Home Blog Page 2024

‘Hanuman ji isn’t God’: Manoj Muntashir makes another desperate claim to defend his crass writing, here is how Hindu scriptures prove him wrong

Pragya Bakshi Sharma
-
0
‘Hanuman ji isn’t God’: Manoj Muntashir makes another desperate claim to defend his crass writing, here is how Hindu scriptures prove him wrong

With nowhere left to go and nothing more to say, the makers of Adipurush have exhausted every trick in the book in self-defense. The movie has been recording a downward trend at the box office for its crass dialogues, poor casting, and factually incorrect storyline.

Adding fuel to the fire, dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir sparked yet another controversy on Tuesday by saying, “Hanuman ji Bhagwan nahin hain, Bhakt hain. Humne unhe Bhagwan banaya baadme kyunki unki Bhakti mein woh power tha,” which translates to “Hanuman ji is not God, he is a devotee. We have made him God later because his devotion had such power.”

Manoj Muntashir (L), Hanuman in Adipurush (R), images via KoiMoi and Twitter

The writer very casually implied that mankind, which has largely been living in spiritual ignorance had the power to make God out of Bhagwan Ram’s most ardent devotee who was just that and nothing more. Muntashir has been coming up with one bizarre statement after another to defend the crass dialogues written by him.

Earlier he had tried to explain that the Bajrang character in his movie speaks like a pedestrian goon because “all characters in a story cannot be at the same level (of linguistic sophistication). He even tried to defend his dialogues like ‘Kapda there baap ka” saying he wrote them to make it more relatable to young masses.

He further said that Bajrang Bali (another name for Lord Hanuman) does not speak philosophical things; an insolent statement to say the least.

The statement by Manoj (Muntashir) Shukla has enraged Hindus across the country. It also shows just how distant the writer is from the truth and understanding of Hindu deities and lacks the depth required to perceive Hindu spirituality. Here’s why Manoj Muntashir Shukla is wrong in his understanding of Lord Hanuman and is consequently misleading the people.’

Hanuman ji is Rudra Avatar, the manifestation of Bhagwan Shiva Himself

Hanuman ji is one of the many avatars (manifestations) of Bhagwan Shiv. He is known by at least 108 names which encompass his Divine character and personality. Some of these names are as follows:

  1. Bajrang Bali (one with the power of lightning)
  2. Ramdoot (Bhagwan Ram’s messenger)
  3. Pawan Putra (the Son of wind god),
  4. Anjaneya (the Son of Anjana),
  5. Manojva (the one who is faster than the mind),
  6. Rudraveerya Samudbhava (born from Shiva)
  7. Bhakta Vatsal (protector of devotees)
  8. Mahavir (most valiant)
  9. Pragnya (scholar)
  10. Mahatapaswi (great meditator)
  11. Tatvagyanaprada (one who grants wisdom)

These are merely 11 of the 108+ names of Hanuman ji listed along with their meanings. If Manoj Muntashir Shukla ever cared to give these names, or even Hanuman Chalisa for that matter, a read, it would do his “scattered” mind some good to introspect why he doesn’t consider Hanuman ji as God.

According to the sacred Hindu text “Vayupuran”, Mahavir Bajrang Bali was in fact an avatar of Bhagwan Shiva. Here’s a Shloka from the scripture which reads, “आश्विनस्यासिते पक्षे स्वात्यां भौमे च मारुतिः। मेषलग्नेजनागर्भात स्वयं जातो हरः शिवः। (It was Bhagwan Shiva Himself who had taken birth from Mother Anjana’s womb as Lord Hanuman was born in Ashwin (Hindu) month’s Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi Tuesday in Swati Nakshatra in the Aries sign).

In another part of Vayupurana, Hanuman ji has been identified with Prana (life element) itself. The scripture says that Hanuman ji is symbolic of that Om which is a derived form of the Holy Trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh; just the way Om in itself is symbolic of the omnipresent, all-encompassing and formless Brahma (God).

The text further says that Hanuman ji, in the form of Om, is a part of our prana (life element). Hanuman ji being the son of Wind God is inseparable from the life element in the human body which is derived from the air we breathe.

Furthermore, in the 20th chapter of ‘Shatarudra Samhita’ of ‘Shivpurana’, Hanuman ji has been mentioned sometimes as part of Lord Shiva and sometimes as Lord Shiva Himself.

The text narrates in great detail the birth story of Anjani Putra. Bhagwan Shiva, it says, had himself taken birth as Hanuman in order to bring to fruition Bhagwan Shri Ram’s holy pursuit.

Here’s how Hindu scriptures prove Manoj Muntashir wrong

Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse Hindu devotional hymn authored by Goswami Tulsidas ji, an ardent devotee of Bhagwan Shri Ram, whom the Adipurush dialogue writer has quoted several times in his defense.

The Chalisa, whilst singing praises of the hundred-plus Divine qualities of Lord Hanuman, also shows just how devoted was Tulsidas ji.

One of the verses reads, “Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te, Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te” (Yamraj, the God of Death, and Kuber, the God of Wealth and the Digpals, guardians of the four corners of the universe, have been vying with one another in offering homage to your glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression of your super excellence?).

The same Goswami Tulsidas ji whose name Manoj Muntashir used to pass the buck on, writes in great detail and reverence about the magnificence, wisdom, strength, compassion, radiance, and glory of Hanuman ji.

Goswami Tulsidas ji

During Bhagwan Ram’s crowning celebrations, when Mata Sita removed one of the valuable necklaces from her neck and offered it to Hanuman ji, He began to break open the pearls from the necklace with his teeth. Surprised, Mata Sita asked him why he was doing so.

To this Lord Hanuman replied that he wanted to see if the pearls in the necklace contained his revered Bhagwan Shri Ram; this was because Hanuman ji never kept any such thing that was devoid of Bhagwan Shri Ram.

A member in the palace then asked Hanuman ji that in this case, He should prove whether the body that he has Bhagwan Ram in it. Basking in the glory of His love for Prabhu Shri Ram, Hanuman ji tore open His chest thus revealing to the world the image of Shri Ram and Mata Sita residing in Him.

Hanuman ji also received the boon of being Chiranjeevi (immortal). He is one of the 8 Chiranjeevis in Hindu beliefs, along with Mahabali, Ashwatthama, Parashurama, Kripacharya, Vedvyas, Vibhishana, and Markandeya.

Hanuman ji is revered as “Gyaan Gun Sagar” in the Hanuman Chalisa. But to Manoj Muntashir, “Hanuman ji daarshanik nahin the” (Hanuman ji was not philosophical). To Muntashir, Hanuman ji was a funny, child-like character with low intellect.

In Valmiki Ramayana there have been instances when Bhagwan Ram has himself praised Hanuman, hailing his knowledge, and wise manner of speaking.

US to ease visas for skilled Indian workers amid PM Modi’s state visit

OpIndia Staff
-
0
US to ease visas for skilled Indian workers amid PM Modi’s state visit

On June 21 (local time), people familiar with the immigration sector in the US said in a statement to Reuters that the Biden administration is planning to make it easier for the Indians to live and work in the United States. The update came at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an official state visit to the US. The US government’s decision will help some skilled workers enter or remain in the country.

The announcement may come by June 22 that a small number of Indians and other foreign workers with H-1B visas will be able to renew them in the US without travelling abroad. As per Reuters’ sources, it is part of a pilot project that may see expansion in the coming years.

Notably, Indian citizens are the most active H-1B program users. Around 4,42,000 H-1B workers from India were reportedly in the US in the previous fiscal year, which makes 73 percent of the total H-1B visa holders. A US official said, “We all recognise that mobility of our people is a huge asset to us, and so our goal is to approach that in a sort of multifaceted way. The State Department has already been working hard to find creative ways to change things.”

Bloomberg Law first reported the pilot program in February this year. While declining to comment on the details of the program, a State Department spokesperson told Reuters, “The pilot would begin with a small number of cases with the intention to scale the initiative over the following one to two years.” Another spokesperson added that renewing visas in the US would reduce the burden on the consulates abroad for visa interviews.

Another source informed Reuters that the pilot program will also include some workers on L-1 visas. It is available to people who are transferring within a company to a position in the US.

Every year, the US government makes 65,000 H-1B visas available to companies that seek skilled foreign workers. In addition to that, 20,000 visas are made available for workers with advanced degrees. These visas are valid for three years with a possibility of three-year renewal. In recent times, Indian-based Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services along with Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta are the top companies that bring skilled workers on H-1B visas.

As part of the proposed pilot program, the US Government is running an initiative to clear a backlog of visa applications at the US embassies in India. According to one of the Reuters sources, the matter is expected to be discussed between the US and Indian delegations in Washington during this week.

India has expressed concerns over the difficulties faced by Indian citizens to get visas to live in the US. Some of the H-1B visa holders in the US are among the thousands of workers in the tech industry that were laid off this year. In order to stay in the US, they have a 60-day window to find a new employer or head back home country.

As per reports, the Biden administration has worked for months to improve visa access for Indians in an attempt to knit together the two largest democracies. Also, it will provide a way to better compete with China. However, Congress’s lack of political will to comprehensively reform US immigration policy remained a challenge in the last few months.

A backlog was created after Washington halted almost all visa processing worldwide in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The US visa services are trying to clear that backlog that has led to some families being separated for an extended period of time.

As per the labour department, there were 10 million job openings in the US by the end of April this year.

US President Joe Biden hosts PM Narendra Modi for a private dinner a day before the high-profile state dinner, Ajit Doval present too

ANI
-
0
US President Joe Biden hosts PM Narendra Modi for a private dinner a day before the high-profile state dinner, Ajit Doval present too

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (local time) hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an intimate dinner at the White House, a day before the high-profile state dinner. 

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan are also attending the dinner, which featured the President’s favourite foods- pasta and ice cream. Earlier on Wednesday the President of the United States and the First Lady received Prime Minister Modi at the White House in Washington DC on his arrival of the second leg of his official state visit. 

PM Modi’s motorcade pulled up in the South Portico around 7:36 pm (local time). US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden welcomed him. The camaraderie between leaders was visible as they seen laughing and engaged in conversation. 

The first couple presented Prime Minister Modi with a handmade, antique American book galley from the early 20th Century among other gifts. PM Modi also presented the Bidens with gifts that included a special Mysore sandalwood box handcrafted by a master craftsman from Rajasthan and containing a silver idol of Lord Ganesha. 

At the intimate dinner, the trio enjoyed a musical tribute to the regions of India, performed by youth dancers from Studio Dhoom, a DMV-based Indian dance studio that helps connect a new generation to the vibrant culture of Indian dance, according to the White House. PM Modi took to Twitter to thank US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for hosting him at the White House.

Prior to the visit to the White House, PM Modi met Gary E Dickerson, the President and CEO of Applied Materials, Sanjay Mehrotra, President-CEO of Micron Technology and H Lawrence Culp Jr, Chairman and CEO, of General Electic and CEO of General Electic Aerospace. 

PM Modi, who arrived in Washington DC on Wednesday, started his day by attending the ‘Skilling for Future’ event where he said that India and the United States partnership will serve as the driving engine behind sustainable and inclusive global growth. 

“To maintain growth momentum, India and the US need a pipeline of talent. On the one hand, the US has top-class educational institutions and advanced technologies. On the other hand, India has the world’s biggest youth factory. That is why, I believe that the India-US partnership will prove to be the engine of sustainable and inclusive global growth,” he added. 

Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Indian government to secure a bright future for students such as implementing the New Education Policy and integrating education and skilling. Speaking about the work that the Indian government did for the bright future of the students, PM Modi stated that they have brought the New Education Policy and integrated education and skilling. 

PM Modi urged American students to come to India and said that hundreds of United States teachers are already in India, participating in a tech partnership. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

After Adipurush disappointed viewers and tanked at the Box Office, ’72 Hoorain’ zooms as one of the most anticipated new Indian movies on IMDb

OpIndia Staff
-
0
After Adipurush disappointed viewers and tanked at the Box Office, ’72 Hoorain’ zooms as one of the most anticipated new Indian movies on IMDb

Released on the 16th of June, Adipurush couldn’t live up to the expectations of the audience. On the contrary, netizens, cinema critics, renowned personalities, and the general masses alike have made several scathing remarks about the film and its makers. Many among them have accused the makers of trivialising the Hindu Mahakavya Ramayana and our divine-incarnated ancestors including Prabhu Shri Ram, Mata Sita, Laxman ji, and Hanuman ji. 

The movie which was off to a great start with 200 crore in its first weekend raked only 10 crore on June 20. It experienced a startling drop of 75% on Monday and a subsequent decline on the next day.

It reportedly grossed 10 crore nett on Tuesday (across all languages), with its Hindi portion accounting for merely 5 to 6 crore. An industry tracker, Sacnilk, estimated that Adipurush minted 10.80 crores in total. Its occupancy in Hindi was approximately 11.16 per cent. T-Series announced that the film has made 375 crores worldwide on Tuesday.

The multilingual project’s global box office performance was also weak. It clocked 17.93 crores on Tuesday, following the first-day total of 140 crores internationally, per film industry observer Manobala Vijayabalan. Less than 120 crore Hindi nett in box office receipts for the movie has effectively ended its run. The movie allegedly cost more than 500 crores for its production, however, its global box office revenue has not yet reached 400 crores.

‘72 Hoorain’: Most anticipated upcoming movie

Now, it seems that this has shifted everyone’s focus to the next most anticipated movies slated to release in the near future. Well, if the IMDb list of most anticipated new Indian movies and shows is anything go by, then 72 Hoorain seems to be climbing the popularity chart. The movie directed by two-time National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, will be released on the 7th of July. 

As per IMDb, ‘72 Hoorain’ is the second most anticipated movie on a real-time popularity basis. Around 16.4% audience is waiting for the release of this film. It is just behind the highly anticipated Gadar 2 with 23.2% votes, which is the sequel to the blockbuster hit Gadar: Ek Prem Katha released in 2001.

Reportedly, the film delves into the much-touted concept of 72 Hoorain (Virgins). Time and again, it has been stated that many religiously-inclined Islamic youths have been brainwashed to believe in it and commit horrifying acts of terrorism. 

The IMDb description of the movie states, “72 Hoorain” is a tale, where conviction merges with chaos, where belief dances with brutality, and where the unimaginable becomes a haunting reality.”

It further adds, “In this riveting narrative, an unfathomable force is unleashed, driven by a belief so fierce that it defies all logic. These Fidayeens (Jihadis), bound by an unyielding faith, embark on a harrowing journey that leads them to the celestial realms (Jaanat). Their ultimate goal? To meet the legendary 72 Virgins, known as the Hoorain.”

After The Kerala Story, 72 Hoorain is expected to be another controversial movie, with Islamists already starting to object to it.

Motion poster

Released on June 4, the motion poster of the film depicted pictures of many dreaded Islamic terrorists including Osama Bin Laden who planned and executed the 9/11 attacks in America, Ajmal Kasab who was one of the 10 terrorists in the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, Yakub Memon who executed the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai in 1993, Masood Azahar responsible for the Delhi plane hijack in 1999, and among others. 

In the background, the voice of some religious fanatic in the Islamic terrorist outfit is heard saying, “You will get those 72 hoorain (hoors). Those hoorain are made for you.”

In order to capitalise on the strong buzz in the film’s release, the makers decided to release the movie’s first official teaser in 10 different languages – English, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu to Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Kashmiri, and Assamese. 

The film, ‘72 Hoorain’ will have Pavan Malhotra and Ameer Bashir in the lead roles.

The concept of ‘72 Hoorain’ (72 virgin)

Islamic terrorism has been an undeniable reality for aeons now. Apparently, it has prevailed for centuries throughout the world, particularly in those areas where Islamic tyrants invaded and caused havoc in the name of faith. Unfortunately, India had to face a major brunt of this. In fact, Indian civilisation is one of the biggest suffering survivors of this organised crime in the name of religion.

Jihad – the so-called war for religion – is said to be one of the central pillars of Islamic terrorism. Many religiously fanatic Islamic youth, who join Jihad and prepare to die as martyrs for the Islamic cause, had been lured by various baits shown to them by fanatic religious preachers. 

However, the most-touted among them is the allurement of 72 hoorain (hoors or beautiful virgin ladies). They will get this so-called privilege when they go to Jannat (paradise or heaven) after attaining martyrdom for the Islamic cause, that is, wage Jihad against Kaafirs (infidels or non-believers) and kill them. 

Ironically, the trap of unbound lust and greed is so tempting that these radicalised Muslim youth become terrorists and then get ready to kill not only others but also themselves.  

The film titled ‘72 Hoorain’ (72 Hoors) claims to depict this dark reality of Islamic terrorism. However, since the film talks about a very strong subject, one whose mere mentioning rattles those who in many ways are linked, benefit, or have vested interests in its outcome, it has initiated a vicious moment against itself. These vested interest groups are trying to ban the film or cause commotion of different sorts to stop it from propagating the reality about this concept.  

Apparently, social media actions are just a part of it and the Twitter handle of Ashoke Pandit, the movie’s co-producer was suspended just a few weeks ahead of its official release. 

PM Modi-led International Yoga Day celebration at UN headquarters create a Guinness World Record

OpIndia Staff
-
0
PM Modi-led International Yoga Day celebration at UN headquarters create a Guinness World Record

On the 21st of June, the Yoga event at UN Headquarters in New York on the International Day of Yoga created a Guinness world record for most nationalities in a Yoga session. The event was led by PM Modi in which 135 nationalities took part. 

The Guinness World Records official adjudicator, Michael Empric, said, “Today there was a Guinness World Records title attempt for most nationalities in a Yoga lesson. The mark to be was 140 nationalities. Today in New York, at the UN, they have 135. It is a new Guinness world records title.”

People from all walks of life, prominent New Yorkers, Hollywood celebrities, members of the Indian diaspora, and envoys of over 100 nations, attended the event under PM Modi’s leadership. 

PM Modi: Yoga means to unite

At the event, PM Modi said, “I am delighted to see you all and thank you all for coming. I am told that almost every nationality is represented here today and what an amazing cause to bring us together. Yoga means to unite. The coming together in itself is another form of Yoga.”

PM added, “Like all Indian traditions, yoga is dynamic. It is free from royalty, copyright, and patents.” 

He stated that you can do it at home, at work, or in transit and it is flexible, you can learn from a teacher or be self-taught.

PM Modi further said, “Yoga is a way of life. A holistic approach to health and well-being. A way to mindfulness in thoughts and actions. A way to live in harmony with self, with others, and with nature.”

Attending the event, New York Mayor Eric Adams said, “Use Yoga to fight against wars, gender violence, food insecurity, and the destruction of our planet.”

Major attendees of the event include the President of the United Nations General Assembly Csaba Korosi, the Mayor of New York City Eric Adams, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed, and the popular American actor Richard Gere among others.  

Earlier in the day, India created another Guinness Record on the International Yoga Day event. The Yoga program held in Gujarat’s Surat hosted the largest gathering for a yoga session at one place with 1.53 lakh participants. 

Previously, Kota City of Rajasthan made a Guinness record in 2018 when 1,00,984 people participated in a Yoga Day session in one place.

The International Day of Yoga was first celebrated on the 21st of June, 2015, following a call by Indian PM Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly. Overall, this was the 9th edition of International Yoga Day.

Pentagon says it overestimated war aid sent to Ukraine by $6.2 Billion due to “accounting error”

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Pentagon says it overestimated war aid sent to Ukraine by $6.2 Billion due to “accounting error”

On the 20th of June, the Pentagon found that it overestimated the amount of funding for weapons it sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion due to an “accounting error”. Speaking to the media, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh revealed this accounting error and explained the reason behind it. 

She stated that the department overestimated the value of the weapons it had sent to Ukraine over the past two years. This has resulted in a surplus, which the department claims will be used for future security packages.

Singh said, “In a significant number of cases, services used replacement costs rather than net book value, thereby overestimating the value of the equipment drawn down from US stocks and provided to Ukraine.”

She noted that the latest calculations indicate an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the previous fiscal year, which ended on September 30th, 2022.

Earlier, in May, the Pentagon had estimated that it made an accounting error of $3 billion. However, the recent announcement made by Singh clearly indicates that the situation was far worse than the Pentagon stated earlier and the accounting error was far higher than previously estimated in May.

However, Singh asserted that these valuation errors would in no way limit or restrict the size of any of our PDAs or impact the provision of support to Ukraine.

As stated above, the department now has additional money in its coffers that can be used to support Ukraine. Currently, Ukraine is engaging in a counteroffensive against Russia. 

US Assistance to Ukraine

On the 13th of June, the US announced that it committed more than $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia launched an assault on Ukraine. But after this new revelation, it is clear that the U.S. has actually provided less than $34 billion in aid to the Ukrainian people.

So far, the Biden administration has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine to counter Russia. The combined value of all four assistance packages is reportedly $113 billion. However, not all of it has been sent to Ukraine, some of it was allocated toward replenishing U.S. military equipment which was sent to the frontlines earlier. 

In December, the US Congress approved the last round of aid amounting to $45 billion for Ukraine and its NATO allies. Congress designed the aid package to last for the current financial year. However, analysts suggest that it may be fully utilised before the year’s end due to the evolving situation on the ground in Ukraine.

On several occasions, President Joe Biden and his administration have repeatedly announced that the United States will keep helping Ukraine “as long as it takes” to repel the Russian forces from the Ukrainian territory.

Tamil Nadu: BJP State Secretary SG Suryah released on bail, says his arrest was politically motivated

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Tamil Nadu: BJP State Secretary SG Suryah released on bail, says his arrest was politically motivated

After getting bail on Tuesday, the 20th of June, Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah claimed that his arrest was politically motivated. Talking to ANI, Surya said, “This is a politically motivated arrest. The High Court will throw the case in the dustbin. The state police are so incapable that they have made such frivolous charges which will be turned down by the court.”

Earlier on the same day, the Madurai district court had granted him bail. He was arrested on the 16th of June by the cybercrime unit of Madurai police. Reportedly, he was arrested in connection with his earlier tweet on Madurai MP Su Venkatesan.

Jailed for a scathing tweet against Communist councilor

A few days back, BJP State Secretary Suryah alleged that a Communist ward councillor named Viswanathan was accountable for the death of a hygiene worker. 

In a tweet, he shared a scathing letter that was aimed at Communist Party of India (CPI) Councilor Viswanathan. 

In it, he was referring to an incident in which a sanitation worker from Madurai died on the job. Suryah claimed that he was forced to work in faecal water and this developed an allergic reaction leading to his death. 

He also launched an attack on Viswanathan for his alleged double standards, that is, for forcing the deceased sanitation worker to resort to manual scavenging despite being aware that it is prohibited by law. 

In the said tweet which reportedly led to his arrest, Suryah also attacked Madurai MP Venkatesan for his silence. The tweet stated your fake politics of separatism stinks worse than that cesspool, find a way to live as a human being, mate!

BJP’s Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai backed Suryah

Taking to Twitter, BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai extended his support to SG Suryah. He stated that the arrest of BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary Suryah is highly condemnable. He further added that his only mistake was to expose the nasty double standards of the communists, allies of DMK.

In another tweet, Annamalai highlighted that between 2018 to 2022, 52 sanitation workers died on duty in Tamil Nadu alone. 

The tweet further read, “Tamil Nadu has the highest death toll in India.”

Chickenpox highlighted as dreaded smallpox: How mainstream media spreads misinformation

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Chickenpox highlighted as dreaded smallpox: How mainstream media spreads misinformation

Today, a number of news outlets ran stories claiming that smallpox, which was declared eliminated in 1980, had returned to Supaul, Bihar and affected more than 100 people from 35 families. They alarmingly circulated the false information after confusing chickenpox with smallpox.

Congress’ National Herald founded by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru wrote that smallpox has spread in a village in Bihar and the locals are claiming medical negligence.

The same report was carried out by Times Now, which noted that smallpox had impacted people of all ages, including children and the elderly.

It didn’t take Deccan Herald long to also report that smallpox had made a comeback in the northern state of India.

Mid-Day reported that assistance for smallpox victims arrived three months late.

The misinformation disseminated by the media has also prompted responses on social media. Affirming that smallpox has long been wiped out, a netizen implored the media to refrain from spreading false information.

Another social media user told a news outlet to fire its editor.

Sanjay Mehta informed that if it was indeed smallpox then “there would be worldwide panic.” He also pointed out that the standard of journalism has dropped over the years.

Another individual told the news platform to collect their money from the World Health Organization.

It is important to note that the fundamental difference between chickenpox also known as varicella and smallpox is that the former is easily curable with the right medication and some simple precautions while the latter has a high mortality rate.

The life-threatening disease of smallpox

Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by the variola virus often called the smallpox virus which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. It is estimated that the disease killed at least half a billion people in the last hundred years. However, the last naturally occurring case was diagnosed in October 1977, and the World Health Organization certified the global eradication of the disease in 1980, making it the only human disease to be exterminated.

Notably, following significant efforts, 188,000 cases and 31,000 fatalities from the perilous disease were reported in 1974. The Indian government increased its efforts to search, contain, and vaccinate the masses. The last instance of smallpox was reported in 1975, although efforts to maintain surveillance also persisted afterwards.

Ninety-five per cent of people who received the smallpox vaccine were protected from contracting the disease. Furthermore, when given shortly after being exposed to the variola virus, the immunisation prevented or considerably lessened the sickness. Finally, India proclaimed its freedom from smallpox in 1979.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Russian State Centre for Study on Virology and Biotechnology in Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russian Federation are the only two WHO-designated locations where stocks of the variola virus are stored and used for research purposes.

Chickenpox misconstrued as smallpox

Interestingly, chickenpox outbreaks are a frequent occurrence in Supaul. Last year, within the Marauna block area of the district, in the wards one and two of Belahi Panchayat, over twenty children and young adults contracted the sickness. All the people were constantly examined by the medical team and were advised to maintain cleanliness. They were told to take antibiotic medicine along with vitamin A and paracetamol. In May this year, Live Hindustan reported several cases of Chickenpox in Tengraha Parihari in Bihar.

It is clear that the chickenpox has been wrongly mentioned as smallpox in the reports.

The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. It may initially appear on the chest, back, and face before spreading throughout the body and into the mouth, eyelids, or genital region. Sometimes, the disease is also accompanied by fever. It is also highly contagious.

Junagadh violence was pre-planned: Notice from the corporation was leaked, trucks filled with stones were kept ready, rioters arrived from outskirts

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Junagadh violence was pre-planned: Notice from the corporation was leaked, trucks filled with stones were kept ready, rioters arrived from outskirts

Days after a Muslim mob attacked the police in Gujarat’s Junagadh, it has come to the fore that the mob deliberately launched the attack on June 16 and that the violence was totally pre-planned.

On Friday, June 16, an Islamist mob attacked the police in the Junagadh district of Gujarat after they saw a notice regarding illegal encroachment on the walls of a dargah in the city. The Muslims attacked with stones and created massive violence injuring four policemen and a Hindu civilian. The stones were reportedly pelted at the police vehicles and an ST bus after which an FIR was filed against 31 persons in this case.

During the investigation, the police stated that the violence was a premeditated conspiracy as the violence erupted minutes after the police asked the mob to adopt the legal way of putting up their point instead of gathering illegally. According to Divya Bhaskar’s report, the information that this illegal shrine is going to get a notice was leaked by someone from the Municipal Corporation itself. After this, the rioters filled a truck-dumper with stones and also collected the sticks and sharp weapons. Also, preparations for the attack were made by calling a large number of violent elements of the Muslim society from outside.

The female police officer in the complaint said that around 8:30 pm on the night of June 16, there was a message in the social media group of the division police station, and the officers and employees were asked to immediately report to the PI at Majewadi Dargah. The police reached the spot to see that a crowd of 500 to 600 men and women had gathered against the notice about illegal encroachment pasted on the wall of the Dargah in the region.

According to the FIR, the police officers who reached the spot asked the mob to adopt a legal way of putting up their point instead of gathering illegally. The crowd then got agitated and the men and women shouted slogans and attacked the police.

The Police during the investigation also said that while the notice was being processed before it reached around 8 religious places including Dargah and Temple, a worker from the corporation sent a message that the notice has been prepared in the matter of Dargah. The message is said to have hinted and incited the mob to gather in the area around Dargah.

This dargah outside which the violenc happened is located near Majewadi Gate. The area is clean and usually no garbage or stones are seen around the area. On the day when the corporation officials were supposed to arrive at the dargah to issue notice, there is no chance that a whole truck full of stones would be pelted at the police in this manner. Moreover, the truck was placed in such a corner which no CCTV could capture.

Junagadh DySP Hatesh Dhandalia confirmed the incident and said, “People from outside area had also gathered. The stones and weapons were ready. Everything just happened within minutes. All these things make it clear that the incident was a premeditated conspiracy.”

As per the FIR copy registered in the case, the agitated Muslim mob raised slogans of ‘Nara-e-Takbir, Allahu Akbar’ and also said ‘burn everything’, ‘police ko maro (hit the police)’, ‘Koi Jinda Nahi Bachna Chahiye (no one shall be spared alive)’. Some of the Muslims could also be heard saying, “If we kill the police, no one will come our way.” The mob then began pelting stones at the police vans and also attacked some of the private vehicles.

Some torched motorcycles parked near the dargah and also pelted stones at vehicles and pedestrians passing by. Besides, the mob also pelted stones at an ST bus and broke the glass of the bus with sticks. Four policemen and a Hindu civilian have been reported as injured. The injured were immediately shifted to the hospital where the Hindu individual is said to have died during the treatment.

Around 31 people have been booked in the case. Further investigations are underway.

‘I will finish your entire family’: Umar Farooq who became Raju to befriend a Hindu girl threatens her to convert or get killed

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘I will finish your entire family’: Umar Farooq who became Raju to befriend a Hindu girl threatens her to convert or get killed

A Hindu girl from the Valmiki community from Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh region who moved to Bengaluru, Karnataka for work has fallen prey to the epidemic of love jihad according to a report in Panchjanya. When she realised her boyfriend was a Muslim named Umar Farooq and not what he pretended to be, she somehow found her way back to her residence and informed her parents about the ordeal.

She was working in a private company when she met a boy named Raju. The meeting gradually turned into love. He used to go to the temple with her to pray and also offered Yagya Ahuti in Havan. She was quite impressed with his devotional side and thought of him as an ideal life partner.

However, she soon discovered his truth and ended the relationship. As per the girl’s complaint, the accused has now started to threaten her over the phone and text messages. She has complained to the Superintended of Police (SP) office in the matter and demanded that a First Information Report be registered against him.

When she came to know about the real identity of her partner she tried to maintain distance from him which resulted in further harassment and sexual assault. She eventually found a chance and returned home, but now a fresh round of mental intimidation has begun. He reportedly phones her whenever he wants and bombards her cell with messages if his call is not received. He also threatens her to come back to Bengaluru.

The girl went to the police with her complaint and proof which included call recordings and things from social media because she feared that any untoward incident can happen to her family as a result of the perilous circumstances. She considered her life and property at risk and asked for legal justice in the matter. She sought to do so in Damoh. However, the police wanted to send the case diary to Bengaluru, as per reports.

The girl has made a statement about the abuse that she experienced in the complaint form she submitted to the superintendent of police. She has also informed the authorities about the offender’s warnings of making the images and recordings of their intimate moments viral on social media. It was also disclosed that he had already done the same with certain photographs which he even sent to the family members.

The victim reported that she met Umar Farooq approximately one and a half years ago. After being introduced as Hindu and meeting multiple times, they started a relationship. He went to the temple with her and took part in Hindu rituals. She had no idea that she was being duped with a false identity.

Umar Farooq gained her trust and promised to marry her. Afterward, they developed a sexual relationship while he secretly recorded and photographed their private moments. After the victim learned of Farooq’s real identity and tried to distance herself, she was reportedly subjected to abuse and harassment.

She proclaimed that she lived alone in the city of Bengaluru, and was concerned about her safety. He was not even letting her return to Damoh and even stole her papers. He pressurised her to convert to Islam and marry him if she didn’t want to be sliced, fed to dogs, and as well as her family members killed. She voiced that he has continued to pursue her even after she moved to Madhya Pradesh and that he has threatened to kill her if she does not comply with his demands.

The victim has stated that she is unable to return to her place of work in Bengaluru fearing a threat to her life by Farooq. Her complaint has been received by SP District Damoh who stated that the police are investigating the case. 

1...2,0232,0242,025...7,585Page 2,024 of 7,585