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At the very least, Muslims need to be educated by Mr. Anees Jillani
Mr. Anees Jillani, a regular contributor to Indian Express has recently written an article and Samalochaka comments on the content of the arrticle.
A relatively decent piece of writing, given that it is coming from some muslim author in Pakistan. He has brought out certain very disturbing facts to the fore and he must be commended for the same. Some of these important facts about Pakistan, Islam and Muslims have been laid bare:
---
Disdain for non-Islamic religions:
1. But we don’t even think for a second about the conversion of innumerable Hindu and Sikh temples in the whole of Pakistan to schools, police stations, offices and sometimes even for keeping cattle. We cannot imagine such a thing happening to a mosque but have no objection to treating the religious places of others with utter contempt.
Further disdain for non-Muslims:
2. But have we ever thought about the complete ban on construction of churches and temples in the whole of Saudi Arabia and in most of
A relatively decent piece of writing, given that it is coming from some muslim author in Pakistan. He has brought out certain very disturbing facts to the fore and he must be commended for the same. Some of these important facts about Pakistan, Islam and Muslims have been laid bare:
---
Disdain for non-Islamic religions:
1. But we don’t even think for a second about the conversion of innumerable Hindu and Sikh temples in the whole of Pakistan to schools, police stations, offices and sometimes even for keeping cattle. We cannot imagine such a thing happening to a mosque but have no objection to treating the religious places of others with utter contempt.
Further disdain for non-Muslims:
2. But have we ever thought about the complete ban on construction of churches and temples in the whole of Saudi Arabia and in most of
2010-03-07 09:49:22
S. L. Bhyrappa echoes Mrs. Raja's thoughts in his comments on Hussein Episode
S. L. Bhyrappa echoes Mrs. Raja's thoughts in his comments on Hussein Episode
Noted Kannada writer Mr. SL Bhyrappa has said that:
A section of the media had been commenting that the “banishment” of the renowned artist M.F. Husain was a “national shame”. But how many of Mr. Husain's paintings had reflected his views on the religion he belonged to had remained to be clarified, he said.
Now this man is talking sense. Please recall that Mrs. Hilda Raja expressed similar emotions when she wrote:
Nobody would have protested against the sexual perversion and his orientatation to sexual signs and symbols. But would he dare to caption it as ‘Fatima enjoying in Jannat with animals’?
and
Now that he is in a country that gives him complete freedom let him go ahead and paint Fatima copulating with a lion or any other animal of his choice. And then turn around and prove to India-the Freedom of expression he enjoys in Qatar.
Now here is man who has echoed what a lady has said with due rational consideration. Of course both of them arrived at their conclusion
A section of the media had been commenting that the “banishment” of the renowned artist M.F. Husain was a “national shame”. But how many of Mr. Husain's paintings had reflected his views on the religion he belonged to had remained to be clarified, he said.
Now this man is talking sense. Please recall that Mrs. Hilda Raja expressed similar emotions when she wrote:
Nobody would have protested against the sexual perversion and his orientatation to sexual signs and symbols. But would he dare to caption it as ‘Fatima enjoying in Jannat with animals’?
and
Now that he is in a country that gives him complete freedom let him go ahead and paint Fatima copulating with a lion or any other animal of his choice. And then turn around and prove to India-the Freedom of expression he enjoys in Qatar.
Now here is man who has echoed what a lady has said with due rational consideration. Of course both of them arrived at their conclusion
2010-03-07 09:49:10
The question of who an artist is .. revisited
The question of who an artist is .. revisited
Before her retirement from Stella Maris College, Dr.Hilda Raja used to write columns regularly in The Hindu. It is conjectured that even after retirement, she used to write once in a while. Though she has sent the following letter to Ram in personal capacity, she sent copies to some of her friends.
For those who may not know, Mr. N Ram is the chief editor of the famous news paper The Hindu.
The following is the text of her letter.
Dear Ram,
I have taken time to write this to you Ram-for the simple reason that we have known you for so many years- you and The Hindu bring back happy memories Please take what I am putting down as those that come from an agonized soul. You know that I do not mince words and what I have to say I will-I call a spade a spade-now it is too late for me to learn the tricks of being called a ‘secularist’ if that means a bias for, one, and a bias against, another.
Hussain is now a citizen of Qatar-this has generated enough of heat and les
For those who may not know, Mr. N Ram is the chief editor of the famous news paper The Hindu.
The following is the text of her letter.
Dear Ram,
I have taken time to write this to you Ram-for the simple reason that we have known you for so many years- you and The Hindu bring back happy memories Please take what I am putting down as those that come from an agonized soul. You know that I do not mince words and what I have to say I will-I call a spade a spade-now it is too late for me to learn the tricks of being called a ‘secularist’ if that means a bias for, one, and a bias against, another.
Hussain is now a citizen of Qatar-this has generated enough of heat and les
2010-03-07 09:48:52
The convoluted logic of RSS exposed once again ....
The convoluted logic of RSS exposed once again ....
In a recent press gathering, the chief of RSS, Mr. Mohan Bhagwat has said:
1. “He who is an Indian is a Hindu and he who is not a Hindu is not an Indian.”
2. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said that those who were Indians were Hindus and if one was not a Hindu he could not be an Indian.
3. "For us the word Hindu did not mean any religion but a way of life,"
We need to look at it a little closely to find out what MB must have meant by this. Some of my friends tell me that this has always been the stance of the RSS.
There are some very interesting consequences arising out of this. Firstly, since MB(RSS) has not defined what a Hindu is, and what an Indian is, this statement is like "Something that we do not know" is same as "Something that we do not know". Fair enough. MB and RSS have enough space for maneuver.
Therefore we have some interesting questions for the RSS. What is the way of life that is called by the name Hinduism? And w
1. “He who is an Indian is a Hindu and he who is not a Hindu is not an Indian.”
2. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said that those who were Indians were Hindus and if one was not a Hindu he could not be an Indian.
3. "For us the word Hindu did not mean any religion but a way of life,"
We need to look at it a little closely to find out what MB must have meant by this. Some of my friends tell me that this has always been the stance of the RSS.
There are some very interesting consequences arising out of this. Firstly, since MB(RSS) has not defined what a Hindu is, and what an Indian is, this statement is like "Something that we do not know" is same as "Something that we do not know". Fair enough. MB and RSS have enough space for maneuver.
Therefore we have some interesting questions for the RSS. What is the way of life that is called by the name Hinduism? And w
2010-03-07 09:48:10
Nithyananda case to be transferred to Karnataka
Nithyananda case to be transferred to Karnataka
Lenin Karuppan, a former inmate of his Bangalore ashram of Swamy Nityananda shot the scenes of the controversial video that created a sex scandal around Swamy Nityanadaha. Now, he has filed a complaint, the first one, against Swami Nith yananda accusing the godman of misconduct with women devotees at the Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam in Bangalore. Lenin even alleged the swami forced the inmates into homosexual acts. Police said on Saturday the case would now be transferred to Karnataka.
Lenin claimed he filmed the video last year, showing the swami in a compromising position with an actress, in order to expose him. The swami learnt about it later, and threatened him.
Lenin claimed he filmed the video last year, showing the swami in a compromising position with an actress, in order to expose him. The swami learnt about it later, and threatened him.
2010-03-07 09:33:15
Budget outlay up at Rs 70k cr
Budget outlay up at Rs 70k cr
Priority has been given to infrastructure, human resource development and agriculture in the Karnataka government Budget increasing outlay to Rs 70,063 crore for 2010-11, up from Rs 60,051 crore in 2009-10.
Agriculture will get a major chunk of 22% at Rs 13,484 crore as assistance to farmers followed by Human Resource development, which would get Rs 13,162 crore. Infrastructure and welfare schemes would get 13% and 11% respectively of the total outlay, said Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa. The government would provide Rs 2,500 crore budgetary support for supplying electricity to irrigation pump sets.
The subsidised loan scheme under which farmers could borrow money at 3% interest would be extended only to those who made timely repayment. VAT exemption on paddy, rice, wheat, pulses and products of rice and wheat extended for one more year from April 2010. VAT rate 4% increased to 5% on all goods except declared goods while it has been increased to 15% from the current
Agriculture will get a major chunk of 22% at Rs 13,484 crore as assistance to farmers followed by Human Resource development, which would get Rs 13,162 crore. Infrastructure and welfare schemes would get 13% and 11% respectively of the total outlay, said Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa. The government would provide Rs 2,500 crore budgetary support for supplying electricity to irrigation pump sets.
The subsidised loan scheme under which farmers could borrow money at 3% interest would be extended only to those who made timely repayment. VAT exemption on paddy, rice, wheat, pulses and products of rice and wheat extended for one more year from April 2010. VAT rate 4% increased to 5% on all goods except declared goods while it has been increased to 15% from the current
2010-03-07 02:58:47
Maoists abduct headmaster, seek villagers' release
Maoists abduct headmaster, seek villagers' release
2010-03-07 02:51:56
Maoists name Arundhanti Roy as mediator
Maoists name Arundhanti Roy as mediator
Top Maoist leader Kishenji has named possible mediators for talks with government. The mediators among others include author Arundhati Roy and Trinamool leader Kabir Suman.
Speaking to a Bangla channel, Kishenji said that joint operations against Maoists have to stop for talks and the Prime Minister should announce halt of operations.
Arundhati Roy is a supporter of Maoists. The name of the Trinamool leader hints that Maoists are able to get the support of both CPM and Trinamool in West Bengal.
Speaking to a Bangla channel, Kishenji said that joint operations against Maoists have to stop for talks and the Prime Minister should announce halt of operations.
Arundhati Roy is a supporter of Maoists. The name of the Trinamool leader hints that Maoists are able to get the support of both CPM and Trinamool in West Bengal.
2010-03-07 02:48:38
Maoists aim at armed overthrow of Govt at 2050
Maoists aim at armed overthrow of Govt at 2050
Maoists are strategising at the armed overthrow of the Indian state by 2050. The timeline, according to a booklet they circulated, is around 2050 - 2060.
Home secretary G K Pillai revealed this while addressing a seminar on seminar on `Left-wing extremism' at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) on Friday, 5th March 2010.
The Indian state, its administrative lapses and poor governance are excuses provided by the Naxals to further their growth. The Maoists had developed bases in remote, forest areas, where they operated in a perceived administrative vacuum. There were many districts, where the government had not existed for decades. They also lived in a strange paradox, opposing development on the one hand but drawing oxygen from the development dissatisfaction of the local people. Maoists had been very successful in setting up their structures and systems, funds and training as well as access to about Rs 1,400 crore a year in funds. The Maoists were also he
Home secretary G K Pillai revealed this while addressing a seminar on seminar on `Left-wing extremism' at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) on Friday, 5th March 2010.
The Indian state, its administrative lapses and poor governance are excuses provided by the Naxals to further their growth. The Maoists had developed bases in remote, forest areas, where they operated in a perceived administrative vacuum. There were many districts, where the government had not existed for decades. They also lived in a strange paradox, opposing development on the one hand but drawing oxygen from the development dissatisfaction of the local people. Maoists had been very successful in setting up their structures and systems, funds and training as well as access to about Rs 1,400 crore a year in funds. The Maoists were also he
2010-03-07 02:45:47
After France, niqab controversy now hots up in Canada - Yahoo! India News
After France, niqab controversy now hots up in Canada - Yahoo! India News
An Egyptian Muslim woman in Canada is refusing to remove her veil in her French language class in a local college. The unidentified Egyptian woman, a mother of three who is a new immigrant to Canada, has now filed a petition with the human rights commission of Quebec province for violations of her religious rights.
According to the principal of the college, CEGEP de Saint-Laurent, they first accommodated the woman's demands by allowing her to wear the veil or niqab - which covers her from head to toes and allows her to see only through a slit in her garment - when the first session started in August. She was even allowed to make pesentations from the rear of the classroom with her back to the class which had three male and 17 female students.
The principal said it is not possible to learn proper pronunciation if the teacher can't see the mouth of the student. 'We tried certain arrangements, but the demands just became too great,'' said the principal. When the college and the prov
According to the principal of the college, CEGEP de Saint-Laurent, they first accommodated the woman's demands by allowing her to wear the veil or niqab - which covers her from head to toes and allows her to see only through a slit in her garment - when the first session started in August. She was even allowed to make pesentations from the rear of the classroom with her back to the class which had three male and 17 female students.
The principal said it is not possible to learn proper pronunciation if the teacher can't see the mouth of the student. 'We tried certain arrangements, but the demands just became too great,'' said the principal. When the college and the prov
2010-03-05 04:22:12
Dutch leader Gert Wilders wins the elections
Dutch leader Gert Wilders wins the elections
Mr Geert Wilders is an avowed opponent of Islam. He understands and articulates that Islam is not compatible with non-Islamic societies.
His party has won municipal elections in the Netherlands. Let us hope that much much more of this happens all over the world.
Indian politicians wanting to oppose Islam must learn a lot from Mr. Geert Wilders. He takes a principled stand against Islam. Mr. Wilders insists that Islam is not a religion, but a totalitarian ideology.
His party has won municipal elections in the Netherlands. Let us hope that much much more of this happens all over the world.
Indian politicians wanting to oppose Islam must learn a lot from Mr. Geert Wilders. He takes a principled stand against Islam. Mr. Wilders insists that Islam is not a religion, but a totalitarian ideology.
2010-03-04 18:32:47
Praveen Mahajan Passes away
Praveen Mahajan Passes away
Mumbai: Pravin Mahajan, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his brother BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, died at a hospital in Thane on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.
He was admitted a hospital on December 11 last year after complaining of high blood pressure and later slipped into coma.
IANS reports Pravin had been put on life support system and was struggling for life but failed to recover at the Jupiter Hospital where he was admitted, a close aide of the family said.
Hospital authorities did not issue any official word on the developments and most family members also declined to comment.
In a dramatic murder that shocked the country, Pravin shot Pramod on April 22, 2006 in his Mumbai home. The high-profile BJP leader succumbed to his wounds 11 days later on May 3.
Pravin Mahajan was sentenced to life by a sessions court for fratricide on December 18, 2007. He was on parole when he suffered the stroke and was hospitalised.
He was admitted a hospital on December 11 last year after complaining of high blood pressure and later slipped into coma.
IANS reports Pravin had been put on life support system and was struggling for life but failed to recover at the Jupiter Hospital where he was admitted, a close aide of the family said.
Hospital authorities did not issue any official word on the developments and most family members also declined to comment.
In a dramatic murder that shocked the country, Pravin shot Pramod on April 22, 2006 in his Mumbai home. The high-profile BJP leader succumbed to his wounds 11 days later on May 3.
Pravin Mahajan was sentenced to life by a sessions court for fratricide on December 18, 2007. He was on parole when he suffered the stroke and was hospitalised.
2010-03-04 01:51:08
Apple Sues HTC - but targets Google indirectly
Apple Sues HTC - but targets Google indirectly
Apple Inc sued Taiwan's HTC Corp, which makes touchscreen smartphones using Google software, accusing it of infringing 20 hardware and software patents related to the iPhone.
Even though the suit did not name Google Inc as a defendant, Apple's move was viewed by many analysts as proxy for an attack on the Internet company, whose Nexus One smartphone is manufactured by HTC.
"I think this is kind of an indirect lawsuit against Google," said Kaufman Bros analyst Shaw Wu.
Apple's suit was filed with both the US International Trade Commission and the US District Court in Delaware on Tuesday, and seeks to prohibit HTC from selling, marketing or distributing infringing products in the United States.
The complaint filed with the ITC cited Google's Nexus One, which was launched in January, and other HTC phones such as the Hero, Dream and myTouch -- which run on Google's Android mobile operating system -- as infringing products.
In a statement, a Google spo
Even though the suit did not name Google Inc as a defendant, Apple's move was viewed by many analysts as proxy for an attack on the Internet company, whose Nexus One smartphone is manufactured by HTC.
"I think this is kind of an indirect lawsuit against Google," said Kaufman Bros analyst Shaw Wu.
Apple's suit was filed with both the US International Trade Commission and the US District Court in Delaware on Tuesday, and seeks to prohibit HTC from selling, marketing or distributing infringing products in the United States.
The complaint filed with the ITC cited Google's Nexus One, which was launched in January, and other HTC phones such as the Hero, Dream and myTouch -- which run on Google's Android mobile operating system -- as infringing products.
In a statement, a Google spo
2010-03-04 01:50:43
It’s PM vs Advani over Pak and US
It’s PM vs Advani over Pak and US
An unusually combative Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took on BJP leader L K Advani in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday to trash the latter’s charge that India was talking to Pakistan under US pressure and also altering its stand on Jammu and Kashmir.
“You are using this forum to sow seeds,” said the PM, underlining that he was refraining from completing the sentence. The PM made his intervention when Advani claimed that there was a change in the US’s stand on Indo-Pak relations after President Barack Obama took charge and quoted reports about secret parleys between India and Pakistan.
“What you are attributing to President Obama is certainly not true. I had a number of discussions with President Obama and there is no change in the US policy,” Singh shot back, amidst applause from party members. Advani was speaking on the motion of thanks over the President’s address.
“You are using this forum to sow seeds,” said the PM, underlining that he was refraining from completing the sentence. The PM made his intervention when Advani claimed that there was a change in the US’s stand on Indo-Pak relations after President Barack Obama took charge and quoted reports about secret parleys between India and Pakistan.
“What you are attributing to President Obama is certainly not true. I had a number of discussions with President Obama and there is no change in the US policy,” Singh shot back, amidst applause from party members. Advani was speaking on the motion of thanks over the President’s address.
2010-03-04 01:49:24
The Hindu defends Tharoor in his latest controversy
The Hindu defends Tharoor in his latest controversy
Siddharth Varadarajan, of The Hindu, makes an attempt to save Tharoor in his latest controversy over Saudi mediation remarks. He blames poor vocabulary of journalists and politicians. In a long article, he cites Cambridge dictionary and considers two meanings of word interloculator and concludes that Tharoor has not done any mistake.
2010-03-04 01:49:04
No rollback of oil prices, says Pranab
No rollback of oil prices, says Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed the government’s firm resolve to see the budget proposals through in Parliament. He said he was confident of working out an amicable solution with the allies. United Progressive Alliance coalition partners — the Trinamool Congress and the DMK — pitched for rolling back the oil price hike in view of its inflationary potential,
“When we propose something, we do that for implementation, not for rollback. There was a basic approach to the budget which I tried to introduce through various proposals,” Mr. Mukherjee said during a post-budget interaction.
“When we propose something, we do that for implementation, not for rollback. There was a basic approach to the budget which I tried to introduce through various proposals,” Mr. Mukherjee said during a post-budget interaction.
2010-03-04 01:48:41