News for 'Office of Religious Life'

'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.

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.

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.

'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?'

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership of three iconic Indian queens -- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa.

Abe shooter initially wanted to attack religious group leader

Abe shooter initially wanted to attack religious group leader

Rediff.com9 Jul 2022

Yamagami has denied he committed the crime because he was opposed to Abe's political beliefs, according to the police.

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Subramanyam's mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport, watched her son being sworn-in on the Bhagavad Gita.

'Cheating wife wants to destroy my life'

'Cheating wife wants to destroy my life'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

rediffGURU Kanchan Rai, founder, Let Us Talk, offers advice on how to navigate problems in a relationship.

2024's Best South Web Series

2024's Best South Web Series

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Arjun Menon looks at 2024's top Web series from South India.

Would have chosen Usha Vance as my VP, but...: Trump

Would have chosen Usha Vance as my VP, but...: Trump

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Usha Chilukuri Vance, the wife of newly sworn-in Vice President JD Vance, has made history as the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady of the United States. Usha, a lawyer and daughter of Indian immigrants, held the Bible during Vance's oath of office, signifying her role in supporting her husband's political journey. Her background and her husband's rise to the Vice Presidency highlight the growing political influence of Indian Americans and their increasing representation in national politics.

Sikh officer plans to sue US Marine Corps for full religious freedom

Sikh officer plans to sue US Marine Corps for full religious freedom

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

A 26-year-old Sikh-American officer in the US Marines who has been allowed to wear the turban - the first person in the 246-year history of the elite force allowed to do so, but with a few limitations, plans to sue the Corps if he is not granted full religious accommodation, according to a media report.

Daughter lights pyre, Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours

Daughter lights pyre, Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

The mortal remains of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh were consigned to flames at the Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday amid the chanting of religious hymns. The funeral pyre was lit by his eldest daughter Upinder Singh.

Is Trump A Lot Like Modi?

Is Trump A Lot Like Modi?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

After being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Trump started his inaugural address with a sentence that echoed Modi's coinage some years ago, notes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

2024's 10 Best OTT Films

2024's 10 Best OTT Films

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The top 10 films of the year may not be great by themselves but they stand out amidst the other OTT releases.

Tsari Yatra May Help Ease India China Tensions

Tsari Yatra May Help Ease India China Tensions

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Why can't the Indian government propose to the Chinese a corridor circumambulating the Holy Mountain where people from both sides could perform the yatra again? asks Claude Arpi.

Bahraich violence: Internet back, police warn against rumours

Bahraich violence: Internet back, police warn against rumours

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The violence broke out at Maharajganj under Mahsi tehsil on Sunday over the alleged playing of loud music outside a place of worship during a Durga Puja immersion procession, in which Ram Gopal Mishra (22) died of gunshot injuries.

Nearly 650 people killed in Bangladesh violence: UN report

Nearly 650 people killed in Bangladesh violence: UN report

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

Nearly 650 people have been killed in the recent unrest in Bangladesh between July 16 and August 11, the United Nations Human Rights Office has said in a preliminary report, suggesting a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions.

Can Religious Rows Hurt DMK In 2024?

Can Religious Rows Hurt DMK In 2024?

Rediff.com21 Sep 2022

Party insiders concede statements of the Raja kind have the potential to hurt the DMK's electoral chances in closely-fought seats in 2024, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'My husband loves his office more than me'

'My husband loves his office more than me'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2024

An open and direct conversation is the only way to deal with a marital problem but choose the right time and place to address the issue, advises rediffGURU Ravi Mittal.

The Remarkable Life And Legacy Of Oommen Chandy

The Remarkable Life And Legacy Of Oommen Chandy

Rediff.com22 Jul 2023

'Oommen Chandy always had time for his people and valued their voices.' 'There was no rest for him as long as the betterment of his fellow citizens was at stake.' Ambassador Venu Rajamony, who knew the former Kerala chief minister for half a century, salutes a beloved leader who worked tirelessly for the welfare of its people.

'He Was Not An 'I' Man At All'

'He Was Not An 'I' Man At All'

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

'He was a practical person who ensured that he thought about the common man, animals, the fact that they have a life and they have to be respected.'

Bill Clinton on what stops Gandhi's dream for India

Bill Clinton on what stops Gandhi's dream for India

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Former US President Bill Clinton expresses his doubts about the realization of Mahatma Gandhi's dream for India in his new book, 'Citizen: My Life After the White House'. Reflecting on his experience in the aftermath of the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake, Clinton recounts his encounters with the suffering and resilience of the people, questioning the extent to which India has achieved Gandhi's vision of a peaceful haven for all. The book also highlights the establishment of the American India Foundation (AIF), which Clinton helped found to support relief efforts in Gujarat. Clinton's observations on India's internal divisions, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, offer a thought-provoking perspective on the country's progress towards Gandhi's ideals.

She Helps Girls Get Education

She Helps Girls Get Education

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

What are the reasons why a girl's education falls by the wayside? Why was Safeena a casualty too? Maybe because the education system doesn't give youngsters enough options? Or there are societal issues or pressures?

The General Who Stood By His Convictions

The General Who Stood By His Convictions

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

'General Paddy was amongst the last line of generals who stood by his convictions and brooked no interference in matters which were his domain.' Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (retd) salutes his former chief who passed away on August 19.

SC relief for Muslim cleric in 2010 UP communal riots case

SC relief for Muslim cleric in 2010 UP communal riots case

Rediff.com11 Apr 2024

The top court took note of the submissions of Alvi that the high court had passed the order without assigning reasons and granted the interim stay.

Mosques, mazar covered on Haridwar kanwar route; removed after flak

Mosques, mazar covered on Haridwar kanwar route; removed after flak

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

The mosque's maulana and the mazar's caretakers said they were not aware of any administrative order in this regard and claimed this was for the first time that such a step had been taken during the yatra.

'We Know How To Protect Our Religion'

'We Know How To Protect Our Religion'

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

'If someone fiddles us on our religion then we will pay back five times more to that person. We have proved that time and again.'

Ratan Tata, The Rishi India Trusted Most

Ratan Tata, The Rishi India Trusted Most

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

To me he always symbolised the sincere, confident, face of a Bharat whose rise is unstoppable. Ratan Tata was a Rishi who was unquestioningly trusted by people who never saw him and never met him, asserts Tarun Vijay, the former BJP MP.

6 years after interfaith marriage, U'khand man moves SC for wife's return

6 years after interfaith marriage, U'khand man moves SC for wife's return

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

A bench headed by the then Chief Justice, Dipak Misra, had on May 17, 2018 allowed the woman to go back to her parents, who claimed the 'nikahnama' furnished by Danish was fake and that he had abducted their daughter.

The Diary Of West Bengal Review: Senseless!!

The Diary Of West Bengal Review: Senseless!!

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

How can a film that has a character declare that secularism is an illness be taken seriously, asks Deepa Gahlot.

'Ek Baar Dekh Lo, Phir Discuss Karte Hain'

'Ek Baar Dekh Lo, Phir Discuss Karte Hain'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

'Whatever you do will spark controversies, so it is best do what your heart tells you to do. Simple.'

The Messages From The Bahraich Riots

The Messages From The Bahraich Riots

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

The way the Bahraich riot has played out should worry the BJP. The party has emboldened Hindu youngsters to such an extent that its MLAs feel the need to go to the police against their party members. Is this what the BJP wants, asks Jyoti Punwani.

CAA gets rolling as govt issues citizenship certificates

CAA gets rolling as govt issues citizenship certificates

Rediff.com15 May 2024

The CAA was enacted in December 2019 for granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. These include Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians.

Temples are path to mental slavery: Bihar education minister

Temples are path to mental slavery: Bihar education minister

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

Bihar Education Minister Chandrashekhar reiterated that temples are the path to "mental slavery" while schools mean the path of light in life, extending support to party MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh whose similar statement drew the ire of a fringe outfit that announced a "reward" of Rs 10 lakh to cut off his tongue.

'In life as well as in politics, nothing is black or white'

'In life as well as in politics, nothing is black or white'

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

'There was trust, but perhaps there was also this apprehension that given the supreme post of prime minister, Sonia Gandhi felt her authority may be a challenged.'

Pathaan Is About Shah Rukh's Life

Pathaan Is About Shah Rukh's Life

Rediff.com2 Feb 2023

More than anything else, Pathaan is a silent and subtle statement of Shah Rukh Khan about his place, his commitment to cinema and, if one can say, his politics, observes Mohammad Asim Siddiqui.

Dev Anand Would Be 101 Today!

Dev Anand Would Be 101 Today!

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

Did you know Dev Anand worked as a clerk at a salary of Rs 85 before he became an actor?

Dying man forced to sing national anthem: HC orders CBI probe

Dying man forced to sing national anthem: HC orders CBI probe

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

In a video clip that had gone viral on social media, Faizan, along with four other Muslim men, was seen being beaten up by policemen while being forced to sing the national anthem and 'Vande Mataram'.