Experts debunk Covid vaccine-heart attack link, Row over religious profiling during Kanwar Yatra in UP
And a controversy has erupted ahead of the Kaavar Yatra in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. This after a dhaba worker named Tajamul claims he was asked to remove his pants to prove his religious identity. He says the dhaba owner had advised him to use the Hindu name 'Gopal' for safety during the yatra. The incident occurred after the UP government issued a directive for shop owners to display nameplates during the yatra. The program examines the tensions arising from this religious profiling and questions whether peace can be maintained during this year's yatra.
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
How Did Swami Vivekananda Die? The Story Behind His Final Moments
Last Updated: Swami Vivekananda died in 1902 at age 39. More than 120 years later, his teachings on youth, service, and spiritual strength continue to inspire across the world More than 120 years since his passing, Swami Vivekananda remains a beacon of wisdom, courage, and spiritual awakening. Though his life was short, his impact was immeasurable. Swami Vivekananda passed away on July 4, 1902, at the age of just 39. In his final days, despite suffering from asthma, diabetes, and insomnia, he remained committed to meditation, teaching, and service. He is believed to have attained Mahasamadhi during meditation at Belur Math, near Kolkata, West Bengal. Early Life And Global Recognition Swami Vivekananda was an exceptional individual, known for his brilliant intellect and profound spiritual insight. He rose to international prominence following his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he represented India and Hindu philosophy on a global platform. Regrettably, due to poor health, he was unable to attend the 1901 Parliament of the World's Religions held in Japan. As detailed in Gopal Srinivas Banhatti's biography, Swami Vivekananda suffered from chronic illnesses in his later years, including asthma, diabetes, and insomnia. Yet, in spite of his deteriorating condition, he continued to meditate, write extensively, and actively support the work of the Ramakrishna Mission. Final Hours Of Swami Vivekananda The final moments of Swami Vivekananda's life are described in Rajagopal Chattopadhyay's work Swami Vivekananda in India: A Corrective Biography. He spent his last days at Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. On the day of his passing, he maintained his usual spiritual discipline, beginning with three hours of meditation. As evening drew near, he entered meditation once more, instructing those around him not to disturb him. According to an account, he had asked for complete silence during this time. He passed away during meditation at approximately 9:20 PM. His disciples believed he had attained Mahasamadhi, the yogic act of consciously leaving the body. Swami Vivekananda's Cause Of Death According to Swami Virajananda, a senior disciple, the cause of Swami Vivekananda's death was the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. His followers, however, believed this physical event was spiritually significant, associated with the Brahmarandhra, the crown of the head in yogic tradition. Remarkably, Swami Vivekananda had long predicted that he would not live beyond the age of 40, a prophecy that came true. He was cremated on the banks of the Ganges at Belur, at the same spot where his revered guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, had been cremated 16 years earlier. Legacy And Achievements The circumstances of Swami Vivekananda's death remain a subject of reflection, some attributing it to his long-term health conditions, others to the intense rigour of meditation. His disciples were firm in their belief that he consciously left his body in the highest state of spiritual attainment. In the days before his passing, Swami Vivekananda declared that he had fulfilled his life's purpose: to awaken spiritual consciousness, serve humanity, and instil strength and confidence in the youth of India and the world. He departed this world at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions. Swami Vivekananda's Enduring Contributions Swami Vivekananda's influence stretches far beyond his short life, and his ideas continue to shape modern India's intellectual, social, and spiritual landscape: Parliament of the World's Religions, Chicago (1893): His opening words, 'My American brothers and sisters," won him instant admiration and showcased India's spiritual wealth to the world. Founding of the Ramakrishna Mission and Belur Math: Established in Kolkata, these institutions remain pillars of education, humanitarian service, and spiritual growth. Educational Reform: He championed education that builds character, promotes self-reliance, and equips individuals to face life's challenges. He valued practical knowledge over rote learning. Service to Humanity: Declaring 'Service to man is service to God," he urged people to serve the poor and marginalised as the highest form of worship. Revival of Indian Culture and National Pride: He inspired Indians to embrace their heritage and culture with confidence, laying the spiritual foundation for the national freedom movement. Religious Harmony and Inclusiveness: Advocating unity among faiths, he popularised the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world as one family. Promotion of Yoga and Meditation: He played a key role in introducing the philosophical and practical aspects of yoga and meditation to the West. Youth Inspiration: His timeless message, 'Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached," continues to motivate generations of young minds. Major Works: Notable among his writings are Raja Yoga (1896), Vedanta philosophy: lectures on Jnana Yoga (1902), and various compilations of his speeches and letters, all of which remain widely read and revered. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : belur math death anniversary Kolkata Ramkrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 04, 2025, 10:40 IST News india How Did Swami Vivekananda Die? The Story Behind His Final Moments
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Vaccine manufacturers' body, Serum Institute of India reaffirm COVID-19 vaccine safety
The Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) has assured that all COVID-19 vaccines in India were approved for emergency use authorisation based on extensive evaluation in preclinical studies and human clinical trials. 'Patient safety and product quality are always prioritised during the vaccine development and its manufacture,' Dr G V J A Harshavardhan, Director General, IVMA, said in a statement released on Thursday. The statement sought to reassure the public on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. 'All COVID-19 vaccines in India were approved for emergency use authorisation [restricted use in emergency situations as per World Health Organization guidelines], he said, adding, 'These approvals were based on extensive evaluation in preclinical studies and human clinical trials, with positive results on safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of these vaccines.' The IVMA statement comes in the backdrop of the Union health ministry saying on Wednesday that extensive studies by several agencies have 'conclusively established no linkages' between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths. The Serum Institute of India also posted on X that the COVID-19 vaccines were safe and scientifically validated. 'Two large-scale studies by ICMR [Indian Council of Medical Research] and AIIMS [All India Institute of Medical Sciences], as cited by the Ministry of Health have found no link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths,' SII said. The IVMA statement also noted that prior to their release, all COVID-19 vaccines were tested extensively for safety by the manufacturers and were also provided Batch Release Certification by the Central Drugs Laboratory in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 'The strengths of innovation and large-scale, high-quality manufacturing are the hallmarks of the Indian vaccine ecosystem. COVID-19 vaccines manufactured in India were largely responsible for not only controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and restricting its impact on lives, livelihoods, but most importantly, enabling India's economic activity and GDP to rebound and grow to new heights globally,' Dr Harshavardhan said. 'This positive impact of COVID-19 vaccination was not only limited to India, but also to several countries worldwide, under the Government of India's Vaccine Maitri programme…,' he added.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Hassan heart attack death cases: India's top drugmakers rally behind Covid vaccines
Leading drugmakers on Thursday rallied in support of Covid vaccines , using various social media platforms, amid a series of deaths in Karnataka's Hassan district due to heart attacks. Dilip Shanghvi, chairman and managing director at Sun Pharmaceuticals said in a post on LinkedIn, 'The deaths of multiple young individuals in one district of Karnataka due to cardiac ailments are unfortunate. While this appears to be specific to the district, linking it to the Covid-19 vaccine without any scientific evidence is "incorrect and misleading". "India's vaccine approval process is rigorous and science-driven, and we must continue to have confidence in it. The vaccine has been administered to millions across the country. If there were a connection, we would have seen similar incidents in many other places — which is not the case. The State health authorities should thoroughly investigate the situation to determine the cause,' Sanghavi said. Sorting to allay the apprehensions, Pankaj Patel, chairman, Zydus Lifesciences , which also manufactures Covid DNA vaccine, said in a post on X, 'There are other multiple reasons like age, environmental factors, genetics, lifestyle etc, that could be the leading cause of heart attacks in people. Several scientific studies globally and in India have conclusively shown that the risk of heart attack or myocarditis is greater after SARS-CoV-2 infection. #Vaccines save lives.' Appreciating the vaccination programme, Patel said, "the massive vaccination programme in our country during the peak of Covid phase saved millions of people and families. In fact a study published in Lancet estimated that India averted almost 3.4 million deaths due to vaccination in the year 2021," he said. Live Events Satish Reddy, chairman, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, wrote, 'India-made vaccines are by WHO and used worldwide. They helped end polio and fight Covid. At a time when India is seen as a vaccine leader, let's build trust in science, not doubt it. Public health must stay above politics.' A post on X attributed to Samir Mehta, executive chairman, Torrent Pharma said, 'India has earned global recognition as the Pharmacy of the World, supplying safe and effective vaccines to over 90 countries…Let's not allow misinformation to erode trust in science or the integrity of India's healthcare ecosystem.' Responding to rising concerns over the sudden deaths of more than 20 people in Hassan district, the Karnataka health department formed an expert committee to probe a possible link to Covid vaccines. However, support came pouring in for Covid vaccines. The Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association said Covid-19 vaccines were developed and manufactured in the country with the highest safety and quality standards. Assuring about the safety of these vaccines, Dr/ G.V.J.A. Harshavardhan, director general at the association said the approvals were based on extensive evaluation in preclinical studies and human clinical trials with positive results on safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of the vaccines. 'Patient safety and product quality are always prioritised during the vaccine development and its manufacture,' he said in a statement. He said prior to releasing the vaccines, they were tested extensively for safety by the manufacturers and are also provided batch release certification by the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Sudarshan Jain, secretary general, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) said during the pandemic, vaccines played a crucial role, and India consistently supplied medicines and vaccines across the world. "These vaccines have been well documented and rigorously tested as per regulatory processes. Misinformation and distortion of facts endanger public health and undermine the trust built on science and patient care globally".
