Mangalore: In a tragic fallout of moral policing in the city, a teenaged girl allegedly committed suicide after suspected Sangh Parivar activists publicly humiliated the girl for being friendly with a Muslim boy and handed both of them to police.
Sixteen year old Ashwini, a student of class ninth at the Aikala High School in Kinnigoli, along with her friend Mahadevi had gone to Maroor near Moodabidri in a bus to meet Saleem, a conductor-cum owner of the bus on Tuesday afternoon.
A group of suspected Sangh Parivar activists stopped the bus and took the three to Maroor police station. Police then called Ashwini's parents and handed her over to them.
Unable to bear the humiliation, the girl committed suicide by hanging herself at her house on Wednesday night, police said.
However, on the complaint of the girl's father, a case has been registered against Saleem under Section 376 and 305 of the IPC for luring and raping the girl, police said.
The case come close on the heels of the kidnap of the daughter of a Kerala CPM MLA, who was dragged out of a bus while she was talking to her male friend, who belonged to a minority community. PTI
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Mangalore incident unfortunate: K'taka CM
Bangalore: Terming the Mangalore pub incident as 'unfortunate', Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Monday said police are investigating the whole episode. "It's unfortunate. Police are investigating", Yeddyurappa told reporters after the Republic Day function in Bangalore.
He said police have been given a free hand to probe the incident. "No body can take law into their hands", the Chief Minister said.
Fifteen to 20 right-wing "Sri Ram Sene" activists barged into the pub at Mangalore and assaulted boys and girls dancing there.
The activists alleged that the pub owner was allowing the boys and girls to dance in an 'obscene manner'.
Home Minister V S Acharya said in Manipal that stringent action would be initiated against those involved in the assault.
"Thirteen persons have been taken into custody (in connection with the incident). Government will not tolerate persons who take law into their hands," he said.
He said police have been given a free hand to probe the incident. "No body can take law into their hands", the Chief Minister said.
Fifteen to 20 right-wing "Sri Ram Sene" activists barged into the pub at Mangalore and assaulted boys and girls dancing there.
The activists alleged that the pub owner was allowing the boys and girls to dance in an 'obscene manner'.
Home Minister V S Acharya said in Manipal that stringent action would be initiated against those involved in the assault.
"Thirteen persons have been taken into custody (in connection with the incident). Government will not tolerate persons who take law into their hands," he said.
National Harmony Award
National Communal Harmony Award For Fr Dominic Emmamnuel SVD
NEW DELHI, JAN. 27, 2009, 14.20 Hrs (CBCI News):
Dr. Dominic Emmanuel SVD and Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan have been selected for the National Communal Harmony Award for the year 2008. The Jury, headed by the Vice-President of India, selected Dr. Dominic Emmanuel SVD, Delhi in the individual category and a Delhi based organisation Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan in the organisation category.
Dr. Dominic Emmanuel SVD, aged 57 years, has been working for communal harmony for the past two decades. Having a Ph. D. on 'Communication as Dialogue: Its Progressive Recognition in Modern Christian, Academic and Broadcast Discourses', Dr. Emmanuel has been in the service of inter-religious dialogue. He has been actively involved in resolving conflicts/ differences between different communities. His literary works include 14 books on subjects covering value education for school children and communal harmony. He has been contributing articles in national dailies for the promotion of communal harmony and national integration. He has worked as Radio Journalist on the themes of communal harmony. He also participated in sadbhavna yatras in the aftermath of Gujarat riots 2002. He is also one of the founding members of Parliament of Religions (Sarvadharam Sadbhav).
Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan, Delhi was established in the year 1964 and has been working for communal harmony since 1960s. The Anjuman has been organizing a weeklong unique historical festival every year i.e. 'Phool Walon ki Sair', in Delhi for more than 40 years. The festival is a symbol of solidarity amongst Hindus and Muslims. Considered as an emblem of communal harmony, the pankhas of Phool Walon Ki Sair, are presented to the President and Vice-President of India besides other dignitaries. The Anjuman involves troupes projecting diverse cultural representations from various states and with different religious background that participate in Phool Walon ki Sair, conveying the message of communal harmony.
The National Communal Harmony Awards were instituted in 1996 by the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), an autonomous organisation set up by Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, for promoting communal harmony and national integration. The award has been instituted with a view to demonstrating due appreciation and recognition of the efforts of individuals and organisations/ institutions for promotion of communal harmony and national integration in a sustained manner over a sufficiently long period of time.
In addition to a citation, the award carries a cash award of Rs. 5.00 lakh and Rs.2.00 lakh for the organisation and individual categories, respectively.
NEW DELHI, JAN. 27, 2009, 14.20 Hrs (CBCI News):
Dr. Dominic Emmanuel SVD and Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan have been selected for the National Communal Harmony Award for the year 2008. The Jury, headed by the Vice-President of India, selected Dr. Dominic Emmanuel SVD, Delhi in the individual category and a Delhi based organisation Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan in the organisation category.
Dr. Dominic Emmanuel SVD, aged 57 years, has been working for communal harmony for the past two decades. Having a Ph. D. on 'Communication as Dialogue: Its Progressive Recognition in Modern Christian, Academic and Broadcast Discourses', Dr. Emmanuel has been in the service of inter-religious dialogue. He has been actively involved in resolving conflicts/ differences between different communities. His literary works include 14 books on subjects covering value education for school children and communal harmony. He has been contributing articles in national dailies for the promotion of communal harmony and national integration. He has worked as Radio Journalist on the themes of communal harmony. He also participated in sadbhavna yatras in the aftermath of Gujarat riots 2002. He is also one of the founding members of Parliament of Religions (Sarvadharam Sadbhav).
Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan, Delhi was established in the year 1964 and has been working for communal harmony since 1960s. The Anjuman has been organizing a weeklong unique historical festival every year i.e. 'Phool Walon ki Sair', in Delhi for more than 40 years. The festival is a symbol of solidarity amongst Hindus and Muslims. Considered as an emblem of communal harmony, the pankhas of Phool Walon Ki Sair, are presented to the President and Vice-President of India besides other dignitaries. The Anjuman involves troupes projecting diverse cultural representations from various states and with different religious background that participate in Phool Walon ki Sair, conveying the message of communal harmony.
The National Communal Harmony Awards were instituted in 1996 by the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), an autonomous organisation set up by Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, for promoting communal harmony and national integration. The award has been instituted with a view to demonstrating due appreciation and recognition of the efforts of individuals and organisations/ institutions for promotion of communal harmony and national integration in a sustained manner over a sufficiently long period of time.
In addition to a citation, the award carries a cash award of Rs. 5.00 lakh and Rs.2.00 lakh for the organisation and individual categories, respectively.
Staines International Award For Religious Harmony
Staines International Award For Religious Harmony
MUMBAI, FEB. 02, 2009, 10.00 Hrs:
"Staines International Award For Religious Harmony" is being bestowed on Mrs. Kavitha Karkare and Mrs. Nirmala Carvalho who have championed the cause of secular India and have been heroic promoters of religious harmony.
Kavita Karkare, widow of Hemant Karkare, chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad killed in the 28/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai in 2008, said she was initially angry after the Mumbai terror attacks, "but now I think I am overcoming the anger. Because this anger and violence will not help to solve the problem. We should come together and do something constructive". Showing kindness to Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab, Kavita Karkare, a lecturer in a Mumbai college, has said that her family is ready to forgive the terrorist. In an interview to a TV channel, Mrs. Karkare said, 'He is only 21 years old. He should be given opportunity to change his theories.' This intricacies of divine civility is the root of ahimsa and from Christ to Gandhiji
Mrs. Nirmala Carvalho has created awareness of human rights violations against women and other minority groups in India and throughout the world by her writings and fearless reporting on over the past four and a half years as a correspondent with the Italian based news agency ' AsiaNews. She has consistently reported on various human rights issues and her articles have been published in India and abroad, and her active campaign against violence has not only generated awareness but also elicited international responses to incidents that have taken place in India.
We would like to specially commend her for her brave writings. Carvalho has brought to light the insufficiency of the response from the Government of Orissa and the police authorities. Reporting the brutal killings, rapes and burning of priests, nuns, pastors, believers including women and children, she has been able to paint the true picture of the intensity of attacks against the already poor Christians in Orissa. Yet, in the face of these grave violations and injustice, Mrs. Carvalho has continuously written of the message of forgiveness, love and hope.
This Award in the Field of Human Rights is an honor given to individuals and organizations in recognition of outstanding achievement in human rights. The Award was established by the International Council of Evangelical Churches in conjunction with the Global Council of Indian Christians and awarded for the first time on 11th April 2000, to Archbishop Allen de Lastic of New Delhi, (India) the President of Catholic Bishops Conference of India and Dr. John Dayal of (India) journalist and National Convenor of United Christians Forum for Human Rights.
It commemorates the memory and the sacrifice of Australian missionary Dr. Graham Staines who was burnt alive along with his two little sons Timothy and Philip. The award also records the Christian witness of Mrs. Gladys Staines who, in the depth of her grief for her murdered family, found in her heart the strength to forgive the killers of her husband and her sons.
The Award acknowledges the achievements of the recipients and sends an encouraging message to human rights defenders all over the world that the international community is grateful and supports their tireless efforts to promote human rights for all.
The Award will be given away at Bangalore, India in the presence of the representatives from various Human Rights Organizations. Leaders from Canada, India and various Countries and states are expected. PTI
MUMBAI, FEB. 02, 2009, 10.00 Hrs:
"Staines International Award For Religious Harmony" is being bestowed on Mrs. Kavitha Karkare and Mrs. Nirmala Carvalho who have championed the cause of secular India and have been heroic promoters of religious harmony.
Kavita Karkare, widow of Hemant Karkare, chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad killed in the 28/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai in 2008, said she was initially angry after the Mumbai terror attacks, "but now I think I am overcoming the anger. Because this anger and violence will not help to solve the problem. We should come together and do something constructive". Showing kindness to Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab, Kavita Karkare, a lecturer in a Mumbai college, has said that her family is ready to forgive the terrorist. In an interview to a TV channel, Mrs. Karkare said, 'He is only 21 years old. He should be given opportunity to change his theories.' This intricacies of divine civility is the root of ahimsa and from Christ to Gandhiji
Mrs. Nirmala Carvalho has created awareness of human rights violations against women and other minority groups in India and throughout the world by her writings and fearless reporting on over the past four and a half years as a correspondent with the Italian based news agency ' AsiaNews. She has consistently reported on various human rights issues and her articles have been published in India and abroad, and her active campaign against violence has not only generated awareness but also elicited international responses to incidents that have taken place in India.
We would like to specially commend her for her brave writings. Carvalho has brought to light the insufficiency of the response from the Government of Orissa and the police authorities. Reporting the brutal killings, rapes and burning of priests, nuns, pastors, believers including women and children, she has been able to paint the true picture of the intensity of attacks against the already poor Christians in Orissa. Yet, in the face of these grave violations and injustice, Mrs. Carvalho has continuously written of the message of forgiveness, love and hope.
This Award in the Field of Human Rights is an honor given to individuals and organizations in recognition of outstanding achievement in human rights. The Award was established by the International Council of Evangelical Churches in conjunction with the Global Council of Indian Christians and awarded for the first time on 11th April 2000, to Archbishop Allen de Lastic of New Delhi, (India) the President of Catholic Bishops Conference of India and Dr. John Dayal of (India) journalist and National Convenor of United Christians Forum for Human Rights.
It commemorates the memory and the sacrifice of Australian missionary Dr. Graham Staines who was burnt alive along with his two little sons Timothy and Philip. The award also records the Christian witness of Mrs. Gladys Staines who, in the depth of her grief for her murdered family, found in her heart the strength to forgive the killers of her husband and her sons.
The Award acknowledges the achievements of the recipients and sends an encouraging message to human rights defenders all over the world that the international community is grateful and supports their tireless efforts to promote human rights for all.
The Award will be given away at Bangalore, India in the presence of the representatives from various Human Rights Organizations. Leaders from Canada, India and various Countries and states are expected. PTI
Hypocrisy Of Equality For Women
BANGALORE, FEB. 11, 2009, 10.00 Hrs (R. P. Coelho):
The patriarchal attitude is deeply ingrained in Indian society (and many others in the world) and it requires honest, constant effort from men to eradicate it. Even recognised organisations for women, like the NCW, cannot do it alone. They have to tread a fine line between fairness and activism lest they be undercut and destroyed by accusations of feminism, not infrequently by their fellow women. In the modern vocabulary activists are denigrated by comparing them to militants while they themselves claim to be freedom fighters!
Bangalore gynaecologists have recently used the media to warn the public, and the government, about the danger of abortion pills sold across the counter though they are Schedule H drugs and are required to be administered under doctor’s supervision. The release of this drug in India is itself an example of the Indian government, in particular its active health minister, in allowing its sale. It is true that it is approved by the FDA and it is also well-known, in medical circles, that it causes chemical abortions and has even resulted in death. Its release is due to the power of the Planned Parenthood and pharmaceutical lobby, each of which has its own agenda at the cost of women’s health. They are even being advertised as emergency contraceptives, the height of unethical advertising! The ASCI may take note!
In that context at least the violence of so called protectors of Indian culture , whether they are political activists in Karnatka or women police officers in Meerut are at least open and subject to public comment. However negligent our democracy is there is still hope for women’s equality being reflected not only in equality of opportunity and equality of pay but more importantly, equality of protection under the law!
I appreciate the indignation of the Chairperson of the NCW and the Minister of Women and child Welfare. They might do well to explore the possibilities of ensuring speedy justice under the existing laws rather than proposing the enhancement of punishment.
The ball is really in the court of Indian men who claim to be chivalrous and solicitous of the honour of their women and the morals of their children! They need to stand up and even fight for the legal rights of women to be enforced by fast track courts (as was recently done in Chandigarh reportedly to improve India’s image with foreigners). They may be reluctant to give them 33% seats in Parliament but surely the Acts against dowry deaths, domestic violence, rape, eve-teasing can be implemented seriously.
Or do they expect women to picket liquor shops to reduce alcoholism or resort to the velen and chappal contrary to their own nurturing instincts? It was recently reported that a poor Indian woman has formed an agency called GULABI in Bihar, to take up cases of oppressed women with violence if necessary. She claims to have opened a branch in Europe and that she has been invited to USA. So it is not Indian women only who are fed up with the apathy of the failure of the legal system to protect them.
The reason for men to take up this path will not be found in the contemporary doctrines of human rights, values, equality! They are found in the beginning, in the Scriptures of all religions. The protagonists, particularly the teachers of these religions have top play a part in bringing about this change, not only in India but across the world!
R. P. Coelho
The patriarchal attitude is deeply ingrained in Indian society (and many others in the world) and it requires honest, constant effort from men to eradicate it. Even recognised organisations for women, like the NCW, cannot do it alone. They have to tread a fine line between fairness and activism lest they be undercut and destroyed by accusations of feminism, not infrequently by their fellow women. In the modern vocabulary activists are denigrated by comparing them to militants while they themselves claim to be freedom fighters!
Bangalore gynaecologists have recently used the media to warn the public, and the government, about the danger of abortion pills sold across the counter though they are Schedule H drugs and are required to be administered under doctor’s supervision. The release of this drug in India is itself an example of the Indian government, in particular its active health minister, in allowing its sale. It is true that it is approved by the FDA and it is also well-known, in medical circles, that it causes chemical abortions and has even resulted in death. Its release is due to the power of the Planned Parenthood and pharmaceutical lobby, each of which has its own agenda at the cost of women’s health. They are even being advertised as emergency contraceptives, the height of unethical advertising! The ASCI may take note!
In that context at least the violence of so called protectors of Indian culture , whether they are political activists in Karnatka or women police officers in Meerut are at least open and subject to public comment. However negligent our democracy is there is still hope for women’s equality being reflected not only in equality of opportunity and equality of pay but more importantly, equality of protection under the law!
I appreciate the indignation of the Chairperson of the NCW and the Minister of Women and child Welfare. They might do well to explore the possibilities of ensuring speedy justice under the existing laws rather than proposing the enhancement of punishment.
The ball is really in the court of Indian men who claim to be chivalrous and solicitous of the honour of their women and the morals of their children! They need to stand up and even fight for the legal rights of women to be enforced by fast track courts (as was recently done in Chandigarh reportedly to improve India’s image with foreigners). They may be reluctant to give them 33% seats in Parliament but surely the Acts against dowry deaths, domestic violence, rape, eve-teasing can be implemented seriously.
Or do they expect women to picket liquor shops to reduce alcoholism or resort to the velen and chappal contrary to their own nurturing instincts? It was recently reported that a poor Indian woman has formed an agency called GULABI in Bihar, to take up cases of oppressed women with violence if necessary. She claims to have opened a branch in Europe and that she has been invited to USA. So it is not Indian women only who are fed up with the apathy of the failure of the legal system to protect them.
The reason for men to take up this path will not be found in the contemporary doctrines of human rights, values, equality! They are found in the beginning, in the Scriptures of all religions. The protagonists, particularly the teachers of these religions have top play a part in bringing about this change, not only in India but across the world!
R. P. Coelho
Monday, February 16, 2009
Catholic bishop slams attack on women in pub
MANGALORE, India (UCAN) -- A bishop in southern India has joined the chorus of voices condemning a Hindu group's attack on female patrons in a pub.
The attack on the women was "beastly" and "inhuman," Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore said in a Jan. 29 press statement, adding that he wants the government to protect people from "anti-social elements."
His diocese is based in Mangalore, a Christian stronghold on the western coast of Karnataka state, where the attack took place.
On Jan. 24, several members of Sri Rama Sena (army of Lord Ram), a Hindu right-wing group, attacked a pub and its female patrons as agents of decadent Western culture. Women drinking beer violates Indian culture, they reportedly told some media people present.
Vivian Pais, the pub's floor manager, said about 20 people, mostly students, were having lunch when the Hindu group attacked without warning.
The incident made newspaper headlines after a news website released a video of the attack and television channels broadcast it. The media reports sparked a national debate over private groups imposing their moral code on others, with a number of organizations and cultural groups condemning the incident.
Police have arrested about 30 people including two leaders of the attack.
Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa condemned the attack, but said his government also opposes the pub culture. "We won't allow this pub culture to grow. But on the other hand, those taking the law into their hands will be dealt with very firmly," he said in televised remarks on Jan. 30.
Yeddyurappa, who heads the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP, Indian people's party) government, has denied any link between Sri Rama Sena and the party. The BJP is considered the political arm of right-wing Hindu groups that want to make India a Hindu nation.
Bishop D'Souza, in his statement, urged law-enforcement authorities to initiate "stern action" against "anti-social elements." He also called for all "democratic forces" to come together to fight fanatical acts.
The incident also triggered street protests. Students of Church-managed Roshni Nilaya (house of light) and St. Aloysius College marched in the town on Jan. 31, demanding justice for the victims and security for women.
Rita Noronha, who teaches in Roshni Nilaya, told demonstrators the attack shamed Indian society and culture, which respect women. "There are constitutional ways to solve a problem in a democratic setup," said the professor, who insisted that women have the right to live as they choose.
Father Bijo Karukappalli, a Catholic priest who joined the march, said privately that "moral policing" by a fanatical group reveals chaos in the state administration. "If this trend continues," he warned, "there will be no security for people."
Joslyn Lobo, who heads a college teachers' association at Mangalore University, slammed the attack by "self-styled protectors of moral and culture." In a Jan. 29 press release, he said such acts of hooliganism are "clear violations of human rights" and bring disgrace to "highly literate and educationally progressive" Mangalore.
courtest ucan
The attack on the women was "beastly" and "inhuman," Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore said in a Jan. 29 press statement, adding that he wants the government to protect people from "anti-social elements."
His diocese is based in Mangalore, a Christian stronghold on the western coast of Karnataka state, where the attack took place.
On Jan. 24, several members of Sri Rama Sena (army of Lord Ram), a Hindu right-wing group, attacked a pub and its female patrons as agents of decadent Western culture. Women drinking beer violates Indian culture, they reportedly told some media people present.
Vivian Pais, the pub's floor manager, said about 20 people, mostly students, were having lunch when the Hindu group attacked without warning.
The incident made newspaper headlines after a news website released a video of the attack and television channels broadcast it. The media reports sparked a national debate over private groups imposing their moral code on others, with a number of organizations and cultural groups condemning the incident.
Police have arrested about 30 people including two leaders of the attack.
Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa condemned the attack, but said his government also opposes the pub culture. "We won't allow this pub culture to grow. But on the other hand, those taking the law into their hands will be dealt with very firmly," he said in televised remarks on Jan. 30.
Yeddyurappa, who heads the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP, Indian people's party) government, has denied any link between Sri Rama Sena and the party. The BJP is considered the political arm of right-wing Hindu groups that want to make India a Hindu nation.
Bishop D'Souza, in his statement, urged law-enforcement authorities to initiate "stern action" against "anti-social elements." He also called for all "democratic forces" to come together to fight fanatical acts.
The incident also triggered street protests. Students of Church-managed Roshni Nilaya (house of light) and St. Aloysius College marched in the town on Jan. 31, demanding justice for the victims and security for women.
Rita Noronha, who teaches in Roshni Nilaya, told demonstrators the attack shamed Indian society and culture, which respect women. "There are constitutional ways to solve a problem in a democratic setup," said the professor, who insisted that women have the right to live as they choose.
Father Bijo Karukappalli, a Catholic priest who joined the march, said privately that "moral policing" by a fanatical group reveals chaos in the state administration. "If this trend continues," he warned, "there will be no security for people."
Joslyn Lobo, who heads a college teachers' association at Mangalore University, slammed the attack by "self-styled protectors of moral and culture." In a Jan. 29 press release, he said such acts of hooliganism are "clear violations of human rights" and bring disgrace to "highly literate and educationally progressive" Mangalore.
courtest ucan
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