Anger flares up after Buddhist statue vandalized. Azad Nagar, Mathura, vigilantes destroyed the Buddhist statue Budh Nagar Park, breaking it into small pieces. When residents came out for their early morning walks, they were shocked. Word quickly spread about the broken statue. Crowds gathered and anger boiled. Police arrived on the scene to disperse the crowd and local authorities worked quickly to replace the statue. The culprits have not yet been apprehended. Read more (Hindi)
Braj named ‘center of spiritual tourism’. With record numbers of tourists entering Braj this season, the Braj Development Council, World Bank and Ministry of Tourism plan to work together to improve the cleanliness and infrastructure of Braj. Regional Tourism officer, DK Sharma, said that the entire two hundred kilometres of the Braj Chaurasi Kos constitute an important destination for tourists and pilgrims, so, more visitor services are needed throughout Braj. Read more (Hindi)
Demolition campaign continues, despite protests. The demolition of houses and temples along the Yamuna floodplain continues, despite protests by residents including a hunger strike and accusations of discrimination as the smaller houses are being demolished first, while the larger buildings have, so far, been left untouched. The demolitions are causing tension among the people of Vrindavan; with the town divided into those for the demolition, and those against it. Read more (English)
Yamuna Expressway casualties on the rise. The high speeds of traffic on the Yamuna Expressway have led to a spate of fatal incidents, including 5 people killed after their car collided with a Neelgai antelope. On Tuesday, the family was travelling along the expressway when a neelguy wandered onto the expressway after grazing in the pastureland of Mathura. Other recent incidents include: a German woman killed when the motorbike that her husband was driving collided with a tractor; and 2 students killed, 3 injured, when a burst tyre caused their car to fly off the expressway. Read more (Hindi)
Gold Medalist student suicides. Students and teachers of Mathura Veterinary University are shocked and saddened at the suicide of Achintya, who was due to receive the university medal at yesterday’s award ceremony. Students and teachers are struggling to understand the incident and no one has been able to propose a motive for the suicide. Read more (Hindi)
UPCOMING EVENTS
30th September 2017, Preparations are underway for Braj’s biggest Ravan-burning program at Ram Lila Maidan for the festival of Dusshera. While many locals and tourists will visit the bigger programs, Vrindavan’s neighbourhood children and local temples will organize their own Ravan-burning programs. The burning of Ravan symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the liberation of virtuous women and the need to destroy our inner demons. Dusshera is also a particularly exciting festival for children as it starts the countdown to Diwali. Read more (Hindi)
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The post News Digest 2017.09.28 Buddha Statue destroyed; Recognition for Braj; student suicide, and more. appeared first on Vrindavan Today.