New York, Having been duped, a US city has scrapped a sister-city agreement with the fictional nation of "Kailasa" that the <keyword id="9500247" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fugitive-godman-nithyananda" source="Orion">fugitive godman Nithyananda</keyword>'s outfit claimed was recognition by the US.<br /><br />"Based on deception, the (sister-city) ceremony was groundless and void," Newark Press Secretary Susan Garofalo said in a message to IANS on Wednesday.<br /><br />"As soon as we learned about the circumstances surrounding Kailasa, the City of Newark immediately took action and rescinded the sister-city agreement on January 18," she added.<br /><br />Despite Newark revoking the agreement, the make-believe "government of Kailasa" continues to post it on its website with the claim, "The United States of America recognises the United States of Kailasa (USK) and signs a bilateral agreement."<br /><br />The Newark caper illustrates how easy it is for groups to manipulate municipal and state bodies taking advantage of their lack of international sophistication to unwittingly make them appear to confer legitimacy on their causes, even when they are at odds with official US positions.<br /><br />"USK's" Newark effort was a part of the disinformation campaign claiming legitimacy for the "nation" set up by Nithyananda, who fled India in 2019 while facing charges of rape and abduction.<br /><br />Last month, two members of "USK made an appearance at a meeting of a United Nations panel in Geneva when the session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) on sustainable development opened up for questions and comments from the audience.<br /><br />One of them injected their claims that Nithyananda was being "persecuted" into her comments.<br /><br />They then created the false impression on social media that "USK" was recognised by the UN.<br /><br />In January when a UN panel in Geneva asked for comments on the sexual exploitation of children for a report, USK sent in comments that the panel collated along with those of others.<br /><br />USK then claimed that their report was an official UN document.<br /><br />The agreement with Newark was signed on or around January 11 at a ceremony at which Newark's Mayor Ras Baraka and other city leaders were present.<br /><br />A picture on the "USK" website showed Baraka signing the since revoked agreement with a woman with a turban and a pendant on her forehead and wearing several necklaces while another similarly dressed woman in their trademark attire looked on.<br /><br />Council Member Luis Quintana, who made the motion to junk the agreement, said, "We cannot bring Sister-Cities International into an issue where there is controversy."<br /><br />"We cannot put ourselves in a situation where we put a sister-cities (agreement with a city) that has no human rights and (is involved) in terms of the issues that are created elsewhere," he added.<br /><br />He said, "This oversight cannot happen any longer."<br /><br />There have been other instances of cities and states stepping into controversies involving India.<br /><br />For example, last year, the Connecticut General Assembly influenced by Khalistanis issued a citation "in recognition of the 36th anniversary of the declaration of Sikh independence" while the town of Norwich in the state declared April 29 as the "Sikh Declaration of Independence Day".<br /><br />At least six US cities have passed resolutions condemning India's Citizenship Amendment Act that speeded up citizenship for non-Muslims fleeing persecution to India, while also allowing citizenship under the normal time frame for Muslims.<br /><br />But in 2021, a Chicago City Council resolution critical of India was defeated.<br /><br />Speaking afterwards, Mayor Lori Lightfoot set the standards for local bodies wading into international matters.<br /><br />She questioned whether the aldermen, as council members in the city are known, had adequate information about India, according to The Chicago Tribune.<br /><br />She added that she wouldn't "pretend to be an expert" on India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<br /><br />"What I say sitting here as Mayor of Chicago is I'm not going to get ahead of the (President Joe) Biden administration," Lightfoot said.<br /><br />With a population of 307,000, Newark is the largest in New Jersey.<br /><br />Although New Jersey has the third highest number of Asian-Indians in the US and the most by percentage, their population is minuscule in Newark city compared to other areas of the state.<br /><br /><br />

Duped US city scraps agreement with fictional 'Kailasa' created by fugitive godman Nithyananda

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The city of Newark says it was fooled into signing a sister cities agreement with a fake country.</li><li>The so-called nation of Kailasa was fabricated by a Hindu guru who fled rape charges in India.</li></ul><p>The city of Newark, New Jersey, has admitted that it was duped into signing an official partnership with a supposed Hindu nation. The country, however, doesn't exist.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0aR2EagjXM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">At a January 12 ceremony,</a> Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and several city officials signed an agreement to become sister cities with the "United States of Kailasa."</p><p>Two women representing Kailasa, garbed in what appears to be traditional clothing and jewelry, attended the ceremony. One of them gave an eight-minute speech before the city council, thanking Newark for the partnership and speaking of creating an "enlightened Hindu civilization."</p><p>But Kailasa is the fabrication of Swami Nithyananda, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/bengaluru-non-bailable-warrant-against-controversial-godman-nithyananda/articleshow/93665585.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a Hindu guru who fled India in 2019 when he was charged with rape.</a></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—philip lewis  (@Phil_Lewis_) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1633249047862468608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote><p>Nithyananda, a self-styled holy man who titles himself the "Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism," claims to have created Kailasa as a "revival" of a Hindu nation. The BBC reported that he also says he's purchased an island off the coast of Ecuador, though the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64807659" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ecuadorian government told the outlet it has neither helped him nor given him asylum.</a></p><p>Newark's city council, realizing six days after the ceremony that the city was fooled, <a href="https://newark.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&amp;clip_id=542&amp;meta_id=441348" target="_blank" rel="noopener">voted on January 18 to rescind its partnership with the faux nation,</a> <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/newark-sister-city-scam-kailasa/">CBS first reported on March 8.</a></p><p>The city told CBS in a statement that the signing was a "regrettable incident," but that it "remains committed to partnering with people from diverse cultures in order to enrich each other with connectivity, support, and mutual respect."</p><p>It added that no money was involved in the signing of the ceremony, per CBS.</p><p>The Newark City Council did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.</p><h2>Kailasa appears at United Nations meetings</h2><p>Meanwhile, the same woman who spoke at the Newark signing appeared twice at United Nations meetings in Geneva in February, claiming to represent Kailasa. </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Atul Khatri  (@one_by_two) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1631147689734815750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2023</a></blockquote><p>Calling herself Vijayapriya Nithyananda, she spoke at a discussion on how women are represented in decision-making systems on February 22, and at another meeting on sustainable development on February 24, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64807659" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per the BBC.</a></p><p>A UN spokesperson told the BBC that her contributions made at the meetings weren't relevant or would be scrapped from consideration.</p><p>A Twitter account for Kailasa has in the meantime posted multiple photos of its representatives meeting with UN diplomatic staff or ambassadors for various countries. These include ambassadors or staff for the <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1635668927698051075">United Arab Emirates</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1633479953558667266">Gambia,</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1633481382805528584" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangladesh,</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1634416327791198208" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equatorial Guinea</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1634416457881726977" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Montenegro</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1633481702327582723" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lebanon</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1629849548335054851">Lithuania</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1629771058759753728" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Egypt</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SriNithyananda/status/1633480227585138691" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Burundi.</a></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—KAILASA's SPH Nithyananda  (@SriNithyananda) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1634416457881726977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote><p>It's unclear if the staff or ambassadors were aware of Kailasa being a fake country at the time. They have also not clarified whether they met these women in an official capacity or during chance encounters. </p><p>A spokesperson for Lithuania's mission to the UN confirmed to Insider that one of its employees had met with the Kailasa representatives to "listen to their concerns." "Since this meeting did not take place with the official representative of Lithuania, it does not represent any national position of Lithuania towards Kailasa," they said.</p><p>The UN missions for the rest of the above nations did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.</p><p>Kailasa is signing agreements with cities like Newark and trying to be seen with international officials in a bid to legitimize itself through disinformation, Mohan Dutta, the dean's chair of communication at Massey University in New Zealand, told Insider.</p><p>"What they are doing is taking something that is entirely a falsity, that is non-existent, and materializing it through these performances," said Dutta, who's tracked Kailasa since it was founded in 2019. "It's really powerful and shows how disinformation works."</p><p>Nithyananda, the organization's founder, has claimed that Kailasa is now issuing tourist visas, has a currency, and has established embassies around the world, though it has no internationally recognized territory, Dutta said.</p><p>The guru also claims to be able to disprove Einstein's theory of relativity and possess paranormal abilities, Dutta said.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—KAILASA's SPH Nithyananda  (@SriNithyananda) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1635997550166548482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote><p>Groups like Kailasa that center on a holy man who espouses pseudo-scientific claims are typically motivated either by the monetary gain from donations, or exploit followers through sexual and physical violence, Dutta added..</p><p>And Newark's failure to spot any warning signs before partnering with Kailasa is particularly worrying, he said.</p><p>"It is flabbergasting that you have bureaucrats and politicians at the local government in a democratic state having failed to do their duty of due diligence," Dutta said.</p><p>In a statement to Insider, a representative for Kailasa denied the rape accusations against Nithyananda. The representative also said the guru never claimed to own an island, and compared Nithyananda to the Dalai Lama.</p>

Newark was tricked into becoming sister cities with a Hindu nation. The catch: the country doesn't exist.

Looking for a perfect <keyword id="6375546" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Weekend" source="Orion">weekend</keyword> getaway near Pune that offers a blend of history, nature, and adventure? You're in luck! Pune, with its proximity to stunning destinations, serves as an excellent starting point for an unforgettable weekend escape. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a virtual tour of the top places to visit near Pune. From ancient forts and serene hill stations to spiritual retreats and breathtaking caves, this itinerary has it all. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime.<br /><h3>Sinhagad Fort - Uncover History and Scenic Beauty</h3><div type="image" title="Sinhagad Fort" msid="101304222" hostid="261" sizebytes="109390"></div>Begin your weekend adventure by visiting the iconic Sinhagad Fort, located just a short drive from Pune. This historical gem stands atop a hill and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Trek through the picturesque trails, learn about the valorous tales of the Maratha Empire, and capture stunning photographs of the fort and its surroundings. Don't forget to savor the authentic local cuisine at the hilltop restaurants.<br /><h3>Lonavala and Khandala - Hill Stations of Tranquility</h3><div type="image" title="Lonavala" msid="101304271" hostid="261" sizebytes="75656"></div>Next, head towards the enchanting hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala, situated at an altitude of 2,047 feet. These twin towns are renowned for their mist-covered valleys, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance as you explore popular attractions like Tiger's Point and Bhushi Dam. Indulge your taste buds with the famous Lonavala chikki, a mouthwatering sweet delicacy. Additionally, make sure to visit the ancient Karla and Bhaja Caves, showcasing intricate rock-cut architecture.<br /><h3>Mahabaleshwar - Nature's Paradise</h3><div type="image" title="Mahabaleshwar" msid="101304303" hostid="261" sizebytes="19212"></div>For a serene and nature-filled retreat, head to the picturesque hill station of Mahabaleshwar. Surrounded by verdant landscapes, strawberry farms, and glistening waterfalls, this destination is a treat for the senses. Take leisurely walks through the colonial-era town, indulge in a scenic boat ride on Venna Lake, and embark on an exciting trek to the historic Pratapgarh Fort. Don't forget to sample the juicy strawberries that Mahabaleshwar is famous for.<br /><h3>Ajanta and Ellora Caves - Architectural Marvels</h3><div type="image" title="Ellora caves" msid="101304348" hostid="261" sizebytes="161018"></div>Prepare to be awestruck by the ancient wonders of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These magnificent rock-cut caves boast exquisite sculptures and intricate paintings that depict tales from ancient Indian history and mythology. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Kailasa Temple in Ellora, a remarkable architectural masterpiece carved out of a single rock. Allow yourself to be transported back in time as you explore the artistic brilliance of these caves.<br /><h3>Shirdi and Nashik - Spiritual Havens</h3><div type="image" title="Shirdi Sai mandir" msid="101304473" hostid="261" sizebytes="82306"></div>End your weekend getaway on a spiritual note by visiting Shirdi and Nashik. Shirdi is renowned as the abode of the revered saint Sai Baba. Pay homage at the Sai Baba Temple, soak in the peaceful ambiance, and participate in the daily rituals. On your way, stop by Nashik, a holy city famous for its temples and as the host of the grand Kumbh Mela. Take a dip in the sacred Godavari River and explore the ancient Trimbakeshwar Temple.<br /><br />Pune, with its proximity to captivating destinations, offers an ideal starting point for a memorable weekend getaway. From delving into history at Sinhagad Fort to immersing yourself in the tranquility of Lonavala and Khandala, and from exploring ancient caves at Ajanta and Ellora to seeking spiritual solace in Shirdi and Nashik, this itinerary promises a diverse and fulfilling experience. Pack your bags, embark on an adventure-filled journey, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Book your next weekend escape near Pune today and get ready for an unforgettable trip filled with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual rejuvenation.<br />

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Duped US city scraps agreement with fictional 'Kailasa' created by fugitive godman Nithyananda

IANS

Newark was tricked into becoming sister cities with a Hindu nation. The catch: the country doesn't exist.

Matthew Loh

The ultimate weekend getaway near Pune: explore hidden gems and nearby attractions

Ayush

Shagun