Category Archives: community

‘False Hindu God’: Republican Leader Alexander Duncan Faces Criticism For Controversial Post On Lord Hanuman Statue In Texas

Posted on by
Reply

**Texas Republican Leader Sparks Controversy Over Lord Hanuman Statue**

A Texas Republican leader has ignited a controversy with his remarks about a Hindu deity. Alexander Duncan, a Republican Party Senate candidate, called Lord Hanuman a “false god” in a statement concerning a statue of the deity located in Sugar Land, Texas.

Duncan’s comments, made in an X post, read: “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation!” These words drew strong criticism from Hindus living in the United States and prompted widespread backlash.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s remarks as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory.” In response, the HAF urged the Republican Party to take disciplinary action against Duncan. They questioned the party’s commitment to its own anti-discrimination guidelines, stating on X:

*”Hello, TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination—displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate — not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment’s Establishment Clause.”*

### Public Reaction on Social Media

Many netizens voiced their opposition to Duncan’s statement, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom in the United States. One user wrote, “We are a nation full of people who hold different religious beliefs. It’s called freedom of religion. If the followers of a religion are not harming or oppressing others then their religion is protected under our U.S. constitution.”

Another user commented, “What do you mean by ‘false Hindu god’? All gods are equally false. I understand you dislike having foreign symbols build up like that, but do not portray others’ gods as being more false than yours—that is preposterous.”

A third user highlighted the ancient origins and significance of Hindu texts: “Just because you’re not Hindu, doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2000 years before Jesus walked the earth and are extraordinary texts. And there’s obvious influences on Christianity…so it would be wise to honor and research the ‘religion’ that predates and influences yours.”

### Duncan’s Response to Critics

In his defense, Duncan cited Bible verses, responding directly to his critics on X. He wrote:

*”I’m just calling it what it is, an IDOL. ‘You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.’ Exodus 20:3-4″*

*”They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” Romans 1:25*

In a separate post, Duncan urged Americans to “preserve” Western culture.

### About the Statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas

The statue in question, known as the **Statue of Union**, was unveiled in 2024. It is a 90-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. The statue stands as a significant cultural and religious symbol for the Hindu community in the region.

—

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious symbols in public spaces and the broader dialogue about religious tolerance and freedom in the United States.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/false-hindu-god-republican-leader-alexander-duncan-faces-criticism-for-controversial-post-on-lord-hanuman-statue-in-texas

Mumbai News: Celebrity Stylist Thompsun Fernandes Gives 150 Free Haircuts At Bandra Fair

Posted on by
Reply

Celebrity stylist Thompsun Fernandes gave nearly 150 free haircuts over the two Sundays of the annual Bandra fair, which ended on September 21. The fair is held after the feast of Mother Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount.

Fernandes, who owns a hair and make-up salon on Chapel Road, said the free service is intended for those who cannot afford a visit to a hair salon. “It is thanks to Mother Mary for helping me succeed in the profession,” he said.

In 2024, Thompsun gave 60 free haircuts, while the year before, 120 people received the service. To accommodate this free initiative, Thompsun creates a temporary shed outside his salon for the haircuts, explaining that the salon itself could intimidate people who think it is expensive.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-celebrity-stylist-thompsun-fernandes-gives-150-free-haircuts-at-bandra-fair

Mikoshi Splashes into Sea in Wakayama Festival

Posted on by
Reply

The festival began with a lively parade through the port town, setting an energetic tone for the day’s events. Participants then moved into the sea, where they offered prayers for a bountiful catch and safe voyages, honoring the traditions of their community.

Following the prayers, the mikoshi—a sacred portable shrine—was carefully placed onto a boat. Young men took on the responsibility of rowing the mikoshi back to the shrine, demonstrating strength and unity.

At the port, another small boat crewed by young men awaited the arrival of the mikoshi. The celebration reached its climax as the mikoshi arrived at the pier and was plunged into the sea. This dramatic splash elicited loud cheers from spectators, marking a memorable and spirited conclusion to the festival.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146963.php

Anglicare, Telethon, Rio Tinto form five-year partnership

Posted on by
Reply

Charities and Rio Tinto have joined forces in a new five-year partnership aimed at supporting youth mental health and wellbeing in the Pilbara region.

This collaboration seeks to provide vital resources and programs to help young people navigate mental health challenges and promote overall wellbeing.

By working together, the organizations hope to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of youth in the community, fostering resilience and support networks that can thrive for years to come.
https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Anglicare-Telethon-Rio-Tinto-form-five-year-partnership

Santa Pola’s hidden gem

Posted on by
Reply

It is often said that knowledge is power, and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country like Spain.

Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture, rules, events, and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time. This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news—anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain.

With our coverage, you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense. Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/09/21/santa-polas-hidden-gem/

The academy Mumbai forgot to celebrate

Posted on by
Reply

Not just at Raj Bhavan, the Academy’s presence is felt across venues from Shivaji Park to the heritage hall of the BMC headquarters, where budget battles and civic clashes usually dominate. In that charged chamber, cultural performances soften rancour, reminding the city that art and politics must coexist—sometimes in harmony, often in tension.

The Academy marks occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, and Marathi Bhasha Diwas here, and mounts presentations on Shiv Jayanti and Maharashtra Day. With scant means, its 50 music and 90 art teachers train, costume, and guide students beyond duty.

One begins to understand the Academy better after stepping into the corridors of the Education Officer’s chamber in the Triveni Sangam Municipal School building on Currey Road. Here, authority meets energy in Kirtivardhan V Kiratkudve, who describes the space that offers what many homes cannot: a first encounter with the arts where teachers step into the role of parents, nurturing talent with patience and persistence. “Art is a must in life to wage life’s battles,” he says, echoing the belief of MV Desai, the city’s municipal commissioner (1972–75) and the Academy’s founder.

For 51 years, that legacy has been shaped by founder-advisers such as litterateur PL Deshpande and Pandit Vamanrao Sadolikar, and sustained over decades by an advisory committee drawn from the finest in their fields. Today, only three of its 12 seats in the music academy remain occupied: vocalist Shruti Sadolikar Katkar, instrumentalist Shankar Abhyankar, and danseuse Sucheta Bhide Chaphekar. The rest were once held by luminaries like Pandit Jasraj, composer Yashwant Deo, veteran dancer Kanak Rele, and actor-director Damu Kenkre, whose vision still echoes in the work of 8,500 students across 900-odd primary and 250 secondary civic schools in Mumbai.

### Music Education Across Languages

BMC students learn music in school, with all civic school teachers trained in art forms at Sangeet Kala Academy. BMC schools function in eight mediums: Marathi, Urdu, Hindi, Gujarati, English, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. This linguistic diversity feeds into the Academy’s ensembles and teacher projects.

Music instructor Jyoti Bhat, a Kannadiga by birth, sings in five of these languages. Her favourite is a Gujarati number, *Rang Bhari Holi*, though she recently composed a song in English. “Every July, we introduce six new *samooh geet* for teachers. It’s their toolkit to engage students across neighbourhoods,” says Bhat, herself a former BMC student. “It’s lovely to see teachers learning new languages because of these group numbers.”

Principal Shivangi Damle (Music) affirms how simple lyrics energize students and bind teachers. Alongside building a repertoire of theme songs on environment and harmony, teachers are also trained in folk forms so their grasp of Maharashtra’s dances—going beyond the usual Koli choreography—directly enriches students’ learning.

### A Legacy of Musical Productions

The Academy’s music lessons have long been a launchpad for ambitious productions, some even staged abroad, rooted in Maharashtra’s Sangeet Natak tradition. Founder Desai, a passionate lover of musicals, owned two rare organs and a pair of harmoniums (later donated to the Academy). The Academy has kept this cornerstone of culture alive by staging Marathi musicals with its own music teachers in leading roles.

Over time, 1,315 productions have been mounted, many winning laurels at the Maharashtra State Drama Competitions. Among the most memorable are *Mandarmala*, *Katyar Kaljat Ghusali*, *Sanshaykallol*, *Bavankhani*, and *Dhadila Ram Tine Ka Vani*. Municipal school students get trained not just in fine arts, but also in allied professions such as mass media.

As former principal Suvarna Ghaisas (who directed quite a few musicals) puts it, “We are not just preserving a tradition, it is like living it—taking Desai Sir’s love for Sangeet Natak from the classroom to the state-of-the-art stage; also demonstrating the magic that can come out of minimal resources.”

### Visual and Performing Arts: Creativity Flourishes

Music may be the Academy’s heartbeat, but its spirit flows into the visual and performing arts, where many students discover creativity for the first time. For instance, 450 students built a 40-by-50-foot replica of the legendary *Janta Raja* play set at NSCI Dome in Worli as part of Indradhanushya 2023, winning Gold at Asia’s WOW Awards.

Marking 75 years of Independence, 2,000 students linked hands at Ghatkopar’s Acharya Atre ground to form a living map of India. In *Bacche Bole Moraya*, 2,500 young hands shaped eco-friendly Ganesh idols, carrying tradition gently into the future.

The Academy also conducts the BMC’s annual art contests for children, such as the *Mazi Mumbai Balasaheb Thackeray Drawing Competition*, where children make rangoli, sculpt eco-friendly Ganesh idols from shadu clay, and build sand sculptures of Shivaji Maharaj’s forts on Juhu Beach.

### Annual Art Contests and Community Engagement

The *Mazi Mumbai Balasaheb Thackeray Drawing Competition* draws nearly one lakh children across 48 city parks. Alongside it thrive traditions that blend art with civic imagination: eco-friendly Ganesh idol contests using shadu (riverbed) clay, sand sculptures of Shivaji Maharaj’s forts by 300 students on Juhu Beach, and rangoli competitions engaging students and civic staff.

Photography contests bring together municipal employees, city photographers, and young learners, while a three-day Artist Camp for teachers culminates in an exhibition at the Nehru Centre.

Each year, 4,000–5,000 civic school students take Maharashtra’s Elementary and Intermediate Drawing Exams, with pass rates above 90 percent. The BMC allocates ₹42 lakh annually for arts initiatives, plus special funds for the Mayor’s contest, within a ₹65 lakh arts and music budget.

Principal of the Academy’s visual arts wing, Dinkar Pawar, says the sustained effort has produced both first-rate artists and a visually literate audience that now extends into neighbourhoods across Mumbai. The BMC’s commitment to providing students and teachers with necessary material, without fail and entirely free of cost, makes a huge difference to those who otherwise cannot compete on equal footing.

### A Thriving Community of Alumni and Teachers

The Academy’s student power shines through a big band of professionals (alumni) who pay back in the form of free backstage support. Their presence fosters a living community, with experienced hands stepping in as larger programmes unfold.

This culture of continuity is matched by teachers who prepare children free of cost for competitive exams. Each year, nearly 500 students appear (many funded by teachers), including at the Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, affirming that the Academy extends beyond classrooms into a lifelong rhythm of practice.

### Resilience Through Challenges

In its 51 years, the Academy has weathered many battles, the pandemic among the hardest. Work could have stalled, but then principal Ghaisas and Abhijeet Kamble carried it into the virtual space for the first time.

“Those were sleepless nights,” recalls Ghaisas. “We had to build an online routine from scratch, while ensuring our children’s talent and our teachers’ dedication still reached people in those dark hours.”

Ghaisas recalls August 5, founder MV Desai’s birth anniversary, as a key date for teachers to showcase new contributions, especially in 2020 when Covid forced a shift online. That year, rehearsals moved to Zoom: teachers sent recordings, which Kamble compiled into a presentation for 300 colleagues.

Encouraged by the response, Ghaisas launched an online Music Week for students—a daunting task when songs had to be taught over mobile phones. Once students learned their parts, instrumentalists recorded harmonium, violin, tabla, and dholki accompaniments from home, sending tracks for mixing.

The three-hour programme *Nave Kshitij* was streamed on the Education Department’s YouTube channel, drawing over 7,000 viewers. In the Academy’s lifetime, it was extraordinary proof that even in isolation, art could bridge distances— even if it never made breaking news.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/the-academy-mumbai-forgot-to-celebrate-23595049

Opinion: The importance of teaching our children the financial basics

Posted on by
Reply

Financial literacy is more important than ever. A recent study by Bank of America found that about 40% of older teens and young adults from Gen Z still rely on family for financial support, highlighting just how expensive becoming an adult can be today.

Studies also show that instilling financial basics at younger ages can pay greater dividends for future money habits. Yet, most schools have only just begun to add basic financial know-how to their course curriculums. Here in California, students will be required to take a semester-long personal finance course to graduate from high school, but that doesn’t go into effect until the class of 2030-31.

In the meantime, parents and educators continue to look for resources that introduce financial education in a way that will resonate with young minds. We believe that fostering financial literacy at an early age, with age-appropriate information, is key to building the next generation of financially responsible individuals.

Here are a few tips for introducing financial concepts to children to set them up for a lifetime of informed, confident decision-making.

### Start Early at Home

One of the best ways to ensure children develop strong financial habits is to introduce basic concepts of money and budgeting as early as possible. Even at a young age, kids can begin to understand simple ideas like the value of saving versus spending.

Begin by explaining where money comes from, why we need it, and how it can be exchanged. Using age-appropriate language—such as talking about saving for something special or explaining how buying one thing today means you can’t buy other things until you have more money—can make these concepts relatable.

### Teach with Examples

The best way to teach kids about money is by incorporating financial lessons gradually into everyday activities. Situations like shopping for their favorite grocery items, setting a budget for a family outing, or even saving for a toy offer perfect opportunities to discuss money.

Teaching your child with a hands-on approach during real-life events offers them practical understanding without the need for formal lessons.

### Utilize Community Resources

There are a variety of free financial literacy programs designed for people of all ages. For example, Bank of America’s Better Money Habits content is not only provided free on its website but is also taught by a team of more than 100 of its bankers in San Diego in partnership with local schools, universities, and nonprofits.

Bank of America also partners with local nonprofits such as Junior Achievement, which provides school-age financial education in classrooms. More and more financial institutions are supporting the entire family with household financial services.

One example is Bank of America’s new SafeBalance Banking, a bank account that offers parents the ability to help their children practice healthy financial habits and learn to manage their money through a convenient, secure digital experience. Parents can maintain oversight of their child’s spending, supervise the account, and even teach them the responsibility of managing a physical debit card.

Financial basics are a vital skill that can set children up for a successful future. By working together, families, educators, and community partners can prioritize financial education and help children build the foundation they need for a lifetime of smart financial decisions.
https://timesofsandiego.com/opinion/2025/09/20/importance-teaching-our-children-financial-basics/

Mumbai News: Devotees Recreate Historic Mot Mauli Pilgrimage From Mahim To Mount Mary Basilica

Posted on by
Reply

Mother Mary devotees participated in the annual Mot Mauli Purcessao pilgrimage on Saturday morning, journeying from St. Michael’s Church in Mahim to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra. This pilgrimage marks a significant event during the eight-day Bandra Fair, centered around the basilica—affectionately known as Mount Mary—which will conclude on Sunday.

The one-and-a-half-hour procession reenacted the original pilgrimage to the Bandra shrine dating back to 1761, when a rekla, or horse-drawn cart, carried the Statue of Our Lady of the Mount. The final leg of the procession began at St. Peter’s Church on Hill Road, continuing to Mount Mary for the religious service held at 9:30 a.m.

“The procession is recreated to promote native devotion to the patroness of the East Indian community, Mount Mary,” said Gleason Barretto, founder trustee of the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat, the organization behind the event.

Highlights of the event included a traditional East Indian brass band, the luzar (rosary), religious hymns, and participants dressed in East Indian-themed costumes. The Bombay Velankanni Pilgrims Band also performed during the procession, with members of the St. Peter’s Confraternity actively taking part in the celebrations.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-devotees-recreate-historic-mot-mauli-pilgrimage-from-mahim-to-mount-mary-basilica

Arihant Roti Bank Spreads Hope Through Food Distribution and Community Service

Posted on by
Reply

A group of volunteers under the initiative Arihant Roti Bank is quietly working to bring food and comfort to those in need across the city. Though not a registered organization, the effort runs purely on faith, devotion, and the spirit of selfless service.

Every Tuesday, rotis collected from Mulund East are transported to Mahur village in Chembur, where they are combined with rice, pulses, and vegetables before being taken to K.E.M. Hospital. At Gate No. 8 of the hospital, meals are distributed to patients and their families through service tables.

In addition to this, on Fridays, freshly prepared food packets are distributed to nearly 350–400 visually impaired individuals in the Nilam Nagar area of Mulund East. Local volunteers contribute rice, flour, and vegetables to ensure wholesome meals are cooked and served.

The group also extends its efforts to Khadvali Ashram, home to many elderly residents. Volunteers have visited three times so far, serving meals and providing essential items such as medicines whenever needed.

While the initiative does not operate under formal structures or official letterheads, its growing network of volunteers and supporters continues to sustain regular food distribution drives and other charitable activities. Through their compassion and care, the Arihant Roti Bank is touching countless lives every day.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/arihant-roti-bank-spreads-hope-through-food-distribution-and-community-service

Quota politics of divide and rule

Posted on by
Reply

Across Maharashtra, from small talukas to big districts and cities, streets are now filled with rallies, processions, and even hunger strikes — all demanding one thing: reservation.

The Dhangars have started a protest asking for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Banjara community and the Kolis (fisherfolk), too, want the same. However, these demands are met with stiff resistance and protests by other communities, who fear any new inclusion will reduce their own share.

Sadly, instead of reducing the inequality gap, reservation is spilling into fresh rivalries. The state is witnessing communities locked in battles for their own share of the quota. Such is the situation that villages where communities have lived in peace for generations are now witnessing tensions, with old grudges surfacing solely over reservation. Quota politics is pulling communities apart.

Many experts see the implementation of the Mandal Commission as a turning point for the reservation issue. The Maratha community’s demand intensified in early 2000 when the Kunbi (an agrarian sub-caste) was officially granted OBC status.

Of the 12 crore-plus population in Maharashtra, 28 percent are Maratha, while 53 percent are OBC. Despite having a ceiling of 50 percent for reservation, in many states, including Maharashtra, the ceiling has been breached. Yet political promises continue to stretch the limits.

Currently, Maharashtra has 52 percent reservation for SC, ST, Vimukt Jati, Nomadic Tribes, and OBC. In addition, a 10 percent reservation for Marathas (socially and economically backward class) takes the total reservation to 62 percent.

Maharashtra has always been referred to as the land of reformers. History reminds us how several stalwart reformists and leaders — including Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — fought to break the caste system and barriers and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the marginalized. The goal was inclusion, not rivalry.

However, as political parties have changed the definition of reforms, reservation is now seen as one of the major elements that define electoral issues. Even if framed as justice, the bigger motive often becomes, “What about one’s own community?”

Political parties, instead of coming together to find an amicable solution to the problem, are milking the situation as they view this divide among communities as an opportunity to create vote banks.

When the ruling regime — the BJP-led Maharashtra government — called for an all-party meeting on the Maratha reservation issue, the Opposition remained absent from the discussion.

Ideally, one would expect leaders to seek votes on the basis of vision and development. Instead, they are asking for votes in the name of caste.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s reaction clearly speaks about political posturing. Last week, Fadnavis claimed that the government decision had not touched or altered any quota, adding, “But if anyone still wants to play politics over it, what can be said?”

According to media reports, OBC strongman and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal has openly urged the community to teach lessons to Maratha leaders backing quota activist Manoj Jarange. On the other hand, Jarange has instructed all Marathas to ensure the defeat of OBC leaders opposing their demand.

This is a clear indication that society continues to prioritize caste over policy and progress.

For now, such parties may see short-term gains in the form of popularity and electoral votes, but in the long run, this will certainly erode social trust.

Everyone in society needs to be taken into confidence and reminded that reservation is not the only path to progress or a quality life. Creating more employment, education, and job opportunities — along with quota — are also needed if the state wants to see tangible results and real change.

Phule fought for education, Shahu Maharaj sought to break caste monopolies in Kolhapur, and Ambedkar’s cause was to bring equality and dignity.

If Maharashtra wishes to retain its tag as a reformist state, the time has come for all political parties, community leaders, organizations, and civil society to come together.

Along with reservation, making education affordable, improving its quality, and ensuring wide access to everyone are crucial. Additionally, working on upgrading the skills of the youth and addressing unemployment by providing more opportunities are imperative for the state to rediscover its vision and the spirit of reform.

If these steps are ignored, the gap will widen, rivalries between communities will rise, and the social fabric will be torn beyond repair.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/quota-politics-of-divide-and-rule-23594907