Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Even atheists have come out saying that Kentucky (USA) gubernatorial candidate David Williams “should be ashamed of, and apologize for his recent comments” criticizing rival candidate Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear for his attendance at a Hindu blessing ceremony.

Jon Eric Johnson, an atheist thinker, in a statement on November four, said: Governor Beshear has shown himself to be a class act in the finest of American traditions of tolerance, respect and inclusion; whereas Mr. Williams’ pathetic and desperate attempt at divisiveness for political gain makes him a disgrace to his faith, his state, our country and humans in general. He should immediately retract, and apologize for, his remarks.

As an atheist I reject and do not share the belief in anyone’s god or gods; yet…I have very often stood and bowed my head during Christian ceremonies - not because I believe in God or Jesus but to show respect to and help provide comfort for fellow Americans that I value and care about, Johnson pointed out.

Annabelle Younger, a representative of International Society for Krishna Consciousness whose husband is a Church of Christ preacher, in a statement on November four, stressed that Supreme Being existed in the heart of every living entity. She urged Williams to broaden his knowledge of "Hinduism" and recant and refrain from blaspheming this third largest world faith.

Swami Poojananda Saraswati, a prominent Hindu nun and yoga exponent, commented on November four: “It is out of ignorance and arrogance that a person would criticize the religion of other people”.

Meanwhile Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, argued that it was sad that Williams was yet to come out with an apology despite calls from Hindus and non-Hindus nationwide.

Rajan Zed quoted from the Bible: “…Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (Gospel According to John 13: 34).”

Hindus laud HSBC for worldwide Diwali sponsorship

Hindus have commended HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world, for sponsoring various Diwali events worldwide.

According to reports, as a part of Diwali celebrations, HSBC sponsored Diwali Festival of Lights in Auckland (New Zealand), organized an event at New York (USA) Grand Hyatt complete with professional dancers, a Swami spoke at its world headquarters in London (United Kingdom), held celebrations in St. Regis Hotel ballroom in Singapore which also included a paanwala, sponsored a Diwali Mela in Bangalore (India), displayed Diwali artwork by schoolchildren in its bank foyer in Leicester (UK), its Brunei Chief Executive Officer Vincent Ho hosted a special reception in Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) Radisson Hotel, etc., recently.

Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded HSBC for creating wider awareness about Hinduism traditions worldwide with its support of Diwali celebrations through its global network. He urged other world corporations/companies to adopt Diwali on their calendar of annual celebrations.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important for the world citizen to know the beliefs of “others” to become well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizen and thus promoting harmony and cohesiveness in the community. Zed hoped that Diwali promotions by world businesses like HSBC would help in opening up Hinduism concepts and beliefs to global community.

Launched in 1865 in Hong Kong, HSBC’s international network comprises about 7,500 offices in 87 countries/territories in Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East; thus providing financial services to about 95 million customers. D. J. Flint is Group Chairman while S. T. Gulliver is Group Chief Executive of HSBC whose tagline is “world’s local bank”.

Most popular of Hindu festivals Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.