Showing posts with label Rajan Zed. Show all posts

Belgium brewery apologizes to Hindus for using Lord Ganesha as beer icon

India 14 September 2016: Belgium brewery, The Musketeers, has apologized for using Lord Ganesha as icon representing its Jack's Precious IPA beer.

Google translation of brewery’s (headquartered in Ursel, East Flanders) statement in Dutch, responding to criticism by Hindu community, published on their website, said: “The brewery wants to apologize when they unwittingly hurts a community”; and added that the beer label “in no way intended to hurt anyone”.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest against the Lord Ganesha’s image on Jack's Precious IPA beer label, in a statement in Nevada today, welcomed the brewery’s apology, calling it a step in the positive direction.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that in the same spirit, the brewery should immediately withdraw image of Lord Ganesha from the beer label, which was highly inappropriate.

If the Musketeers brewery continued to use Lord Ganesha icon on their beer, they were thinking of approaching the Commission on Marketing and Advertising of Belgium chapter of International Chamber of Commerce, Rajan Zed pointed out.

Lord Ganesha's image carrying chef knife in one hand and sausage like object on the other and brewery's trade mark symbol on his head continued to be shown on Jack's Precious IPA beer label on brewery’s website today.

Zed had said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.

Rajan Zed had stated that Lord Ganesha was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer for mercantile greed. Moreover, linking Lord Ganesha with an alcoholic beverage was very disrespectful.

Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Zed had noted.

In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.

Brewery claims that Jack's Precious IPA (Alcohol: 5.9%, EBC: 20, IBU: 50), launched in March last, “has the character of a floral bouquet with a citrus accent” and is available in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom.

Chinese researchers conclude yoga benefits diabetes patients

India 22 July 2016: Researchers at China’s Binzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital and Donghua University have concluded that yoga benefits adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), said to be one of most frequently encountered metabolic syndromes worldwide.

n abstract of the article “Effects of Yoga in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis” published online at Journal of Diabetes Investigation stated: “A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of yoga in adult patients with T2DM”.

Researchers (Jie Cui, Jun-Hong Yan, Li-Ming Yan, Lei Pan, Jia-Jin Le, Yong-Zhong Guo) summed up in this article accepted on June 29: Based on the evidence, yoga significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and alters other significant clinical outcomes in patients with T2DM. These results support the idea that yoga-based training is a possible alternative exercise for T2DM management.

In this study, researchers performed a meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 864 patients in United Kingdom, India, Cuba and Iran to determine the effectiveness of yoga in patients with T2DM. The available evidence suggested that yoga can significantly decrease patient FBG, postprandial blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and increase their high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, called the Chinese institutions looking into the efficacy of multi-faceted yoga among diabetic patients “a step in the positive direction”. Zed urged all major world universities to explore various benefits yoga offered.

Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, noted.

Rajan Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to a recently released “2016 Yoga in America Study”, about 37 million Americans (which included many celebrities) now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Zed added.

Hindus want LaSalle Rd renamed “Om Street” in Connecticut’s W. Hartford

India 20 July 2016: Hindus are urging West Hartford (Connecticut) to permanently rename its LaSalle Road as “Om Street”; where the popular sixth annual “Om Street: Yoga on LaSalle Road” event is being held on July 23.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, urged West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, Deputy Mayor Leon Davidoff and Town Council to seriously look into renaming LaSalle Road as “Om Street” to honor the passionate yogis of the region who had been converging here in hundreds and informally converting it as “Om Street” annually for part of a day since 2011.

“Om” was the mystical and powerful Sanskrit seed syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism was used to introduce and conclude religious work, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out.

Moreover, renamed “Om Street” might inspire residents of West Hartford and neighboring towns to adopt yoga lifestyle; as, according to US National Institutes of Health; yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress; Rajan Zed indicates.

Zed further said that Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization.

Various yoga studios and allied businesses of Connecticut in Avon, Bristol, Brookfield, Collinsville, Danielson, East Hartford, Glastonbury, Hartford, Harwinton, Litchfield, Manchester, Middletown, Naugatuck, New Haven, Newington, North Haven, Old Wethersfield, Plainville, Simsbury, South Windsor, Southington, Torrington, West Hartford, Wethersfield; besides Vermont’s Northfield; are reportedly supporting/assisting in this event. Besides yoga display, it also plans to include live music on drums-gongs-didgeridoo. Two mats are suggested to protect knees on LaSalle Road (“it's still a road and not quite the cork, wooden, or carpeted floor of your regular yoga studio”, an announcement says). There will be few dozen instructors of the area on hand to lead the yoga practice.

According to reports, about 1800 yogis turned out for this free community event last year to celebrate yoga in the street in West Hartford. This year the expectations are of 2000 participants spread over a full city block.

Hindus worldwide shocked at frequent temple desecration in Malaysia

Hindus worldwide are highly concerned after reports of frequent desecration of Hindu temples in Malaysia recently.

Mumbai 4 July 2016: According to reports, vandals damaged the statue of a Hindu deity at Dewa Sri Mathurai Veeran Hindu Temple in Bayan Baru (Penang) on July two evening. This was said to be the third such case of vandalism reported since last month.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it was reportedly shocking for the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful Malaysian Hindu community; who had made lot of contributions to the nation and society; to receive such signals of hatred and anger.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged administration for swift action to regain the reportedly falling confidence of the Hindu community.

Rajan Zed also urged Malaysia Prime Minister Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to constitute a multi-faith national task force headed by him to come up with an effective strategy to put an end to such reported desecration of religious centers in the country.

Zed further said that Malaysia Government and its various state governments should seriously consider providing adequate security measures to Hindu places of worship.

Lauding City of Compton offering free yoga, Hindus urge all California cities to follow

Mumbai, 1 July, 2016: Hindus have commended City of Compton in California for announcing free yoga classes for residents.

To be held in Burrell-MacDonald Park, these are open to all ages and experience levels, ranging from beginner to advance. Compton Mayor Aja Brown said: “A physically and mentally fit person strengthens the family unit and ultimately the Compton community”. “…community yoga classes are an important part of our continued efforts to create a healthier and more vibrant Compton…”

Calling it a step in the positive direction, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, applauded City of Compton for coming forward with this initiative and providing an opportunity to its residents to avail the multiple benefits yoga offered.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged California Governor Edmund Gerald Brown Jr. to work with various city councils and county commissions in California for offering free yoga classes to the residents in city/county parks, thus incorporating highly beneficial yoga in the lives of Californians.

Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Rajan Zed pointed out.

Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to a recently released “2016 Yoga in America Study”, about 37 million Americans (which included many celebrities) now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Rajan Zed added.

Prominent people associated with Compton, incorporated in 1888 and located south of downtown Los Angeles, include former US presidents George W. Bush and George H. W. Bush; tennis champions Serena Williams and Venus Williams; actors Kevin Costner, James Coburn, Tiny Lister; football players Larry Allen, Mike Garrett, Anthony Munoz; Olympian gold medalists Bob Beamon, Charles Dumas, Quincy Watts, Ulis Williams; baseball player Eddie Murray; rappers Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, Kendrick Lamar, Coolio, The Game, Tyga; besides rap group N.W.A. Isaac Galvan is Mayor Pro Tem, while Roger L. Haley is the City Manager.

Hindus censure damage to ancient Otomi temple in Mexico

Mexico 28 June 2016: Hindus have condemned the reported damaging of ancient Otomi Indian religious site deep in the forest in Hidalgo State of Mexico.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that it was really sad to learn about the reported toppling of stone altars; scattering of offerings; and damages to carved stones, images and paintings at the remote mountain shrine known as Mayonihka, one of rare functioning ancient site of its kind.

Despite belonging to various religions/denominations, with seriously different faith traditions; we all should learn to live together harmoniously and be respectful to each other’s beliefs, monuments and sanctuaries; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed.

According to reports, this site was used by Indians from various states of Mexico for weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies. It appeared like an attack on religious freedom, Rajan Zed noted.

Zed urged Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto and Hidalgo Governor José Francisco Olvera Ruiz to take swift action regarding this vandalism and offer protection to such ceremonial sites, as many had already been destroyed or built-over, so that believers in these traditions could freely practice their beliefs.

Rajan Zed further said that existence of different religions was a sign of God’s bountifulness and a true relationship with God could exist in the religious traditions of “others” also. We should learn from each other and love each other as we were headed in the same direction

Hindus urge Rio Olympic Games Hindu Room be properly equipped

Welcoming the plans to have a Hindu Room at the inter-religious centre at the Rio Olympic Games 2016, Hindus are urging that it be properly equipped.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, thanked Rio Olympic Games for recognizing the intersection of spirituality and sports, saying that it was step in the positive direction. It was highly important to meet the spiritual needs of participating athletes, Zed added.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, suggested International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Rio 2016 Organizing Committee President Carlos Arthur Nuzman that the Hindu Room preferably should have a shrine containing murtis (statues) of popular Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Rama, Krishna, Durga, Venkateshwara, Ganesha, Murugan, Saraswati, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Kali, etc.; besides being equipped with ghanta (big metallic bell hanging from the ceiling), dholak (two-headed hand-drum), Shiva-linga, etc.

We would prefer that arti be held every morning and evening in this Hindu Room during the games, Rajan Zed indicated.

According to reports, the inter-religious centre at the Olympic Village (which will host over 17,000 athletes and officials) will have a room for each of the following religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism.

Rio Olympic Games 2016, from August five to 21 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), will see 206 countries participating in 42 sports disciplines, reports add.

Hindus welcome Frankfurt Airport upgrade plans to include yoga rooms

Hindus have welcomed reported plans of Frankfurt Airport, a major international airport in Germany, to invest about $113 million in upgrades/makeover which include yoga rooms.

It already has two “professionally equipped” yoga rooms, located in passenger terminals one and two, open around the clock and are free of charge. Airport authorities claim that all of the required equipment is available in these: yoga mats, blocks, cushions, pads, floor-to-ceiling mirror, monitor screens explaining exercises to music and flyers with how-to-do instructions. The lighting is subdued and there is a wall-sized Buddha.

Calling adding yoga rooms in upgrades plan “a step in the positive direction” for Frankfurt Airport, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, urged all top world airports to provide yoga facilities for the passengers if they wanted to help reduce their stress levels and be “world-class” airports.

Rajan Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

Opened in 1912, awards winner Frankfurt Airport served over 61 million passengers during 2015. Dr. Stefan Schulte is Chairman of the Executive Board of Fraport AG, which operates Frankfurt Airport

Hindu statesman Zed organized multi-faith prayer vigil in Nevada for Orlando massacre victims

June 17 2016, 07.46 AM IST || Pocket News Alert

A multi-faith memorial service in honor of Orlando massacre victims was held at South Reno United Methodist Church (SRUMC) in Reno (Nevada, USA) on June 15 evening.

Hindu statesman Zed organized multi-faith prayer vigil in Nevada for Orlando massacre victims

Organized by distinguished religious statesman Rajan Zed and hosted by SRUMC, it included prayers/thoughts/songs by area Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, Native American, Pagan, etc., leaders, besides others.

This multi-faith service paid tribute to all victims, their families, first responders and others touched by this tragedy. A lamp was lighted by various religious and other leaders on the occasion.

Besides Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, those who prayed/spoke/sang on the occasion included Dawn M. Flower, Senior Pastor of SRUMC; Mark J. Fasman, Rabbi of Congregation Temple Emanu-El; Teresa Benitez-Thompson, Nevada Assemblywoman and Co-Assistant Minority Floor Leader; Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, Acting Imam of Northern Nevada Muslim Community; Matthew E. Goddard, Meditation Guide at Reno Buddhist Center; Sean Savoy, Director of Nevada Interfaith Coalition for Equality and Inclusion; Chuck Allen, Washoe County Sheriff; Rigoberto Ruano Mireles, Deacon at Saint Therese Church of the Little Flower; Patricia F. Meidell, Community Relations, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Gwenyfur Draigtanllwyth, High Priestess, Gathering WIND (witches in Nevada’s desert); Brian E. Melendez, American Indian Spirituality Scholar; Spirit Singers lead by Leslie A. Fudge; Steve W. Wren, Pastor of First Christian Church of Sparks; Justin V. Deverse, Baha’i teacher; and Clayton Brent Hoy-Bianchi, Chaplain at Renown Health. U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Senator Harry Reid and Nevada Secretary of State Barbara K. Cegavske sent remarks for the occasion.

Rajan Zed, who opened the service with prayers form Rig-Veda, oldest existing scripture of the mankind; and Taittiriya Upanishad, another ancient Hindu scripture; noted: We want to show that religious leaders of diverse traditions in Northern Nevada are united in their mourning and support for the victims, their families and others affected by this tragic loss.

Zed further said: We, the faith leaders of Northern Nevada, strongly condemn any and all acts of violence against innocent people. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts go out to the victims and their families. It was a senseless and shocking violence.

We, as people of faith, despite our seriously different traditions, must take a stand against violence by coming together with kindness and love, Rajan Zed added.

SRUMC, whose tagline is "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors", was officially chartered in 1989.

Christian-Muslim-Hindu-Buddhist-Jewish leaders in Nevada unanimously condemn Orlando massacre

June 13 2016, 09.49 PM IST || Pocket News Alert

A multi-faith gathering; containing leaders of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, Native American and Atheist traditions; in Reno (Nevada) today strongly condemned the Orlando (Florida) night club massacre which killed 50 and injured 53 today.

Christian-Muslim-Hindu-Buddhist-Jewish leaders in Nevada unanimously condemn Orlando massacre

Distinguished religious statesman Rajan Zed, who organized this gathering in South Reno United Methodist Church to discuss God, read on the occasion “We, the faith leaders of Nevada, unanimously condemn any and all acts of violence against innocent people” and gathered faith leaders repeated it after him while standing.

A moment of silence was also observed in which audience of about 150 people and faith leaders stayed standing for the Orlando shooting victims and their families.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, speaking on the occasion, said: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s tragedy of Orlando nightclub massacre. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. It was a senseless and shocking violence”.

Rajan Zed further said: “We, as people of faith, despite our different belief systems, must take a stand against violence by coming together with kindness and love”.

Besides Zed, various leaders who participated in this event included Dawn M. Flower, Senior Pastor of South Reno United Methodist Church; Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, Acting Imam of Northern Nevada Muslim Community; Matthew T. Fisher, Resident Priest of Reno Buddhist Center; ElizaBeth Webb Beyer, Rabbi of Temple Beth Or & North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation; Gene Savoy Junior, Bishop of International Community of Christ; Justin V. Deverse, Baha’i Teacher; Brian E. Melendez, American Indian Spirituality Scholar; Bernard T. Drumm, Atheist leader; Kenneth G. Lucey, Religion Professor at University of Nevada.

A lamp was also lighted by various religious leaders on the occasion.

Details of the picture attached: Leaders of diverse faith traditions who participated.

Picture by: George A. Anastassatos

Hindus thank filmmakers for deleting inappropriate reference to Krishna in “X-Men: Apocalypse”

May 27, 12.54 PM IST || Pocket News Alert

Hindus are thankful to 20th Century Fox and Director Bryan Singer for deleting reference to Lord Krishna in the movie “X-Men: Apocalypse”, releasing May 27, which was there in the trailer in December last, which devotees felt was inappropriate as Lord Krishna is highly revered in Hinduism.

Hindus thank filmmakers for deleting inappropriate reference to Krishna in “X-Men: Apocalypse”

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed wrote to 20th Century Fox in March last urging Singer and 20th Century Fox Chairman James N. Gianopulos to not have any inappropriate references to Lord Krishna in the final movie, unless those were true to the scriptures or based on scriptures.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, spearheaded the protest in December saying that “such trivialization of Lord Krishna, who was highly revered in Hinduism, was quite inappropriate and disturbing to the devotees”. In a statement in Nevada today, he expressed thanks to Singer and Fox for deleting reference to Lord Krishna in the final movie, thus showing maturity and responsibility, and understanding the feelings of Hindu community.

There was comparison of blue-colored villain Apocalypse of action-adventure Hollywood superhero movie “X-Men: Apocalypse” with Hindu deity Krishna in the trailer released in December last, upsetting the Hindus. This trailer indicated Apocalypse saying: I have been called many things over many lifetimes—Ra, Krishna, Yahweh.

Rajan Zed pointed out that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees and confused non-Hindus about Hinduism. Lord Krishna was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not for pushing movies for mercantile greed of filmmakers.

Rajan Zed further said that Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers, Zed stated and added that insensitive handling of faith traditions sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols.

Hindus welcomed Hollywood to immerse in Hinduism, but taking it seriously and respectfully and not for refashioning Hinduism concepts and symbols just to further its agenda. Hollywood was welcome to make movies about Lord Krishna or other Hindu deities but the final product should be true to the scriptures and not a fantasized or a re-imagined version, Zed indicated.

Rajan Zed suggested that Hollywood executives should be sent for training in religious and cultural sensitivity so that they had an understanding of the feelings of audiences and communities when creating new products. If Hollywood executives needed any expertise on Hinduism related issues, he or other Hindu scholars would gladly provide the resources, Zed added.

Lord Krishna, usually depicted as blue-skinned, is the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu and subject of major Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) and Bhagavad-Purana. There are about three million Hindus in USA and moksh (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.

“X-Men: Apocalypse” stars Golden Globes nominated James McAvoy, Oscar nominated Michael Fassbender and Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence. Its official website talks about Apocalypse as: Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. It is also reportedly slated for release in India's languages Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Claimed to be “one of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures”, 20th Century Fox Film (headquartered in Los Angeles and whose history goes back to 1904) produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world.

Virginia Commonwealth University to explore yoga’s effect on pregnancy depression

May 26, 13.20 PM IST || Pocket News Alert

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Nursing will reportedly explore effect of yoga on depression during pregnancy.

The US National Institutes of Health reportedly recently awarded two-year $456,579 grant to VCU School of Nursing for a pilot study that will examine how motivational interviewing and prenatal yoga might reduce or prevent depression during and after pregnancy.

Dr. Patricia Kinser, who will lead this project, says: “Nearly 20 percent of pregnant women experience depressive symptoms during pregnancy”. Depressive symptoms may significantly threaten a pregnant woman's well-being. Kinser will work with an interprofessional team to engage 40 pregnant women, who will participate in prenatal yoga classes and at-home physical activity, reports suggest.

Hindus have welcomed VCU efforts to explore multi-benefit yoga’s effects on pregnancy depression.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, yoga was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to a recently released “2016 Yoga in America Study”, about 37 million Americans (which included many celebrities) now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image. Yoga is the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Rajan Zed adds.

VCU in Richmond (USA), founded in 1838, is a major, urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research. Dr. Michael Rao is the President.