Plans to begin construction of a pagan temple in Öskjuhlíð hill, Reykjavík, have been set in motion. This will be the first pagan temple to be built in the Nordic countries in nearly a thousand years, said the alsherjargoði Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, head priest of the Icelandic Ásatrúarfélag, in an interview with RÚV. The [...]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States brought about many glowing statements from the American government, both about Modi and about India. These included productive meetings with President Barack Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden, and Secretary of State John Kerry, who were quite elated with Modi’s visit. The camaraderie extended to Bill and Hillary [...]
October 7, 2014
Vamadev Shastri
Analysis/Insights, Articles
There has been a considerable debate extending from recent centuries to current interfaith dialogues as to whether Hinduism is a monotheistic religion, and if so whether Hinduism can perhaps be included among the great monotheistic traditions of the world. This question of Hinduism and monotheism reflects certain preconceptions that should be carefully examined. First is [...]
August 26, 2014
Vamadev Shastri
Spirituality/Culture
The Pakistani Taliban have announced an “armed struggle” against an indigenous tribe and Ismaili Muslims in the picturesque northern Chitral valley, calling on Sunnis to support their cause in a video. The valley was once dominated by moderate Ismailis and is also home to the Kalash, a polytheistic people who claim descent from Alexander the [...]
Hindu families have demanded that the provincial education ministry include the study of their religion in the curriculum for Hindu students in place of Islamiat or ethics. Ethics is a substitute subject for Islamiat that non-Muslim students are allowed to take. They complained that the problem persists from primary level, even at private schools, where [...]
April 27, 2014
HHR
Archives, Pakistan