Islam and Christianity too have practices like 'untouchability': Romila Thapar

[email protected] (CD Network)
January 22, 2015

Mangaluru, Jan 21: “We are witnessing and continuing to witness excesses of religious extremism that is encouraged by some religious groups in this country. It is becoming very difficult to advocate a secular society given the looming presence of this extremism. However, we cannot have a democracy with laws that revert back to religion,” said eminent historian and Prof Emerita at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Prof Romila Thapar.

romila
Delivering the B V Kakkilaya Inspired Oration – 2015 on ‘Indian Society and Secularism’ organised by Hosatu, Bengaluru, M S Krishnan Memorial Trust, Bengaluru and Samadarshi Vedike, Mangaluru in association with Department of History at University College, Mangaluru here on Wednesday, she strongly advocated the need to have a new civil law in the country which was applicable to all Indian citizens rising above all religious differences. Laws that legalize a differentiated status with some being given more rights, are defective and not secular, she said, adding that the civil laws should be above the laws of a particular community.

“Being a multi-religious society, secularism should be an important component if we are to support proper democratic functioning in this country. And social justice should be an important component of a secular society. As long as we have the freedom to choose the values that should govern our society, we can choose to secularise our society. We need to redefine the secular move for India to shift the focus from co-existence of religions to equality of all people belonging to different religions,” she said.

Prof. Thapar also said that conversion to Hinduism is invented recently and the phenomenon was problematic because of the caste system. Referring to the ‘Ghar Wapsi’ campaign of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, she said that those converting into Hinduism are put through “purification”, thereby suggesting that they were from lower castes.

She said conversions were not a problem in Christianity or Islam for which it was not modern phenomenon. Pointing at the practice of untouchability, she said Islam and Christianity too had similar practices.

Prof Thapar also said that religion was a matter of faith and it was essential to speak up when it was used as an instrument of politics. Most people in India value their religion, looking at religion and worship as a personal experience. Such people also find that using religion for political purposes is not acceptable,” she said.

Former professor of History, Mangaluru University Prof B Surendra Rao introduced the keynote speaker and presided over the function. Dr Srinivas Kakkilaya and other dignitaries were present.

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News Network
May 15,2025

Udupi, May 15: A routine surgery turned tragic at a private hospital in Udupi’s Karkala on Wednesday evening when a 54-year-old woman died during a procedure to remove a suspected abdominal lump. 

The incident triggered immediate outrage from the deceased’s family, leading to a protest outside the hospital premises.

The deceased has been identified as Zubaida, a resident of Sanur, who had been living in a rented house near the hospital. She was admitted after complaining of severe abdominal pain, and doctors advised surgical intervention to remove a lump believed to be the cause of her discomfort.

However, Zubaida reportedly passed away mid-surgery, sparking anger and grief among her relatives and local residents. A crowd soon gathered outside the hospital, demanding an explanation from the medical staff and questioning the circumstances surrounding her death.

As tensions rose, police personnel from the Karkala Town Station were called in to pacify the situation and prevent further escalation. Authorities managed to restore calm and are reportedly investigating the incident.

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News Network
May 13,2025

Udupi, May 12: A tragic incident unfolded at a wedding in Nandikur, Udupi district, when a four-year-old boy, Vasudeva, drowned in a temple pond near the venue.

According to a police complaint filed by Satyanarayana, 38, a resident of Kurkalu village in Kaup, the child had accompanied his mother, Soumya, and siblings—Vaishnavi (10) and Vishnu Priya (1)—to attend a wedding at the Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple Hall in Nandikur.

At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Soumya was feeding her infant daughter inside the hall while Vasudeva remained nearby. After tending to the baby, she stepped away briefly to wash her hands, during which time she noticed that Vasudeva was missing.

A frantic search ensued involving family members and others at the venue. About 15 minutes later, at around 2:15 p.m., Vasudeva was found unresponsive in the temple pond adjacent to the hall. Bystanders pulled him from the water and attempted resuscitation.

He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Udupi, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Despite this, the family sought further medical assistance at a hospital in Manipal, but physicians there also confirmed that he had passed away.

The Padubidri police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

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Agencies
May 16,2025

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Udupi, May 16: In a chilling reminder of how digital scams are evolving, a 55-year-old man from Udupi has fallen prey to a sophisticated online stock market investment fraud, losing a staggering ₹2.3 crore.

The victim, identified as Jayananda, filed a complaint detailing how he was targeted and manipulated over a period of weeks. The ordeal began on March 20, when he was added — without consent — to a WhatsApp group named "The Wealth Architects", operated by unknown individuals.

Within the group, members presented themselves as financial experts offering high-return stock market advice. They promoted a demat account titled Kopernik Dmat, claiming it was a gateway to extraordinary profits. The group's activity appeared organized and convincing, often mimicking the tone and branding of legitimate financial institutions.

Lured by the promise of quick wealth, Jayananda allegedly transferred money in multiple instalments to bank accounts provided by the scammers between April 1 and May 13. Despite assurances and constant engagement from the group, no returns were received, and the invested amount vanished without a trace.

Realizing the deception, Jayananda approached the CEN Crime Police Station, where a case has now been registered. Authorities have launched an investigation to trace the perpetrators and recover the funds.

A Broader Wake-Up Call

This case isn't just about one man’s financial loss — it highlights a rising trend in cybercrime, where fraudsters use fake WhatsApp groups, cloned identities, and psychological tactics to lure unsuspecting investors. The elderly and semi-retired professionals are increasingly being targeted.

Key Takeaways for the Public:
•    Never trust financial advice from unknown WhatsApp groups or Telegram channels.
•    Always verify investment platforms through official sources.
•    Avoid transferring money to personal or unfamiliar bank accounts.
•    Report suspicious groups immediately to cybercrime authorities.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for schemes that promise unrealistic returns. As investigations continue, Jayananda’s case serves as a sobering reminder: in the digital age, even the smartest can be swindled — if they let their guard down.

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