applicable if he has committed a crime?. I do not think Sri. Nityananda has done any crime under Indian laws. With the latest judgement of Delhi High Court, Sri.Nityananda has not committed any crime and consensual sex is perfectly fine under law, as long as that doesn't fall under "immoral acts" under Indian Penal Code.

5. People are free to conceive views. But allmost all whom I have interacted on this subject were sure that this man has caused certain nuisense to the society.

6. Swimming against current is perfectly legal. Hindus, naturally, will resist any attempt to malign their culture by such unholy men.
That is what we are seeing from many comments on this article.


Rajiva
15/03/2010 05:47:51 To Dr.Murali Thampan

It seems to me that you are bringing in too many issues which are not connected with Swami Nityananda.

First, you unneccessarily muddy the waters by talking about the HK website.That is not the issue. We are discussing the Swami's guilt or innocence.

2. Secondly, you are muddying the waters again by bringing in comparisons with the great saints of Hinduism. The issue is: the innocence or guilt of the Swami. In any democratic system, a person is deemed innocent until proven guilty.

3. So far, there have only been accusations, no charges. Anyone can make accusations. Charges are different, they are court based.

And those due processes should be allowed to take place.


Hary Nambiar
15/03/2010 04:47:20 Criticism is out of place. Publisher is free under the freedom of the press
It does not appear to me that the individual in this context needs amateur counseling. Except for several “ifs, buts, perhaps and probably” I don’t see much validity in Venugopal’s write up. However, he serves one important purpose, which is to highlight that what has been claimed originally had not taken place. If the original tape was lengthier than the one flashed by the TV station, there has been some mischievous editing by the vested interests, to say the least. If the original video was shown in the first place, arguments of any irregular act on his part could not have arisen and the vandalism could have been avoided. However, I see validity in the point of view that such an incident should have been avoided.

As I have repeatedly said, it is nobody’s business. The man has not done anything anywhere close what leaders of other religious groups, politicians and so called concerned citizens have done. Did he break laws? It is for the Court to determine. Did he break some hearts? It is not for me to make that judgment. Those who adore him and those who financially sponsor him would make appropriate judgment. Consider this against the news about the suppression of evidence and obstruction of justice so blatantly done by the community big wheels, the Kerala Police and some officers of the Indian judicial system in respect of the murder of Sister Abhaya. Besides, in some other religious context, sex by religious leaders is considered a boom for the young ladies. Dr. Thampan’s repeated insistence sounds like a mediocre record being repeatedly played just because the “disc jockey” likes it. I don’t believe that the publishers of the web site deserve all that criticism that he is throwing at them. The fact that the name of the author is indicated clearly provides a disclaimer. It is naïve to suggest that the publishers should routinely publish the address and other details of the author because it is against freedom of the press.

Nishant
15/03/2010 01:06:31 Sleeping Gaint which never wakes up!
The crux of the story is to erase hinduism.
SEX has no role to play.

The larger picture is clear, we all get get carried away by these sort of reality or fiction.

The truth is we Hindus been outplayed intellectually, economically, politically in every aspect.

All we can do is fight amoung ourselves, we don't have the courage to stand up and put the ball in their court.

Come on guys..this is ours lets give atleast one drop of blood to fight this evil.


Rajesh
15/03/2010 00:01:56 Jose, Christ Cannot Be Guru
Dear Jose,

Please note that when Shiva had Ganga on his head, it was not unknown to Parvati, and no one claimed Ganga was Shiva's wife! He merely held Ganga on his head when she threatened to destroy the earth with the force with which she was falling to earth. So understand the inner meaning.

BTW, how do you expect one 'born of a virgin' to be a true Guru? And how does one who can only 'save' others by dying himself? Why could he not save himself first, instead of claiming to save others? And finally, Christ was chosen as god by 'vote'. Character of Christ is too humourous for even a light hearted consideration as God!

Rajesh




Anil
14/03/2010 22:17:02 Swami
The best defense for Swami(A) is:

1. Publish news and views that attack on him is attack on Hindusim.

2. Castigate other religions and media for the current problem that he face.

3. Be communal and more communal in the coming days.

4. Challenge the courts also.

He is doing the first two now and we can expect the rest in due course.
Dr. Murali S Thampan
14/03/2010 21:19:46 Haindava Keralam Website
The purpose of my comments is to see that HK carries "weight" in its articles. Let me explain:

1.If the concerned article of Mr. Venugopal is not the views of HK, that shall be mentioned in a prominent place. You will see the "discliamer" in all articles, especially when such articles are from an independent source. It is high time that HK to introduce the "legal discliamer" clause in each of the individual articles.

2. Today HK is viewed by many people, I would say thousands across the globe. It is important that HK to come out with a proper editorial board to review and scrutinise the articles appearing in its site.

3. A major point I have is that HK should publish its full address and contact details. Why are we afraid of providing details in the website itself. If HK is 100% sure of its legal standing in the land, it should do that. There are many in this country and abroad who are willing to support the HK financially if it wants or desires to make this site more authentic and informative. In either case, proper publisher details is a must.

4. The discussion on this article is defintely helpful to understand the psyche of hindus. As some one in the discussion pointed out Hindus will not tolerate "adharma". If it is from one of its members, it will defintely oppose such adharma. The young men and women of this great culture are looking at Swami Vevekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahamsar and the likes as their ikons and not the one of Nityananda. Incase any one trying to protect Nityananda and his cult, that tantamount to doing grave injustice to Hindu dharma.


Hary Nambiar
14/03/2010 15:15:20 I appreciate the publisers of this web site.
I agree with Dr Thampan on more than a couple of issues. I agree with Mr. Pillai partly. If the individual under discussion is an avowed “brahmachari” he should not have contact with a female. He has the right to fulfill his unmet needs, but he should follow the proper procedure. If the man gives an impression of being a “brahmachari” he should refrain having contact with females. Did he take that vow? People have no right to assume things and condemn the man. I agree with Mr Ram that the subsequent tape only introduces more conflicts for the individual. Venugopal, no reader in this site has condemned the man. It is very important to note the views of Dr Thampan, Mr. Ram etc that Hinduism would survive without this individual or others. I have only respect for the publishers of this web site that they have highlighted the issue. They publish issues affecting our philosophy and our way of life which are brought to their notice. They also publish views in support and against those issues regardless of who submits them. If they maintain their current policies and standard, the readership of this site would only increase. I would say “Thank you” to them.
Hary Nambiar
14/03/2010 15:13:48 Why there is a double standard in his case

The contents of the second tape need Jack Daniel to swallow it down. Ever since I left Elementary School, I had noticed the difference between male and female anatomy. Even the very thought of a female incited changes in my anatomy. If a female massages a male, regardless of the location of the female touch, some other part of his anatomy begins to crave for her attention. Usually the feelings, actions and reactions of the individuals involved are not dissimilar. Then a relationship develops which is much more sublime than the relationship between a “devotee” and a “holy man.” The fact that she is not married to him and the fact that people have different expectations of him, brings up all kind of complicated legal issues of “Undue Influence,” “improper conduct” etc because he is in a position to influence her “mind.”

Nevertheless, the man has the charisma to attract a young female to his bedroom and to motivate her to massage his pressure points and the female involved has no complaint. My question to him (1) if he is doing it under his doctors advise (2) if she is a trained expert on “body massaging,” or a (3) “Physical Therapist etc arise purely out of jealousy. It is just my bad manners and none of my business, but what is new here? Many politicians complain heart disease, cancer and even cist in the uterus when faced with summons to attend the court. We hear that many important political leaders have stashed bribe money in Swiss banks amounting to billions. Some Chief Justices of High Courts have unexplained income of millions. Many religious icons in other religions have been charged for sodomizing minors. Some priests have been charged for sexual predation and even murder. We have not heard about vandalism of private property or private individuals filing law suits! Why this guy should be an exception?

Dr Vijaya Rajiva
14/03/2010 12:12:54 Dr.Murali Thampan

If you read my comment carefully you will see that I am asking that there should be no rush to judgment. I have cited the youtube interview done by Rajiv Malhotra and given the link.

This is normal procedure. Innocent until proven guilty. There are accusations only. No charges, because charges are legal and court based.

I am not surprised at the haste with which the media has rushed to judgment.

I also agree with Mr.Hary Nambiar's comments(see below) and Ram's comments.

In any case, this has nothing to do with the demise of HK or the publication of "calculated articles."
As far as I am aware HK publishes all articles concerned with the Hindu community.

The second interview that Mr. Venugopal mentions will probably come out in due time. That should make for interesting viewing.

It is not a question of whether Hindus need or do not need Swami Nityananda. It is a question of the democratic right of every citizen to be given a fair hearing and if it goes to court, then a fair trial.
Sudhakaran
14/03/2010 11:14:05 Subject of sex
Well,what about Parashar Muni ki kahani?He was the father of Vyasa,the great seer.He was the grandson of Vasishtha..son of Shakti muni.Yet he performed coitus with Matsyagandha,satyavati.That too inside a ferry boat.During the debate with Ubhaya Bharati,Adi sankara fell silent.Why? because he knew nothing about the erotic subject of sex.Then adi Sankaras soul left his body and entered into the body of a dead king (Amaraka)just to experience sex.
Sai
14/03/2010 10:44:40 A request to HK team.

I'm a regular reader of HK. This is really the worst article i've ever come across. I really admire the HK team for coming up with eye opening articles. But this article is certainly unfair and unfit to be hosted in HK. It is not good to defend Nityananda who was caught red-handedly. That video is not a morphed one. Unlike photos, It is not so easy to morph a video. A morphed video can be easily identified. A friend of mine works in blackstone forensics. He told me that the video may not be a morphed one.

If Nityananda is really innocent he would have already filed a petition in supreme court and urged the court to send the videos to most trusted forensic laboratories immediately for expert opinion. He should even have sent legal notices to news channels for telecasting morphed videos as if it were original. it hardly takes 24 hours to do all these things. If he had done those things then we can appreciate that there is a bit of sincerity in him. But He escaped the situation. Even today,He cannot even dare to challenge the Media persons and Mr.Lenin to settle the issue in prestigious forensic laboratories.

So beyond any reasonable doubt, Nityananda is guilty. He doesn't deserve any support from hindus. He did 'Adharma'. Hindus never support 'Adharma'.
Dr. Murali P Thampan
14/03/2010 09:44:26 Swami Nityananda
Dear Mr. Venugopal & Dr.Vijaya Rajiva,

There are many people - those who support and oppose- watch this site. What you have done is questioning the basic intelligence of the people reading the article appearing in this website. I think most of the viewers know that HK website may not the publisher of the article. But the problem is when such "calcluated articles" appearing in this site. Now we have two choice, either to ignore HK site or to hope for better quality stuff. The latter is more sensible and good for Hindu community. If HK and you are trying to redeem swami nitayanda, this site will also attain an early demise as in the case of other hindu sites. As some one says- lets call a spade as spade. Hindus do not need Swami Nitayanda. Now it is up to HK management to decide. They can either call all the commentators as anti hindus or they can think and understand the realities. Either way, Hindusim will not be impacted in this great country. It doesn't depend upon any swamis or any website.

Regards,

Dr. P T Murali
Coimbatore
Tag Pillay
14/03/2010 08:05:11 Swamis
There is no way a Swami can be touched by a female. Unthinkable. End of discussion. No point in allowing this debate to proceed.
VJ
14/03/2010 07:44:00 Massage out of Devotion??
http://timesofindia.hotklix.com/Hotklix/link/News/India/just-offered-seva-to-Swami-Tamil-actress-Ranjitha (see d pic)
^^^^
U call this massage out of devotion,Venugopal can call me an anti-Hindu,but I don't think so..

And Ranjitha says its out of devotion..ok she is sucetible to lust,afterall a devottee,but wat abt the 'Bramachari'??(ya counter it with sages disturbed by apsaras)

See I don't care about a "swami's" sex life,but atleast he should b candid enough to admit it.

Its not people who 'expose' these things dat r d enemies of Hinduism,its those who does these things and stoutly defend these 'un-holy' swamis
Hary Nambiar
14/03/2010 06:19:37 People have a right to make their own conclusions
This is issue is strictly personal to the individual. Hindus, Hindu way of life or Hindu philosophy has nothing to do with the individual’s conduct, irrespective of its right or wrong. He learned some Hindu scriptures and makes a living out of it. If people want to sponsor him or want to be his disciples, it is their business. One has the right to make conclusions based on the nature of information available, one’s state of knowledge, one’s beliefs and standards of expectations. Accordingly no one has a right to determine what the other person should or should not do. The media is hyping it and some vested interests are attacking properties and people associated with him. We know that the English language and electronic media in India have always used every opportunity to tarnish anything related to our religion, way of life, philosophy and everything indigenous. The fact that private properties are being vandalized by paid rowdies at every opportunity indicates the state of lawlessness. I am not surprised. In Kashmir Hindu families have been systematically driven out of states and they have lived in tents for a generation. We don’t see a SIT investigating the case! Terrorist attacks take place in crowded places at definite intervals. In various states, there are acts of violence against native people who follow the tenets of our religious principles seriously. The government has no control about it nor does it seem to have any qualm. If the government takes same approach it takes with the Maoists with the terrorists and fundamentalists who interfere with our way of life and try to convert us, situation would improve. However, the government has a double standard in its dealings with minority religions as compared to majority Hindus.
Hary Nambiar
14/03/2010 06:18:32 His benefactors would eventually decide whether or not to continue their sponsorship

Hindus are not united to deal with the relentless attack by the media, vested interests and the almost rowdy like behavior of the minority. They could boycott the negative media and refuse to watch those programs on TV. Until the situation changes we would have no control on the type of thing that is happening. The role of the man who calls himself “Lenin” also should be investigated. Apparently he is a “stooge” of the vested interests. There should be some investigations on his activities too. I would still leave it to the government to investigate the campaign of lawlessness. Investigating the incident and if the man himself is involved in a crime is also government’s business. His benefactors would eventually reexamine whether or not to continue their sponsorship of him. People who believe to be his disciples would also do the same in due course.

Ram
14/03/2010 04:45:15 lack of transperency
I am no follower of Swami Nityananda. I know nothing of him. But my first reaction was that this is a conspiracy due to the following incidents that started after the rise of Sonia Gandhi:

1. Mudslinging and attempt at character assasination of Pujya Shankaracharya and Kanchi math

2.Mudslinging and attempt at character assasination of Sant Asaram Bapu

3. Maligning the reputation of the brother of Sri Raghaveendra Saraswathi Swamiji by implicating him in some sex scandal. swamiji led the Go Gram Swaraj andolan through out the country.

4. Implicating Sundry poojaris in some scandal or the other and giving high level visibility to the same. I am conscious that I am using the word implication even though the probe may still be on.

5. Deliberate confusion created about when the Ugadi is for telugu's by Samuel Rajasekhar Reddy

6. Changing of Tamil new year by Karunanidhi!!!!!

7. Attempted christianization of the hindu piligrimage centers in Andhra Pradesh.

Points 1 through 4 relates to character assasiantion of hindu swamiji's. 5 through 7 are some examples from the innumerable attempts of the asuras.

But the way in which Swami Nityananda came forward saying that Ranjitha was his devotee and in his service and the subsequent release of the massaging video apart from Nityananda's interviews in which he said he did not do anything illegal is pointing towards the fact that he may after all be involved. Afterall having sex is not illegal. But his equivocity has seriously dented the faith of his followers and neutral observers like me. He says parts of the video or morphed etc. Without going into technicalities, it would be suffice to say that he get into grihastha ashrama and continue his activities. He himself said that he wants to start afresh. if he indeed had sex, let him shed the saffron and lead the life of his calling.


Dr Vijaya Rajiva
14/03/2010 03:32:58 I am surprised !

Rushing to judgment is no way to proceed! He is innocent until proven guilty. The Karnataka government has asked the Tamil Nadu government for documents and evidence so that charges can be laid. But nothing has come so far. Probably, for the reason that there is none !

Rajiv Malhotra, a well known figure amongst overseas Indians and who has written articles was in India for the Kumbh Mela when the story broke. He interviewed the Swami and brought out two tapes. Part 1 is on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgiFa5uOt7k

The interview deals with each of the accusations, first on the list being the question of fraudulent acquisition of land. The Swami confirmed that the land was legally bequeated by a devotee and his family. The documents are there.

I recommend viewers to watch this interview before rushing to judgment.
VJ
14/03/2010 02:06:57 Solution..
Some here and d 'swami' himself say 1 thing,d swami's side was not heard,how do u know he is fake?.der was a planning in attacks..

Well and good!
The swami had little to say to defend himself,all he cud come up was a morphing babble which a 3yr old cd counter.
when u acuse me of me accusing without proper investigation,y r u certain(without any evidence) dat d attacks were planned?
The biggest strength of Hinduism is d individual's freedom to choose,and its also also our weakness,d lack of an organized structure renders us weak.
But as a swayamsevak I would be glad to join people who burn such Bhakthi factories.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh should concentrate more on Hindu reform,the rise of swamis and their bank accounts is not d rise of Hinduism
K.Venugopal
14/03/2010 00:56:01 Innocent till proven guilty.
Anti-Hindus, as expected, have right away condemned Swami Nithyananda because that is all they want – an opportunity to condemn Hinduism and Hindus. A large number of Hindus have taken the position that he is guilty till proven innocent. But I tend to think that he is innocent till proven guilty. The swami says the video is morphed. I expect him to prove it. If he is unable to, I would suggest that he gets married to the woman and settle down to a happy married life and continue his teachings.
K.Venugopal
14/03/2010 00:51:58 Innocent till proven guilty.
As the writer of the article, I would first request readers not to conclude that it reflects the opinion of HK management. I take it that HK published it to allow all opinions on the issue to be put across so that everyone would gain by a healthy debate. I would also like to elaborate my position.

If the swami has actually indulged in sex, then he would have no right to continue in the position he is in. Spirituality is all about being transparent - as opposed to the schizophrenic life all materialists live, that is, one face for the public and another in private. Schizophrenia is indeed the greatest disease the majority of mankind suffers from and spirituality is all about curing this disease. There are any number of scholars who would know more about, say, the Bhagwad Gita than any swami. But we do not worship scholars as we worship great swamis because it is our belief that sanyasins are transparent and their words and actions match.
seadog4227
13/03/2010 23:29:48 Swami Nityananda
From the article and the gaggle of responses below, one thing is clear-- reputations, once sullied, are practically irredeemable!
Hary Nambiar
13/03/2010 22:11:59 I would dump him and let him defend himself.
I agree with Dr Vijaya Rajeeva. There seems to be a concerted effort by the media, vested interests and the so called right minded people in painting the so called “Godmen” as a wicked womanizer. In fact that is there because of the so called secularism being promoted by the Indian politics. In Kerala anyone wearing saffron is way laid by the communists. There are no laws in Hinduism that an individual seeking to learn and promote spiritual knowledge must remain a celibate. Sage Vasishta was happily married and so were most other sages and religious teachers. Few rishis were celibates during their adult age. There are times for “brahmacharya” and “grihasthashrama.” However, one who pretends to be a celibate must stick to the standard expected of that concept. Most devoted spiritual teachers do remain celibates unnecessarily, but it is their business. One must not use the position of a religious teacher and engage in activities which normal people don’t practice. It is funny that the young man was getting his face, back and elsewhere massaged by a young lady. The man should get married and live a normal life, which would in no way interfere with his spiritual quest. Normal people don’t set up CC TV in their bedrooms. He should have known that whatever he does or does not could bring disrepute to our philosophy and way of life. There are many people who would like to exploit the situation especially in India. I watched some of his YouTube clips. He communicates in English to an educated audience. The simple information he disseminated is available in every library and on the Internet. People should read the content themselves rather than listening to people like him. I have no respect for the individual. I would dump him and let him defend himself.
chandra
13/03/2010 21:15:28 don't allow such articles
dear editor,

please don't allow persons to post such a absurd articles here, our web sites should be sacred, we need not support this self styled swamyjis who are frauds, cheating Hindu societies, we swayamsevaks should learn from karma yogis like our guruji and vivekananda not from these dirty fellows, hindus should bash up these fake swamyjees, and also for my learned columnist, please don't be ashamed of exposing the black sheep in our society, we should kick them out of our hindu society
krishnakumar
13/03/2010 21:13:48 Please stop this
Please stop supporting nityananda.. This is not a nice thing for HK to do. THis kind of swamis are a shame to hindus and India.
Ganesh
13/03/2010 20:52:32 Whitewashing
The writeup itself is unsure of what it wants to convey.If having sex is a guilt for a sanyasi,then Nityananda must be punished.One of the two characters in the video is Nityananda and the other is a female. The actions of the female is not that of a messager.Do not try to sheild the guilty by such obfuscating writeups.It is another matter that these acts are common among X'tian and Islamic priests and the community defends them because they are slaves.
Govind
13/03/2010 20:37:52 Very Very Bad
Very very bad that HK is trying to protect this Nityananda. No wonder on the criticizm that in Hindusim, we have small "minds" at work to protect it. HK is degraded a great extent by this single piece of article.
sree
13/03/2010 20:05:14 If he is innocent why he abscunding


If he is innocent why he abscunding.

This kind of sex loving and real estate buisness swamji's tharnishing hindu Samaj's image.

we shd hang these guys enjoying with woman.


even there is no sex,how can a brahmachari and do the massaging all with a women.

Hindu Saint's are not like christian preachers who eat meat and drink alchohol.Sleep with nuns and abuse kids


Hindu Siants should be highly morale.


No one should support these criminals

Abhilash Nambiar
13/03/2010 19:54:58 Menon is silly
We are not upset over sex, we are upset over double standard and hypocrisy.
Jahnavi
13/03/2010 18:54:45 Sanatana dharma
In this kaliyuga, people want to lead sinful life, and they want approval from so called saints for their sinful lives. So these so called swamijis and babas exploit this quality of kaliyuga souls. See so called Islam. People are more and more attracted to Islam, so that they can kill, rape innocents in the name of God. Christians also don't follow their scriptures i.e. "Though shall not kill". So called hindus, misguided by foolish scientists and so called babas, started animal slaughter. They want false shelters to approve their sinful life. These so called babajis and swamijis are there to exploit their sinful tendency. In case of Islam and Christianity, they lead simply rascal life doing all kinds of sins. So called hindus forgot "ahimsa paramo dharmah". Every street one rascal will come and claim that he is God. But, one should know our scriptures to identify them. One should not be a fool. Two days before this Nithyananda swamy incident, my colleague asked me his address in Bidadi. I went through his website and told him the he is fraud, still if you want to go, you can go. Now, he is anyway saved.
menon
13/03/2010 18:59:27 Why we are upset over sex?
Why we are all so upset over a swamiji having sex? We had enough on Sabarimala thanthri having sex. Media is always soft on 60+ sex offenders and criminals from Kerala christian churches or sex crazy islamic clergies.

Hindu never shied away from sex and it is not an offense in our religion too. I would say even if Swamiji had sex, which might not be true and usually swamijis follow strict Brahmacharya and can see everyone with equal eye, there is nothing wrong with that.

We all may have to read Yogi Rajaneesh's writings too. This is totally absurd as chirstianity and islam like religions brought us into this stage of shyuing away from sex.
EX-CHRISTIAN - NOW A PROUD HINDU FOR LIFE
13/03/2010 16:45:20 THIS MERE MORTAL HAS INCURRED LORD SHIVA'S WRATH
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE WITH THE READERS' COMMENTS BELOW.
THIS MERE MORTAL CLAIMS TO BE LORD SHIVA ("SHIVOHAM" - "I AM SHIVA")! HE HAS INSULTED LORD SHIVA (THE TRUE PERFECT GURU) and THEREFORE HE HAS INCURRED LORD SHIVA'S WRATH.
HINDUS - ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GURU? REACH OUT TO LORD SHIVA DIRECTLY - DON'T BE FOOLED BY MERE MORTALS WHO CLAIM TO BE "LORD SHIVA". LORD SHIVA IS THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE GURU. HAR HAR MAHADEV. JAY SHRI KRISHNA.
Dr Vijaya Rajiva
13/03/2010 14:36:13 Mr. Syam Kumar,V.J. and Suresh Menon

We should not rush to judgment ! There is a video interview done by Rajiv Malhotra, an independent investigator, with Swami Nityanda. It is on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?=tgiFa5uOt7k

Times Now (Arnaub Goswami)also has a 2 part interview. A very different picture emerges from both interviews.

There was a concerted attack on 10 different centres of the Swami and devotees houses were also attacked. The news media also found him guilty without any evidence. The video of him being with a woman was morphed. He admits he was being attended to by a woman because he was ill. But the sexual scene is a manipulation of the tape.

True, there are fake godment in all religions, but I believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

So far there have been mob scenes and media accusations. The Karnataka government has asked for evidence and documents from the Tamil Nadu government, but so far nothing has been provided.

Even so called godmen should be given a fair hearing !
Sasi Kumar
13/03/2010 13:58:49 Our Right
It is all Hindu belivers right to protect Hindu Dharma. We dont want to protect any one those who are doing bad things in the society and Hindutwa. So we whould wait and thing before giving any decision regarding swami ninthyananda.
sreeraj.r
13/03/2010 12:16:47 this is bad..
HK shouldn't try to make any early judgements...let the investigations prove it..itz hard to believe that a swamiji puts cctv in his bedroom...it all goes above the common logic...please HK heads...lets call a spade a spade..it is high time for us to teach a lesson to these pseudo GODMEN who tarnishes our image..I therefore humbly request whoever concerned to please remove this article,as this may give a wrong image about HK...and undoubtedly HK has put us down..
mariappan
13/03/2010 11:41:38 reply to some comments here
There are three comments in the comments section and all of them surmise that nityananda is guilty. This is nothing but flagellation of the self, can anyone tell me which sastra forbids a sanyasin is forbidden to be served by young women, shyam talks about consensual sex, may i ask where has shyam seen the actual act being performed, similarly VJ declares him to be a fake and suresh menon goes on to target venugopal for having written this article on haindava keralam. Mr.Suresh menon while people like u have no qualms in accepting deshabhimani quoting a figure of 25000 sevaks coming in 4000 buses to the RSS conference. Similarly hindutva doesnt differentiate between the shabby and the pure. The aghoras are as much hindus as the menons, draupadi is as much as hindu as sati savithri or sita, and krishna is as much a icon as ram. So instead of taking a commie posture please wait till the entire truth is out.
Abhilash Nambiar
13/03/2010 10:53:05 It is time to call a spade a spade
It is time to call a spade a spade. He has done nothing illegal. He is just a young man with urges like everyone else. Even an intelligent young man has urges. Learn the lessons and move on. The past cannot be undone.

This is what happens when young men of marriageable age do not get properly married off. They become a menace to society.
Hindu
13/03/2010 10:43:43 Nityananda is not paramhansa
I request the my fellow hindus not to support Nityananda. He had sexual affairs with actress Ranjitha. It is certainly not morphed.

Please remember that he is a Sanyasi of traditional dasanami order. he is not a OSHO sanyasi to break the traditions. He should not even had Massage with females.It is against the tradition to have intimacy with women in closed rooms. He claims himself as 'jeevan Mukta', 'Paramahansa', 'Enlightened master'..etc. but he is unable to get rid of his lust. He is certainly cheating people by comparing himself with Shirdi Saibaba, Rama krishna paramahansa, Ramana Maharshi..etc.

I'm not saying that having sex is a sin. But what i'm saying is that he should have had sex with Ranjitha after taking Grihasta ashrama but not in sanyasa ashrama.
Venod
13/03/2010 11:04:45 Nityananda Swami

He is a fraud in every angle. How can he let a lady massage his all the way up to ... Remove this article this is not in correct context. I thank the person who brought this is to public. This will not have a great religion in any way. Swamiji is just a powder.
Shyam Kumar
13/03/2010 10:33:07 Nityananda
I think HK should desist from trying to protect Nityananda.Let us be honest and call a spade a spade.It is very obvious that he is a scoundrel and sexual pervert.Such individuals should not have any place in Hindu society.There should not be any problem between 2 mature individuals having consensual sex but then they should not be preaching morality to others.Shame on him.
VJ
13/03/2010 10:11:10 Plss....
Don't take it as Hindu's primary duty to protect such people who malign this glorious culture.
It should be a swayamsevak's primary duty to throw out such fakes.
This site shouldn't take it upon itself the task of defending such people
Suresh Menon
13/03/2010 09:57:52 A humble request
I just heard a discussion in News X channel on the Sex, Godmen and the Lies. Mr. Rahul Eswar has correctly talked about the fallacy of Godmen who are caught in the sex tapes like the Nityanadas. True Hindutva is when we accept that in Hindusim, shabby and shoody characters have no place. We know that even Ravana abducted Sita by disgusing himself as a Swami(Maharshi). So fake Maharshi's are nothing new in Hindusim. If Mr. Venugopal throug his article is trying to "whitewash" Nityanada, that is backstabbing the Hindu traditions. Look Mr. Venugopal, millions and millions of Hindus in this country is not fools. You have a private right to go and worship him even after he conducted "*** pooja". But you have no right to thrust your peronsal belief through a channel like Haindavakeralam. We expect Haindavakeralam to maintain more standards. Nityananda is not at all important to Hindusim. If any tries to push such a person on Hindusim, that is nuthing but "hooliganism".

SRK- 'Bloody Indian' or 'Bloody Muslim'?

10/02/2010 14:55:28 K.Venugopal

SRK has described himself as "Bloody Indian" in his interview with Berkha Dutt on NDTV. I wonder if he would be as casual in describing himself as "Bloody Muslim". It appears his secular licence gives him the right to be selectively casual, just like MF Hussain got the licence to be liberal with Saraswati but did not chose the option with, say, Ayesha or Mohammad himself.


Dr.Vijaya Rajiva
10/02/2010 17:15:31 Interesting observation !

SRK reveals himself in his true colours with each passing day.