Archbishop Rev. Dr. Peter Machado wishes a joyful Deepavali filled with hope, charity
Bengaluru: On the festive occasion of Deepavali, Archbishop Rev. Dr. Peter Machado extended heartfelt greetings and blessings to the people of Karnataka, especially to the Hindu community. Reflecting on the festival’s essence as the "Festival of Lights," he highlighted the significance of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.
In his message, the Archbishop encouraged people to embrace the spirit of charity and kindness by reaching out to those in need. He reminded that acts of generosity and service can uplift the spirits of the marginalised, reflecting the true light of Deepavali.
The Archbishop also spoke of the values of love, light, and forgiveness, which are central to creating harmony in communities. Each lamp lit during the festival, he said, symbolises the hope to dispel negativity and hatred, paving a path toward joy, love, and understanding. He called for prayers for global peace and urged everyone to foster tolerance and cooperation to build a just and harmonious society.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
ISKCON urges Indian intervention following priest's arrest in Bangladesh
Dhaka: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has called on the Indian government to take immediate steps to secure the release of its priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, detained by Bangladeshi authorities. The arrest occurred near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
Das, a prominent ISKCON leader and former divisional organising secretary for Chattogram, faces sedition charges stemming from an October 25 incident. According to a case filed on October 31, 19 individuals, including Das, allegedly placed a saffron flag over the Bangladeshi flag on the Independent Pillar (Shadhinata Smathamva) during a rally organised by the Hindu community under the banner Sanatan Jagaran Mancha.
ISKCON has strongly denied any involvement in terrorism, describing the allegations as "baseless and unacceptable." In a statement, ISKCON declared, "It is outrageous to make baseless allegations that ISKCON has anything to do with terrorism anywhere in the world. ISKCON urges the Government of India to engage with Bangladesh to secure the release of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das."
Hindu communities in Bangladesh have staged protests demanding better legal protection and the establishment of a minority affairs ministry under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi police have arrested two other suspects, Rajesh Chowdhury and Hriday Das, in connection with the case. The remaining accused include Ajay Dutta, Leela Raj Das Brahmachari, Gopal Das Tipu, and several others. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das expressed concerns over Das's safety, stating that he had been moved to an undisclosed location by the police.
