Thaindian News

Nevada (US), Jan 16 (ANI): European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy has called the omission of Christmas from Europa Diary “incoherence”.

In a statement published on his website, John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, said: It has come to my attention that the current edition of the Diary does not refer to those religious holidays and events, such as Christmas, that are of European heritage. I very much regret this incoherence and am taking immediate action.

Meanwhile, Hindus have applauded the European Commission (EC) for reportedly mentioning Hindu festivals in Europa Diary distributed in secondary schools throughout the European Union (EU).

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), called it “a step in the right direction”. Awareness about major world religions thus created by mentioning in school diary would make the pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow. He, however, indicated that this Diary should have included Christian festivals also, as Christianity was the largest religion of the world.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that this Diary appeared to be providing wealth of information about EU, rights, living, environment, etc., and seemed quite helpful for persuading students towards critical thinking, responsible action, informed decision making, active citizenship participation, etc. It posed thought provoking questions, included helpful web addresses, and provided facts in fun way. Rajan Zed, however, suggested that it should have included information about Roma (Gypsies) and the apartheid conditions faced by them in Europe.

EC published “The Europa Diary” 2010-2011 of 96-pages and titled as “Wise Choices”, with a Foreword by EC President José Manuel Barroso, is in its seventh year of publication. About 3,275,500 such diaries have reportedly been distributed this year free of charge in 27 EU countries, costing around 5.5 million Euros, with highest, 503275, going to Germany. Catie Thorburn is the managing editor.

Its contents include: About the EU; Europe and me; my rights, my choices; my environment; my health, my safety; and beyond our borders. It talks about reducing the importance to material prosperity, “Intolerance will not be tolerated”, “Equality and diversity”, “avoid mobile phone addiction”, “Cyberbullying”, “Parrots in Europe?”, “Cultural understanding around the Mediterranean”, etc. (ANI)