This Day That Age (dated February 4, 1964)

Genuineness established

Fifteen Muslim divines, headed by Fakir Mirakh Shah, on February 3 expressed their complete satisfaction regarding the genuineness of the re-installed Hazrathal shrine relic after a special “Deedar” (public display) at the shrine this afternoon (February 2). Among those present at the “Deedar” were Maulana Masoodi, a member of the Action Committee, and Mirwaiz Maulvi Farouq. Soon after the “Deedar”, Mr. Lal Bahadur Shastri, Union Minister without Portfolio, was congratulated by those present on the occasion. The special ‘Deedar’ was not open to the public but hundreds of people gathered at the shrine burst into cheers and shed tears of joy as it was announced that the sacred relic was genuine.

Lack of co-ordination

Mr. Swaran Singh, Union Minister for Food and Agriculture, said in Ernakulam that the implementation of agricultural production programmes during the last few years had shown that one of the basic weaknesses was lack of adequate administrative co-ordination and absence of a unified set-up at different levels. He felt that it was possible to achieve more rapid and lasting progress through a comprehensive and integrated approach than through unco-ordinated and isolated efforts of different agencies and organisations operating at different levels in the States where the agricultural departments had not been getting due attention and recognition they deserved for a very long period.

Jeer opposed to dowry

His Holiness Sri Alagiasingar, 44{+t}{+h}Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt, on February 3 said that parents or guardians or bridegrooms should not demand dowry. His Holiness said that it was a “heinous crime” to demand dowry for marriages and the shastras did not permit it. In fact, the shastraic injunction was the bridegroom should give “kanyasulkam” and provide ornaments for the bride. His Holiness, who was talking to Pressmen in Madras, explained the educational and religious activities of the Mutt. He said the Mutt had started a few schools to impart instruction in English, Tamil, and other subjects, besides the ones which taught Vedas and shastras.