Pune Beat

Vatican greets BuddhistsVatican-based Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, has greeted ...

Vatican greets Buddhists
Vatican-based Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, has greeted the Buddhist community on the occasion of Vesakh, the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, falling on May 11.

In his message issued on behalf of Pope John Paul, Cardinal Arinze has said that the ongoing dialogue between Buddhists and Christians is distinguished by efforts to meet at the level of religious experience. Since 1979, through the Intermonastic Spiritual Exchange8217; and Monastic Hospitality Programme,8217; Buddhists and Christians have engaged in encounters where in-depth dialogue is possible, the message said, adding that this effort is truly commendable.

The cardinal8217;s message, released here by the office of Pune bishop Valerian D8217;Souza, further said Christians and Buddhists who have embarked on their respective spiritual paths can work together to give increased hope to humanity. 8220;Yet first we must accept our differences and show each other mutual respect and true love,8221; the cardinal said, adding, 8220;This will render us more credible and we shall be for humanity a further sign of hope in addition to those which exist already.8221;

Folk artistes seek fair deal
The folk artiste from Maharashtra have resolved to unite under one banner and press their long-standing demands by carrying out a 8220;Himmat Abhiyan Yatra8221; and holding a convention in Pune on May 29.

Around 1.5 lakh folk artistes from various parts of State are expected to participate in the yatra which will be taken out from the historic Shaniwarwada grounds on May 29 morning. The procession will culminate in a day-long convention, claimed to be the first of its kind, at the Balgandharva Rangmandir.

Talking to newspersons on Sunday, chief organiser of the meet Rajendra Vanarse said that the Akhil Bhartiya Gondhali Samaj and Hindutvavadi Bahujan Morcha had taken the lead to rope in various organisations of folk artiste under Aradhi Gondhali Vaghya Bhajani Parishad.

Claiming that there were around 10 lakh folk artiste in the State, who still depend on the traditional art to earn their daily bread and butter, Vanarase lamented that these artistes were being neglected by the government as well as the people. The folk artistes are the flag bearers of the rich Maharashtrian culture and tradition, he said demanding government protection for them.

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Vyankatesh Avdhut, president of the reception committee, said that the convention would press for a monthly remuneration of Rs 1,000 to every recognised folk artiste, irrespective of his age; a grant of Rs 3,000 to every group of folk artiste for purchasing the musical instruments; and establishment of a folk art centre in all the districts to assist the local artistes.