The programme witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries, decorated defence veterans, serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, government officials, representatives from leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), banking institutions, educational institutions, youth organizations, and citizens from across Mumbai. The gathering reflected the nation’s collective respect and gratitude towards the brave soldiers who displayed extraordinary courage during the Kargil conflict of 1999.

The event was graced by Brigadier Sudhir Sawant (Retd.), former Member of Parliament, former Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC), and retired Brigadier of the Indian Army. Addressing the gathering, Brigadier Sawant highlighted the enduring significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas and emphasized that the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War continue to inspire generations of Indians. He urged young citizens to uphold the values of patriotism, integrity, discipline, courage, and selfless service to the nation, stressing that national development and security depend upon responsible and committed citizens.

The commemorative ceremony began with floral tributes and homage to the brave martyrs of the Kargil War. A moment of silence was observed in memory of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in defending the country’s borders under extremely challenging conditions. The atmosphere was filled with patriotic fervour as participants united in remembering the courage, determination, and indomitable spirit demonstrated by India’s Armed Forces during one of the nation’s most significant military victories.

The programme featured patriotic cultural performances, motivational addresses, and tributes celebrating the valour of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. These performances highlighted the spirit of national unity and reinforced the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in protecting the country’s freedom and sovereignty. Students and young participants enthusiastically joined the celebrations, reflecting a growing sense of national pride and respect for the country’s defence personnel.

The event also served as an important platform to strengthen the bond between civilians and the Armed Forces by creating awareness about the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas and the history of the Kargil conflict. Veterans shared inspiring experiences and encouraged the youth to contribute positively towards nation-building through dedication, discipline, and public service.

The successful organization of the event was made possible through the generous support of several leading Public Sector Undertakings and financial institutions that continue to promote initiatives dedicated to national pride, social responsibility, and community engagement. The event received valuable sponsorship from GAIL (India) Limited, Bank of Baroda (BOB), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), IDBI Bank, NBCC (India) Limited, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), NTPC Limited, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), State Bank of India (SBI), Union Bank of India, REC Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). Their support played a significant role in making the commemorative programme a meaningful and memorable tribute to India’s brave soldiers.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026 Commemoration Event concluded with a renewed pledge by all participants to honour the legacy of the Kargil heroes by fostering unity, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the nation. The programme reinforced the message that while the Kargil War remains a defining chapter in India’s military history, the values demonstrated by its brave soldiers—courage, resilience, sacrifice, and devotion to duty—continue to guide and inspire every Indian.

As the nation remembers the heroes of Kargil, the event reaffirmed the collective responsibility of every citizen to preserve the ideals for which these brave soldiers fought and laid down their lives. Their sacrifices remain a timeless reminder that the freedom and security enjoyed by the nation today have been earned through extraordinary courage and selfless service.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is not merely a day of remembrance—it is a celebration of India’s indomitable spirit, the unmatched valour of its Armed Forces, and the enduring legacy of the brave warriors whose sacrifice will forever remain etched in the heart of the nation.

The post Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026 Commemoration Event Held in Mumbai appeared first on World Circular.

Mumbai, India, July 22, 2026: Beyond the devastating psychological and physical impacts, sexual violence often inflicts significant economic harm on survivors. While governments in South Asia have acknowledged this by establishing financial compensation schemes, new research finds that these systems are frequently underfunded, inconsistently implemented, and difficult to navigate, leaving many survivors unable to access the financial assistance they are legally entitled to.

These are just some of the findings of a new report, The Good Practices Paper on Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Violence in South Asia, by the South Asian Movement for Accessing Justice (SAMAJ), a coalition of organisations working to end sexual violence in the region.

Why survivors of sexual violence struggle to access compensation

Sexual violence often has long-lasting financial consequences. Survivors may face immediate out-of-pocket costs for emergency medical treatment, counselling, transport, legal assistance and, in some cases, relocation to escape further harm. Many are forced to take time off work or education, lose their livelihoods, or experience reduced earning potential because of the physical and psychological impacts.

SAMAJ’s regional comparison of compensation schemes across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives finds survivors often face complex and lengthy criminal justice processes before they can access compensation.

Long delays in investigations, trials, and administrative processes can leave survivors bearing the costs of pursuing justice while receiving little or no financial support when they need it most. A lack of awareness among both survivors and justice officials about compensation schemes, low conviction rates for sexual violence, and delays in the disbursement of funds are some of the other obstacles survivors face.

Where interim financial support is unavailable, survivors are often forced to choose between pursuing a lengthy and costly legal process they cannot afford or accepting an informal settlement, often under pressure. Coerced out-of-court settlements are widespread across South Asia, and the absence of emergency compensation is a significant factor driving survivors away from formal justice processes and allowing perpetrators to evade accountability.

Compensation systems are failing survivors of sexual violence

In Pakistan, many survivors receive no compensation even after an offender has been convicted, because judges retain broad discretion over whether compensation is awarded, and many choose not to.

In Bangladesh, courts awarded compensation in just 6.8% of reviewed rape cases, despite survivors’ legal entitlement to seek financial redress. The country also has no national victim compensation fund.

Marginalised survivors of sexual violence face greater barriers to compensation

Dalit and Adivasi women, Indigenous women, religious minorities, and children born as a result of rape often face even greater obstacles. Discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion can make it harder to report sexual violence, be aware of legal rights, and navigate complex compensation processes.

Women with disabilities face added challenges as justice officials often lack understanding of disability-related needs. Information about compensation schemes may be unavailable in accessible formats, while police stations, courts, and government offices are not always physically accessible.

Geographical barriers are particularly acute in the Maldives, an archipelago of around 200 inhabited islands. Forensic exam capacity, trained counsellors, shelters, and legal aid are concentrated in the capital, Malé, and just a few other urban centres.

Several guidance notes for victims emphasise the need for rapid reporting to preserve forensic evidence. The island’s geography imposes logistical and cost barriers to the timely medical and forensic documentation that many compensation or assistance procedures require. Meanwhile,

limited public data on compensation awards makes it difficult to assess whether compensation is reaching survivors.

Sri Lanka has established a statutory Victims’ Assistance and Protection Fund, which mandates the formation of a national authority to oversee implementation, including payment of compensation to victims of crime. However, access to victim support services and compensation remains uneven, with survivors in conflict-affected areas, Tamil communities and other marginalised groups facing particular difficulties obtaining assistance and reparations.

In Nepal, survivors of the civil war between 1996 and 2006 remain largely excluded from any compensation because no legal mechanism for conflict-era reparation has been enacted.

How India and Nepal are strengthening compensation for rape survivors

India and Nepal offer the region’s most developed frameworks and practical models for replication, with both systems recognising that compensation must not hinge on requiring a criminal conviction.

Nepal’s Crime Victim Protection Act 2018 consolidates victims’ rights into a single statute and establishes a central Victim Relief Fund through which the state pays compensation when an offender is unable to do so.

India’s system combines a statutory duty on states to fund victim compensation schemes with independent Legal Services Authorities that assess and process claims, while constitutional jurisprudence recognises compensation as an enforceable right. After finding that compensation laws were not being implemented as intended, India’s Supreme Court recently directed courts nationwide to consider compensation in all sexual offence cases.

Manjula Pradeep from the National Council of Women Leaders reflects, “We have seen what compensation makes possible. A Dalit survivor woman in Uttar Pradesh, India, received government grant assistance under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act. That support allowed her to leave her home for safety, return to court, and pursue a law degree.

Without it, by her own account, she could not have continued the case at all. One woman’s story should not be the exception. It must become the standard.”

South Asian governments must enact national victim compensation funds

SAMAJ calls on South Asian governments, donors, and civil society organisations to set up national victim compensation funds in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Maldives that provide compensation independent of criminal conviction.

Additionally, interim disbursement mechanisms are critical so survivors can access emergency support for medical care, psychosocial support and transport immediately.

Governments should strengthen enforcement of court-ordered compensation, publish annual data on compensation awards and payments, and standardise victim fund guidelines to reduce inconsistencies.

SAMAJ urges state authorities to ensure information and processes are available in local languages and accessible formats, and to establish explicit reparations frameworks for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Divya Srinivasan from Equality Now, the secretariat and co-founder of SAMAJ, concludes, “No survivor of sexual violence should face different odds for the same right of compensation.

Across South Asia, the law is either missing or it is not enforced. India and Nepal show another way is possible, even with real resource constraints. We are calling on governments in the region to close this gap – legislate where the law is missing, and fund and enforce it where it already exists, so compensation becomes a right survivors can rely on, not a matter of geography.”

Notes to editors:

For media requests, contact Aakansha Saxena, asaxena@equalitynow.org

About SAMAJ:

The South Asian Movement for Accessing Justice (SAMAJ) is a regional coalition of 27 individuals and organisations from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, united in their mission to end sexual violence and strengthen access to justice for survivors in the region. Formed in 2024, SAMAJ works to address deep-rooted legal inequalities by advocating for comprehensive legal reform, ensuring survivor-centred approaches and promoting the inclusion of marginalised communities across South Asia.

Contact samaj@equalitynow.org , equalitynow.org/samaj, LinkedIn @equality-now-asia.

About Equality Now:

Equality Now is a worldwide human rights organisation dedicated to securing the legal and systemic change needed to end discrimination against all women and girls, everywhere in the world. It is currently acting as the convenor and secretariat for the SAMAJ coalition. Since its inception in 1992, it has played a role in reforming 130 discriminatory laws globally, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of women and girls, their communities and nations, both now and for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.equalitynow.org, Bluesky equalitynow.bsky.social, Facebook @equalitynoworg, Instagram @equalitynoworg, and LinkedIn Equality Now.

The post Survivors of sexual violence in South Asia struggle to access compensation, new report finds appeared first on World Circular.

Joining him in the leadership team are Rtn. Balamurugan S as Secretary and Rtn. S. Balaji as Treasurer, along with the newly installed Board of Directors and Chairpersons, who will spearhead the club’s service initiatives throughout the year.

The installation ceremony was officiated by District Governor Rtn. Suresh Jain and graced by distinguished district leaders, Rotarians, Southerners, Co-Presidents, partners, and invited guests.

For the year ahead, RCMS has unveiled an ambitious roadmap comprising 20 impactful service projects including a new project on Integrated Village development in total the projects are aimed at benefiting more than 25,000+ people across various community service areas.

Reaffirming its commitment to inclusive service, the club will continue its successful Partners Club initiative, encouraging greater participation from members’ families and expanding its community outreach. The club’s vibrant women’s wing, Pink Power, is also set to lead several meaningful projects focused on social impact and community development.

Highlighting Rotary’s enduring commitment to The Rotary Foundation, TRF Chair Rtn. A. Sridharan presented a Foundation contribution cheque to District Governor Rtn. Suresh Jain during the ceremony.

With renewed enthusiasm and a shared vision for service, the Rotary Club of Madras South embarks on another inspiring year under the Rotary theme:

“CREATE LASTING IMPACT.”

For Media Enquiries:

Balamurugan S
Chairman – Public Image
Rotary Club of Madras South
Email: rtnbalasubbiah@gmail.com

The post Rtn. R. Srikanth Installed as 67th President of Rotary Club of Madras South for RY 2026–27 appeared first on World Circular.

Success is often measured by wealth, titles or professional achievements. Dr. Nirmal Singh believes it should instead be measured by the number of lives improved. As the Founder of Anmol Sewa Foundation, he has dedicated his journey to creating sustainable opportunities for rural communities through agriculture, education and social development.

Early Life and Foundations of Leadership

Growing up in a village after losing his father at an early age, Dr. Singh experienced the realities of rural hardship firsthand. Daily responsibilities such as farming, caring for livestock and walking long distances for education shaped his character and strengthened his resolve. Rather than allowing those challenges to define his future, he transformed them into the foundation of his leadership.

Education became a powerful tool for change. While remaining deeply connected to his farming roots, Dr. Singh pursued higher studies and developed expertise in education, communication and rural development. Instead of leaving village life behind, he chose to bring his knowledge back to the communities that had shaped him.

Strategic Collaborations for Climate-Smart Agriculture

Since 2005, Dr. Nirmal Singh has maintained a close professional association with Dr. M. L. Jat and has worked in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). These long-standing collaborations have strengthened the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, crop residue management and advanced farm mechanisation at the grassroots level.

For over two decades, Dr. Singh has promoted environmentally responsible farming. His commitment to avoiding stubble burning, conserving water and adopting modern agricultural technologies demonstrates that productivity and environmental protection can go hand in hand. His work with national and international agricultural institutions has helped introduce innovative farming practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.

Core Pillars of Impact

Today, Anmol Sewa Foundation combines practical field experience with long-term community engagement to create measurable and lasting impact across several key domains:

• Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting modern farm mechanisation, water conservation, and crop residue management to stop stubble burning.
• Women Empowerment: Encouraging financial independence through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and livelihood training.
• Youth Development: Motivating rural youth to pursue productive livelihoods and steer away from substance
• Disaster Response: Actively engaging in emergencies from flood relief and rescue operations to rebuilding damaged homes and restoring community dignity.

Amplifying the Grassroots Movement

The Foundation was co-founded with renowned Punjabi singer Resham Singh Anmol, who also serves as its Brand Ambassador. His strong public connect and commitment to social causes help amplify awareness around sustainable agriculture, rural development, youth empowerment and community welfare, enabling the Foundation to reach wider audiences across India and the global Punjabi diaspora.

Unlike many development initiatives that remain limited to planning, the Foundation focuses entirely on implementation at the grassroots level, turning strategic frameworks into real-world change.

A Credible CSR Implementation Partner

As India places increasing emphasis on sustainable development and responsible corporate citizenship, Anmol Sewa Foundation has emerged as a highly credible implementation partner for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Trust holds valid 12A, 80G, and CSR1 registrations, backed by robust audited financials. Its programmes align closely with Schedule VII priorities, offering companies transparent, community-driven projects in agriculture, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, women empowerment and rural development.

Anmol Sewa Foundation is a Registered Trust (Est. 21/10/2022).

Founder: Dr. Nirmal Singh (MA, M.Ed, M.Phil, PhD).

Co-founder & Brand Ambassador: Renowned Punjabi Singer, Mr. Resham Singh Anmol.

The post Dr. Nirmal Singh Leads Anmol Sewa Foundation’s Mission to Build Sustainable Villages Through Agriculture and Community Leadership appeared first on World Circular.

• LocalCircles writes to FSSAI again about amending act and ensuring compliance
• 48% consumers report being unable to find Best Before Date information; Only 9 percentage points improvement from 2024 to 2026
• Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Jiomart and Milk Basket all non-compliant; Only Amazon Now, Flipkart and Big Basket display best before dates
• Consumers cite hundreds of cases of near expiry date products being received

Under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2018, all packaged human consumption products listed on e-commerce sites/apps must display clear “Best Before” or “Use By” dates, with day, month, and year, at the point of digital sale. However, since food as a subject has been governed by FSSAI, Legal Metrology has not been enforcing this clause of displaying best before date online for such products.

FSSAI, to which LocalCircles has written twice since 2024 is yet to enforce compliance by online grocery platforms. Instead, it has been trying to enforce its Food Safety Law 2020 amendment which calls for e-commerce/quick-commerce platforms having at least 30% of packaged food product’s shelf life remaining or 45 days before expiry, at the time of delivery. However, there is no way for the consumer to check the shelf life before ordering packaged foods with most of these platforms, despite it being in the PCR 2017 amendment.

Following the LocalCircles escalation in October 2024, FSSAI formally issued warnings to some quick commerce and e-commerce platforms to stop selling consumables with missing or near-expiry dates. Platforms were asked to only list products meeting the 30% or 45 day criteria or face punitive action. However, no directions were issued by FSSAI to platforms to display best before dates online on the app/website.

Some consumers have even alleged some online grocery platforms engaging in the practice of buying inventory with small shelf life left and listing it on their platform at a high discount, in violation of the 30%- or 45-day shelf life rule. One of the most common examples reported on LocalCircles is that of bread where the product delivered often has 1-2 days of shelf life remaining while the average shelf life is 5-7 days.

LocalCircles through a follow on survey has strived to find out from consumers what has been their experience of Best Before Date display compliance on online grocery platforms and whether the situation has improve since 2024. The survey received over 17,000 responses from consumers of online platforms located in 164 districts of India. 61% respondents were men while 39% respondents were women. 53% respondents were from tier 1, 29% from tier 2 and 18% respondents were from tier 3 & 4 districts.

48% Indian online grocery platforms shoppers surveyed say they still cannot find date (for human consumption products) displayed on most platforms

The survey asked consumers, “When you shopped on online grocery platforms in the last 12 months, how did you find the Best Before date (shelf life remaining) of the human consumption products (packaged food, groceries, medicines, cosmetics, etc.,) displayed online?” Out of 17,133 who responded to the question 13% stated the “Best Before date was displayed on all apps/sites”; 5% of respondents stated ““Best Before date was displayed on most apps/sites”; 21% of respondents stated “Best Before date was displayed on some apps/sites”;13% of respondents stated “Best Before date was displayed on just a apps/sites”; 35% of respondents however stated that they “could not find Best Before date on any apps/site”; and 13% of respondents did not give a clear answer. To sum up, 48% Indian online grocery platforms shoppers surveyed say they still cannot find Best Before date (for human consumption products) displayed on most platforms.

Minor improvement observed in display of best before dates by online grocery platforms; 1 in 2 consumers surveyed still can’t find it

A comparison with the study results of 2024 and this year shows that there has been minor improvement in the display of ‘Best Before’ dates by online grocery platforms as non-compliance has dipped from 57% to 48%. However, 1 in 2 consumers surveyed still can’t find it on most platforms.

Majority online platforms selling packaged foods continue to not display best before date as required under Packaged Commodity Rules Amendment 2018

Based on consumers’ complaints and LocalCircles’ study out of 8 major online grocery platforms, 5 have been found to be non-compliant with the requirement that Best Before date should be displayed on all packaged food products sold through the platform. Among those found to be compliant are Amazon Now, BigBasket, and Flipkart Minutes, while those found non-compliant are Milkbasket, JioMart, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. Some of these platforms instead of providing a Best Before Date or a Manufacturing Date with Shelf Life, just provide Shelf Life which is meaningless as it does not tell the consumer when the product expires. Below are some examples of products sold through various online grocery platforms – some which have Best Before Date displayed and others where this information is not available.

In summary, 48% of Indian online grocery shoppers surveyed say they still cannot find Best Before date (for human consumption products) displayed on most online platforms. However, there has been minor improvement observed in display of Best Before dates by some platforms. Despite the improvement, 1 in 2 consumers surveyed still can’t find it.

LocalCircles was instrumental in the original development, implementation and compliance tracking of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules 2017 amendment as well as the modification of food safety laws from an eCommerce perspective. Following the LocalCircles survey in October 2024, which revealed an increasing number of consumers purchasing food products online being unable to see the best before date of the products, the platform had repeatedly escalated with FSSAI the need for ensuring the display of best before date for human consumption products on online platforms. Though considerable time has passed since the last submission to FSSAI in January 2026, the Best Before Date is not being displayed on online platforms for such products.

The LocalCircles submission to FSSAI said that the Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulation 2020 should be implemented in letter and spirit with the regulator ensuring compliance. The authority should ensure that sellers/platforms must only display foods that have 30% or higher shelf life or 45 days for sale and update the law to mandate display of Best Before Dates online for all packaged food products.

Alternatively, LocalCircles had urged the authorities that in the event of FSSAI is unable to update their act in a timely manner, the clause that exempts food products in PCR 2017 amendment of legal metrology should be revoked such that consumers have this information available to them when purchasing food products online. This will ensure that just like in physical retail stores where the consumer has the benefit of seeing the expiry date of products when buying, they have the same information available when buying online.

LocalCircles plans to share the findings of this new survey with FSSAI, Legal Metrology and CCPA so the necessary changes can be made along with enforcing such that every online grocery platform complies and displays best before date for all human consumption products on their apps.

Survey Demographics

The survey received over 17,000 responses from consumers of online platforms located in 164 districts of India. 61% respondents were men while 39% respondents were women. 53% respondents were from tier 1, 29% from tier 2 and 18% respondents were from tier 3 & 4 districts. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform, and all participants were validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.

About LocalCircles

LocalCircles, India’s leading Community Social Media platform enables citizens and small businesses to escalate issues for policy and enforcement interventions and enables the Government to make policies that are citizen and small business centric. LocalCircles is also India’s # 1 pollster on issues of governance, public and consumer interest. More about LocalCircles can be found on http://www.localcircles.com

Media Contact: media@localcircles.com, +91-8585909866

The post 5 in 8 online grocery platforms in India still don’t display best before dates for packaged foods: LocalCircles appeared first on World Circular.

Shincheonji, Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Chairman Lee Man-hee; hereinafter “Shincheonji Church of Jesus”), a rapidly growing Christian denomination in South Korea, held a commemorative service on March 15th at Cheongju Church, Shincheonji Church of Jesus to mark its 42nd founding anniversary. The service was prepared as an occasion to look back on 42 years since its founding, to express gratitude for the sacrifices of Jesus, the martyrs, and the faith pioneers who came before, and to reaffirm the principle of “Word-centered faith.”

On the day, more than 2,000 members attended in person, while believers from South Korea and abroad also joined in real time via online livestream, adding further significance to the occasion.

In his proclamation of the Word, Chairman Lee Man-hee urged the congregation toward true faith, stating: “Just as John 1:1 declares that the Word itself is God, there can be no faith apart from the Word. Today, as we mark our 42nd founding anniversary, let us gather our hearts once more and strive to have a faith that is recognized even before God and the angels.”

Chairman Lee also emphasized the importance of the Book of Revelation, saying: “Revelation 22 states that anyone who adds to or takes away from this book will not enter heaven and will receive a curse. If one truly believes in the Word of God, one must examine whether they have added to or taken away from Revelation.”

Early Believers Reflect: “The Secret to Shincheonji’s Growth Is the Overwhelming Power of the Word”

Shincheonji Church of Jesus, now a globally recognized denomination, did not begin in a building — it began on mountains and in open fields. In an era when there was no proper place of worship, Chairman Lee Man-hee gathered with those who had followed the Word and held mountain worship services, before proclaiming the founding of Shincheonji on 14 March 1984.

The first-generation believers who laid the groundwork for Shincheonji’s growth carried a particularly deep sense of reflection as they welcomed the 42nd anniversary service. Bak Bok-yeong (70, female), a member who had been with Shincheonji Church of Jesus even before its founding, recalled: “It was such an immense joy to finally have my thirst for the Word quenched — I believed with gratitude and gladness. Thanks to the fullness that the revealed Word brought, the difficult conditions were no obstacle at all.” She added: “Now, seeing tens of thousands of believers flock here every year, I realize it is ultimately the power of the Word that has moved people’s hearts. All of this is the power of the Word, and the grace of God.”

Jo Myeong-suk (73, female), who joined in 1992, likewise shared: “While praying for the assurance of salvation and a desire to understand the true meaning of the Bible, I came across Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The depth I encountered was on an entirely different level, and that conviction led me to join.” She emphasized the secret behind Shincheonji’s growth across generations, adding: “Then as now, it seems that believers who hunger for the Word find their way here.”

Indeed, since its founding on 14 March 1984, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has dedicated itself to proclaiming the fulfilled realities of the Book of Revelation throughout the world. This spread of the Word is clearly reflected in the work of Zion Christian Mission Center, Shincheonji’s Bible education center. Beginning with the Graduation for Class 1 of Zion Christian Mission Center in 1991, the Center produced over 100,000 graduates in a single year in 2019 — a milestone unprecedented in religious history.

Last year, 59,192 graduates of Zion Christian Mission Center’s Class 116 gathered at Cheongju
Church, Shincheonji Church of Jesus. A significant number among them were international graduates, demonstrating that the gospel of Revelation is spreading across the globe.

Shincheonji Marks 42nd Anniversary with Active Exchange and Community Service‘

Now in its middle years of faith, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is expanding its engagement with the wider world. The church has been actively building relationships through Word exchange MOUs and sign change MOAs with pastoral communities at home and abroad. As of last year, cumulative Word exchange MOUs have reached 969 churches in South Korea and 14,347 churches across 89 countries overseas. Through sign change MOAs, 129 churches in South Korea and 1,729 churches across 48 countries have changed their church signs to Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has also fulfilled its social responsibilities by taking the lead in practical relief efforts during national crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 3,741 members donated plasma to support the development of treatments. In 2022, amid a nationwide blood shortage, more than 70,000 members completed blood donations within just two weeks, playing a pivotal role in resolving the crisis. The church has also dispatched large-scale volunteer teams to major disaster sites — including the Taean oil spill, the 2017 Pohang earthquake, and the Andong-Uiseong wildfires — to assist in recovery efforts. In addition, the church continues to carry out everyday care activities for marginalized members of local communities, including medical services for foreign workers and meal-sharing programs for elderly people living alone, practicing the value of “love” as taught by Jesus.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus stated: “The past 42 years have been a remarkable journey brought about by the dedication of our members alongside the unchanging essence of the Word of God. Going forward, we will do our utmost to spread the value of unwavering truth, rooted in the faith with which we began.”

The post Shincheonji Marks 42nd Anniversary: “From a Basement Beginning to a Denomination Growing by Tens of Thousands Every Year” appeared first on World Circular.

His docudrama Apne Ram, directed by Priyadarshan, highlights the faith, heritage, and civilizational values associated with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. The project presents the 500-year-long journey and struggle linked to the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, emphasizing the historical and emotional dimensions of this significant chapter. It has been telecast on News18 and is also available on their official YouTube channel.

Upreti is also the writer & Researcher of the series Jan Jan Mein Ram, directed by Mandira Dwivedi. This large-scale series has been shot across multiple locations, including Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Nashik (Panchwati), Telangana, Odisha, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It is currently telecasting on Doordarshan every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and streaming on WAVES OTT, the series traces the Ram Van Gaman path across India. It explores Shri Ram’s journey through both historical and spiritual lenses, combining engaging storytelling with on-ground documentation. The series brings alive the cultural, social, and religious significance of these locations while connecting with youth and modern audiences by highlighting timeless values such as courage, integrity, and empathy.

An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Upreti works at the intersection of journalism and storytelling, presenting culturally rooted narratives in formats that resonate with today’s audiences.

Speaking about his work, Upreti said:

“These stories are deeply embedded in India’s cultural consciousness. The effort is to present them in a way that resonates with today’s generation while staying true to their essence.”

With Ram Navami approaching, these projects highlight the continuing relevance of Shri Ram’s journey in India’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Both have been widely appreciated for their depth, research, and accessibility, offering audiences an opportunity to reconnect with India’s heritage.

Upreti is also currently developing new projects, including a love story, a war story, and a history-based series, further expanding his work across genres.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:

Email: uprisersconsultants@gmail.com

Phone: +91-9372969078

The post Ram Navami Special: Screenwriter & Journalist Tushar Upreti brings Shri Ram’s Timeless Legacy to Screens through Apne Ram & Jan Jan Mein Ram appeared first on World Circular.

The dedication of the early believers who started in an apartment basement 42 years ago became the seed of a revival that today draws tens of thousands of faithful from around the world every year. At the heart of that growth lies a steadfast principle of faith rooted in the Word — the very essence of true belief.

Shincheonji, Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Chairman Lee Man-hee; hereinafter “Shincheonji Church of Jesus”), a rapidly growing Christian denomination in South Korea, held a commemorative service on March 15th at Cheongju Church, Shincheonji Church of Jesus to mark its 42nd founding anniversary. The service was prepared as an occasion to look back on 42 years since its founding, to express gratitude for the sacrifices of Jesus, the martyrs, and the faith pioneers who came before, and to reaffirm the principle of “Word-centered faith.”

On the day, more than 2,000 members attended in person, while believers from South Korea and abroad also joined in real time via online livestream, adding further significance to the occasion.

Chairman Lee Man-hee reaffirms the principle of Word-centered faith at the 42nd founding anniversary.

In his proclamation of the Word, Chairman Lee Man-hee urged the congregation toward true faith, stating: “Just as John 1:1 declares that the Word itself is God, there can be no faith apart from the Word. Today, as we mark our 42nd founding anniversary, let us gather our hearts once more and strive to have a faith that is recognized even before God and the angels.”

Chairman Lee also emphasized the importance of the Book of Revelation, saying: “Revelation 22 states that anyone who adds to or takes away from this book will not enter heaven and will receive a curse. If one truly believes in the Word of God, one must examine whether they have added to or taken away from Revelation.”

Early Believers Reflect: “The Secret to Shincheonji’s Growth Is the Overwhelming Power of the Word”

Shincheonji Church of Jesus, now a globally recognized denomination, did not begin in a building — it began on mountains and in open fields. In an era when there was no proper place of worship, Chairman Lee Man-hee gathered with those who had followed the Word and held mountain worship services, before proclaiming the founding of Shincheonji on 14 March 1984.

Press Video Footage: https://youtu.be/FFITiROllsQ

The first-generation believers who laid the groundwork for Shincheonji’s growth carried a particularly deep sense of reflection as they welcomed the 42nd anniversary service. Bak Bok-yeong (70, female), a member who had been with Shincheonji Church of Jesus even before its founding, recalled: “It was such an immense joy to finally have my thirst for the Word quenched — I believed with gratitude and gladness. Thanks to the fullness that the revealed Word brought, the difficult conditions were no obstacle at all.” She added: “Now, seeing tens of thousands of believers flock here every year, I realize it is ultimately the power of the Word that has moved people’s hearts. All of this is the power of the Word, and the grace of God.”

Jo Myeong-suk (73, female), who joined in 1992, likewise shared: “While praying for the assurance of salvation and a desire to understand the true meaning of the Bible, I came across Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The depth I encountered was on an entirely different level, and that conviction led me to join.” She emphasized the secret behind Shincheonji’s growth across generations, adding: “Then as now, it seems that believers who hunger for the Word find their way here.”

Indeed, since its founding on 14 March 1984, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has dedicated itself to proclaiming the fulfilled realities of the Book of Revelation throughout the world. This spread of the Word is clearly reflected in the work of Zion Christian Mission Center, Shincheonji’s Bible education center. Beginning with the Graduation for Class 1 of Zion Christian Mission Center in 1991, the Center produced over 100,000 graduates in a single year in 2019 — a milestone unprecedented in religious history. Last year, 59,192 graduates of Zion Christian Mission Center’s Class 116 gathered at Cheongju Church, Shincheonji Church of Jesus. A significant number among them were international graduates, demonstrating that the gospel of Revelation is spreading across the globe.

Shincheonji Marks 42nd Anniversary with Active Exchange and Community Service

Now in its middle years of faith, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is expanding its engagement with the wider world. The church has been actively building relationships through Word exchange MOUs and sign change MOAs with pastoral communities at home and abroad. As of last year, cumulative Word exchange MOUs have reached 969 churches in South Korea and 14,347 churches across 89 countries overseas. Through sign change MOAs, 129 churches in South Korea and 1,729 churches across 48 countries have changed their church signs to Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has also fulfilled its social responsibilities by taking the lead in practical relief efforts during national crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 3,741 members donated plasma to support the development of treatments. In 2022, amid a nationwide blood shortage, more than 70,000 members completed blood donations within just two weeks, playing a pivotal role in resolving the crisis. The church has also dispatched large-scale volunteer teams to major disaster sites — including the Taean oil spill, the 2017 Pohang earthquake, and the Andong-Uiseong wildfires — to assist in recovery efforts. In addition, the church continues to carry out everyday care activities for marginalized members of local communities, including medical services for foreign workers and meal-sharing programs for elderly people living alone, practicing the value of “love” as taught by Jesus.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus stated: “The past 42 years have been a remarkable journey brought about by the dedication of our members alongside the unchanging essence of the Word of God. Going forward, we will do our utmost to spread the value of unwavering truth, rooted in the faith with which we began.”

SCJ TV is the official media channel of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (SCJ). As a global platform featuring worship services, Bible education, teachings, and cultural content, SCJ TV is committed to making its Bible-based message accessible to audiences around the world, transcending geographical and linguistic boundaries.

Website: https://www.shincheonji.org/en
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Contact: press@scjtvglobal.com

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Shincheonji Church of Jesus expresses deep concern regarding the proliferation of speculative reports based solely on the unilateral claims of expelled individuals. These reports involve allegations of “mass entry into the People Power Party,” “interference in the Presidential election,” and “interference in the General election.”

We state clearly and unequivocally:

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has never instructed its members to join any political party, including the People Power Party or the Democratic Party of Korea, or to engage in political activities. Systematic election interference is neither structurally possible nor factually true.

The church does not have the means to know its members’ individual political choices, nor do we control them. Individual political activity is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. Accordingly, we do not track the number of party members in our congregation, and we do not keep any such lists.

Despite this, certain politicians and media outlets are concluding that Shincheonji Church of Jesus is systematically interfering in elections in collusion with a specific party. This behavior amplifies unverified speculation and effectively predetermines the direction of the investigation before it has even concluded.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus seeks the establishment of truth based on facts, not speculation. Therefore, we officially demand that the Joint Investigation Headquarters conduct a fair verification process as follows.

First, the Joint Investigation Headquarters must conduct a simultaneous joint inquiry by cross-referencing the list of members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus with the political party rosters, including those of the Democratic Party and the People Power Party.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus clearly states its willingness to provide its membership list with the consent of its members. This investigation must not target a specific party alone. It must be, as the President instructed, an investigation “without sanctuary,” leaving no one exempt.

Second, if any individuals are confirmed to be registered members of any political party, the Headquarters must directly investigate the circumstances of their joining and whether there was any systemic instruction. Furthermore, the investigation must objectively verify whether these individuals participated in major intra-party elections, such as presidential primaries or party leadership primaries.

Third, if the claim persists that Shincheonji Church of Jesus received special favors through political intervention, specific details and evidence must be clearly presented. If political collusion actually existed, it could not explain the current reality where the church is blocked from using its own facilities as religious sites, even after purchasing spaces through a legally sound process.

We strongly demand that this matter be clarified not through suspicion targeting a specific party, but through a fair joint investigation that spans both ruling and opposition parties.

Fourth, the Headquarters must investigate whether there is collusion between politics and religion across all religious groups, including Protestant, Buddhist, and Catholic denominations, and must use the exact same methods applied to Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

20 January, 2026
All Members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus

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