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Tamil Nadu asks top official to stop preaching faith

Chennai, January 30, 2015: The Tamil Nadu government has directed one of its IAS officers not to go ahead with “preaching and propagating“ his faith as it is against service rules and could create communal disharmony.

C Umashankar, a crusader against corruption and an early advocate of the use of free software in e-governance, was born a Hindu dalit but said he changed his faith to Christianity during the stressful times he faced in his battles against politicians.

His open and public preaching of Christianity has raised the hackles of right-wing groups who are campaigning against him.

In a letter, TN chief secretary K Gnanadesikan told the commissioner for disciplinary proceedings, Umashankar: “It has been brought to the notice of government that you are going to take part in preaching and propagating activities in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari districts from January 24 to January 26 which are likely to cause communal disharmony and disturbance to public order.

You are directed not to indulge in such activities which are unbecoming of a member of the service, failing which, necessary and appropriate action would be taken under relevant provisions of All India Services (conduct) Rules, 1968 read with the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal ) Rules, 1969.“

The chief secretary also referred to Umashankar’s previous visit to Kanyakumari district on January 16 in which “he indulged in activities which created disturbance to public order resulting in registration of two cases in Pudukadai police station in the district“.

Umashankar said “guided by God,“ he has cancelled seven prayer meetings scheduled in the next few days, but said he will move the high court against the government’s direction.

Gnanadesikan in his letter said civil service conduct rules say that “every member of the service shall at all times maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and shall do nothing which is unbecoming of a member of the service.“ A senior police official in South Tamil Nadu said since Kanyakumari is vulnerable to communal violence they are worried about Umashankar’s meetings.

Former chief election commissioner N Gopalaswami said since the direction of the state has mentioned a previous incident which reportedly created disturbance to public order, the order against Umashankar is justifiable.

- ucan

Obama meets Saeed Abedini’s wife & children; Promises to do all he can to free pastor

US, January 29, 2015: President Barack Obama met on Wednesday with Naghmeh Abedini, the wife of imprisoned Pastor Saeed Abedini, and their two children in Boise, Idaho. Abedini said that she had been praying a long time for such a meeting, while Obama promised the family to do all he can to bring the pastor home.

“I am extremely thankful the president took the time to meet with our family and told us that securing the release of my husband is a top priority,” Naghmeh Abedini said following the meeting.

“The president was focused and gracious — showing concern to me and my children. I know that this meeting could not have occurred without prayer, and I am grateful to the many people around the country and world who continue to pray for Saeed’s release. The president repeated his desire to do all that he can to bring Saeed home. That means the world to me and my children and has given me a renewed sense of hope.”

Pastor Abedini is serving an eight-year sentence in Iran, after having been arrested in September 2012 while working on an orphanage. The American Center for Law and Justice, which represents Naghmeh Abedini and the couple’s children, has said that the pastor, who was born in Iran but became an American citizen, is being punished for his Christian faith.

During the meeting, which occurred in an office at Boise State University, Obama promised 6-year-old Jacob and 8-year-old Rebekka that he will do all that he can to bring their father home. Abedini told Obama that she prays for him, and believes that their meeting is a result of fasting and prayer.

When Obama announced that he will be visiting Boise this week, Abedini wrote him a letter expressing her hopes that he will decide to meet with her.

“My heart leapt with hope when I heard that you would be visiting my hometown of Boise, Idaho. Since the Iranian government took my husband, Saeed Abedini, almost three years ago, I have been praying and wanting to meet with you,” the letter read.

The ACLJ noted that during the meeting Jacob asked Obama the question: “Mr. President, can you please bring daddy home for my birthday?” Obama then asked the young boy when his birthday is, and after Jacob told him it is on March 17, the president promised he will make every effort to grant his wish.

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have joined together in prayer and signed petitions calling on Iran to release Abedini, who has faced beatings and other mistreatment while in prison. Obama has spoken to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani over the phone about freeing the pastor, but the ACLJ has said that more must be done if that goal is to become a reality.

Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the ACLJ, said that the law group is grateful that Obama took the time to meet Abedini’s family.

“Pastor Saeed has been wrongly imprisoned for nearly two and a half years. He has been separated from his wife and children. The pain experienced by the Abedini family is impossible to imagine. The meeting between President Obama and the Abedini family is a very welcomed development,” Sekulow reflected.

“It demonstrates the president’s concern and compassion for this family. It also underscores the importance of Pastor Saeed’s case, a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran merely because of his Christian faith. The face-to-face meeting elevates pastor Saeed’s plight on the world stage — and should send a powerful message to the Iranians — it is time to release pastor Saeed so he can return home to his family.”

- christian post

Aga Khan & four spiritual leaders get Padmas. Ramdeo & Sri Sri were offered. What about Indian Christian Clergy or Institutions?

New Delhi, January 29, 2015: Jagat Guru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya and three other spiritual leaders, including a NRI in Portugal, were on Sunday conferred with Padma awards.

Swami Rambhadracharya, from Uttar Pradesh, was among the nine awarded India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padam Vibhushan.

Swami Satyamitranand Giri from Uttar Pradesh, and Shivakumara Swami from Karnataka were among the 20 recipients of the Padma Bhushan, a home ministry release said.

Jagat Guru Amrta Suryananda Maha Raja, who is based in Portugal, was among the 75 recipients of the Padma Shri award.

- ucan

Woman who saved Muslims in riots hoists flag in Bihar

Patna, January 29, 2015: Commoner Shail Devi, who saved the lives of 10 Muslims during the communal clashes in Muzaffarpur district earlier this month, hoisted the national flag at the state Congress headquarter here Monday.

In the presence of Bihar Pradesh Congress president Ashok Choudhary and a number of senior party leaders, including former ministers and legislators, Shail Devi was invited to unfurl the tricolour at Sadaquat Ashram, the state Congress office.

“It was a matter of honour and pride for a poor woman like me that the Congress party has provided me this opportunity,” Shail Devi, clad in a new white cotton sari and a woollen shawl gifted by the Congress party, told IANS here.

Choudhary said the Congress decided to honour Shail Devi who, he said, was an example of communal harmony.

Shail Devi, a frail Hindu widow in her early 50s, risking her life gave shelter to her Muslim neighbours when a mob of more than 5,000 people attacked Azizpur Bahilwara village after a 20-year-old Hindu boy’s body was found Jan 18.

He was allegedly abducted and killed over his love affair with a Muslim girl.

After her action came to light, she became the most sought after woman.

“I provided shelter to my Muslim neighbours to save their lives because the mob would have killed them,” she had said then.

- ians