Friday, September 15, 2017
A Gold Medal Around Your Neck Doesn’t Matter, Giving 100% In The Field Does
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
World Peace Prize Conferred Upon Elder D. Tod Christofferson
The Philosopher Saint Shri Dnyaneshwara World Peace Prize-2017, given on behalf of World Peace Center (Alandi), MAEER’s MIT World Peace University, Pune, India was conferred upon the HON’BLE ELDER D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON, Member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – Mormon Community, Utah, (USA), in appreciation and recognition of his great yeomen service for championing the Noble Cause of Human Welfare, Communal Harmony and Universal Brotherhood through his unique mission to promote the Culture of Peace in the World.
The conferment ceremony took place at the Swami Vivekananda Mandap at Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University. The Chief Guest at this program was Dr. Michael Noble, Ex-President, Noble Charitable Trust. The award consisted of a golden replica of Saint Shri Dnyaneshwara, a gold medal, certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 5,25,000/- (Five Lakh Twenty Five Thousand Rupees).
Also present at the event were Shri. Babasaheb Purandare, Maharashtra Bhushan, Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, President, World Peace Centre (Alandi), MAEER’s MIT World Peace University, Nanik Rupani, Chairman, Neutron Electronic Systems, Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Bhushan & Father of PARAM Supercomputer, Prof. Rahul Karad, Executive President, MIT World Peace University, Hon’ble Father Funk, Elder Robert Williams, Mr. Mathew Holland and Dr. Chandrakant Pandav, Trustee, MAEER’s MIT, Pune.
In his acceptance speech, Elder D. Tod Christofferson said, “It is my honour to receive this World Peace Prize in the name of Saint Shri Dnyaneshwara. Our church is grateful to be part of India's rich diversity of faith traditions. Religion defines and sustains us. For billions of believers it is who we are and how we live. But religion also benefits Nations, communities and policy makers who seek to establish peace and lasting prosperity for all people of all faiths. Religion has a significant effect on national prosperity. Study shows that religion fosters trust, a necessary ingredient for social Cohesion and economic growth. Religious people trust others more. They trust the legal system and government more, they are less willing to break the laws. Trust is an essential element of any well-functioning economy. Religious people are far more trusting than those with merely a secular point of view. Religious people and Institutions are powerful source of humanitarian assistance. People of faith are 40% more likely than non-religious people to give money to Charity and twice as likely to volunteer their services to community organisations. Religious freedom facilitates other types of freedom. Studies have shown that societal restrictions on religion increases interstate conflicts. The Christian community in India, although a minority, generally enjoy safety and peace to develop and contribute to Indian society as well as other faiths in India.”
Dr. Michael Nobel said, “The Nobel Prize in peace is generally considered by the world as the ultimate accolade for peace efforts. But there are other prestigious awards and one of them is the World Peace Prize given by MIT World Peace University and is considered as the foremost peace activity award in this country. The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints is unique in several regards. The areas in which the organisation excels are they assure peace and Unity within family structures. They hava a strict imposition of honour codes in which no gambling, smoking or drinking is allowed, it is also a great range of scope of humanitarian efforts on a worldwide scale and their expensive and practical work with refugees to ensure their livelihood and possibilities of survival in a foreign country is commendable.”
Babasaheb Purandare said, “Today is an auspicious day as we are felicitating a senior and wiser man like Elder D. Todd Christofferson. His name starts with the world 'elder' and ends with the word 'son'. The power of both the words can be seen within him. If pasaydan is written under the logo of any other religion it will sound the same and will relate itself appropriately to that religion. This is the beauty of pasaydan. We should love the world. The world 'love' truly resembles religion.”
Vishwanath Karad said, “We are delighted to honour Elder D. Tod Christofferson with the World Peace Prize. He has dedicated his life to the service of the society. Today we have come for common cause to promote peace and culture in this world. This is a small beginning. This institution has followed the steps of Swami Vivekananda. I have a hope that in the future the education system will be based on the union of Science and spirituality.”
Monday, July 17, 2017
Has Pakistan Come to Senses?
Pakistan seems to have come to senses after steadfast and resolute stand taken by India. The Indian forces have given a resolute and befitting reply to Pakistani soldiers who know the language of bullet. It is good that our forces have started speaking the only language that the Pakis know.
Such is the insecurity in Pakistani camp that their Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called on his Indian counterpart and expressed concern for the Indian retaliation.
“DGMO level talks on behest of Pakistan’s DGMO was held on 17 Jul 2017. During the talks the Pak DGMO raised the issues of targeting of Pak Army troops which resulted in the death of four Pakistani soldiers and one civilian in Athmuqam Sector of Pakistan occupied Kashmir opposite Indian Keren Sector, Kupwara District,” says the press statement by Col Aman Anand,PRO (Army).
The statement says, “Indian DGMO in response highlighted that all ceasefire violations were initiated by Pakistan Army and the Indian Army only responded appropriately to them. Apart from these, firing by Indian troops was initiated against armed intruders when attempting to infiltrate from close proximity of Pak posts along the Line of Control (LC).
“DGMO also put across emphatically that the trend of infiltration along the LC continued with active support of Pak forward posts impacting peace and tranquillity along the LC and also the internal security situation. This was evident from continued attempts of sniping and targeting of our troops undertaken through cross border actions duly supported by Pakistani Army troops,” it said.
DGMO made it implicit that Indian Army reserved the right to retaliate appropriately to any incident of violation of ceasefire but is sincere in its effort of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LC provided there was reciprocity
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Will Prime Minister's Outburst Pacify Cow-Vigilantes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again warned those involved in cow vigilantism. Speaking during the all-party meeting ahead of the monsoon session of parliament beginning tomorrow, the Prime Minister said no violence in the name of gau raksha will be tolerated. He said that states have been asked to take strict action against those involved such violence.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar said that the Prime Minister underlined the belief of many Hindus that cow is like mother, but said that this should not let people take law in their own hands and every state government should act against violation of the law.
In a Hindi tweet later, the PM said that Hindus see a cow as mother and it is alright. But we must understand that there were laws to protect cows and one does not need take law into one's hand.
The prime minister also thanked all the parties for the cooperation extended in the implementation of GST.
The issue of north east flood also came up for discussion during the meeting. Government said it has taken all measures required to provide assistance to flood hit states.
The Prime Minister said that strict action must be taken against political leaders indulging in corruption.
Meanwhile, BJP Parliamentary party executive also met in parliament today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the meeting. Currently leaders of ruling NDA are meeting to chalk out their strategy ahead of the Parliament session.
In the evening, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has also convened a meeting of leaders of political parties. The meeting has been called to ensure smooth transaction of business.
Rain Gods Pleased; Maharashtra to Get More Rainfall
Rain gods seem pleased with Maharashtra as the meteorology department has predicted more rains in the region.
Many regions of Maharashtra witnessed heavy rainfall and it is assumed that the state will be receiving heavy to more heavy rain. Nashik recorded more active rainfall and now it is now its way to cover entire Maharashtra.
According to ndia Meteorological Department (IMD), Southwest Monsoon has returned to its active phase. Since Thursday, the northern regions of Maharashtra and Konkan reported heavy to very heavy rains. At the same time, Pune city recorded 26 mm rainfall, the heaviest spell recorded so far in July.
The trend is expected to continue over the weekend, particularly over Nandurbar, Nashik, Jalgaon and Dhule districts, IMD said.
Till July 12, it was remarked that these northern districts fell under the ‘rainfall-deficient’ categories, with a shortage of 30%-50% below normal. But after receiving the heavy rains for only two days, these figures have not only shown marked improvements, but they are touching normal levels.
The sudden spike in rainfall activity over the state to the influence of a low-pressure system lying over west Madhya Pradesh was recognised by the IMD, Pune officials.
Senior Scientist at the climate monitoring analysis group Sunitha Devi stated, “This system, which is expected to move towards Gujarat, is set to further intensify into a deep depression, bringing more and heavier spells of rain over Madhya Maharashtra and Konkan, especially during the weekend”.
On Friday, some places in Raigad and Sindhudurg districts in Konkan recorded very heavy rains; Pen (240 mm) and Bhira (178 mm) were among the wettest towns. IMD authorities noted, “the monsoon trough has now shifted southwards and is passing through central India, so the rainfall is expected to get heavier in the coming days”.
Sunitha Devi informed, “The rainfall will be fairly well-distributed over the state, as extended range predictions indicate that the rest of July will be wet. There are fresh systems that will cause rains over central and western parts of the country”.
Meanwhile, in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, the rain is expected to gather momentum only by June 20. From the time when the monsoon season started, Vidarbha has been experiencing deficient rainfall.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Monsoon covers entire Maha, brings relief to farmers
The central part of Maharashtra is a major food grains growing area and rainfall in this region has brought relief to farmers as well as the state administration.
"For the first time in July, the south west monsoon has brought rains to all parts of the state. There had been showers since July 1, but of low intensity and scattered. It is good that the entire Maharashtra is now covered," an official of the India rpt India Meteorological Department told PTI.
"The central parts of the state - comprising north Maharashtra and Marathwada - received showers of medium intensity. It will be helpful for farmers as the state was facing a potential challenge of second round of sowing in the region," he said.
"The second round of sowing means an additional input cost to the already debt-ridden farmers," the official said.
Maharashtra agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar told PTI that sowing on over 66 per cent of the total area has been done during the ongoing Kharif season.
The state administration was a bit worried over the delay in rainfall. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had even issued an advisory for postponing the sowing, he said.
"As of today, the sowing has taken place on more than 66 per cent of agricultural area in the state. We are a bit relieved now," Fundkar said.
A report from Nashik said incessant rains lashed the city and other parts of the district after a dry spell, leading to water logging in low-lying areas.
The water level of Godavari river has risen following heavy downpour since last night in the catchment areas, an official said.
The irrigation department has not released water from the Nashik's Gangapur dam owing to the heavy rains.
'Angry' Hindus Take to Street Protesting Amarnath Attack
"Despite providing foolproof security for Shri Amarnath yatra, jihadi terrorists attacked Amarnath pilgrims killing 7 and injuring 19. This incident is serious and worrying. Earlier too, the terrorists had attacked Amarnath yatra and set fire to Langar (Free food service centre) injuring 24. It is getting clear that all these activities are sponsored by Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan and terrorist should be taught a lesson so that nobody would dare to attack Amarnath pilgrims again, and the status of 'Most Favoured Nation' allotted to Pakistan should be withdrawn," appealed the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and other Hindu organisations to the Central Government.
The march commenced from Shri Hanuman Temple, Dadar (West) and proceeded via Veer Kotwal park-Shiv Sena Bhavan concluding at Shivaji Park. Several Hindu organisations such as Shri Shiv Pratishthan, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Govansh Raksha Samiti, Shivkarya Pratishthan Vikhroli, Raigad Sanvardhan Pratishthan, Vajradal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Shivputra Pratishthan, Hindu Rashtra Sena, Swarajya Yuwa Pratishthan, Yoga Vedant Samiti, Sanatan Sanstha etc. along with the activists of Shiv Sena participated in the march.
The protesters also condemned violence being perpetrated on Hindus in West Bengal.
"Jihadi fanatics have created havoc in Bengal for last few days because of a controversial post on Facebook. Thousands of religious fanatics attacked Hindus in Bashirahat and Baduria areas of North 24 Parganas District, demolished hundreds of Hindu homes and temples; 35 Hindus were injured and Hindu women were raped. Even so, the Bengal Government has remained idle for appeasing Muslims. Now, the Modi government should dissolve the Bengal Government, which is trampling the law and order, without waiting for the Bengal to become another Bangladesh. The central Government should promulgate 'President's Rule' in Bengal and protect Hindus there," the protesters urged.







