News for 'Office of Religious Life'

'Why Can't Mr Modi Reopen The Passes To Tibet?'

'Why Can't Mr Modi Reopen The Passes To Tibet?'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

On August 5, 1953, Jawaharlal Nehru sent a strange note to the foreign secretary. It is worth mentioning because it was symptomatic of the lack of knowledge about Western Tibet in India and in South Block in particular, notes Claude Arpi.

I Love Muhammad protests: Agitation planned on anti-CAA stir model

I Love Muhammad protests: Agitation planned on anti-CAA stir model

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Police on Monday detained a close associate of cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Tauqeer Raza Khan in connection with the recent violence in Bareilly during a protest in support of the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, officials said.

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'When I undertook a study of temple desecration in precolonial India, it was not enough simply to document what temples were desecrated, by whom, when, and where.' 'It was also important to explore the total historical context of such incidents, with a view to discovering patterns, which in turn could reveal the reasons why they occurred.'

Homebound Review: Highly Recommended

Homebound Review: Highly Recommended

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

In the slot of rural poor, there are those who struggle to pull themselves out of crumbling hovels, and there are the Jamtara-like bunch who turn to crime. Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound is about the former, whose quest for respect and dignity is thwarted because they are underprivileged, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Complainant against influencer Sharmistha Panoli held for hate speech

Complainant against influencer Sharmistha Panoli held for hate speech

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

An FIR was registered against him at the Golf Green Police Station in south Kolkata for allegedly promoting hate speech and hurting religious sentiments through his social media posts.

'Gurus Abuse The Very People Who Give Them Power'

'Gurus Abuse The Very People Who Give Them Power'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

'What is it about the institution of faith that makes somebody get a sense of impunity, that they believe they can get away with anything?'

Gandhi Called Him 'Father Of The Nation'

Gandhi Called Him 'Father Of The Nation'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

On his 200th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra traces the life, thought, and legacy of Dadabhai Naoroji, the Grand Old Man of India.

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

'In my 26 years at Raj Bhavan, working with more than ten governors, I can tell you C P Radhakrishnan Sir stands out.'

Saiyaara Inspires More Romance In August

Saiyaara Inspires More Romance In August

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Flms belonging to genres as diverse as comedy, drama, romance, crime, and history get ready for release in theatres.

Priyanka Brings OTT Action In July

Priyanka Brings OTT Action In July

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

July has interesting OTT entertainment awaiting you.

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The current situation in Kerala politics is perhaps best described as a case of the state's traditional two front politics now seeing a third front (the BJP) muscling in with the potential outcome being either a messy three front affair or a renewed endorsement of the two front pattern but with one of the old fronts compromised or quashed, observes Shyam G Menon.

'Shefali Was Content Being The Kaanta Laga Girl'

'Shefali Was Content Being The Kaanta Laga Girl'

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'We wanted a girl who looked like a doll.'

How To Answer 'Are You Married' And More Tricky Job Qs

How To Answer 'Are You Married' And More Tricky Job Qs

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Career gaps and marital status don't have anything to do with your commitment or capability, says Shruti Swaroop, founder of Embrace Consulting and co-founder of International Inclusion Alliance.

Jilted woman techie behind bomb threats in 12 states

Jilted woman techie behind bomb threats in 12 states

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

A probe into e-mails threatening blasts at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and different places in 12 states has unravelled a tale of unrequited love and vengeance allegedly unleashed by a woman executive of an MNC in Chennai to defame a man, leading to her arrest.

US: Man shouting 'Free Palestine' injures 8 with fire bomb

US: Man shouting 'Free Palestine' injures 8 with fire bomb

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

In one video, apparently of the attack, a shirtless man holding clear bottles in his hands is seen pacing as the grass in front of him burns.

The Kashmiri Militant Who Killed 300 Terrorists

The Kashmiri Militant Who Killed 300 Terrorists

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

'A man with a gun commanded respect. I thought if I also got a gun, I could save my family. With this thought, I went to Pakistan and got training there'

Security of rape survivor's family tightened as Asaram gets 3-month bail

Security of rape survivor's family tightened as Asaram gets 3-month bail

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Following the granting of a three-month interim bail to religious preacher Asaram Bapu, police in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have heightened security measures at the residence of the rape survivor's family. The family, who have expressed concerns for their safety, will now need to inform the police before traveling outside the district. Asaram was convicted in 2018 for sexually assaulting a minor girl in 2013 and sentenced to life imprisonment. His latest conviction in Gujarat in 2023 resulted in another life sentence. The police have deployed a guard at the victim's house, provided personal gunners for her father and brother, and installed surveillance cameras. The police are also monitoring the area and have prohibited unauthorized gatherings. The victim's father expressed concern over Asaram's ability to manage his affairs from outside prison despite his health issues.

Bengal: Girl killed in violent 'celebration' after bypoll results

Bengal: Girl killed in violent 'celebration' after bypoll results

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

A female student of primary school was killed in Kaliganj in West Bengal's Nadia district on Monday after bombs were allegedly hurled from a Trinamool Congress victory celebration rally taken out even before the results of the assembly bypoll were officially announced.

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Rediff.com6 May 2025

A proposal to change the name of Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, to "Aburaj Teerth" and ban non-vegetarian food and alcohol consumption in public has sparked protests from local businesses, who fear severe economic consequences. They argue that the name change will cause confusion and the restrictions will drastically reduce tourist numbers, impacting livelihoods.

'Iranians Love India'

'Iranians Love India'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Iranians admire Indian cinema and often mention Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan when you meet them.'

Aurangzeb praise: Court urges Azmi to exercise restraint

Aurangzeb praise: Court urges Azmi to exercise restraint

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

A Mumbai court has granted anticipatory bail to Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi in a case filed against him for his remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The court, however, cautioned Azmi to exercise restraint during interviews, warning that any irresponsible statement could spark riots. The case stems from Azmi's remarks during an interview where he praised Aurangzeb's rule and claimed that India's GDP during his reign accounted for 24 percent of the world's GDP. Azmi's lawyer argued that his client's statements were made spontaneously and without any malicious intent, while the prosecution opposed the bail plea, arguing that the remarks were made in a sensitive time following the release of a film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a revered Maratha king who was captured by Aurangzeb. The court noted that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and that the investigating officer did not have the video recording of the interview when the case was filed. The court also expressed concern over the potential for Azmi's remarks to incite violence.

In The Mood For A Deadly Bride On OTT?

In The Mood For A Deadly Bride On OTT?

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Deadly brides, daredevil officers, bloodthirsty royals, killer toys, celebrity chefs, comic book heroes, angry goddesses, senior citizen dreams, poisonous snowfall, the OTT offerings this week will make you wish for days twice the size of its menu.

Swamiji, Sikh... Modi's disguise during Emergency years

Swamiji, Sikh... Modi's disguise during Emergency years

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

BlueKraft has published The Emergency Diaries -- Years that Forged a Leader to chronicle Modi's role in the underground campaign during that period, after speaking to a number of people associated with him at that time.

The Sardar Who Won Over Kochi's Tummy

The Sardar Who Won Over Kochi's Tummy

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

'We are Indians irrespective whether we are Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Malayali or Tamilian.' 'I am the best example of this integration.'

'Saw terrorists shoot 6 people right in front of me'

'Saw terrorists shoot 6 people right in front of me'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'The terrorists included underage boys around 15 years old. There were at least four of them. They were taking selfies during the attack and had cameras mounted on their heads'

'China Is Scared Of The Dalai Lama'

'China Is Scared Of The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

'Although China has been ruling over Tibet for past 75 years, it has no legitimacy.'

Terrorists asked Christian LIC manager 'to recite Kalma'

Terrorists asked Christian LIC manager 'to recite Kalma'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Sushil Nathaniel, an LIC manager from Indore, was shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, after being forced to recite the 'Kalma'. His family has demanded the harshest punishment for the assailants. Nathaniel, who was on a family trip to celebrate Easter, was among 26 people killed in the attack. His daughter was injured in the attack, while his wife and son survived.

When India Nearly Eliminated Dawood...

When India Nearly Eliminated Dawood...

Rediff.com23 May 2025

'6 shooters went to kill Dawood in Pakistan.'

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Raj Kapoor Could Have Married Nargis'

'Raj Kapoor Could Have Married Nargis'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'Those were not kind days for a woman with a break-up. The world has changed; today, nobody cares.'

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.

13-year-old girl becomes sadhvi at Maha Kumbh Mela

13-year-old girl becomes sadhvi at Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

A 13-year-old girl from Agra, who dreamt of becoming an IAS officer, has renounced worldly life and become a Sadhvi at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The girl, Rakhi, was influenced by the teachings of Mahant Kaushal Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara, who had been conducting Bhagwat Katha sessions in her village for the past three years. Rakhi's parents, accepting her decision as divine will, entrusted her to the Juna Akhara. The family, who had rented a home in Agra specifically to educate their daughters, say that Rakhi experienced detachment from worldly life during the Maha Kumbh. The girl will be formally inducted into the ashram on January 19 after religious ceremonies.

Violent protests against Waqf law shift to other areas of Bengal

Violent protests against Waqf law shift to other areas of Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police in West Bengal on Monday during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to several injuries and the torching of multiple police vehicles. The clash occurred after police stopped ISF supporters from attending an anti-Waqf Act rally in Kolkata. The protests escalated when the crowd attempted to break through police barricades. The situation was brought under control after a large police force was deployed. ISF leader Naushad Siddique condemned the Waqf Act and accused the BJP of trying to incite communal tension. Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress dismissed the ISF as a "party of no consequence." Communal violence related to the Waqf Act has also occurred in other parts of West Bengal.

'There Was Something Beautiful About The Two People'

'There Was Something Beautiful About The Two People'

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'In a world which is full of categories, hatred and ideologies, there was this basic decency.'

'Shivaji, Sambhaji Were Secular, Visionary Kings'

'Shivaji, Sambhaji Were Secular, Visionary Kings'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

'Shivaji and Sambhaji followed the gospel of humanity. 'They did not discriminate based on religion, caste, or colour.' 'That is the beauty of Shivaji and Sambhaji's Hindvi Swaraj.'

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Gujarat's UCC panel headed by SC ex-judge, report in 45 days

Gujarat's UCC panel headed by SC ex-judge, report in 45 days

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The BJP government in Gujarat has formed a five-member committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to assess the need for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and to draft a bill for the same. The committee will submit its report within 45 days. The decision has sparked debate with the Opposition claiming it is an attempt to divert attention from pressing issues ahead of the upcoming local body polls, while the government insists the UCC will protect the rights of tribal communities. The committee will consult with religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community.

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The ISI strategy has been to use its proxies to target Hindus in India. They want an outrage and counter-targeting of India's minorities. Further, even the whiff of it restores the Pakistan army's popularity, especially when it's in the dumps, like now, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Ram Navami celebrated across country amid tight security in many states

Ram Navami celebrated across country amid tight security in many states

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Temples across Uttar Pradesh were packed with devotees on Sunday for Ram Navami, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading prayers at the Gorakhnath Temple. Heavy crowds were witnessed at temples in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, where security was heightened. In Gorakhpur, Adityanath performed the traditional kanya pujan ritual, while in Varanasi, a 51-foot statue of Lord Ram has become a major attraction. The festival was celebrated with enthusiastic fervor across the state.

'Was He Not A Human? Was He An Animal?'

'Was He Not A Human? Was He An Animal?'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'One murder gets national coverage because of political connections.' 'The other two and the brutal torture? Not much outrage.' 'Are Dalit and OBC lives worth less?'