NEWS ROUND-UP-2-3

The Hindu Munnani workers and supporters in the pilgrim town of Thirukalukundram, Kanchipuram district, celebrated a recent victory for Hindu pilgrims. Now they can view Nandi unhindered. The Nandi in question is the first one among the eight around the ancient Veda Gireeswar (Shiva) temple at the foothills of the holy mountain venerated as an embodiment of the Vedas by the devout for millennia. Performing Giri Pradakshina of the hill is considered as worship of the Vedas. Thousands throng the place for Giri Pradakshina. But the illegal structures put up by a ward councillor with political clout completely encircled the first Nandi and pilgrims were unable to have a mandatory darshan of Nandi prior to worshipping of Shiva. For 25 long years this intrusion continued, till Hindu Munnani workers led by district secretary Shri Mani, protested to the obstruction. A struggle for 7 years ensued. A recent petition to the State government by the Hindu Munnani had the desired result. The illegal structures were demolished and the Nandi came into view once again.                

(VSK, Chennai)

Punish those responsible for showing Indian territory in Pakistan: VHP

Reacting strongly to the depiction of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Azad Kashmir in Pakistan a serious matter, the VHP demanded stern action against those responsible for the misdeed. The VHP also demanded detailed investigation into the matter. In a letter to the CBSE, NCERT and the Education Board of Jammu & Kashmir, secretary general of VHP Delhi Shri Satyendra Mohan demanded that the culprits be booked immediately. According to media chief of the VHP Delhi, Shri Vinod Bansal the letter has also been addressed to Union HRD Ministry. “The issue is more serious because the objectionable material is being taught to very young children in the army school that too located in very sensitive border area of Srinagar,” Shri Bansal added. It is to be recalled that a CBSE textbook for class three in an Army school in Srinagar depicts the map of Jammu & Kashmir exactly how Pakistan claims it to be.              

(FOC)