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Community Europe India News

Annual General Assembly of Hindu Forum of Europe held in Spain

Attendees and organisers of HFE General Assembly at Campus Phi

The two-day Annual General Assembly of Hindu Forum of Europe was successfully held at Campus Phi, Caceres in Spain recently.

National Hindu representatives from different countries including Hindu Federation of Spain, Hindu Forum of Sweden, Hindu Forum of Italy, Hindu of Forum of Belgium, and Hindu Forum of Germany were in attendance, besides Jain Temple Antwerp, Hinduisa Italy, Hindu Matters in Britain and Sanskruti Centre.

Swami Rameshwarananda Giri introducing Mayor Alviz

Spiritual advisor of HFE Swami Rameshwarananda Giri welcomed all at Campus Phi on the first day, which saw the Mayor of Acebo Javier Alviz Rodriguez speaking and a wonderful video message from the President of the Government of Extremadura (Spain) Mr. Guillermo Fernandez Vara.

The plenary session started with a traditional invocation dance by Ragasudha Vinjamuri followed by the presentation of each of the member’s activities and milestones during the last two years. Dr. Lakshmi Vyas outlined the activities of HFE and acknowledged its Patrons, Advisors, and Spiritual Leaders.

The members later discussed issues and challenges faced by the Hindu communities in different countries ranging from the availability of chaplain and priest services, and cremation sites, to the recognition of Hindu/Sanatana Dharma at national levels. Dr. Lakshmi Vyas, Marie Mandakini, Krishna Kripa Dasa, Gianluca, Parabhakti, Martin Gurvich, Vaidyanath, Arun Jogani, Kesh Morjaria, and Ragasudha Vinjamuri have all presented their reports and inputs on-site and have touched upon the need to act as a unified force.

Mayor Alviz speaking at HFE Meet

Meditation, Yoga, Vishwa Shanti Homa, a presentation on Vedantic answer for a Sustainable Lifestyle, and other environmental activities were key elements on the second day marking World Environment Day and month-long celebrations of International Day of Yoga in Spain.

Elections took place and the new Board took charge in the presence of all members. Dr. Lakshmi Vyas continues to serve as the President of HFE, while Krishna Kripa Dasa takes charge as the Vice President and Gianluca serves as Treasurer and Secretary.

President Mr Guillermo Vara giving his message
Dr Lakshmi Vyas outlining the HFE activities
Ragasudha Vinjamuri presenting invocation at HFE General Assembly
Vishwa Shanti Homa
Vishwa Shanti Homa
Yoga session
Interacting with the Diplomat from Indian Embassy Spain
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Community Films Lite Blogs

Movies to celebrate ‘pride month’

This critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama revolves around coming to terms with queerness in African-American cultures. The movie won three Oscars including Best Picture in 2017…writes Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Cinema becomes an important reflection of what life is, often a celebration. It sometimes also mirrors the nuances of the struggles people go through, struggles which are incomprehensible in real life.

“In order to be an ally, you need to acknowledge the struggles, celebrations, and lives of queer individuals. Queer movies become a source of understanding the queer experience which in return gives you an insight into how similar yet different our lives are. It not only expand your understanding of queer lives but also sensitize you to the struggle and oppression that the community went through at the hands of patriarchy and heteronormativity”, says Yashwant Panwar, Communications lead Imbue Natural.

This Pride Month, here’s a look at the movies that have helped us understand and witness what it means to be queer in different parts of the world.

Fire

Loosely based on Ismat Chugtai’s sensational short story Lihaaf, Fire is one of the first Indian movies that explicitly depicted the struggle of queer women in an overtly homophobic and patriarchal society.

Memories in March

This masterpiece by Rituparono Ghosh not only gives us a perspective on coming to terms with queerness, but also teaches how grief brings people together.

Aligarh

A movie that strips itself off of all the subtle metaphors and gives us a raw depiction of what it means to be queer in a religion-driven homophobic Indian society. This is not just the story of professor Siras but everyone who had to face discrimination because of their identity.

Blue is the Warmest Colour

A coming-of-age story about love, acceptance, betrayal and accepting your identity.

Carol

An adaptation of the romantic novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, the story revolves around the relationship between Carol, a recently divorced mother and Therese, an aspiring photographer.

Boys Don’t Cry

Based on the murder of Nebraskan Trans-man Brendon Teena, this is one of the first movies that initiated the conversation around gender and transphobia in mainstream cinema.

Moonlight

This critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama revolves around coming to terms with queerness in African-American cultures. The movie won three Oscars including Best Picture in 2017.

Margarita with A Straw

One of the first Indian movies to depict queerness and disability explicitly. The story revolves around Leila Kapoor, a teenage girl with cerebral palsy and her encounter with bisexuality, new york, family and life.

Kapoor and Sons

A Bollywood anomaly that depicts a queer experience as a practical reality, instead of sensationalising or de-sensitising sexual identities.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

This French masterpiece gives us the beauty of the female gaze. Set in the 1770s the story moves beyond the love of an artist and her muse by portraying love as an art.

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Community India News Politics

Archbishop urges K’taka Guv not to give assent to anti-conversion bill

According to Census data, the percentage of Christian population in the country in 2001 was 2.34 per cent, and, as per the 2011 data, declined marginally to 2.30 per cent, he noted…reports Asian Lite News

A delegation, headed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bengaluru and Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council President, Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, on Monday appealed to Karnataka’s Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to refrain from giving assent to the Protection of Religious Freedom Bill.

He said that the entire Christian community in Karnataka opposes the Bill, also known as the anti-conversion bill, in one voice.

“It is indeed a matter of great concern that the anti-conversion bill would become a tool for the fringe elements to take law into their own hands, and vitiate the atmosphere with provocations, false accusations, communal unrest in the otherwise peaceful state of Karnataka, the Archbishop said.

A few stray and sporadic incidents of conversion should not portray the entire community in bad light, he added.

The government’s statistics prove beyond doubt that, since Independence, there has been hardly any growth in conversions, and it is all fabricated to suit the political agendas of some political parties, he said.

According to Census data, the percentage of Christian population in the country in 2001 was 2.34 per cent, and, as per the 2011 data, declined marginally to 2.30 per cent, he noted.

Also, in Karnataka, the situation is in no way different, he said, adding that as per the statistics, Christians in Karnataka, as per the 2001 census, comprised 1.91 per cent, while it significantly decreased to 1.87 per cent in 2011.

“If there were rampant conversions, as claimed by some, the Christian population, both in state and nation, would have seen a considerable increase in numbers. But the facts and figures indicate that a lot of hue and cry, over religious conversion, is unrealistically magnified and grossly exaggerated,” Machado maintained.

“Hence, we, the representatives of the Christian community in Karnataka, strongly appeal to Your Excellency to refrain from giving assent to such an undesirable and discriminatory Bill in the interest and welfare of the Christian minority community, and also to maintain peace, harmony and unity among all the religious communities in the state and in the country,” he said.

The community questions the need for such an exercise when sufficient laws and court directives are in place to monitor any aberration of the existing laws, he said.

With the state Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Departments issuing an order to conduct a survey of both official and non-official Christian missionaries and institutions and establishments functioning in the state, Machado said: “When all the relevant data is already available (through the Census) with the government, why do we need yet another futile exercise? Why is only Christian minority community targeted and marked for this arbitrary, fallacious and illogical move? What is the motive that is driving them to do so?”

“It is a well-known fact that thousands of schools, colleges and hospitals are run and managed by Christian community across the state and country as well,” he said.

“May we reiterate the point that not a single incident of forced conversion has been reported so far. Then, where is the complaint coming from and what is the motive behind such false and fabricated news? Let the Government prove whether any one of them has ever been influenced, compelled or coerced to change his or her religion,” the Archbishop said.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had announced that his government would implement the anti-conversion law through promulgating an ordinance. The bill has been passed in the Assembly and but is yet to be presented in the Legislative Council.

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Community India News

AIMPLB slams Gyanvapi survey, no ‘Shivling’ found

The court order was based on a petition that was filed by an advocate that there was some concrete evidence that needed to be protected…reports Asian Lite News

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has reacted sharply and condemned the survey of Varanasi’s Gyanvapi masjid and sealing of ‘wuzu khana’ (ablution area).

The board termed the survey, its report and sealing of ‘wuzu khana’ as gross injustice to Muslims.

In a statement issued late on Monday evening, the AIMPLB said the current situation created about the Gyanvapi mosque was completely unacceptable to Muslims and Gyanvapi “was a mosque and will continue to remain a mosque till the end”.

AIMPLB General Secretary, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said, “Gyanvapi is a mosque and will remain a mosque. The attempt to transform it into a temple is nothing more than a conspiracy to spread hate by communal forces.”

However, Rais Ahmad Ansari, an advocate of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee that manages the Gyanvapi mosque, has called petitioners’ claim about a “Shivling” being found at the mosque “misleading”.

“There’s only a fountain in the mosque’s wuzu khana,” Ansari said.

His statement came after a court in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi ordered the sealing of the spot where “Shivling” was reportedly found and Hindu petitioners claimed that a ‘Shivling’ had been found in the survey.

The court order was based on a petition that was filed by an advocate that there was some concrete evidence that needed to be protected.

The Supreme Court bench led by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will hear this case on Tuesday.

An appeal that has been filed by the Masjid Committee against the Allahabad High Court’s order allowing the court-appointed Commissioner to the Inspector, conduct a survey and videography of the Gyanvapi mosque.

The Gyanvapi mosque is adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.

At present, the Varanasi court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India to probe the structure of the Gyanvapi masjid.

On April 18, 2021, five Delhi-based women — Rakhi Singh, Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, among others moved the court with their plea where they sought permission for daily prayers before the idols of Hindu deities on the outer walls of the masjid.

The petitioners also sought to stop their opponents from causing any damage to the idols.

An advocate from the Hindu side, Madan Mohan Yadav, has claimed that the Shivling is facing the Nandi and is 12 feet by 8 inches in diameter.

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Community India News

‘Don’t buy gold from shops owned by Muslims’

Pramod Muthalik, founder of Sri Ram Sena, said on Monday that people should make purchases only from shops owned by Hindus on Akshaya Tritiya…reports Asian Lite News

With Akshaya Tritiya round the corner, Hindu outfits in Karnataka have urged people not to purchase gold from jewellery shops owned by Muslims on the day of the festival.

Akshaya Tritiya is a Hindu festival which is believed to bring good luck, and people believe that buying gold on this day will turn their fortunes. The festival will be celebrated on May 3.

However, the auspicious occasion has been given a communal tone this time with Hindu outfits urging people not to make any purchase from jewellery shops owned by Muslims. Posts and messages to this effect have gone viral on social media.

Pramod Muthalik, founder of Sri Ram Sena, said on Monday that people should make purchases only from shops owned by Hindus on Akshaya Tritiya.

“The money which you pay for gold jewelleries at Muslim shops will reach organisations working against Hindus. The money will find its way to organisations based out of Kerala, where scores of Hindus have been killed by fundamentalist groups. Your money will help them commit more atrocities on Hindus in Kerala,” he said.

T.A. Sharavana, the President of Karnataka Jewellers Association, said that the statements are being made to create unrest in the society.

“It should be left to the discretion of the customer to make purchase of their choice,” he said.

According to sources, about 30 per cent of gold merchants in Karnataka are Muslims and in Bengaluru, 50 per cent of reputed gold jewellery shops are owned by Muslims. The shops have already started making attractive offers for the upcoming festival.

The state government is yet to react to the development.

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Community India News

22 held after communal clash during Hanuman Jayanti

The clashes broke out between the two groups of people when the Shobha Yatra procession was passing through the road just next to Kusal Cinema Hall, on the opposite side of which is a mosque…reports Asian Lite News

Delhi Police has arrested a total of 20 people and apprehended 2 juveniles in case of a communal violence that erupted during a Shobha Yatra procession on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti in the national capital, officials said on Sunday.

The accused were identified as Zahid (20), Anshar (35), Shahjad (33), Mukhtyaar Ali (28), Mohd. Ali (18), Amir (19), Aksar (26), Noor Alam (28), Md. Aslam (21), Zakir (22), Akram (22), Imtyaz (29), Mohd. Ali (27), Ahir (37), Sheikh Saurabh (42), Suraj (21), Neeraj (19), Suken (45), Suresh (43) and Sujeet Sarkar (38), all residents of Jahangirpuri.

Apart from them, two juveniles were also apprehended.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (northwest) Usha Rangnani said three firearms and five swords have also been recovered from the possession of the arrested persons.

The accused were booked under sections 147 (Punishment for rioting), 148 (Rioting, armed with deadly weapon),149 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 186 (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 323 (Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 427 (Mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees), 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc.), 307 (Attempt to murder), 120B (Punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and section 27 of the Arms Act.

The clashes broke out between the two groups of people when the Shobha Yatra procession was passing through the road just next to Kusal Cinema Hall, on the opposite side of which is a mosque.

As per several videos of the procession accessed by IANS, people can be seen wielding swords and chanting religious slogans just before the clashes broke out.

According to the FIR lodged at the Jahangirpuri police station, the Shobha Yatra procession was passing off peacefully, but at around 6 p.m., when they reached outside a mosque, the accused Anshar came there with his 4-5 associates and started arguing with the participants of Shobha Yatra.

The argument soon turned violent and both the sides started pelting stones at each other.

“I, Inspector Rajiv Ranjan Singh, tried to pacify the situation and separated the two groups, however, within some time, they again started pelting stones after which I informed the Police Control Room about the development,” read the FIR.

Soon after this, more police force reached the spot along with senior officials, however, by that time the mob had turned completely violent. The mob pelted stones on the police force and also fired shots at them.

At least 8 policemen were injured.

To contain the situation and disperse the crowd, the police fired 40-50 tear gas shells. Amid the pandemonium, one scooty was torched and 5-6 cars were vandalised.

The Police normalised the situation with the help of paramilitary forces and at around 8 p.m. in the evening the situation was under control, yet tense.

Later, the area became the epicentre of the heavy police deployment, with the road, where the violent clashes took place, extensively barricaded from all sides.

On Sunday, the situation was under control and an adequate number of police force was deployed there to avert any untoward incident.

The police said that area domination, foot patrolling and deep deployment has been ensured to assure people and to maintain law and order in the area.

Meanwhile, the personnel of Delhi Police carried out preventive patrolling and area domination throughout the night in the backdrop of violent clashes.

Delhi Police is also in talks with the members of the Aman committee. During the meeting, all the members were asked to appeal to the public in their areas to maintain peace, harmony and tranquility.

“They were also requested to counter any rumour or misinformation, be vigilant towards the activities of any mischievous and anti-social elements, to keep in touch with police and to ensure immediate reporting of any thing suspicious that comes into their notice,” a senior official said.

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Business Community UK News

Asda donates £100,000 to FareShare to support charities and faith groups throughout Ramadan

Asda has donated over £10m in five years to help FareShare, who support 10,500 charities across the country

Asda alongside its suppliers has announced that it will be donating £100,000 to FareShare to support charities and faith groups across the country during Ramadan.

Asda has donated over £10m in five years to help FareShare, who support 10,500 charities across the country.

The donation is in addition to food contributions made by Asda, with the equivalent of 6.6 million meals donated by its stores depots and home office in 2021.

One of the charities who receive food from FareShare is PL84U Al-Suffa, a charity in Waltham Forest, east London, which provides support for their local community; bringing together diverse communities facing hardship, to help tackle poverty, cultural deprivation and isolation.

Saira Begum Mir BEM, BCAc founder of the charity, said: “We serve a diverse community and get to know people as they sign in before they shop. All items are free and they have access to ambient and fresh produce as well as bakery items, dairy, meat and treats”.

“Food is used to celebrate. During Ramadan we source different foods such as dates and milkshakes at the beginning of the fast and have food for celebration once Eid arrives. We also deliver food parcels to those who are vulnerable and isolating.”

Kloe Tegg, Asda’s Better Starts Manager, said: “We know it is a particularly worrying time for those struggling at the moment. We work with FareShare to help those vulnerable families and provide food to those who need it most.

“Food is a great way to bring communities together, in particular during religious festivals such as Ramadan and I hope our work will help local charities provide support and food to those who are struggling.”

Lindsay Boswell, Chief Executive, FareShare said: “We’re extremely grateful for Asda’s ongoing support and we’re proud to be working hard to get good food to communities and faith groups throughout Ramadan and all year round. This vital funding will mean we’re able to continue supporting thousands of charities and community groups working with some of the most vulnerable people across the UK.

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Community Kerala

Churches in Kerala buzzing with activity ahead of Easter

Maundy Thursday rituals took place in most Churches across the state when priests and bishops were seen washing the feet of devotees…reports Asian Lite News

After two years of Covid pandemic which brought normal life to a grinding halt, churches across Kerala appear to be back to normal, with most of them overflowing with devotees ahead of Easter Sunday.

According to the Census, of the 33.4 million population, 61.41 lakhs(29.94 lakhs males and 31.47 lakhs females) are Christians in the state.

Of these, the Catholics constitute around 50 per cent, followed by almost a dozen churches practising varied rituals which differ from each other slightly.

Passion Week or Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, that was observed last Sunday and the next important day is Maundy Thursday and it signifies the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the canonical gospels. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday.

Maundy Thursday rituals took place in most Churches across the state when priests and bishops were seen washing the feet of devotees.

Devouts Christians observe a lent of a maximum of 50 days, when meat and fish are kept away from the daily menu. Some even avoid milk and milk products.

But the feature of the Passion Week is starting Thursday, many skip non-vegetarian dishes and on Good Friday churches are crowded and the most important event is the drinking of the Kanji (rice gruel, with pickle and a serving of pulses) from earthen pots.

Eighty-five-year-old Elssama Joseph is in high spirits as this is the first time after 2019, she could take part in the Passion Week rituals.

“The last two years were tough due to Covid and even though there were online service for the Holy Week, the feeling of fullness of attending the church was missing. This time so far I have had a very good time and was fully engrossed in our church and now I am preparing to attend the Good Friday service, which is a pretty long affair and it begins from 8 a.m. and by the time we drink the Kanji it would be close to 3 p.m. and then comes the Easter Sunday service. I am really happy,” said the elderly lady.

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Community India News

JIH calls on govts to curb anti-Muslim ‘mischief’

JIH, according to Vice President Salim Engineer, believes that these incidents are the product of the hatred that is being spread across the country, reports Asian Lite News

After the recent communal violence witnessed in some parts of the country over Ram Navami processions, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) on Wednesday demanded the Centre and the state governments to curb such acts immediately.

Calling the incidents ‘anti-Muslim mischiefs’, JIH Vice President Salim Engineer said, “The same pattern was seen in all these places where processions were first taken out on the occasion of a festival, special flags were waved, weapons, especially swords and knives, were openly brandished and provocative and disparaging slogans were raised against Muslims and Islam.

“Attempts were also made to damage some mosques. In some places, property and shops owned by Muslims were also damaged. Incidents of arson and looting were also noted. All these incidents reflect the growing atmosphere of unrest and hatred in the country.”

Engineer said that it is a matter of great concern that some state governments through their actions are now inculcating a feeling in the people that they are the governments of a particular people of the country, while governments should treat all citizens fairly.

“This attitude of some state governments has emboldened the miscreants. Reports are being received from many places that the police are targeting the victims instead of taking action against the culprits. Large number of innocent Muslim youth are being arrested and false charges are being framed against them. In Madhya Pradesh, there are cases of extreme cruelty where people’s houses are being demolished by bulldozers,” he said.

Condemning these incidents, Engineer said, “JIH believes that these incidents are the product of the hatred that is being spread across the country. Some political leaders known for their vitriolic speeches are also responsible for the violence. They should be arrested immediately. These ongoing incidents are undermining public confidence in the government and the administration.

“It is also the responsibility of the Central government to take notice of the situation and call upon the state governments to take timely and stern action against the elements responsible for the violence as well as the forces inciting sectarian hatred. Action should also be taken against the police officers who are biased and guilty of dereliction of duty.”

Engineer went on to say: “JIH has been working for the establishment of law and order in all these areas since day one. JIH leaders are trying to liaise with state officials and the police and press for effective action. A central delegation is also reaching Madhya Pradesh where the situation is quite grave.

“Efforts are being made to establish law and order in these areas in collaboration with civil society groups and leaders of different religions. Efforts are also being made to take legal action against the oppressors and provide legal assistance to the oppressed.”

On Tuesday, the President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind held a meeting with the JIH state leadership of all the affected areas, reviewed the situation and gave necessary instructions to the state leadership and to the departments concerned.

According to its state leadership, various efforts are being made to provide immediate assistance to the distressed victims, including legal action against the oppressors and rioters.

The JIH appealed to the Muslim community to continue building the country and society while adhering to the highest values of prudence, patience and justice in the current situation.

Engineer said, “Don’t be instigated by any kind of provocation or fear. Fight the situation within the law without any psychological pressure and keep trying to improve the situation in coordination with just people. Fight hatred by sharing love.

“These are the Islamic teachings and this is also the way of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was a mercy to the worlds. In this blessed month of Ramadan, let us also take special care to offer prayers for the betterment of the situation and peace and order in the country.”

The JIH has also appealed to the leaders of all political parties and all conscientious citizens to feel their responsibility in this situation and play an active role in maintaining law and order and preventing this ‘cycle of hatred, poisonous speech, and violence’.

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Community India News Lite Blogs

Dalit family forced to leave village in Karnataka

Dasar has got a Rs 1 lakh loan from the government but feels that he should at least have been given a loan of Rs 5 lakh to restructure his life…reports Asian Lite News

Following the boycott of a Dalit family by villagers, the subsequent police action against the practice of untouchability has put at risk the future of the victim family in the village in Koppal district of Karnataka. The police and Dalit organizations supported the Dalit man at the time of the FIR and arrests, but have failed to provide succour to the family.

The family of Chandrashekar Shivappa Dasar, a 29-year-old Dalit man, has been allegedly forced to move out of Miyapur village in Koppal district following the police action against untouchability including the arrest of five persons belonging to the upper caste. Dasar, who has to take care of his parents and two children including a newborn baby, said that after the police action, his life turned to hell in the village.

“When my wife was 9 months pregnant and faced health issues, a villager who gives a car on rent denied me transport. The whole village stopped talking to me after the police action. More than that they saw me as if I was a rapist. We could not send our 4-year-old son to the Anganwadi centre.

“Insulting looks and the postures of the people made me feel that my family was living under the Britishers. We can’t even fold our hands and stand before the upper caste people. I do not want my children to grow up in such a humiliating environment.

“What they go through during childhood will remain with them throughout their life. As the delivery date of my wife was nearing, I could not take any chances with it and shifted to my wife’s house,” he stated.

Talking about his livelihood and future, Dasar said that he is planning to move to the nearby town of Kushtagi and starting a small business there. “People used to tell me that I don’t speak at all, now they have boycotted me completely. I don’t feel safe anymore in the village,” he said.

The Karnataka government has announced a scheme in the name of Dasar’s son Vinay to bridge the gap between the upper castes and the Dalits. It is called the ‘Vinaya Samarasya Scheme’. “The move of the government is good. But, it has to look into the plight of the oppressed people who raise their voice against oppression after police action,” Dasar said.

Dasar has got a Rs 1 lakh loan from the government but feels that he should at least have been given a loan of Rs 5 lakh to restructure his life.

Recalling what happened, Dasar said that his family had gone to the Marutheshwara temple in Miyapura village to get the ‘abhisheka’ (ritual) done on the occasion of the birthday of his son Vinay. They had to stop at the main entrance of the temple as Dalits are not allowed inside and the priests would perform the rituals and bless them.

There is a tradition of pieces of coconut being placed on either side of the doors of the main entrance of the temple. The boy took one of the pieces of the coconut from there and it was observed by the upper caste people, he said.

Later a Rs 25,000 fine was imposed on the family for letting the boy pick up the coconut piece saying that the sanctity of the temple has been violated. The news came out and it made headlines after which the police were forced to take action.

Miyapur village in Koppal district where the incident took place has 1,000 houses. Some 970 houses belong to the Ganiga Lingayat community people, 25 families are from the scheduled caste and 5 families belong to the Valmiki community.

When contacted Amaregouda Bayyapur, Kusthagi constituency MLA from the Congress party, told that he had gone to the village on Tuesday but could not find the victim. He took the phone number of Dasar and assured full support and action. Government officials had gone to the village and told the people to live harmoniously. The local people claim that they have not harassed the victim’s family. However, the problem will be looked into.

Meanwhile, authorities have made announcements in the village stating that the victim should not be troubled once he returns.

Dasar said that he has named his second son Vijay. “I don’t want my sons to undergo any humiliation. No father wants it. I will put all my efforts into getting them educated and help them lead a dignified life.”

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