Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre Presents Spectacular Yoga and Meditation Festival



International Desk, Barta24.com
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The Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), established by the renowned spiritual leader and socially engaged Buddhist monk Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, has exciting news for yoga and meditation enthusiasts around the world. The center has announced the upcoming International Festival of Yoga and Meditation, set to take place from June 20th to 27th.

In line with the ninth UN International Day of Yoga on June 21st, the MIMC, in collaboration with the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh, is organizing a week-long event that aims to celebrate the transformative power of yoga and meditation. This grand festival welcomes participants from both national and international backgrounds, attracting prominent spiritual leaders, yogis, meditation masters, government officials, artists, scientists, peace activists, academics, social leaders, and a significant number of students from Ladakh.

Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, the driving force behind socially engaged Buddhism in the region, has dedicated his efforts to numerous humanitarian projects, events, and initiatives. His visionary outreach work encompasses providing educational opportunities and shelter to underprivileged children, empowering women and marginalized groups through literacy programs, offering healthcare to the sick and needy, and establishing a care home for the elderly and destitute. As a result, the MIMC has become a bustling hub for various socio-cultural and community programs in the northern reaches of India.

In 1986, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena founded the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. This non-sectarian Buddhist charitable organization has since served as a launching pad for Dharma-based activities and social outreach programs targeting vulnerable communities in the region.

“The International Festival of Yoga and Meditation of this year provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich traditions, ancient cultures, distinctive lifestyles, and magnificent heritage of Ladakh. These elements are deeply rooted in the essence of Buddhism, as well as the diverse ethnic cultures and communities that thrive here,” shared Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena. “Through this program, people from all walks of life will come together, fostering cultural understanding and preservation of our heritage.”

The International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness about the numerous physical and spiritual benefits that yoga and meditation offer to the world. Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena describes it aptly, saying, “What the sun is to the flower, meditation is to the mind!”

In addition to promoting spiritual development and human welfare, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena and the MIMC actively engage in peace-building initiatives, interfaith dialogue, environmental conservation, and the preservation of Buddhist and Himalayan cultural heritage through national and international festivals. Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena himself has traveled extensively to participate in international conferences, seminars, and workshops, advocating for spiritual and cultural values, environmental consciousness, non-violence, world peace, and the empowerment of women, particularly those from underprivileged communities.

In 2021, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena led a team from the MIMC on a humanitarian relief mission to the border regions of Ladakh. The team provided essential COVID-19 relief and much-needed emotional and spiritual support to local residents who were living in fear amidst the dual crises of the pandemic and the military-led border standoff between Indian and Chinese troops. Additionally, the team spearheaded a peace campaign in the conflict zone, appealing to both nations to seek nonviolent resolutions to their differences.

The International Festival of Yoga and Meditation organized by the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre promises to be an extraordinary event, blending ancient wisdom with modern practices, and uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of well-being, peace, and spiritual growth. It is an occasion not to be missed for those seeking enlightenment and harmony in their lives.

Israeli attacks on Gaza: death toll rises to 39,175



International Desk, Barta24.com
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In the past 24 hours, 21 more people were killed in Israeli military strikes in the besieged Palestinian Gaza Strip. 39175 people have lost their lives so far.

This information was revealed in a report by Al-Jazeera, a Qatar-based media outlet, on Thursday (July 26).

At least 18 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, south of Gaza, according to reports. Two more deaths were reported in northern Gaza City and one in Nuseirat refugee camp. 21 Palestinian citizens have been killed in the last 24 hours.

Since October 7 of last year, 39175 people have been killed by Israeli military attacks. Another 90703 people were injured. Besides, several lakhs of people have been displaced. Most of the dead and injured are children and women.

On the other hand, 1139 Israelis were killed in Hamas attacks.

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South Africa gets first woman Chief Justice



International Desk, Barta24.com, Dhaka
South Africa gets first woman Chief Justice

South Africa gets first woman Chief Justice

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A woman has been appointed as the Chief Justice for the first time in South Africa. Her name is Mandisa Maya. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced May's name on Thursday (July 25).

This information was published in a report of ABC News. According to reports, President Cyril Ramaphosa has named current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as the country's new senior-most judge. Her tenure as Chief Justice will take effect from September 1. He will replace the current Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Zondo is retiring.

Maya (60) served as Chief Justice of South Africa's second highest court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, before her elevation to the Constitutional Court.

Ramaphosa nominated Maya for Chief Justice in February and was interviewed by the Judicial Service Commission in May.

Ramaphosa said in a statement that the commission recommended her and appointing her to the post is a significant milestone for the country. 

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Indian media apologized for misleading news about the Prime Minister



International Desk, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Indian media apologized for misleading news about the Prime Minister

Indian media apologized for misleading news about the Prime Minister

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An Indian media has apologized for publishing misleading news about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

During the violent agitation over the quota in Bangladesh, India Today NE, a media outlet based in the northeastern state of India, reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had been airlifted out. After the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi protested the report, the outlet's website read: 'India Today NE- sincerely apologizes for this unintentional mistake and regrets any confusion or tension it may have caused in our neighboring country.'

It added, "As a respected news publication, we are committed to both factual and ethical journalism."

The Bangladesh High Commission in India has denied the accuracy of a report published in India Today NE on July 21, titled 'Indian students leave Dhaka due to violent clashes, PM Sheikh Hasina airlifted out', reports India Today NE ' is also shared on social media platforms.

At a critical moment, such news as reported by the High Commission of Bangladesh can confuse the common people and even inflame tension.

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The US is monitoring what is happening in the quota movement: Miller



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The US Embassy in Dhaka and Washington are keeping a close watch on what is happening in Bangladesh in the student quota reform movement, the State Department said. In addition, spokesperson Matthew Miller commented that the United States continues to convey its concerns on the Bangladesh issue from the podium of the State Department.

This spokesperson said that there can be no direct talk about listing the organization as a banned organization due to the torture and violence that the Chhatra League has been carrying out on students for the past one and a half decades.

Participating in the briefing, State Department Correspondent Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari raised the issue of violence conducted by Chhatra League and law enforcement forces in the ongoing movement of students and wanted to know, 'The ruling government has continued to attack the movement of students in Bangladesh. At least 6 students have lost their lives so far at the hands of government-backed law and order forces. Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student body of the ruling government, is brutally torturing students, especially female students. This organization has been doing such activities for the past decade and a half. Will you list BCL as a terrorist organization?'

In response, Miller said, 'I'm not going to say anything about the issue you mentioned (banning Bangladesh Chhatra League). We have observed the violence that has spread during the student protests in Dhaka. I am once again calling for the movement to be peaceful. At the same time condemn any form of violence in peaceful protests.'

In another question, this reporter wants to know, 'Abu Sayed, a student of the English department of Begum Rokeya University, stood with his chest in front of the police gun during the protest for the safety of his classmates. The police did not hesitate to shoot him. He himself could not understand that the police would shoot him like this while protecting his classmates. After the fraudulent election, Sheikh Hasina has held on to her power by torturing her like this. Foreign Minister Anthony  Blinken said, 'The whole world's eyes are on the Bangladesh elections. The United States will take whatever steps are necessary for this election.' But the moment the people's rights are taken away, you become completely silent. Why did this happen?'

In response, Miller said, 'First of all, what you said is not true. We are not silent. You've seen me speak over and over throughout the week. As I said last Monday and I say again today, we condemn any form of violence against peaceful protests.'

He said, 'The US Embassy in Dhaka and our officials from Washington are closely monitoring what is happening in Bangladesh. Students are being killed in protests, people are dying, it is under our watch.'

"We call on the government to respect a citizen's right to peaceful protest," Miller said.

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