Hindu Press International

Source: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/death-toll-rises-to-147-in-jodhpur-temple-stampede/74652-3.html

JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN, September 30, 2008: The stampede started after a rumor that a bomb had been planted at the temple. At least 147 people have been killed and over 425 injured in a major stampede at the Chamunda Devi Temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where devotees had gathered in large numbers on the occasion of the start of Navaratri.

According to eyewitnesses there was a scramble on the narrow two-km path for gaining entry into the temple. The casualties were mostly men as the stampede occurred in the queue meant for them while the queue for women and children was largely unaffected. The District Collector of Jodhpur, Naresh Pal Gangwar said a ramp inside the temple collapsed, which, along with false rumors of a bombing, led to the stampede.

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said, “Enough police deployment was ensured to avoid an eventuality but the rush was just too much.”

Source: http://mandirsangam.vhp-america.org/

ROMULUS, MI, USA, September 30, 2008 (Press Release): Hindu Temple Executives representing 113 Temples and Hindu Organizations from more than 25 states of US and Canada and Caribbean converged in Romulus, MI to attend the Third Hindu Mandir Executives Conference (HMEC), from September 26, 2008 through September 28, 2008. They traveled from as far as British Columbia in Canada, Hawaii, California, Florida, and the heartland of America, with a mission to nourish, protect and sustain Hindu Dharma in America.

This successful HMEC-2008 follows the second HMEC held in Edison, NJ in August 2007 and the first held in Atlanta, GA, in 2006.

Over 225 temple representatives from different backgrounds attended. Addressing the temple executives from across the country, Swami Dayananda Saraswati of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, who was the keynote speaker, emphasized that the Hindu Mandirs should be halls of learning for the Hindu youth besides being the altars of worship.

At HMEC 2008, Hindu Mandir executives collectively deliberated on the evolving social, religious, cultural and spiritual needs of 2.5 million strong, confident, diverse and vibrant Hindu-American community.

In the concluding session of the Conference, the delegates agreed on a series of action items. Of Special interest to Hinduism Today readers is action item number 7, determining that 6,000 schools districts in the USA should receive the two chapters of the Hindu History lessons published by Hinduism Today.

The conference passed the following resolutions unanimously:

Resolution 1
We the delegates of the Hindu-American Mandirs at HMEC strongly condemn the brutal killing of a revered saint in Orissa, Swami Laxmananda. We urge the governmental authorities in India expeditiously bring the culprits to the book and also undertake requisite steps to ensure that the practice of peaceful Vaidik traditions in the sacred land of Hindus, continues uninhibited.
We will work as a family to restore and further the dignity of Hindu identity.

Resolution 2
We the delegates of the Hindu-American Mandirs at HMEC will help in all material ways possible to accelerate the restoration process of Hindu heritage sites world over. In particular, we appreciate and whole heartedly support Dr. Animesh Sinha efforts in preserving and restoring the sites of Braj.

Source: http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2008/9/30.shtml

What I feel right now is just bliss. Daily life tires the soul as well as the body. This one day, this one bath, is like a new birth for my soul.
   Vivek Ananda Shastri, 28, teacher, after bathing at the January 2001 Kumbha Mela