PAKISTAN ASKS UN TO CRIMINALISE HATE SPEECH

DECLARE HATE ACTS AGAINST RELIGION
A CRIME, PAKISTAN PRESIDENT TELLS UN

www.indiatvnews.com - Last September, Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari appealed to the international community to not become “silent observers”, and immediately take notice of the anti-islam movie, insisting such acts be declared a crime. In his speech at the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the president said: “Before I take up my speech, I want to express the strongest condemnation for the acts of incitement of hate against the faith of billions of Muslims of the world and our beloved prophet, Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).” 
Condemning the controversial movie that has sparked angry protests across the Muslim world, President Zardari said: “The International community must not become silent observers and should criminalise such acts that destroy the peace of the world and endanger world security by misusing freedom of expression. I am not here to answer questions about Pakistan. I am here to ask some questions on behalf of my people,” Zardari said. 

“On behalf the two year old baby who was killed in the bombing at Lahore’s Moon Market on December 7, 2009… On behalf of the traders and entrepreneurs in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore and Karachi, of the dozens of marketplaces that have been ravaged by multiple bombings. Over and over and over again. And perhaps most of all, on behalf of my three children, whose mother [Benazir Bhutto] was also martyred by terrorists … “[I ask] How much more suffering can Pakistan endure?” Zardari said that terrorism and extremism had not only destroyed human lives, torn social fabric, and devastated the economy of Pakistan but the rest of the world. 
Rebutting critics and constant demands to do more, he said: “To those who say we have not done enough, I say in all humility: Please do not insult the memory of our dead, and the pain of our living. Do not ask of my people, what no one has ever asked of any other peoples. Do not demonise the innocent women and children of Pakistan.”

Beseeching the international community to not become “silent observers”, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has moved the United Nations last September to take notice of the anti-Islam movie - insisting such acts be criminalised. “I want to express the strongest condemnation for the acts of incitement of hate against the faith of billions of Muslims of the world and our beloved prophet, Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).” Saying that no country and no people had suffered more in the epic struggle against terrorism than Pakistan, the president said that drone strikes and civilian casualties have continued to add to the complexity of this war. There is a growing “phobia” against Islam and so worrying phenomenon threatens the peaceful coexistence between cultures and civilizations.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Tolerance: This is the slogan for all interfaith movements. Even though known to common sense, clear instructions regarding the qualified targets, intensity and response methodology of tolerance are not available. (1) The problem with the tolerance advocates is that they assiduously preach tolerance to the reactors without emphasising the actors to feel free within the tolerable limits. Tolerance is a decent bilateral communication, which cannot be extended in situations of intentional non reciprocation and adversity. (2) Tolerance has its merit only in suitable grounds, where it is designated as magnanimity. In a case of excessive tolerance, shown when the dignity and pride of the culture and nation is butchered, it is named as “shamelessness”. (3) Tolerance because of inability is cowardice and tolerance towards heinous elements is betrayal to one's own conscience and the society. Interfaith organisations should promote this regal tolerance among its subjects.

Śrīla S.A.R. Prasanna Venkatachariar Chaturvedi Swamy :
Acarya of Ramanuja Sampradaya
“International Conference on Interfaith” - “Culture, Philosophy, Literature and Religion”
7th and 8th Sep 2009 at Somaiya Auditorium, Mumbai, India.
http://saranagathi.org/blogs/members/chaturvedi - http://www.sriramanujamissiontrust.org

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

IN INDIA, ‘CHEER QUEENS’ OPT FOR SARIS

INDIAN CHEER SQUAD WEARS
SARIS, THE TRADITIONAL GARB

New Delhi, India - Cheerleading arrived in India three years ago with the inception of a shorter, more TV-friendly form of cricket, a three-hour version of a game that, in its purest form, lasts five days with breaks for tea.  To attract audiences to the glitzy new Indian Premier League, organizers drew on an age-old principle - sex sells - and introduced U.S.-style cheerleaders in bikinis, miniskirts and high boots.  Many male fans welcomed the idea. But right-wing, religious and feminist groups quickly condemned it as “vulgar,” “walking porn” and “frivolous eye candy” in a nation where, sensuality is not frequently discussed or displayed in public.  At least half the cheerleaders were foreigners, including several members of the Washington Redskins cheerleading squad who wear short skirts.  They’re “worse than bar dancers,” complained Maharashtra state minister Siddharam Mhetre. “Mothers and daughters watch these matches and it does not look nice.”

In a bid to appeal to the cultured side of the sports-fan brain, the Warriors introduced its traditional-culture, fully clothed approach to crowd excitement. Cheerleaders juggle seven traditional dance forms and multiple costumes in a bid to encapsulate India’s 5,000-year diversity before spectators, all in a heat that can reach 120 degrees Farenheit.  The cheerleading squad for the Indian cricket team Pune Warriors takes a traditional-culture, fully clothed approach to motivate players and fans. It calls for complex hand waves and traditional dance steps in saris. “The concept of Cheer Queens is an extraordinary way of showcasing our national artistic heritage to the world,” says Abhijit Sarkar, director of the Pune Warriors.

An Indian cricket team said it is “showcasing our national heritage” by employing cheerleaders dressed in full-length traditional clothing.  Abhijit Sarkar, director of the Pune Warriors, said the “cheer queens” reviving up the crowds for the teams are dressed conservatively and use complex hand waves and traditional dances in the place of high kicks and splits.  He said the idea of the “cheer queens” is an incredible means to expose to the world their ancient artistic tradition.  Keeping traditions and avoid losing the sense of decorum and decency are the basis of social morality.  

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US?

Tradition includes dress-code, demeanours and flexibility or by its popular name, social freedom, as diagnostic devices for nature, impression and depiction of inner discipline. It describes about the subtle impact of every inch of thought, exposure and action in character, which may not be digestible to the fashion world. ... Unfortunately, this is branded as a western culture, whereas it is a degraded form of global cultural stamina, which has infected the western community.  Due to continuous engagement in scientific and economic pursuits, west has lost its immunity in self and social control, which has made it the first and the worst vulnerable region for ethical degradation. ... Without cultural framework, any self styled discipline, audacity and insecure freedom will certainly dismantle any orderly society or even an organised one.

Śrīla S.A.R. Prasanna Venkatachariar Chaturvedi Swamy :
Acarya de la Ramanuja Sampradaya
“International Conference on Interfaith” - “Culture”
“Culture, Philosophy, Literature and Religion” 2009, Mumbai, India.
http://saranagathi.org/blogs/members/chaturvedi
http://www.sriramanujamissiontrust.org