62 Hindu spiritual leaders condemn Yati Narsinghanand's hate speech, call for action
New Delhi: A group of 62 Hindu spiritual leaders, under the banner of Satya Dharam Samvad (SDS), have strongly criticised the divisive rhetoric propagated by controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand during the ongoing "World Religion Convention," scheduled from December 17 to 21, 2024.
In their statement, the leaders condemned the Dharam Sansad event, calling it a deviation from the principles of Sanatan Dharma. They highlighted the dangers posed by provocative speeches targeting specific faiths, warning that such acts undermine Hinduism's spiritual sanctity and threaten the unity and harmony of the nation, which thrives on diversity and interfaith coexistence.
Signatories of the statement include representatives from the Lingayat Community, Varkari Sampraday, The Purple Pandit Project, Vishwanath Mandir, School of Bhagavat Gita, and Balkram Mandir. The leaders collectively urged society to reject hate speech and promote interfaith understanding.
“As guardians of Hinduism’s profound and inclusive legacy, we are deeply troubled by the growing misuse of religion to foster hatred, division, and violence within our society,” the statement read. It further condemned gatherings, actions, or words promoting hatred, asserting that such behaviour is contrary to Hindu values and teachings.
The leaders also expressed disapproval of the exploitation of religion for political or divisive agendas. They emphasised that Hinduism does not need to undermine other faiths to establish its strength, advocating for spiritual growth through introspection, compassion, and shared humanity.
The SDS called upon authorities to take decisive action against individuals manipulating religion for selfish or political purposes, ensuring justice and fairness prevail.
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Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup as Australia pick Ben Dwarshuis in 15-men squad
Melbourne (PTI): Australia suffered a huge blow on Saturday as premier pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup due to an injury, forcing the national selectors to pick Ben Dwarshuis in his place in a 15-member squad.
Cummins, 32, has not recovered fully from his lingering back injury and will miss the tournament that begins in India and Sri Lanka on February 7, while top-order batter Matthew Short has also been omitted from the original 15-player squad.
Matthew Renshaw comes in for Short who was listed in the initial provisional squad.
Selector Tony Dodemaide said: "With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late order hitting.
Cummins had initially been named in Australia's provisional squad.
"We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad.
"Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat.".
The trio of Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have cleared the fitness test for the month-long T20 showpiece.
Hazlewood has not played since injuring his hamstring and Achilles prior to the Ashes. David missed most of the BBL and the Pakistan series because of a hamstring injury, while Ellis missed the Big Bash League finals and the Pakistan tour with a hamstring niggle.
"With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle order support, with Tim David completing his return to play program in the early phase of the tournament.
"As a left hander, he (Renshaw) also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting."
Australia is currently playing a three-game T20 Series against Pakistan in Lahore before leaving for Sri Lanka for the pool stages of the World Cup.
The T20 World Cup will be held in venues across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8..
Australian squad: Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
