In a radiant display of devotion and culture, the globally acclaimed BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi commemorated Ram Navami and Swaminarayan Jayanti with day-long festivities. These events marked a significant spiritual and cultural milestone for the United Arab Emirates, drawing participants from various regions.

According to the temple’s head priest, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, the observances began early in the morning with Ram Bhajans that lasted from 9 a.m. until noon. This was followed by a heartfelt aarti ceremony celebrating Shri Ram’s birth precisely at 12 p.m., as part of the traditional Shri Ram Janmotsav.

The temple grounds became a hub of unity as thousands of worshippers and visitors gathered to honor the occasion. A spokesperson noted that the event symbolized a collective devotion to both Lord Ram and Bhagwan Swaminarayan, offering a message of spiritual harmony that transcended borders.

One of the most captivating moments was a performance by BAPS youth, presented on a stage inspired by the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Through vivid music, emotive drama, and engaging storytelling, these young artists portrayed key moments from Lord Ram’s life, leaving the audience deeply moved.

The BAPS Hindu Temple continues to represent a powerful symbol of religious coexistence and global Hindu identity. By hosting such inclusive events, the temple not only upholds its spiritual mission but also reinforces the values of peace and mutual respect.

Ram Navami, observed on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of the Chaitra month (March–April), marks the birth of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also an integral part of the Chaitra Navaratri festival, celebrating divine virtues and ancient traditions.

The post BAPS Abu Dhabi Temple Hosts Grand Festive Celebrations first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

For the past seven years, Ms Bhaya has served on Governor Carney’s Judicial Nominating Commission, demonstrating her commitment to the legal system. Notably, she is the first South Asian Indian admitted to the Delaware Bar Association, marking a significant milestone. Beyond her legal career, Ms Bhaya actively supports diverse causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, pro-choice initiatives, and promoting the election of democratic women. Graduating from Northeastern University School of Law, she continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the legal profession and politics.

Biden appoints Shakuntla L Bhaya to a key role in the Administrative Conference.

Legal expert and advocate for diversity and consumer rights.

First South Asian Indian admitted to Delaware Bar Association.

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Bollywood is trying to create an alternate reality rather than showing it.Bollywood is trying to create an alternate reality rather than showing it. In research done by Professor Dheeraj Sharma, where he included movies and shows from the 1950s to 2010s – in 74% of films, Sikhs are laughable – in 58% of films, corrupt politicians share Hindu Brahmin surnames – in 62% of films, corrupt businessmen had Vaishya surnames. On the contrary, 84% of films show Muslims as deeply religious and honest people.

Now, let us look at some specific examples. PK is one of the most popular movies, starring Aamir Khan. Yes, I know plenty has been written on the film but no harm in repeating it. When many Hindus started protesting that in the film, Hindu gods, especially Shiva, are ridiculed, the makers of the film insisted that all religions are questioned in the film and to an extent, they are right. The small difference is whereas all the religions are questioned, Hinduism is ridiculed, and the ridicule is highlighted in a long sequence when one of the greatest Hindu gods, Shiva (a person acting as Shiva in a nautanki, not actual Shiva), is shown crawling under the seats or hiding in a toilet.

When the central character of the film PK questions other religions, he is not questioning their gods or making fun of their gods, he is simply questioning the way people try to placate the gods or try to make profit out of people’s blind belief.

But when it comes to a Hindu god, the very existence of the gods is questioned, and not just questioned, ridiculed, lampooned. Even the main godman in the end who questions and torments the female character is a Hindu. If you say this is because maybe the female character was a Hindu, then in this case, why not have a Muslim female character or a Christian female character? There was no particular reason for the female character to be a Hindu, just like there is no particular reason for Rishi Kapoor’s character in 102 Not Out to seek solace in a temple rather than a church.

In which Bollywood movie have you seen a Hindu priest or a Hindu sadhu playing a good, benevolent role? Hindu religious men and women are shown to be hoodwinking people, tormenting the lower castes or just being nasty in general. They are never a good or a normal part of the narrative. There is always a negative connotation that leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It is always the subconscious that is the target of such narratives.

The first image of a Hindu Brahmin in an old black-and-white movie that I have etched in my mind is that of a child running and colliding into a Brahmin who is reciting slokas, and the Brahmin hurls choicest abuses on the child, because now he would have to take a bath again.

The post Anti-Hindu Sentiment in Bollywood first appeared on Global Indian News Network.