“Quota for Inter-Religious Marriages” – Sarva Dharma Sansad

On the occasion of World Human Rights Day, Sarva Dharma Sansad (Parliament of All Religions) organized a well attended Interfaith convention at the Constitution Club, New Delhi for the annihilation of caste system in India. Religious leaders of several faiths pledged support to promote and celebrate inter-caste marriages. The Religious luminaries like Swami Agnivesh, Goswami Sushil Maharaj, Jain Munies- Vivek and Lokesh, Father Dominic Emmanual, Swami Aryavesh and noted Buddhist activist Udit Raj, other social activists like Vijay Pratap and Padmini Kumar joined hands on the occasion and reiterated the need to promote inter-caste and  even inter-religious marriages. Several couples who had tied the knot demolishing the caste barrier were also honored and felicitated by the distinguished gathering.

The convention began with a soulful song presentation by Shri Pushkin Arora which set the tone for humanist deliberations. On this occasion, famous socio-spiritual activist Swami Agnivesh said that we must take a leaf out of the magnum opus of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar titled ‘Annihilation of the Caste’ and promote inter-caste marriages at all costs to rid ourselves from this social menace.

Father Dominic Emmanuel recalled the horrors of the Kandhmal pogrom and gave every one the horrifying details of how the society is mired in caste system and how certain vested interests make use of this for their own power. He called upon the missionaries to give up the big schools in towns and cities and provide education to the socially marginalized and down trodden in the villages and tribal societies.

Sadhvi Tapeshwari of Divya Jagriti Sansthan pledged full support for movement.

Arya Samaj leader Swami Aryavesh stressed on the fact that we need to take this movement out of cities and halls and convert it into a national movement.

President of Bhrigu Foundation, Goswami Sushil Maharaj, appealed to the Hindu religious leaders to come together and declare that there was no space for casteism in their religion and that temples and religious spaces should be open for all.

Udit Raj, famous Dalit activist, declared that India had been in shackles for over 2000 years because of only and only its casteist structure and thus such an initiative by religious leaders should be highly welcomed by everyone.

Concluding the function Swami Agnivesh felicitated couples who had married transcending the caste barrier. He logically and scientifically explained the Vaidic Varna Vyavastha as obtained in Purush Sukta of the Rigveda but also declared that it was an obsolete concept in the modern world.

Swami Agnivesh attacked in Bhopal

Swami Agnivesh attacked in Bhopal

Submitted by admin on 2 December 2012 - 11:41pm

• Dalit
 
• Indian Muslim

By TCN News

http://twocircles.net/2012dec02/swami_agnivesh_attacked_bhopal.html

Mumbai: All India Secular Forum (AISF) has strongly condemned the attack on Swami Agnivesh by communal forces in a meeting organized by Garima Abhiyan in Bhopal on Friday.

The meeting was called to make the members of Balmiki community take a pledge that they will not be carrying the night soil (human excreta) on their heads. Swamiji was attacked when he came forward to touch the feet of an old lady from Balmiki Community. The gesture was to recognize the dignity of all the humans being equal. In a way it was to challenge the prevalent practices which derive their origin from caste system. The government has already come with legislation banning this dehumanizing practice, which takes away the dignity of section of society.

In a statement, AISF alleged that the attack was done by communal forces, led by VHP. “This again shows the real agenda of VHP associates, the one of preserving the caste hierarchy and keeping the large section of dalits in their present subhuman conditions. VHP and affiliates, under the garb of protecting Hindu religion want to maintain the graded hierarchy of caste and so this attack on Swamiji, as he staunchly opposed this practice.”

“It also shows the failure of BJP led state Government’s to contain the communal forces. In MP communalism is being promoted through various schemes introduced by government. We condemn the act of VHP led forces and demand that the culprits should be punished as per the process of law. We express our solidarity with Swami Agnivesh’s continuing campaign to get dignity to dalits and Balmiki community in particular and to abolish the practice of carrying night soil on head.”

“We also urge upon the Indian government to ensure that the carrying of night soil should be eliminated all through the country.”

Press Release

On the occasion of 137^th birth anniversary of the great tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda ‘Bhartiya Adivasi Janmanch’ and ‘Adivasi Mahasabha’ organized a protest sit-in at Jantar Mantar Road in New Delhi. Thousands of adivasies participated with traditional song and dance and put their demands before the government for their rights.

Addressing this huge gathering the president of Bandhua Mukti Morcha, Swami Agnivesh, drew the attention of the government towards the oppression of tribal people. On one hand the government is forcibly acquiring land, water and forests to benefit the corporate sector, on the other, it is sending the innocent and helpless protestors of this systematic loot to jails and killing them to teach a lesson.

He also demanded a judicial enquiry into the killing of unarmed tribals and their children in Police firing in Bijapur in the month of June.

He gave a clarion call to the tribal people that they should not let the martyrdom of Birsa Munda, Sidhu Kanu  and Tilka Maujhi etc. to go in vain and unite to save their existence.

Mukti Prakash Tirkey

Secretary -  Adivasi Mahasabha

Chief Reporter

Subject : All Religion Peace March protesting against slaughter of Camel on Bakra  Eid   25 Oct from Raj Ghat

Dear Madam / Sir

Arya Samaj & Jain Samaj leaders and activist have been  protesting peacefully against animal sacrifice for long many years, It has had a positive impact specially in  Uttrakhand and Andhra Pradesh were the number of such sacrifices in Hindu temples during Navratri  festival has come down drastically. To protect mute dumb animals we want this practice of animal sacrifice to be totally banned.

     From reliable sources we have learnt that this year during the Bakra-Eid  35-40 camels have been brought to Jama Masjid area for sacrifice on 26^th and 27^th of October. These include many a female camels who are pregnant. We find this outrageous. And therefore about 100 of us belonging to different religion and social-action groups are assembling at Rajghat between 1 to 2 PM on 25^th of October.

     We will not allow this protest to create any type of communal discord and therefore we will take care that communal elements do not infiltrate our ranks. We seek co-operation of the law enforcing authorities in our march towards the camels near Jama Masjid area purportedly for sacrifice.

Accordingly we have informed Union Minister for Home, Police Commissioner and Municipal Commissioner of Delhi , and all Police station SHOs .

Please send your Reporter, Photographer and TV camera crew for full coverage of this peaceful protest.

Venue- Rajghat on 25^th October between 1 to 2 P.M

Your Sincerely

Swami Agnivesh

President  - World Council of Arya Samaj

Mobile-09810976705

Chief Reporter

Subject : All Religion Peace March protesting against slaughter of Camel on Bakra  Eid   25 Oct from Raj Ghat

Dear Madam / Sir

Arya Samaj & Jain Samaj leaders and activist have been  protesting peacefully against animal sacrifice for long many years, It has had a positive impact specially in  Uttrakhand and Andhra Pradesh were the number of such sacrifices in Hindu temples during Navratri  festival has come down drastically. To protect mute dumb animals we want this practice of animal sacrifice to be totally banned.

     From reliable sources we have learnt that this year during the Bakra-Eid  35-40 camels have been brought to Jama Masjid area for sacrifice on 26^th and 27^th of October. These include many a female camels who are pregnant. We find this outrageous. And therefore about 100 of us belonging to different religion and social-action groups are assembling at Rajghat between 1 to 2 PM on 25^th of October.

     We will not allow this protest to create any type of communal discord and therefore we will take care that communal elements do not infiltrate our ranks, we seek co-operation of the law enforcing authorities in our march towards the camels near Jama Masjid area purportedly for sacrifice.

Accordingly we have informed Union Minister for Home, Police Commissioner and Municipal Commissioner of Delhi.

Please send your reporter, Photographer and TV camera crew for full coverage of this peaceful protest.

Venue-Rajghat on 25^th October between 1 to 2 P.M

Your Sincerely

Swami Agnivesh

President

Mobile-09810976705

अग्निवेश ने बढ़ाया जोश
यात्रा को समर्थन देने बुधवार को आगरा पहुंचे बंधुआ मुक्ति मोर्चा के संयोजक स्वामी अग्निवेश ने पदयात्रा में शामिल होकर सत्याग्रहियों का जोश बढ़ाया। इस दौरान सरकारों को नसीहतें भी दीं। पदयात्रा में शामिल म.प्र. के मुख्यमंत्री शिवराज सिंह चौहान की तारीफ करते हुए स्वामी अग्निवेश ने पत्रकारों से बातचीत में कहा कि वह देश के ऐसे पहले मुख्यमंत्री हैं, जो किसी सत्याग्रह आदोलन में शामिल हुए हैं। इसके बाद वंचितों के हितों में की गई घोषणाएं अन्य राज्य सरकारों के लिए बड़ी चुनौती खड़ी कर चुकी हैं। स्वामी अग्निवेश का कहना था कि हर सरकार के कई चेहरे होते हैं, लेकिन गरीब दिल ही दिल में अपने दोस्त और दुश्मनों को पहचानते हैं। आगामी लोकसभा चुनाव में पदयात्रियों के कदमों की आहट भी सुनाई देगी। जमीन अधिग्रहण के मुद्दे पर वह बोले कि विकास योजनाओं के लिए जमीन अधिग्रहण के खिलाफ वह नहीं हैं। सरकार जमीन तो ले, लेकिन स्वामित्व न बदले। पचास-साठ साल की लीज पर ले।

आदिवासियों पर बर्बर अत्याचार

संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ मानवाधिकार आयोग से गुहार

कार्यालय संवाददाता

नई दिल्ली। आर्य समाज के विश्व परिषद के अध्यक्ष एवं दासत्व पर संयुक्त राष्ट्र ट्रस्ट फंड के पूर्व अध्यक्ष स्वामी अग्निवेश ने छत्तीसगढ़ के आदिवासियों की दुर्दशा पर सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के ऐतिहासिक निर्णय की एक प्रति संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ के मानवाधिकार आयुक्त श्रीमती नवी पिल्लई को पैलेस डी नेशन, जिनेवा, स्वीटजरलैंड में आयोजित 21वें सत्र के बैठक के  दौरान भेंट किया। 

स्वामी अग्निवेश ने संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ मानवाधिकार आयुक्त को भारत में मानवाधिकार समस्याओं के विषय में विस्तृत विवरण दिया। इस विषय में गहन विचार विमर्श और चर्चा के पश्चात आयुक्त श्रीमती पिल्लई ने भारत में मानवाधिकार उल्लंघन संबंधी सामाजिक और सांस्कृतिक पहलुओं को रेखांकित करते हुए विभिन्न आस्थाओं को लेकर लंबित पूर्वाग्रहों को समाप्त करने की दिशा में पहल करने की आवश्यकता पर बल दिया।

14 सितंबर 2012 को संयुक्त राष्ट्र मानवाधिकार आयोग के साथ स्वामी अग्निवेश की उक्त बैठक में विश्वव्यापी परियोजना पर ‘‘रक्षा की जिम्मेदारी’’ के निर्देशक डा. रामामणि भी शामिल हुए।

स्वामी अग्निवेश में बैठक में भारत में हो रहे मानवाधिकार संबंधी घोर उल्लंघन का ब्यौरा पेश किया एवं विस्तृत विवरण देते हुए बताया कि किस तरह भारत के मूलनिवासी आदिवासियों पर, विशेषकर खनिज संपदा से भरपूर छत्तीसगढ़ जैसे राज्य में सेंट्रल रिजर्व पुलिस फोर्स (सीआरपीएफ) द्वारा जघन्य एवं अमानवीय अत्याचार किया जा रहा है। 

स्वामी ने विस्तृत ब्यौरा देते हुए आयोग को भारतीय सर्वोच्च न्यायालय द्वारा प्रोफेसर नंदिनी सुंदर बनाम छत्तीसगढ़ सरकार के मामले में 5 जुलाई 2011 को न्यायमूर्ति बी. सुदर्शन रेड्डी और न्यायमूर्ति सुरेंद्र सिंह निज्जर द्वारा पारित ऐतिहासिक निर्णय में उल्लेखित सलवा जुडूम द्वारा आदिवासियों का नरसंहार की जानकारी दी, जिसमें छत्तीसगढ़ राज्य के बस्तर अंचल के दंतेवाड़ा, बीजापुर, नारायणपुर जिले के 900 गांवो से 85 हजार आदिवासियों को खदेड़ दिया गया, जिसके परिणामस्वरुप 1700 निरीह और निर्दोष आदिवासी मामूली अपराधों के आरोप में पिछले कई वर्षों से जेलों में सड़ रहें हैं, तथा थीमापुरम, तादमेटला तथा मोरापल्ली नामक तीन गांवों के घरों को जला कर मटियामेट कर दिया गया जबकि 11 से 16 मार्च 2011 तक दरिदंगी की हद पार करते हुए आदिवासियों को हत्या और बलात्कार का शिकार बनाया गया और यहीं नहीं इस नरसंहार के शिकार आदिवासियों को राहत सामग्री ले जाते समय खुद उन (स्वामी अग्निवेश) पर 26 मार्च 2011 को जानलेवा हमला किया गया। 

आदिवासियों पर 28 जून 2012 को हुए दर्दनाक अत्याचार की दहशत भरी घटना का विवरण देते हुए स्वामी अग्निवेश ने बताया कि किस तरह सुरक्षा बलों द्वारा 19 निहत्थे निरीह आदिवासियों की नृशंस हत्या की गई, जिनमें 7 मासूम स्कूली छात्र थे। 

स्वामी अग्निवेश ने संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ आयुक्त से उक्त नरसंहार के विषय में हस्तक्षेप करके भारत सरकार द्वारा इस विषय में की गई कार्रवाई की रिपोर्ट लेने का अनुरोध किया।

स्वामी अग्निवेश ने मानवाधिकार आयोग को सूचित किया कि उन्होंने इस विषय में राष्ट्रपति महामहिम प्रणब मुखर्जी को 23 अगस्त 2012 को ज्ञापन सौंप कर आदिवासियों के प्रति न्याय की मांग की है। 

संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ मानवाधिकार आयोग द्वारा भारत में आदिवासियों पर हो रहे अमानवीय अत्याचार पर गंभीर संवेदना व्यक्त की गई और कहा गया कि खनिज संपदा से भरपूर अफ्रीका और लैटिन अमेरिका में वहां के मूलनिवासियों पर हो रहे अत्याचारों की तरह ही भारत के आदिवासियों को भी जघन्य अत्याचार का निशाना बनाया जा रहा है, जो अत्यंत खेद जनक है।

स्वामी अग्निवेश के आग्रह और आमंत्रण पर श्रीमती नवी पिल्लई ने भारत आकर पीड़ित आदिवासी परिवारों से मिलने के लिए आमंत्रण स्वीकार करते हुए बताया कि संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ के मानवाधिकार आयोग द्वारा अगले वर्ष के प्रथम चरण में वे भारत का दौरा करेंगी।

New Delhi

   25 Sept 2012

Swami Agnivesh giving a copy of the Supreme Court of India’s landmark judgment on the plight of Adivasis of Chhattisgarh to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Navi Pillay during the 21^st  session of Human Rights Council in Palais des Nation – Geneva, Switzerland.

President of the World Council of Arya Samaj and former Chairperson of the United Nations Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Swami Agnivesh had a very fruitful meeting with Mrs. Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The meeting took place in Palais des Nation in Geneva during the 21^st Session of the UN Human Right Council on 14 Sept 2012.

Swami Agnivesh put forth the serious violation of Human Rights of India’s aboriginal or indigenous people called Adivasis, particularly in the mineral rich areas of Chhattisgarh at the hands of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). He gave her a copy of the landmark Judgment by the Supreme Court of India (Prof. Nandini Sunder and others Vs. Union of India) date 5th July, 2011 by Justices Sudarshan Reddy and S.S. Nijjar. Swami Agnivesh highlighted the cultural genocide of Adivasis at the hands of the State sponsored vigilante group called Salwa Judum in its various incarnations. He underlined the uprooting of nearly 85,000 tribals from close to 900 villages of Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur districts of Bastar Region; the burning down of three villages viz Thimmapuram, Tadmetla, Morpalli; and the condition of nearly 1,700 innocent Adivasis languishing in Jails of Jagadalpur on flimsy charges for last many years. He also noted the incidents of rape and murder of Adivasis between 11-16 March 2011, and the murderous assault on Swami Agnivesh and his team carrying relief material to affected Adivasis on 26 March, 2011.  He also gave a graphic picture of atrocities heaped on tribals on the night of 28^th June, 2012 in which 19 of them were killed in cold blood including seven innocent school-going children.

Swami Agnivesh requested the UN High Commissioner to intervene in this matter with the Government of India.  SwamiAgnivesh told the High Commissioner for Human Rights that he had already met the President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on 23 Aug and given him a memorandum seeking justice for the Adivasis.

            The UN High Commissioner thanked Swami Agnesh for his briefing and expressed serious concern about reports of this kind.  She highlighted the work of her office for the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous and tribal populations in other mineral rich areas of Africa and Latin America. She recalled for instance a recent visit she had made to Guatemala where she met indigenous communities and highlighted their concerns. Swami Agnivesh invited the High Commissioner to visit India and meet Adivasi victims and their families, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed her interest in visiting India again.

The HC and Swami Agnivesh also discussed other issues of concern in India. She underlined the potential of interfaith initiatives to break down longstanding prejudices and overcome social and cultural in justices.

Swami Agnivesh was accompanied at the meeting by Dr. Rama Mani, Co-Convener of Agents of Transformation and Councilor of the World Future Council.

        

Swami Agnivesh

President – World Council of Arya Samaj

Chairperson – Bandhua Mukti Morcha 

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Swami Agnivesh Presents RIG VEDA, Applied Spirituality and Sarva Dharma Sansad Brochure to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia at Casablanca , Morocco.

The Founder Convenor of Sarva Dharma Sansad (Parliament of All Religions)
Swami Agnivesh had an excellent historic meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia who is also the custodian of the two Holy Mosques at his majestic palace in Casablanca, Morocco. The formal meeting  of the Board of Directors  for King Abdullah International Interreligious and Intercultural Centre , KAICIID  took place with all Board Members in attendance at Hotel Le Meridien of Casablanca on 7th & 8th of Sept 2012. The meeting took several important decisions with regard to the inauguration of the KAICIID Centre in Vienna on 26-27 Nov 2012, We finalized the list of invitees and the Members of Advisory Forum. We deliberated on the need for moral spiritual values in education of our school children and a world conference on that issue early next year.

While I was in Morocco my idea about organising a Global Religious – Cultural Leaders Conference in New Delhi, in 2013, was mentioned to HM King Abdullah. I have also raised this with my fellow Board Members and I look forward to presenting my thoughts in more detail so that a considered decision may be forthcoming.

King Abdullah welcomed all our Board members in his palace over a sumptuous dinner.( Since  I am a strict vegetarian I had to make do with a few pieces of bread and dates!)  Subsequently in our meeting with His Majesty we discussed the great future of this historic initiative which together with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been joined by the State of Spain and the State of Austria. In my brief speech when I began with Bismilahir Rehmanir Raheem – I made it clear that Allah is co-terminous with Eeshwar , Parmatma , God and  Waheguru.
In an emotional appeal to the King and the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques I told him about our Sarva Dharma Sansad and the various social issues of common interest. I specially urged him to take up the Anti – Liquor campaign at the Global level as the Holy Quran dubs alcohol as Ummul Khabaaish  - the root of all evils.
I took this opportunity to present him a copy of Rig Veda (with English Translation), my own book Applied Spirituality and brochure on Sarva Dharma Sansad. On my invitation to inaugurate the Global Religious Conference in Delhi next year his response was a very encouraging – Insha Allah! 

Swami Agnivesh
Founder Convenor -Sarva Dharma Sansad (Parliament of All Religions)
Board of Director -  (KAICIID  )

                                                                     

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                                                                                                      New Delhi

07th Sept 2012

Proposal for International Conference        

1,2,3^rd Oct. 2013

With the mission to cultivate harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities and to draft a multi pronged strategy to eradicate social ills like racism, casteism , oppression, violence and terrorism , religious bigotry and blind faithism and environmental and value degradation – that plague our society . I propose a 3 day ‘Mega Mela’ which will be attended by eminent luminaries from across the globe.

            This mega event will be held in the Capital of India and will be inaugurated simultaneously by His Excellency King Saud Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and His Excellency President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee . The event will be held in collaboration with Sarva Dharma Sansad ( Parliament of All Religions ) which since its inception in 2007 has played an extremely proactive role in bringing together a galaxy of Socio – Spiritual activists on a common minimum programme in order to heal and transform the causes of injustice, disharmony, violence , oppression rooted in ignorance , fear and greed so as to co- create inclusive and just peace grounded in the core values of truth , love , compassion and justice. The mega event would included 1500 delegates from across the globe and from all the major fields who would proactively participate in the 3 day churning process of ideas and vision and thought sharing. The programme would consist of 2 plenary sessions – The first being the inauguration and the latter the concluding session. The rest of the event would divided into a serious of simultaneous religious programmes, cultural events round table conferences, thread baring debates and discussion and also film show. There sub events will be divided in such a way that there is Interreligious, Inter Cultural and open exchanges at the same time and also discussion on engagement strategies.

The plan is to organize atleast 10-12 such events everyday which would successfully cover all the areas.

The venue which we have in mind is ‘Vigyan Bhawan’ in New Delhi which is centrally located, easily accessible and completely safe. It consists of a plenary hall with a capacity of 2000 (approx) and 6 other conference rooms.

Thanking You

Swami Agnivesh

Founder Convenor – Sarva Dharma Sansad (Parliament of All Religions)  

 Board of Director - KAICIID   

LE TEMPS 

MONDE

Geneva Friday 14 september 2012

(translated from French. See original article at:
http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/4ab86660-fde1-11e1-99ed-215ccf06caba/Un_g%C3%A9nocide_culturel_se_d%C3%A9roule_sous_nos_yeux)

“A cultural genocide is unfolding under our eyes”

Ram Etwareea

Le swami Agnivesh. (AFP)

Swami Agnivesh, who is passing through Geneva, denounces Hindu Fundamentalism and also speaks out against the consumerist society of a country that is “among the most corrupt in the world”

Swami Agnivesh visited Geneva this week, especially to meet with Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. In an interview with Le Temps, he explained the objective of this visit and also evoked the struggle against corruption in India and put out a warning against religious fanaticism, which could lead to fire and blood in India. Erstwhile professor of Business Management, Minister of Education in the State of Haryana, in 1966 (1968) he took a vow of celibacy and renounced materialism in order to devote his life to spiritual activism.

Le Temps: As a spiritual man, why do you get engaged in politics?

Swami Agnivesh:  So called civilized and modern society is distancing itself from spirituality. Society today is consumerist and lives in the illusion that money can buy happiness. India is in the process of forgetting Mahatma Gandhi who taught us to respect others.

-What did you say to the high Commissioner Navi Pillay?

-I wanted to draw her attention to the oppression that the tribal populations of India (Adivasis) are suffering from.  They are being uprooted from the forests and mountains that are their natural ancestral environment, purely for the benefit of mining companies. A cultural genocide is being produced in front of our eyes. I came to Geneva to call for solidarity with these voiceless populations. 

-But shouldn’t one exploit mineral wealth and develop these extremely poor regions?

-The political and economic elites first think of their own enrichment. They are violating the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the autonomy of these regions (and rights of these tribals). According to the law, the exploitation of these natural resources should be ensured by the State and not by private companies who think above all else of profit. The government is blindly following an economic model that deepens the chasm between rich and poor.

-In India there is today the question of the ‘Coalgate’ scandal, of mining concessions being accorded in exchange for bribes. Where does the fight against corruption stand today?

-India is among the most corrupt countries in the world. Indian legislation against this scourge dates back to 1988. The Activist Anna Hazare, whose close associate I was, demanded the creation of the independent investigation agency. All the politicians say they agree, but don’t pass the necessary legislation in this matter. Last year, the battle against corruption had a great success, but few amongst us became arrogant. I distanced myself from the struggle last August.

- Do you support the call for the resignation of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, whose name is cited in ‘Coalgate’?

No I don’t. The call was launched by the opposition (BJP Hindu nationalists) without any argument or proposal. They are practicing parliamentary terrorism. This party represents a danger for inter-religious peace in India.

-What is the situation of interreligious tensions?

The relations between Hindus and Muslims are tense. A spark is enough to set the country alight. We have just lived through a nightmare in the state of Assam, due to tensions between the locals and the Muslim migrants from Bangladesh. Half a million people were evacuated urgently. As a reaction, the Muslims of Mumbai killed two policemen and burnt cars and public buildings. The good news is that Pakistan is now engaging in constructive relations with India. Terrorist attacks have stopped.

-You have irritated hindus by proposing to open temples to members of other religions. A provocation?

-Absolutely not. Last week, I prayed in the company of a Christian devotee in the Great Mosque of Casablanca. Places of prayer should be accessible to believers of all faiths.

There will be a meeting with Swami Agnivesh this evening at 18:30 at the Maison des Association, in Geneva.

Rashtriyasahara 06/09/2012 51 बंधुआ मजदूरों को कराया मुक्त

नई दिल्ली (एसएनबी)। श्रीनगर के बड़गाम इलाके से ईट भट्ठे पर काम करने वाले 51 आदिवासी बंधुआ मजदूरों को मुक्त कराकर दिल्ली लाया गया है। यौन शोषण की शिकार एक महिला मजदूर की शिकायत पर कनॉट प्लेस थाने में मामला दर्ज कराया गया है। बंधुआ मुक्ति मोर्चा ने मुक्त कराए गए मजदूरों को दिल्ली से छत्तीसगढ़ (जिला-रायगढ़ के सारंगगढ़ गांव) के लिए बुधवार शाम निजामुद्दीन रेलवे स्टेशन से रवाना किया। बंधुआ मुक्ति मोर्चा नामक संस्था के कार्यकर्ताओं ने श्रीनगर के बड़गाम इलाके से ईट-भट्ठे पर 11 वर्षो से काम कर रहे 51 आदिवासी बंधुआ मजदूरों को मुक्त कराया जो मूल रूप से छत्तीसगढ़ प्रांत के रहने वाले हैं। दिल्ली पहुंचने के बाद बंधुआ मुक्ति मोर्चा के अध्यक्ष स्वामी अग्निवेश ने संवाददाता सम्मेलन में बताया कि दलित आदिवासी बहुल इलाके के इन मजदूरों को उड़ीसा की हिना नायक नामक महिला ने बहला-फुसलाकर जम्मू- कश्मीर के अलग-अलग भट्ठों पर काम पर लगाया। यहां एक महिला मजदूर के साथ यौन शोषण किया गया और जबरदस्ती गर्भपात भी कराया गया। इस मामले में कनॉट प्लेस थाने में मामला दर्ज कराया गया है।

IBN LIVE

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/40-bonded-labourers-rescued-from-brick-kilns/1058807.html

55 bonded labourers rescued from brick kilns

PTI | 07:09 PM,Sep 05,2012

New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) Forty bonded labourers were rescued from brick kilns in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district, an NGO claimed today. Bonded Labour Liberation Front led by activist Swami Agnivesh said the labourers were rescued from the brick kilns in Budgam district last week. Bonded labourer Ratnabai Sahoo, who managed to escape, said, "I have been working with my family for the last 11 years. Not for once have we been allowed to go back to Chhattisgarh. We are paid Rs 700 as for the entire week wages. "When we asked the brick kiln owner to allow us to go home, he said you have to pay Rs 3 lakh which you had taken as loan, then only you will be allowed. Me and my son were thrashed very badly but we managed to escape somehow from their custody. "After we left, my husband was beaten and tortured mercilessly," she said. Commenting on their social conditions, Agnivesh said, "These labourers have been working in the brick kilns here for the last eleven years. We rescued some of them in February- March this year and sent them back to Chhattisgarh." "But in Chhattisgarh, these labourers were not adequately rehabilitated," Agnivesh alleged. PTI SBC SJY RAI

Statement of Swami Agnivesh

Statement of Swami Agnivesh

New Delhi

31Aug, 2012

‘Since Maya is convicted,

Modi is not for behind’

President of World Council of Arya Samaj , Swami Agnivesh congratulated the special SIT Court Judge Jyotsna Yagnik for upholding the long overdue justice for the victims of Naroda Patiya.

Social Activist Swami Agnivesh demanded Narendra Modi’s resignation in view of the conviction and stringent punishment to his erstwhile cabinet colleague and BJP MLA Maya Kodnani and another BJP – Bajrang Dal leader Baba Bajrangi. It is high time that Narendra Modi owns up the state sponsored genocide of Feb- March 2002. If he is left with even an iota of ‘Bhartiya Sanskriti’ he should atone for his sins of omissions and commissions for the diabolic carnage by resigning as Chief Minister of  Gujrat.

BJP leaders  Advani , Gadkari , Jaitley , Sushma etc all should apologize to the nation for the blood curdling crimes of their Gujrat leaders and for not acting on ‘Raj Dharma’ as advised by the then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 4^th April 2002.

Swami Agnivesh   

The Hindu 

Published: August 24, 2012 02:13 IST | Updated: August 24, 2012 02:13 IST

Pranab promises to look into Agnivesh demand for SIT probe

Special Correspondent

President Pranab Mukherjee has assured social activist Swami Agnivesh that he would look into his demand for setting up a Special Investigation Team, to be monitored by the Supreme Court, to probe the massacre of 20 tribals — branded Naxalites by the Central Reserve Police Force personnel — in Karseguda village of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh on June 28 this year.

Of those killed by the CRPF’s special unit — COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action ) — personnel, seven were children, including girls, in the age group 12-14. Swami Agnivesh, who met Mr. Mukherjee here on Thursday, recalled how a boy was killed ruthlessly. Initially hiding in a tree fearing police action, he came down after some time and started running. But the security personnel pumped bullets in his legs, and when he fell down, smashed his head with a big boulder, the President was told.

Describing the incident as a cold-blooded mass murder of innocent tribals, the memorandum submitted by Swami Agnivesh, also sought Rs. 25 lakh ex gratia to each of the families of those killed, dismissal of Chief Minister Raman Singh’s government in Chhattisgarh, sacking of Finance Minister P. Chidambaram (who was in charge of the Home Ministry then) and open apology from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the Adivasis.

He also sought registration of murder cases against those personnel of COBRA involved in the incident. The memorandum suggested that Mr. Mukherjee visit the affected area to console the victims’ families or at least ask the Chhattisgarh Governor to bring them to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Date: 23Aug2012

 New Delhi 23 Aug2012

Arya Samaj leader and Human Rights Activist Swami Agnivesh submitting a memorandum to President of India , Shri Pranab Mukherjee today demanding sacking of Mr. P. Chidambaram from the Union Cabinet  and also imposition  of President’s Rule in Chhattisgarh because of their involvement in the gruesome cold blooded murder of nearly 20 Adivasis , including 7 innocent children in Karseguda – Bijapur Chhattisgarh on 28^th June 2012 and for claiming that the Joint Operation by Paramilitary forces has succeeded in killing 17 hardcore Naxalites. Agnivesh also demanded setting up of a high-level Special Investigation Team to be directly monitored by the Supreme Court of India to go into the killings. Mr. Shekhar Dutt , Governor of Chhattisgarh tobe summoned to Rashtrapati Bhavan along with victimized family members for a meeting with Rashtrapati ji , the memorandum added.

(Full memorandum is below   )

Rashtrapati Ji

New Delhi -110001

Respected Pranab Da,

In the first ever cold blooded massacre of 19 poor adivasi boys, girls and men on 28^th June 2012 at Karseguda , Bijapur Distt. Chhattisgarh has shocked the whole nation. The fact that this unprovoked mass killing took place under the Joint Operation Command directly under the then Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Dr. Raman Singh , Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and carried out by more than  100 Central Reserve Police Force as well as COBRA ( Combined Battalion for Resolute Action ) makes this diabolic mass killing the most sinister ever.

            Immediately after the macabre mass murder, the then Union Minister for Home P. Chidambaram and the CRPF  commanders in the field claimed it to be the first ever most successful anti naxal operation. They said that they have killed 17 hardcore Maoists and captured two live. Only six of their jawans got injured. Their biggest ever success against Maoists!

            But as I maintained in my statement as early as on 29^th June morning and later corroborated by many independent journalists, it turned out to be a cold blooded mass murder of innocent tribals including their young children.

The latest to corroborate is the enquiry report by none other than Congress Party of Chhattisgarh through an enquiry committee under MLA from Konta, Kawasi Lakma, himself a tribal, leader and his ten colleagues. This report has been upheld by Ajeet Jogi ( a tribal former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh ), Charan Das Mahant Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Nan Kumar Patel, the State Congress Party President. The Union Minister for Tribal welfare Shri Kishor Chandra Dev has publicly condemned the killing of innocent tribals at the hands of the Para Military Personnel.

           

We demand:-

1.       The ;Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh should take moral responsibility for this gruesome incident, apologise to the AdivasiCommunity in particular and the nation in general and forthwith sack his Cabinet Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram.

2.       Order highest level Special Investigators team SIT to be monitored by Supreme Court of India or CVC.

3.       Suspend all CRPF & COBRA Jawans involved in the operation and register cases of murder against them including under SC, ST Atrocities Act 1989.

4.       Ex-gratia payment of Rs. 25 lakhs each to the family members of those killed.

5.       Take stringent constitutional steps against Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh for persistent violation of constitutional norms in Chhattisgarh.

6.Dear Rashtrapati ji , being the custodian of Tribal Welfare you should visit the site of massacre  and the assure the family members of the victims of speedy justice.

7. Alternatively , Respected Rashtrapati ji ,

you may summon the Rajyapal of Chhattisgarh for report on this gruesome incident , his own accountability with regard to action taken under part V of Indian Constitution .

The Rajyapal , Mr Shekhar Dutt may also be told to bring the affected family members for you to meet them here in Rashtrapati Bhawan.

8.      Disband the infamous Operation Green Hunt

                 Yours Sincerely

           

                  Swami Agnivesh      

                President – World Council of Arya Samaj

Also Member – National Integration Council