Daily Lessons from Life 07 - 08 January 2013 - India and China Tales ...

1 "Indian guru blames Delhi rape victim, sparks outrage - AFP 08 January 2013

NEW DELHI - A popular Indian spiritual guru sparked a backlash Tuesday after saying a 23-year-old student could have averted a murderous gang-rape by begging for mercy from her attackers.

Self-styled godman Asharam, known to his followers as "Bapu" or father, told his devotees that blame for the assault on a moving bus in New Delhi on December 16 should not just rest with her attackers.

"This tragedy would not have happened if she had chanted God's name and fallen at the feet of the attackers. The error was not committed by just one side," he said in video footage which has been widely circulated on the Internet. The 71-year-old's remarks - the latest in a series of gaffes by public figures blaming women for the country's rape epidemic - drew a chorus of condemnation."

A sad, pathetic and sickening comment by a 'wise' guru! This SHOWS that when you are 'wise' and being adored as a 'guru', you are NOT!!

I wondered IF he has established that the victims did not plead and beg for mercy, chanting or not chanting 'God's' name and falling on the rapists' feet!!

A misguided and muddled-headed, insulting and damaging comments by a 'wise guru!!

For me, he should try it himself by re-incarnating as a lady in the India that STILL has not changed its stance about protecting its daughters and women folks!!

2 "China press freedom campaign swells with new rally - AFP 08 January 2013

GUANGZHOU, China: Protesters mounted a second day of rallies calling for press freedom in China Tuesday, as social media users and celebrities backed a campaign which poses a test for the nation's new leaders.

Scores of people, some carrying mourning flowers, gathered outside the Guangzhou offices of the Southern Weekly, a popular liberal paper which had an article urging greater protection of rights censored.

One man in a wheelchair held a banner reading: "Support the Southern Weekly, resist censorship, give back my freedom of speech."

Police stood by allowing the rally to proceed, but as it dispersed for the day, a lone woman demonstrator stood outside the building, holding a white rose and raising one hand, making a victory sign with her fingers.

The second day of rare public protests pushing for greater rights in China came after bloggers and celebrities -- some with millions of followers -- voiced support online for freedom of the press.

The authorities seemed to be approaching the row cautiously to avoid a backlash that might trigger more protests, said Doug Young, a journalism professor at Fudan University in Shanghai.

In a commentary the People's Daily, the Party's official mouthpiece, said propaganda chiefs needed to adapt to the "rhythm of the era" to ensure their effectiveness, and abandon "stiff preaching that is unchanging and patronising".

Analysts said the dispute was the latest instance of years of mounting tension between a heavily controlling government and a public increasingly assertive of its rights."

A TEST indeed for the NEW leadership of China about freedom of expression. Hopefully NOT the totally uninhibited type of the liberal Western world when one is free to express any views without responsibility!!

That fact that some celebrities who are NORMALLY not in the business of 'confronting' or 'antaganizing' the AUTHORITIES also spoke out has added meaning and strength to this 'protest'. These are celebrities with ten of millions of fans and 'followers'. Probably another force that the CCP does not want to have to deal with if it can avoid it!!

An INTERESTING day in India and China indeed!!