Pioneer in short
Bhagwat calls for social harmony
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday emphasised that people should not be judged by caste, wealth, language, or region, asserting that “the entire country belongs to everyone.” Addressing the Hindu Sammelan in Sonpairi village, Chhattisgarh, he highlighted social harmony as the removal of separation and discrimination from one’s mind. Bhagwat urged families to spend at least one day a week together, engage in prayers, share meals, and hold meaningful discussions, warning that loneliness can lead to addiction. He called for inclusive access to temples, water bodies, and cremation grounds, framing social work as unity, not conflict, and stressed respect and cooperation among neighbors as vital for community strength.
Shiva idol vandalised in Andhra
A Shiva idol near the Draksharamam temple’s Koneru (stepped water tank) in BR Ambedkar Konaseema district was allegedly vandalised, and the accused has been apprehended, police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Tuesday, prompting authorities to rush to the site. The accused, Seelam Srinivas (38) of Thotapeta village, allegedly struck the Shiv Ling with a hammer and fled on a two-wheeler. Police investigation, aided by resident information and CCTV footage, suggested a personal dispute between Srinivas and temple priest K Suri Babu over drainage and canal construction near Srinivas’ home. Srinivas reportedly acted with the intent to prevent Babu from performing pujas. A case has been registered under Sections 298 and 324(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to ensure strict action, with special police teams probing the matter and updates requested on the investigation’s progress.
