Latest news with #Sanatan
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Pastor held for illegal conversion of 200 people
Lucknow: Ambedkarnagar police on Tuesday arrested a pastor on charges of allegedly attempting illegal religious conversion during a prayer session at Billiards church in the Akbarpur area of the district. The incident came to light on Sunday when over 200 men and women gathered at the church for what was claimed to be a "healing prayer" session. Police said the pastor, Pramod Kumar , was allegedly urging attendees to abandon their faith in Sanatan deities and embrace Christianity. Some members of the VHP reported this to the police. A team from Kotwali police station arrived at the church. Initially, police denied allegations of religious conversion, stating that the gathering was only a prayer meeting conducted without prior permission. However, after the matter gained media attention, sub-inspector Ashraf Khan filed an FIR on Monday, leading to the pastor's arrest the next day. Kotwali in-charge Srinivas Pandey said that the accused was produced in court and later sent to jail. In a related complaint, Karamjeet Singh, a resident of Paikolia in Tanda, alleged that he was approached by Pramod, who claimed to be trained in Lucknow and Kerala to carry out conversions. Singh said Pramod promised Rs 20,000 upfront, free education and medical treatment for his children, a monthly allowance of Rs 10,000, and an additional Rs 2,000 per new convert. Singh, who belongs to the SC community, said he refused the offer, after which Pramod allegedly assaulted him and hurled caste-based slurs. Singh's statement led to the addition of relevant sections under the SC/ST (Prevention of atrocities) Act. Police officials have said that investigations are underway.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Yogi reviews preps for Kanwar Yatra, prays at Shiv temple
1 2 Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday visited the Dudheshwarnath Mahadev temple in Ghaziabad, where he performed 'rudrabhishek' and formally inaugurated 'Shravan Kanwar' mela. As 'jalabhishek' of 'Shivling' will commence on Monday, senior officials in western UP are expected to welcome the devotees early Monday morning. Upon his arrival at the temple, Yogi was warmly welcomed by students of Dudheshwarnath Vedic School and devotees. Highlighting the importance of Dudeshwarnath temple, Yogi said that the temple was a vibrant symbol of Sanatan culture and lauded the religious and cultural developments taking place under the guidance of Mahant Narayan Giri, the head of the religious shrine. The CM sought updates from police commissioner J Ravinder Goud and district magistrate Deepak Meena regarding the arrangements to cater to the influx of Kanwariyas . Satisfied with the arrangements being made to handle the rush of the devotees, Yogi appreciated the close coordination between the temple management committee, police and local administration. After visiting the temple, the CM proceeded to the Ghaziabad police lines from where he boarded a helicopter to shower flower petals on Kanwariyas travelling along the routes passing through Muzaffarnagar and Meerut.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Open to discuss important issues like Op Sindoor in Parliament, says Kiren Rijiju
1:31 While the Baghpat district administration showered flower petals on Kanwariyas, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has defended the Shiv devotees. He claimed they have been branded as hooligans and terrorists and are victims of a "media trial". Adityanath stated this is a "nefarious attempt to defame the Kaveriyas" and insults Indian tradition. He said, "Unhe upadhavi aur atankwadi tak bolne ka dusahas hota hai" (They are dared to be called hooligans and even terrorists). The Chief Minister added that this represents a mentality that aims to insult India's heritage and is an attempt to isolate the community from Sanatan and Hindu identity.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM: Fake social media a/cs being used to spark caste tensions
1 2 Varanasi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday hailed tribal communities as the foundation of Indian civilization and warned against rising attempts to incite caste conflict through fake social media accounts, calling for immediate action to stop such divisive agendas. Speaking at a seminar on tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda at Vasant Mahila Mahavidyalaya in Varanasi, the CM said those who seek to defame the kanwariyas are the same people who tried to separate the tribal community from India. Underscoring the importance of social harmony, the CM emphasised that the Kanwar Yatra embodies unity transcending caste, creed and sect. "Today, the yatra is progressing peacefully and with devotion, yet some label it as unruly. These are the same forces that try to mislead and provoke tribal communities. We must remain alert to such divisive elements," he warned. "They (divisive elements) conspired at every level to make them fight against India. This is the same community that always insults the faith of India and these are the same people who today want to create a situation of caste conflict by creating fake accounts on social media platforms," Yogi said. Taking a firm stance against divisive forces, the CM condemned the attempts to fuel caste and communal tensions through fake social media identities. Recalling a specific incident, he said, "A few years ago, there was a case of arson. I had remarked then that such an act likely didn't belong to any particular community. The investigation later confirmed that the person involved was wearing a saffron scarf, but was shouting 'Ya Allah'. These deceptive individuals must be exposed and excluded from society if we are to protect national unity." He cited another incident from Jaunpur, where a huge Tazia was constructed in violation of safety norms and came into contact with a high-tension wire, tragically claiming three lives. "Following this, an attempt was made to block roads and create unrest. I instructed the police to take strict action. Those disrupting social harmony must understand that peace and order are paramount," he asserted. He added that the same forces who spread caste-based hatred online had also tried to provoke tribal communities against the nation. "Such elements must face strict action," he asserted. Yogi said that tribal society has always been the bedrock of India's Sanatan tradition, highlighting its enduring role in defending the nation and safeguarding cultural values across eras. He hailed tribal communities as the foundation of Indian civilization and warned against rising attempts to incite caste conflict through fake social media accounts, calling for immediate action to stop such divisive agendas. Referring to the Ramayan, he said, "When Lord Ram was in exile and mother Sita was abducted, it was the tribal community that stood by him, despite the absence of Ayodhya's army. Similarly, Maharana Pratap reorganised his army in the forests of the Aravalli Range with the support of tribal groups and resisted emperor Akbar. Chhatrapati Shivaji, too, relied on the 'vanvasi' (forest dwellers) society to lay the foundation of the Hindavi Swarajya. " Yogi hailed Birsa Munda as a key figure of India's national awakening, asserting that tribal communities have consistently played a vital role in protecting India's spiritual and cultural legacy. "While we often associate the struggle for Independence with recent history, the tribal society has been fighting for Sanatan Dharma through every age," he said. Acknowledging past shortcomings, the CM said previous govts failed to extend governance and essential services to the tribal communities. "Where communication breaks down, conflict begins," he said, adding, "After 2017, our govt granted revenue village status to tribal villages, places that didn't have voting rights since 1947. We ensured delivery of ration cards, land leases, pensions, and development schemes to tribal regions in Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Mirzapur, and the Terai areas bordering Nepal. " Describing the tribal society as the true embodiment of India's Sanatan tradition, Yogi said, "Tribal communities live in complete harmony with nature, reflecting the essence of Vedic teachings in their everyday lives. We often worship trees and rivers, but do not hesitate to exploit or encroach upon them. In contrast, tribal society has lived the message of the Vedas, coexisting with nature rather than exploiting it. " Yogi emphasized that Indian tradition has never confined Hindu identity to temple visits or scriptural belief. "Both the believer and the non-believer are Hindus. Charvak and Lord Buddha did not accept the Vedas, yet they are deeply respected in our tradition. Then why question the identity of tribal communities in the context of Hinduism?" he wondered. Praising PM Narendra Modi for declaring Nov 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day), the CM said the move has instilled a sense of respect and recognition in tribal communities. "They are our original society. Tribal Pride Day is a gesture of gratitude and a bridge of communication with them," he noted. He added that the state govt has ensured 100% saturation of welfare schemes among marginalised communities, such as the Kol tribe, which is deeply rooted in the legacy of Lord Ram.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Fake social media a/cs being used to fan caste tensions: CM
1 2 Varanasi: CM Yogi Adityanath on Friday hailed tribal communities as the foundation of Indian civilization and warned against rising attempts to incite caste conflict through fake social media accounts, calling for immediate action to stop such divisive agendas. Speaking at a seminar on tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda at Vasant Mahila Mahavidyalaya in Varanasi, Yogi said those who seek to defame the kanwariyas are the same people who tried to separate the tribal community from India. Underscoring the importance of social harmony, he said the Kanwar Yatra embodies unity transcending caste, creed and sect. "Today, the yatra is progressing peacefully and with devotion, yet some label it as unruly. These are the same forces that try to mislead and provoke tribal communities. We must remain alert to such divisive elements," he warned."They (divisive elements) conspired at every level to make them fight against India. This is the same community that always insults the faith of India and these are the same people who today want to create a situation of caste conflict by creating fake accounts on social media platforms," Yogi said. Taking a firm stance against divisive forces, the CM condemned the attempts to fuel caste and communal tensions through fake social media identities. Recalling a specific incident, he said, "A few years ago, there was a case of arson. I had remarked then that such an act likely didn't belong to any particular community. The investigation later confirmed that the person involved was wearing a saffron scarf, but was shouting 'Ya Allah'. These deceptive individuals must be exposed and excluded from society if we are to protect national unity." He cited another incident from Jaunpur, where a huge Tazia was constructed in violation of safety norms and came into contact with a high-tension wire, tragically claiming three lives. "Following this, an attempt was made to block roads and create unrest. I instructed the police to take strict action. Those disrupting social harmony must understand that peace and order are paramount," he asserted. He added that the same forces who spread caste-based hatred online had also tried to provoke tribal communities against the nation. "Such elements must face strict action," he asserted. Yogi said that tribal society has always been the bedrock of India's Sanatan tradition, highlighting its enduring role in defending the nation and safeguarding cultural values across eras. He hailed tribal communities as the foundation of Indian civilization and warned against rising attempts to incite caste conflict through fake social media accounts, calling for immediate action to stop such divisive agendas. Referring to the Ramayan, he said, "When Lord Ram was in exile and mother Sita was abducted, it was the tribal community that stood by him, despite the absence of Ayodhya's army. Similarly, Maharana Pratap reorganised his army in the forests of the Aravalli Range with the support of tribal groups and resisted emperor Akbar. Chhatrapati Shivaji, too, relied on the 'vanvasi' (forest dwellers) society to lay the foundation of the Hindavi Swarajya. " Yogi hailed Birsa Munda as a key figure of India's national awakening, asserting that tribal communities have consistently played a vital role in protecting India's spiritual and cultural legacy. "While we often associate the struggle for Independence with recent history, the tribal society has been fighting for Sanatan Dharma through every age," he said. Acknowledging past shortcomings, the CM said previous govts failed to extend governance and essential services to the tribal communities. "Where communication breaks down, conflict begins," he said, adding, "After 2017, our govt granted revenue village status to tribal villages, places that didn't have voting rights since 1947. We ensured delivery of ration cards, land leases, pensions, and development schemes to tribal regions in Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Mirzapur, and the Terai areas bordering Nepal. " Describing the tribal society as the true embodiment of India's Sanatan tradition, Yogi said, "Tribal communities live in complete harmony with nature, reflecting the essence of Vedic teachings in their everyday lives. We often worship trees and rivers, but do not hesitate to exploit or encroach upon them. In contrast, tribal society has lived the message of the Vedas, coexisting with nature rather than exploiting it. " Yogi emphasized that Indian tradition has never confined Hindu identity to temple visits or scriptural belief. "Both the believer and the non-believer are Hindus. Charvak and Lord Buddha did not accept the Vedas, yet they are deeply respected in our tradition. Then why question the identity of tribal communities in the context of Hinduism?" he wondered. Praising PM Narendra Modi for declaring Nov 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day), the CM said the move has instilled a sense of respect and recognition in tribal communities. "They are our original society. Tribal Pride Day is a gesture of gratitude and a bridge of communication with them," he noted. He added that the state govt has ensured 100% saturation of welfare schemes among marginalised communities, such as the Kol tribe, which is deeply rooted in the legacy of Lord Ram.
