News for 'spiritual organisations'

Govt inks pact with 4 spiritual bodies to boost 'drug-free India' drive

Govt inks pact with 4 spiritual bodies to boost 'drug-free India' drive

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Indian government has expanded its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by signing agreements with four spiritual organisations. These partnerships aim to enhance grassroots awareness, prevention, recovery, and social mobilisation efforts against substance abuse, leveraging the extensive reach of these groups.

Loud music at Badrinath: Explanation sought from Garhwal Scouts

Loud music at Badrinath: Explanation sought from Garhwal Scouts

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

A cultural festival at Badrinath Dham has ignited a major controversy due to a loud music and dance event, leading the Chamoli district administration to issue a show-cause notice to the Garhwal Scouts. Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi and the Shankaracharya Math have strongly condemned the event, citing violations of cultural and religious decorum and the sanctity of the holy shrine.

Regime change agitations won't...: RSS chief cites France, Albania examples

Regime change agitations won't...: RSS chief cites France, Albania examples

Rediff.com5 days ago

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that regime-change agitations do not resolve fundamental problems and can become instruments of political interests, fuelling divisions rather than delivering solutions. He also called for discernment in consuming information, especially from OTT platforms, and stressed the importance of national unity based on emotional bonds.

BJP successful in north as it 'stole Lord Ram': Telangana CM

BJP successful in north as it 'stole Lord Ram': Telangana CM

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ignited a political and religious debate by claiming the BJP "stole Lord Ram" and contrasting northern and southern religious sentiments, drawing sharp criticism from a Union Minister.

First-ever Ganga Aarti held on River Thames in UK

First-ever Ganga Aarti held on River Thames in UK

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Thousands gathered on the banks of the River Thames in London for the first-ever Ganga Aarti, a traditional Hindu ceremony of light and thanksgiving. Organised by Chinmaya Mission UK as part of the 'Totally Thames' festival, the event symbolised gratitude for nature and knowledge, while also celebrating 75 years of the Chinmaya Mission. The ceremony was conducted on land to ensure environmental responsibility.

4.5L girls used to elope with non-Hindu men during garba: BJP MLA

4.5L girls used to elope with non-Hindu men during garba: BJP MLA

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Usha Thakur has sparked controversy by claiming that 4.5 lakh girls elope with non-Hindu men during Garba celebrations annually, leading to demographic change. She advocated banning non-Hindus from Garba pandals, a stance supported by the VHP, which suggests Aadhaar checks to prevent "love jihad." The Congress has condemned her remarks, demanding an apology, and highlighted similar controversial statements from another BJP MLA.

Modi explains Xi significance of temple backdrop at BRICS

Modi explains Xi significance of temple backdrop at BRICS

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 18th BRICS summit in Bharat Mandapam. The leaders were photographed against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu's iconic Ramanathaswamy temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Modi explained the temple's importance to President Xi, highlighting its unique status as a Char Dham and Jyotirlinga shrine, and its historical and religious significance linked to Lord Ram.

A Dance Festival To Celebrate Love

A Dance Festival To Celebrate Love

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'Through dance, we explore the many expressions of love across India's literature, music and storytelling traditions.'

7 Krishna Temples Around The World

7 Krishna Temples Around The World

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

What do a Rajasthani style building, an island and a striking lotus-shaped shrine have in common? They are all home to Krishna devotion far from India. Unexpected settings to fascinating architecture, these seven temples offer a glimpse of how Krishna's timeless tradition has travelled across the globe.

Fortis' Shivinder Singh to step down; to join spiritual organisation

Fortis' Shivinder Singh to step down; to join spiritual organisation

Rediff.com23 Sep 2015

Fortis Healthcare Executive Vice-Chairman Shivinder Mohan Singh is stepping down from his position to join a philosophical and spiritual organisation.

India Gears Up For Major 100-Week Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign

India Gears Up For Major 100-Week Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a 100-week nationwide campaign, 'Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan', on August 2 to combat rising drug abuse in India. Led by MY Bharat youth, the initiative will involve various activities and aims to unite over one crore young people in a pledge against substance abuse, addressing alarming statistics from the Narcotics Control Bureau.

Arif Zakaria: 'Jinnah's Role Was Demanding'

Arif Zakaria: 'Jinnah's Role Was Demanding'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

'...because of the character, how it was to be portrayed, the speech, the scenes.' 'There was a physicality involved because he was a TB patient who eventually had cancer and passed away.'

Mohan Bhagwat: 'If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslim in Bharat...'

Mohan Bhagwat: 'If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslim in Bharat...'

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu believes in the unity of humanity and that all religious paths lead to the same goal, asserting that 'if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu'.

Spiritual preacher aplogises over Shivaji Maharaj remarks

Spiritual preacher aplogises over Shivaji Maharaj remarks

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Dhirendra Shastri, head of Bageshwar Dham, has apologised for his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after facing backlash in Maharashtra. He claimed his comments were twisted on social media and clarified his stance on dedicating children to the RSS.

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has reconstituted the Textbook Development Team for class 11 and 12 political science with a mandate to integrate cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems and inclusion, with at least four of the members having direct or indirect links with the RSS.

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Eiffel Tower employees launched a strike, leading to the iconic landmark's closure, after allegations surfaced that female staff were asked to vacate their posts during a visit by the Hindu religious organisation BAPS.

He Created The MumbaiCha Raja Ganesh Idol

He Created The MumbaiCha Raja Ganesh Idol

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Sculptor Akash Tirmal explains how he designed the 22 feet idol of Ganesh Galli's MumbaiCha Raja using Plaster of Paris, without any readymade moulds.

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'Dara's case can strengthen the perception among sections of the BJP's traditional support base.'

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Odisha government has roped in IIT-Bhubaneswar to introduce a queue management system at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, including setting up wooden ramps for a clearer view of the deities, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Tuesday.

Caste system is meant to organise society: Adityanath

Caste system is meant to organise society: Adityanath

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Yogi Adityanath champions national unity over caste divisions, asserting that 'casteism' weakens India's social fabric and hinders its progress on the global stage.

'Modi Played A Lot Of Cricket'

'Modi Played A Lot Of Cricket'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

'Modi had his own cricket team in his school days. He was a good cricketer.'

Mukesh Ambani: 'When Women of India Rise, India Rises'

Mukesh Ambani: 'When Women of India Rise, India Rises'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

'When the women of India become unstoppable, India becomes unstoppable.'

Why Tata Must Put The Group Before Individuals

Why Tata Must Put The Group Before Individuals

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Corporate leaders' half-life has shrunk over the past few decades. That is the Tata experience as well. Over 144 years till 2012, Tata Sons had just five chairmen. However, in the 15 years till 2027, the same group will see three, points out R Gopalakrishnan.

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Two prominent temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur and the Bade Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, observed India's Independence Day on August 11, four days ahead of the national celebration. This unique tradition stems from their adherence to the Hindu calendar, specifically Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponded to August 15, 1947, and fell on August 11 this year. Special rituals, flag hoisting, and a Tiranga Yatra marked the early celebrations.

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Sumit Sarkar was never intellectually dismissive of the Hindutva project. He took it with deadly seriousness for he grasped the challenge it posed to the aspirations and ideals of the anti-imperialist movement that generated multiple imaginings of freedom and ways to attain it, recalls Pradeep Kumar Dutta.

L Subramaniam: 'Honours Are A Passing Cloud'

L Subramaniam: 'Honours Are A Passing Cloud'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'Ultimately, everything has to be shared. That's why you have that talent. To share it. Unless you share, it won't continue.'

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the father of two adult women and the Uttar Pradesh government to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh compensation. This ruling comes after the sisters were illegally confined at their parental home for converting to Islam. The court affirmed their right to choose their faith and criticised both the father and the state for infringing upon their fundamental liberties.

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the country's youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, saying drugs can give them a "high" for some time, but would make their entire career and personal life "low".

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

'Within framework of law': Nagpur top cop defends RSS event speech

'Within framework of law': Nagpur top cop defends RSS event speech

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Nagpur Commissioner of Police Vishwas Nangare Patil has addressed the controversy surrounding an old video where he appeared to praise the RSS. He asserted that his remarks at the event were within legal frameworks and did not violate service rules, emphasising his commitment to the Constitution and respect for all communities. The controversy arose after the Maharashtra Congress and MNS chief Raj Thackeray criticised his speech, questioning his neutrality.

How PM Modi's Endorsement Is Propelling Yogasana Towards Olympic Recognition

How PM Modi's Endorsement Is Propelling Yogasana Towards Olympic Recognition

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Dr. Jaideep Arya, Secretary General of World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat, states that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support has significantly boosted Yogasana's bid for Olympic recognition. He highlights the efforts to rebrand Yogasana as a competitive sport for younger generations and its accessibility, despite challenges like geopolitical tensions affecting participation.

Tibetan protester sets himself afire outside UN headquarters, dies

Tibetan protester sets himself afire outside UN headquarters, dies

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 42-year-old man, identified as Lobga Rangzen, died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The act was an apparent protest, with a Tibetan flag and a 'CHINA OUT OF TIBET' slogan found at the scene, linking it to the ongoing Tibetan Independence Movement.

'Dalai Lama Loved Repairing Mechanical Watches'

'Dalai Lama Loved Repairing Mechanical Watches'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

'Only the Dalai Lama could have kept the Tibet issue alive the way he did.'

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Go once. You will know, even before you board the flight home, that you will return.

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to enact a stringent law against religious conversion and implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He linked these measures to strengthening national security and preserving Bengal's cultural identity, citing concerns over infiltration and demographic changes. Adhikari also highlighted efforts in border security, distinguished between illegal immigrants and CAA refugees, and paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Sachidananda has requested greater representation for MLAs from backward class communities in the UDF government's Cabinet.

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Father's Day: Fathers Of 18 Famous Indians

Father's Day: Fathers Of 18 Famous Indians

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Who are the special fathers of these famous Indians? The paternal figures responsible for putting them on the right path and helping them find greatness.

Disclosure Day Review: Close Encounters of The Tiresome Kind

Disclosure Day Review: Close Encounters of The Tiresome Kind

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Steven Spielberg's latest sci-fi offering Disclosure Day attempts to blend political thriller elements with an alien narrative, but despite strong performances and moments of suspense, it ultimately leaves viewers with too many unanswered questions and a somewhat unearned climax laments Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has advocated for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST), citing Ujjain's historical significance as a centre for time calculation and astronomy.