India
Officials now say no ban on animal sacrifice in Kashmir
By Associated Press — July 16, 2021
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Friday said there is no ban on the sacrifice of animals during the upcoming Islamic Eid al-Adha holiday, a day after the government asked law enforcers to stop the sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other animals. G.L. Sharma, a senior government official, said the earlier […]
India can still turn the tide back toward democracy
By David Curry — July 15, 2021
(Open Doors) — For years, extremist ideologues have dominated India’s executive branch and legislature. Now, the judicial system has fallen.
Hindutva’s threat to academic freedom
By Ananya Chakravarti, Purnima Dhavan, Manan Ahmed, Supriya Gandhi, Dheepa Sundaram, Audrey Truschke, and Simran Jeet Singh — July 7, 2021
(RNS) — The Hindu right has attacked U.S.-based scholars for the past few decades, attempting to dissuade and discredit academic research.
Indian Hindus turn to honoring ‘corona goddess’ to quell pandemic
By Bhavya Dore — June 22, 2021
(RNS) — India has a history of worshipping female divinities during times of disease outbreaks. There have been goddesses of plague, smallpox and cholera through the past centuries.
Confessions of a reluctant Hindu
By Bidisha Biswas — June 8, 2021
(RNS) — Is it possible to be a Hindu and reject caste? For me, the answer is yes. Hinduism is a living religion, and Hindus can reform their religion by the very act of living out the changes we seek.
Our critics’ attempts to silence us are harming all Hindu Americans
By Suhag Shukla — May 24, 2021
(RNS) — Our critics exhibit a tribalism that is causing real, measurable harm to Hindu Americans.
Modi silent on Muslim philanthropist’s offer of medical supplies for India
By Priyadarshini Sen — May 24, 2021
NEW DELHI (RNS) — Modi once called on South Asian countries to 'chalk out a strong strategy to fight the coronavirus,' but his plans have foundered on mistrust and hostility between Pakistan and India.
My fellow Hindus sued me for raising alarms about Hindu supremacy
By Sunita Viswanath — May 20, 2021
(RNS) — My only offense is offering an inclusive and egalitarian Hindu voice in the U.S.
Protecting the climate is loving our neighbor
By Diane Randall — May 19, 2021
(RNS) — The Quaker call to love thy neighbor speaks to the world, not our immediate neighbors.
India police jail 21 Kashmiris amid pro-Palestinian rallies
By Aijaz Hussain — May 15, 2021
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Police said in a statement they were keeping a "close watch on elements who are attempting to leverage the unfortunate situation in Palestine to disturb public peace and order" in Kashmir.
US hits China and others for repressing religious freedom
By Matthew Lee — May 13, 2021
(AP) — Secretary of State Blinken also used the report to lash out at abuses of religious freedom in Iran, Myanmar, Russia. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, all of which were identified as offenders.
In India, Hindus fast in Ramadan for growth and solidarity with Muslim friends
By Bhavya Dore — May 11, 2021
MUMBAI (RNS) — 'It disciplines your body, makes you introspect and helps you build a habit,' said one Hindu who participates in Ramadan's fasting and reflection.
President Trump failed to challenge India on religious freedom. Will Biden follow suit?
By David Curry — May 10, 2021
(RNS) — Biden the candidate promised to protect religious freedom. But Biden the president seems to have chosen a similar approach to India as his predecessor.
As COVID-19 swamps India, decision to allow Kumbh Mela’s crowds is scrutinized
By Bhavya Dore — May 3, 2021
MUMBAI (RNS) — As COVID-19 infections rise, the local and national governments' decision to allow the Kumbh Mela is being scrutinized as a sign of the BJP-led government favoring Hindu beliefs over safety.
‘We need a place to serve’: As India’s COVID-19 cases spiral, faith groups step up
By Bhavya Dore — April 29, 2021
(RNS) — In the grip of a deadly second wave of COVID-19, religious charities and faith-based organizations are among the many civil society groups that have stepped up to mobilize COVID relief efforts.
