Nirmala Carvalho

These are the some of the goals 5th Bali Democracy Forum (8-9 November). Some 1,200 delegates are expected, including representatives of civil society groups as well as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. For Indian activist Lenin Raghuvanshi, "castes, patriarchy and communal thinking hinder the advancement of democratic principles" in the world.

The Chief of Urology at Ahalia Hospital describes the victim, Dr. Rajan Daniel, as "very religious and a gentleman". A few hours before his death, the victim wanted to read the Bible. The suspected murderer is a man of Pakistani nationality, maybe a patient.

The suspect, Mohamed Abdul Jamil, has stabbed Dr. Rajan Daniel eight times. Motives still unknown. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) criticizes the silence of the Indian government and denounces growing radicalism - Hindu and Muslim - in India.

Penpa Tsering, speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, spoke to AsiaNews about the many challenges posed by China's changing leadership. "They must change radically, defend rather than crush human rights."

Three new incidents provoked by ultra-nationalist Hindu community against Pentecostals. In two cases, the victims were admitted to hospital for wounds. Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC): "Shameful incidents, but should spur Christians to renew their faith in Christ."

More than 250 Catholics celebrated the feast day together with the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master of Bandra. For the congregation's superior, Benedict XVI's Porta Fidei reminds us that "our spirituality is to live as Saint Paul lived Christ, so that Christ may live and love through us."

Within days, five self-immolations. The "worst" week in the fight against what they call the imperialism of Beijing and the cultural genocide. Denouncing the "failure" of Chinese politics, Free Tibet appeals for the future leadership that responds to the "quest for freedom".

Chief minister's announcement sparks controversy. Hindu temples are run by boards whose members are picked by the state government. The spokesman of the Syro-Malabar Synod says religion and politics should not mix, approves the idea of women board members.

Jairam Ramesh, India's Rural Development Minister, has launched an awareness campaign about health and sanitation. Hindu nationalists react immediately, accusing him of insulting Hinduism. For Ram Puniyani, an intellectual and activist, nationalists defend religion only for political purposes.

The highest court in India demands Orissa account for the numerous acquittals related to the pogroms of 2008. Of 185 trials, only 64 convictions and all for minor offenses. No sentence for murder, rape, looting, arson. A report compiled by an NGO led the Supreme Court to action.

The official is helped by Hindu nationalists. He said the action was necessary because the structure impeded the proper flow of traffic. Local pastor calls on Labour minister to remove him. Local Christians say the action was deliberate and mischievous, designed to stir communal tensions. In Tamil Nadu, a judge rules that home prayers do not need any permit.

Tamdrin Dorjee, 62, set himself on fire on October 13 in front of the monastery Tsoe, County Kanlho (eastern Tibet). The man was the grandfather of the 7th Gunthang Rinpoche, an important religious figure of the Buddhist monastery of Labrang. His death came shortly after the appeal of the 400 exiled leaders to abandon immolation as a method of protest.