
1 more god in pantheon: the Newspaper
This is one temple that does not worship gods and goddesses. The only difference is that the newspaper is conferred a divine status in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh and worshipped daily.
The temple, built in 1993, known as Gandhi Mandir, is looked after by the tribal community of the Halba sect of the Gond tribe in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh. And the locals have strong reasons for expressing their faith in the print media.
Gandhi Mandir priest Balaram Markam said: “The newspapers are eye-openers, create awareness, remain watchful of the evils and crimes in society, inculcate human values and prevent people from committing wrongs.”
The worshippers meditate and contemplate in the temple premises and even seek fulfilment of various wishes. According to their beliefs, the media has the power to serve the community, society, nation and environment in an impartial way. Various slogans and hymns are depicted at the entrance to the temple.
The chants and hymns are dedicated to the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and the people who are dubbed the 'Janata Gandhi' at the temple doorway.
The newspapers in this temple are regarded just like any other religious epic or book. “All newspapers are revered here,” said Makram, adding that the choice of the language or region is immaterial. A local resident Sandeep Deewan told HT that despite criticism faced by the media about its credibility, people here stand by their trustworthiness.
A regular visitor to Gandhi Mandir, Dheer Mandawi, said the best part here is that there is no discrimination among devotees.

‘Keep constant watch’: India amid Chinese breach report

‘Will provide 200 million doses to India for first phase’: Gavi deputy CEO

‘Infodemic on side effects has created anxiety’: Dr. Randeep Guleria

‘Want emergency fund, insurance for cabbies’: Vijay N

SC hints at avoiding cases with concurrent decisions

India's daily tally of new Covid cases less than 10,000 first time since June 9

Farmers' protest: SC refuses to step in on Republic Day tractor rally

580 adverse events reported in three days of vaccination

Covid-19 vaccination drive hit by hesitancy hurdle

Probe purported chats between Arnab Goswami and Partho Dasgupta: MVA partners
- The NCP demanded a joint parliamentary committee probe into the leaked WhatsApp chats, the Congress sought a probe under the Official Secrets Act and the Shiv Sena said demanded action against Arnab Goswami for breach of internal security.

MVA gains, but BJP may emerge as largest party in Maha panchayat polls

Govt assesses supply of Covid-19 vaccines to neighbours, developing countries
- Several countries have either signed agreements or are in talks with Serum Institute or Bharat Biotech, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Morocco.

Travel portals expecting better year; long-weekends likely to provide traction
- Long weekends around Republic Day, Good Friday, Holi, Janmashtami, Dussehra and Christmas are expected to see significant interest from travellers.

In probe against Khalistanis, NIA examines people linked to farmers’ protests
- NIA officials said that most of the people who appeared before the agency in the last few days, have been examined as “witnesses”.

Cold wave claims lives of two nomad children in Kashmir
- The family of nomads had been living in a ramshackle shed covered with tarpaulin and polythene in a forest area of Devsar in Kulgam district.