The Rediff Interview/Dr Chandrapal Singh, father of Pragya Singh Thakur

'My daughter Pragya is innocent' Sheela Bhatt | November 12, 2008 | 14:18 IST
In the first part of the interview, Dr Chandrapal Singh, father of Puranchetanand Giri, better known as Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, who was arrested by the Mumbai police's Anti Terrorist Squad in connection with the bomb blast in Malegaon, spoke of her growing up years and early influences.

Part I: My Daughter Sadhvi Pragnya

Dr Singh, a committed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh worker for the last 35 years, spoke to rediff.com's Sheela Bhatt at his home in Surat�about why he believes his daughter is innocent.
Excerpts from the second and final part of the interview.

Karunanidhi criticises Hindu practice of sporting 'tilaks'

5/11/08, Expressbuzz CHENNAI: Flaying the Hindu practice of smearing ash or saffron or sporting a 'tilak' on the forehead for yet another time, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Wednesday questioned the need for "such things in a country which preached equality of all religions." Karunanidhi also questioned the rationale behind Brahmins wearing sacred thread.