DMK leaders who belong to the I.N.D.I Alliance seem determined to maintain the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sanatana Dharma burning. In their effort to do so, DMK MLA Poondi Kalaivaanan has penned a letter to the principal of the government arts college in Tiruvarur, encouraging students to engage in an event where they can express their perspectives on the topic of ‘Challenging Sanatana Dharma.’
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin stoked a controversy claiming that Sanatana Dharma is like mosquito, dengue, malaria and corona which has to be eradicated and not just opposed.
Udhayanidhi Stalin made this speech during the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association organized “Eradicate Sanatanam Conclave” at Kamarajar Chennai on 2 September 2023, akin to the anti-Hindu Dismantling Global Hindutva conference that was held in 2021.
Following his comments, politicians including the alliance partners of DMK such as Congress and Shiva Sena, and some political commentators have condemned Udhayanidhi Stalin’s speech.
Nevertheless, in the face of repeated condemnation from their alliance partners, DMK leaders persisted in their criticism of Sanatana Dharma/Hindu Dharma. In the most recent instance of expressing hatred for the Hindu religion, DMK MLA Poondi Kalaivaanan has written a letter to the Tiruvarur government arts college, encouraging students to voice their opinions on opposing Sanatana Dharma during Annadurai birthday celebrations.
In his letter addressed to the Principal of Thiru Vi Ka government arts and science college, DMK MLA Poondi Kalaivaanan said, “We affectionately refer to our nation as Mother India. Unfortunately, the Sanatanis who infiltrated our country have undermined the cause of feminism in our country. It was only through the Dravida movement that women began to secure their rights. For instance, women gained the right to vote, the freedom to wear blouses, access to property ownership, and opportunities for education. In the present day, as proponents of Sanatana Dharma attempt to reintroduce a birth-based educational system through the New Educational Policy (NEP), our young leader in the Dravidian movement (Udhayanidhi Stalin) has indicated our determination to eradicate Sanatana Dharma. Hence, I extend a warm invitation to students to express their profound thoughts regarding the opposition to Sanatana Dharma during the commemoration of Anna’s birthday, scheduled for September 15th at 03:00 pm in Kalaignar Kottam (hall) at Kattur.”
Ironically, Rajaraman, the Principal of Thiru Vi Ka Government Arts and Science College, has given permission and encouraged the students to participate in the anti-Sanatan Dharma/Hindu Religion event. In a circular to the students of the college, the Principal said, “The female students of this college are requested to share their deep thoughts on opposing Sanatana Dharma on 15th September, during the celebration of Anna’s birthday, commencing at 03:00 pm at Kattur’s Kalaignar Kottam.”
It’s paradoxical that the principal of a government college is promoting student involvement in an event orchestrated by a political party, and furthermore, urging them to express their views against a particular religion.
Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah slammed the DMK government for its anti-Hindu behavior. In a tweet, SG Suryah said, “The Tamil Nadu government’s overtly anti-Hindu stance is pushing boundaries. Under the pressure of Thiruvarur DMK MLA Poondi Kalaivanan, girl students are forcibly invited to speak against Sanathana Dharma in Thiruvarur Govt college It would be wise for people around puppet MK Stalin to advise him not to play with fire.”
Recent reports suggest that, in response to public outrage, the principal has revoked the circular.
தமிழக அரசின் அப்பட்ட ஹிந்து விரோத போக்கு எல்லை மீறுகிறது. விளையாட்டு துறை அமைச்சர் சனாதன தர்மத்தை எதிர்க்கிறேன் பேர்வழி என பிதற்ற, திருவாரூர் தி.மு.க எம்.எல்.ஏ பூண்டி கலைவாணனின் அழுத்தத்தால் திரு.வி.க அரசு கல்லூரியில் மாணவிகள் "சனாதன எதிர்ப்பு" குறித்து வலுக்கட்டாயமாக பேச… pic.twitter.com/Hypn7MppCi
A new circular has been issued in which students have been asked to express their views just about “Sanatana”.
#JUSTIN செப்.15இல் சனாதன எதிர்ப்பு குறித்த கருத்துகளை கலைஞர் கோட்டத்தில் மாணவர்கள் பகிர்ந்துகொள்ள வேண்டும் என திருவாரூர் திருவிக அரசு கலைக் கல்லூரி முதல்வர் அனுப்பிய சுற்றறிக்கை சர்ச்சையான நிலையில், சனாதனம் குறித்த கருத்துகள் என மாற்றப்பட்டு மீண்டும் சுற்றறிக்கை… pic.twitter.com/8N984oAIeZ
In the wake of the distressing events at AR Rahman’s Marakkuma Nenjam concert, where calls for apologies and refunds resound across social media, Hemanth Raja, the CEO of the event organising company, ACTC Events, made a TV appearance. In an interview to Thanthi TV, Raja, who claimed to have orchestrated 300-400 events in the past, found himself unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the overcrowding debacle.
Despite vehemently denying allegations of overselling tickets, Raja shifted the blame onto attendees, accusing them of duplicating tickets from the previously canceled event in August 2023. He revealed his ambition to set a record for the number of attendees at the AR Rahman event, seeking to surpass the large crowds witnessed at Rahman’s concerts in northern India. His target was an impressive 40,000 attendees, although permission had only been sought for 25,000. Raja claimed that 36,000 tickets were sold, with an additional 4,000 given away as complimentary passes.
However, he contended that it was these 4,000 complimentary tickets that had been duplicated, resulting in a sudden influx of attendees that overwhelmed the venue. In response, he had to deploy staff initially stationed inside to manage the crowds outside. Consequently, some attendees seized the opportunity to move closer to the stage when security personnel were momentarily absent.
Critics argue that Raja’s responses during the interview fell far short of expectations, as QR code checks were not effectively enforced, and he seemingly placed the blame squarely on the attendees. Despite having anticipated the numbers and making arrangements for seating and other logistics, he failed to notify the police about the change in attendance figures until the situation had escalated. When asked about the Coimbatore event, he simply denied any wrongdoing, citing ticket refunds as evidence.
Raja’s interview did little to acknowledge the trauma and emotional distress experienced by those unable to attend the event or who faced harrowing situations within the venue. Toward the end of the interview, he offered a statement of apology to all those who endured the traumatic evening and admitted that choosing the Adityaram Palace as the venue had been a mistake. However, for many, this apology came too late and failed to fully address the concerns and grievances stemming from the disastrous event.
While stars and Kollywood celebrities rally behind Rahman as if he’s the one deeply affected by the event’s outcome, it’s the attendees who truly suffered. Concerning this, pertinent questions have been raised by YouTuber Maridhas in his latest video, primarily directed at the event organisers and Rahman himself.
What Went Wrong?
The Event Venue & The Availability Of Space
The organisers chose the venue, Adityaram Palace in Panaiyur near Chennai and they were able to make use of only 5-6 acres, an insufficient area for even 25,000 concertgoers. To comfortably accommodate this number, a minimum of 8-10 acres is necessary for standing audiences, and even more, around 15-18 acres, for seated arrangements. The existing setup could accommodate only 7,000-8,000 attendees, leaving unanswered questions about how permission was granted for 25,000, and why the CEO of ACTC Events claimed that 46,000-50,000 people attended, suggesting the need for 50-55 acres of space.
Parking Chaos
While attendees were issued parking tokens after payment for cars and two-wheelers, the lack of proper direction and parking space near the venue created chaos. Many attendees had to park their cars 2-3 kilometers away and navigate through the roads, searching for parking spots. The absence of clear entry and exit indications compounded the problem. Adequate parking facilities for an estimated 5,000 cars require 10-12 acres, which was absolutely lacking. Maridhas alleged that this token system appeared more focused on revenue collection than efficient parking management.
Location Choice
In comparison to venues like the YMCA, Island Grounds, and Nehru Stadium, which can comfortably host crowds of 45,000-50,000, the ECR location chosen for the event lacked easy accessibility and public transport options. Maridhas argued that the choice of this remote venue reflects a profit-centric approach, prioritizing cost-cutting over attendee convenience.
Lack/Absence Of Toilet Facilities
With an expected attendance of over 40,000, adequate toilet facilities should have been in place, a minimum of 150 toilets, especially considering the diverse audience, including kids, adults, and elders. Yet, there was a glaring absence of even proper water and food dispensation.
Low Number Of Event Volunteers
The number of event volunteers remains undisclosed, but Maridhas estimates a maximum of 500 were hired. Troublingly, in this video, we can see that they are verbally abusing the attendees. There are allegations of physical assaults against attendees who questioned the organizers.
In a large-scale event involving attendees of all ages, the absence of ambulances, first aid kits, and information on nearby hospitals is extremely concerning. Immediate action in case of mishaps should have been a priority, but there was no sign of such provisions.
Government Permissions And Police Response
The event’s organisation seemingly bypassed standard rules and regulations, raising questions about how government permissions were granted. Additionally, it is alleged that there could be a possible political connection, citing AR Rahman’s purported closeness to the DMK.
He was chosen to do the ‘Vanakkam Chennai’ (Welcome Anthem) for the International Chess Olympiad, 2022, a song that looked more like a propaganda video for MK Stalin than a song for the event.
MK Stalin during his Dubai tour in March 2022 paid a visit to Rahman’s studio.
Attendee Suffering & Audio Issues
The event witnessed attendees who had paid substantial sums per ticket, including families who invested up to ₹1 lakh, being denied entry due to overcrowding. Police redirected these victims aimlessly, failing to provide a resolution. Furthermore, audio issues persisted during the event, with speakers being repaired as late as 9 PM, causing confusion and disappointment among attendees at the event.
An Apology Too Little That Came Too Late From ACTC Events & AR Rahman
After multiple calls for apology, attendees claim to have received a mass email from AR Rahman which states,
“Dear <name>
My Sincere apologies to you and to your family for what you had to go through at the concert. It was purely unintentional and we were driven by ambition to deliver an exceptional concert to Chennai that they have never experienced before.
We are actively working towards making amends for the unfavourable experience that you have had. Our team is in the process of reimbursing the amount you spent and has also prepared a surprise for you, which you can expect to receive very shortly. Expressing my gratitude for your unwavering support, prayers, affection, and well wishes throughout these years. I pray that you and your family lead a wonderful life filled with good health.
Please share the bank details on this email, along with the payment receipt & ticket copy.
A.R. Rahman”
Many netizens demanded a video apology instead of sending a mass copy-paste email which seems to be most likely done by the organising team. It is worth noting that AR Rahman had gone live on Instagram after the Chennai concert which was supposed to be held in August got cancelled due to rains. He has however not done the same after the fiasco.
Brother. If he can do an insta live saying that the concert has been postponed then the same can be done here. One video of him apologising is more than enough which he is sulking at! https://t.co/zlu8HOTYYa
— Saravanaprasad Balasubramanian (Modi ka Pariwar) (@BS_Prasad) September 11, 2023
If AR Rahman and the event organiser had promptly issued a sincere apology the day following the event, it could have mitigated the subsequent outrage. Instead, they opted for superficial gestures in response to the backlash.
It is only after massive public outrage for the past two days that the CEO of ACTC Hemanth put out a video message saying that the audience will be refunded regardless of how much they paid for the tickets.
ACTC CEO: 100% #ARRahman is not one to blame. It's completely our mistake. dont spread negativity about him. He did his job 100% & Majority were enjoyed, but we failed ! We take Full responsibility & refunds & we are with you – Actc @arrahman#WeStandWithARRpic.twitter.com/AebBGH6NxE
“A lot of inconveniences have happened in this concert. I humbly apologize for many of you not being able to enter despite purchasing tickets. We organized this program so that people can enjoy listening to Rahman sir’s music. Our company ACTC is fully responsible for any inconvenience caused during this event. AR Rahman’s role in this was only to perform on stage. He did it very well. He had nothing to do with the inconveniences that happened in the event. Don’t criticize him on social media. It’s all about us. I’ve already spoke about this in a few news channels. Refunds will be made to those who paid for the ticket ‘in a proper manner’ but couldn’t enter the concert.“, Hemanth said in his video message.
“I’ve already apologized 2-3 times but still I have no problem in apologizing once again“, Hemanth adds in the video.
He claimed that the fiasco happened due to “overcrowding”, “ticket duplications” and not due to “oversales” of the ticket and trivialized the traumatic experiences as “inconvenience”.
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There is a big debate that has turned to a political furore over the name of our country. India or Bharat? It has led someone like me to delve into the profound question of how we perceive ourselves as a nation, the evolution of our historical identity, and the role of language and tradition in shaping our collective consciousness
Now, in my opinion, the issue does not deserve the ridiculous amount of anger it has brought to certain people. Knowing our history, knowing that Bharat is what our country was originally called, I thought going back to our origins, our roots, is the right thing to do. Apparently – and to my complete surprise – many people seem to have a problem with this.
The name of a country is more than just a linguistic label; it embodies the core of its character, culture, and history.
The name “Bharat” is derived from the tribe Bharatas. The Rigveda mentions a battle called The Battle of the Ten Kings in which the king of the Bharata tribe warred with nine other tribes. The king of the Bharata tribe won and it is mentioned that the rest of the tribes migrated to Iran after their loss on the battlefield. Bharat is the name that the people of our country gave to themselves.
उत्तरं यत् समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम्
वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र सन्ततिः
– Vishnu Purana
This translates to “The country that lies north of the ocean and south of the Himalayas is called Bhārat and the people living there are called Bharati”. This is further evidence of the fact that we have always been Bharat.
The term “Hindus”, which they were later called, was given to them by the Arabs and Iranians when they wanted to refer to the people who lived on the other side of River Sindhu. Our country was then referred to as “Hindustan” (by the Persians) derived from “Hind”. The Greeks, who called River Sindhu “Indus”, later named it India.
Renaming the country need not be as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be. There are several countries with dual names. Japan is internally referred to as Nippon, Greece as Hellenic Republic, China as Zonghua and so on. Nobody is crying into their pillow because these countries chose their name, so why make a big deal if India is called Bharat?
Moreover, the Constitution starts with “India, that is Bharat” and not “India, that was Bharat”. As insignificant as it may seem, the use of tense is extremely important here. It stresses that India is Bharat and shows that it will continue to be Bharat.
This topic of debate was thrown into the spotlight when invites for the G20 Summit were sent out in the name of “President of Bharat” instead of “President of India”. It was an absolute power move in my opinion, as controversial as it might be for me to say it. It was not just a showpiece. It was a subtle but strong way of letting people know that we were taking back control of our country in every way, including its original name.
Referring to India as Bharat is an acknowledgement of the country’s rich cultural legacy, diversity, historical significance, and spiritual structure. It highlights the continuation of a legacy that has influenced India’s identity for centuries. India underlines its dedication to protecting and honoring its rich culture by embracing the name Bharat. It is evidence of the strong and ageless nature of a country that thrives today while maintaining its rich history as the only surviving Bronze Age civilization.
India emphasizes the need to preserve its cultural history by using the term “Bharat”. It inspires the next generation to discover and value the traditions and historical knowledge that have shaped the country. It fosters pride in the citizens of our country. Well, most citizens, at least.
India is a tapestry woven by different cultures, religions, languages and traditions. “Bharat” is simply the term that encloses the warps and the wefts of the tapestry.
The plan to rename the country is not some elaborate scheme to defame past leaders for their decisions. It is simply to get rid of the bruises that are the colonial marks that mar the body of our beautiful country.
Avani Krishnan is a student in the 11th grade, studying history, economics, political science and maths. She enjoys writing and volunteering at NGOs and animal shelters.
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Even as the people of Telangana prepare to vote in state elections by the end of this year (barely three months away), political alliances are still being forged. In Indian politics, it is not uncommon for both individual political aspirants as well as political parties to continue assessing the prospects of various parties and leaders to either strengthen old alliances or to forge new ones, right up to the announcement of election dates by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
In a series of events largely expected by political analysts, the leader of the fairly new Telangana-based YSRTP party cozied up to the Congress party’s Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on her recent visit. The YSRTP party was founded in Telangana in 2021 by Y S Sharmila, daughter of the late Congress leader and ex-chief minister of the undivided Andhra Pradesh, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. Y S Sharmila is the estranged sister of the current Chief Minister of Andhra, Y S Jagan Reddy. Events unfolding over the last three years have indicated a lack of cordial relations between the brother and sister. It appears that the children of the ex-Andhra chief minister, son Y S Jagan Reddy and daughter Y S Sharmila are not on good terms personally and politically. Sharmila chose to stay away from her brother’s turf in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, by founding and headquartering her relatively new political outfit, the YSRTP party in Telangana’s Hyderabad city. She has made it clear that she and her brother are not political partners and do not collaborate. Her brother, Jagan Reddy is the founder and leader of the Andhra-based YSRCP party, formed in 2011.
It is a curious case of a sparring brother-sister duo after the demise of their father, choosing to start their own political parties in two different Telugu states, each eyeing the top post of the respective state, while in alliance with arch-political foes at the Centre – Andhra’s Y S Jagan and his YSRCP party, supporters of the BJP thus far, aiming to win A.P’s state elections and retaining the chief minister’s seat for a 2nd time and Telangana’s Y S Sharmila warming up to the Congress, while aiming to win Telangana’s state elections or playing ‘kingmaker’ in the aftermath of its election results.
Jagan’s YSRCP is not in a direct electoral alliance with the BJP but lends its support to the BJP in all central government parliamentary affairs. Now, Sharmila’s YSRTP appears to have struck a deal with the Congress on her recent visit to New Delhi. The Congress’s Sonia Gandhi appears to have given a warm welcome to Sharmila on her recent visit to the former’s residence in New Delhi. Will she offer post-electoral support to the Congress, a pre-electoral alliance, or will she merge her smaller, fledgling party with the larger Congress party, in return for a personal or political favor?
It may well be a first in Indian politics if the brother and sister, currently not on good terms, end up being power centers in the respective Telugu states of Andhra and Telangana! Their late father, ex-chief minister of the undivided Andhra Pradesh, was a politician (popular for his focus on unfeasible but populist welfare schemes and reservation-based (both religion and caste-based) benefits. The Y S family are converted Christians that tapped into the Christian network, cleverly utilizing a strategy which guaranteed them the minority Christian and Muslim vote as well as the scheduled caste vote, leaving behind a messy, divided Hindu vote. Sibling rivalry aside, the brother, Jagan won the Andhra 2019 election with the same formula and sister, Sharmila is banking on the same formula to bring in the votes in neighboring Telangana.
It is widely acknowledged that the brother & sister had a major fallout after Jagan’s YSRCP party won the 2019 A.P state election. He was serving a jail sentence for several ongoing high-profile cases while his family was campaigning on his behalf ahead of the 2019 state election that his party eventually won. Jagan did not reciprocate with important party positions or ministerial berths for the campaigning help he had received from his sister, Sharmila, and her husband, a Christian pastor who had helped rake in the minority vote. Many questions arise:
Will the siblings patch up in public, ahead of the Telangana and Andhra state elections (by the end of this year and by June next year, respectively)?
Has their mother, Y S Rajashekar Reddy’s widow, brokered a peace deal between her children?
Do they already have a covert understanding between them, casting their nets wide for significant clout with both the major national parties at the Centre, the BJP and the Congress?
Is this a charade between the brother and sister to capture public attention, stay in the news for its unique story, gain some political mileage out of the publicity?
Is it a ploy to keep a certain percentage of the massive amounts of ill-gotten wealth amassed through illegal means during the tenure of the father and the son?
The Congress is desperate to get its act together in Telangana where the current BRS dispensation headed by party founder and leader, K Chandrasekhar Rao is still going strong after two terms, closely followed by the impressively quick and substantial growth of the BJP in the state. The Congress party does not stand a chance in Andhra where the people squarely blame the party’s divisive politics resulting in the bifurcation of the larger Telugu state into Telangana and Andhra. Hence, maintaining some relevance in neighboring Telangana is crucial for the Congress’s morale and its existential crisis in the Telugu states.
(Shivani is a freelance writer based in Vijayawada)
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Following the unfortunate incident during AR Rahman’s concert, which resulted in the molestation of a woman, deception of the audience, a stampede, and a 12-hour traffic jam in a prominent area of Chennai, a video featuring Ilayaraja expressing concern for his fans has gained popularity on social media. Many are now praising Maestro Ilaya’Raja’ as a true ‘Raja’ for his caring attitude.
The concert is ironically and aptly titled “Marakkuma Nenjam” – which roughly translates to “Will the heart forget?“, turned out to be a nightmarish experience, which the attendees are sure to never forget.
The event was originally scheduled for August but owing to the weather, it was postponed to September. The event took place at Adityaram Palace City in Paniyur near ECR.
Thanks to blatant mismanagement, concert-goers endured a series of woeful incidents. These included being denied entry to the venue despite having valid tickets, losing track of their children, relatives, or friends in the crowded chaos, experiencing panic attacks, facing instances of groping and molestation, and feeling suffocated due to the lack of space. The already challenging situation was exacerbated by the traffic in Chennai, poor parking availability, and the fact that it was a Sunday evening.
Even when a significant number of people were urgently leaving the venue to safeguard their lives, AR Rahman continued with his concert, claiming ignorance, particularly when the commotion would’ve been clearly visible from the stage.
Amid severe backlash Rahman issued a vague statement on X on 11 September 2023, which did not come across as an apology or a show of empathy towards the fans regarding the events that transpired the previous evening. He did not mention anything about issuing a refund, he just posted, “Dearest Chennai Makkale, those of you who purchased tickets and weren’t able to enter owing to unfortunate circumstances, please do share a copy of your ticket purchase to arr4chennai@btos.in along with your grievances. Our team will respond asap”.
Amidst this situation, an old video of Maestro Ilayarajaa demonstrating his approach to managing seating confusion at one of his concerts and displaying genuine empathy for fans who had purchased tickets is currently gaining widespread attention on social media.
In the video, Maestro Ilayaraja can be heard expressing, “My dear fans, I notice that some of you who purchased ₹500 tickets are now occupying seats meant for ₹10,000 tickets. I appreciate your love and enthusiasm, but this isn’t the right way to go about it. If those who bought ₹1,000 tickets take seats that belong to others, where will the rightful ticket holders sit? Won’t they blame me for your actions?”
This video is currently gaining significant traction on social media, lauding Ilayarajaa for his adept handling of seating issues and subtly criticizing AR Rahman for not offering an apology to the women who experienced molestation during his event.
இப்படி எல்லாரும் பொறுப்பா இருந்து நடத்தணும்டா வெங்கம்பயலுவளா…
இளையராஜாவை ஏன் மக்கள் அரியாசனத்தில் வைத்து கும்பிடுறாங்க தெரியுதா??
What was meant to be a night of music and celebration turned into a harrowing ordeal for thousands of attendees at AR Rahman’s ‘Marakkuma Nenjam‘ concert. The event, organised by ACTC Events, is now mired in controversy and labelled “Scam 2023” as hundreds of people who had paid tickets worth thousands of rupees felt cheated and traumatized due to poor crowd management. Scores of people were seen returning aghast unable to attend the concert. Many women were molested and children were lost and found. Some even fainted and had panic attacks due to the piling crowd.
Reminds me of Nero playing fiddle when the city Rome was burning on fire.
How can this buggar #ARRahman, having known the situation, was going out of control kept on performing his songs when chaos is unleashed.
From the outset, the concert experienced chaotic arrangements that put attendees’ lives at risk. Despite indications of traffic buildup, the police appeared unresponsive to the situation, leading to severe traffic congestion. Inside the venue, attendees faced life-threatening situations due to the lack of crowd control. Many who managed to enter were met with suffocation and cramped spaces, causing them to exit immediately. However, the congestion continued outside, and the police and event managers remained uninvolved.
Ticketing Scandal?
In a video put out by YouTuber Maridhas, he alleges that there could be a ticketing scandal. The seating plan indicates limited capacities for each category, but reports suggest that tickets were oversold, resulting in severe overcrowding.
The Seating Arrangement
What was supposed to be a well-organised programme with an estimated attendance of over 20000 attendees turned into utter chaos as a venue meant to hold far fewer people found itself swamped by an astonishing 45,000 attendees. Attendees and eyewitnesses have pointed fingers at the event organisers for their failure to manage the crowd effectively.
It doesn’t matter which category one bought the ticket for; one can freely enter the higher level with no one to check, coordinate, or organize thing.
The event had an elaborate ticketing system in place with varying price tiers: VIP tickets priced at ₹25,000, Platinum at ₹10,000, Diamond at ₹5,000, Gold at ₹2,000, Silver at ₹1,000, and General Entry at 500 INR. The seating plan suggested a capacity of 500 in the VIP section, 700-1000 in Platinum, 1150-1250 in Diamond, 3000-3200 in Gold, approximately 2000-2300 in Silver, and no specified limit for General Entry.
However, it quickly became apparent that something was amiss. Attendees in the Gold seating zone, meant to accommodate around 3000 people, reported that 6000-7000 attendees were allowed to enter, with no seats available, leaving everyone standing.
The Silver zone, designed for approximately 2300 attendees, was allegedly inundated with nearly 10,000 people, creating severe congestion and discomfort for those in attendance. Reports suggest that issues in the Gold, Diamond, and Platinum zones also surfaced within the first 30 minutes of the event.
One of the most alarming aspects of this mismanagement is that every attendee had registered on the event’s website, providing their data and contact information to the organisers. In the aftermath of the event, attendees questioned why the organisers did not implement measures to verify registered attendees. Many attendees expressed bewilderment over how such a massive crowd was able to gain entry to the event. These allegations hint at potential manipulation, either by the ticket-selling website or the event organisers.
Exorbitant Prices & Profit Margins
Food prices inside the venue have also come under scrutiny. ACTC Events not only managed the event but also handled the food concessions within the venue. Here is a picture of the menu at the event:
Source: Screengrab of Maridhas YouTube Video
A standard 500ml water bottle, typically priced at 10 rupees, was being sold for 30 rupees, while a 1-liter bottle, which ordinarily costs 20 rupees, was available for 50 rupees. This translates to a substantial 150% markup on the prices of all items offered at the event location.
AR Rahman’s Apathetic Response
AR Rahman’s response to the turmoil further fueled attendees’ anger. He posted a vague note on Twitter and referred to himself as the “G.O.A.T” (Greatest of All Time) on Instagram, a move perceived by some fans as narcissistic. In a late-morning tweet, Rahman provided no mention of refunds or apologies, directing attendees to an email address to address their grievances. In a subsequent interview, Rahman took responsibility for the mistakes but neither apologized nor failed to address critical questions about the crowd’s size, data verification, entry and exit procedures, overpriced menus, and car parking issues.
The Coimbatore event witnessed a similar occurrence, with the notable difference being that in a metropolitan city like Chennai, media presence at the venue ensured that the mishaps during the Chennai event received widespread public attention. Conversely, in Coimbatore, the incidents that transpired were kept under wraps and portrayed as a successful event without any disruptions. Maridhas characterises it as a relatively minor scandal compared to the one that unfolded in Chennai. ACTC was also responsible for organising the Coimbatore event. It must also be noted that past events of AR Rahman in Singapore & Malaysia have been marred by controversy owing to the fact that they were very poorly organised.
Organisers’ Role & Lack of Accountability
ACTC Events have faced criticism for their lackadaisical attitude and vague responses to attendees’ concerns. Maridhas alleges that artists like AR Rahman often rely on performing their well-known songs, without the need to create new ones. The celebrities entrust the entirety of their event responsibilities to the organisers and seem largely disinterested in the proceedings.
After the event, ACTC tweeted about the previous evening’s “massive success”, but the responses to inquiries in the comments section of their tweets are consistently uniform: a repetitive “will do the needful.”
Our sincere apologize to you. We will be doing our best needful to everyone who were unable to attend the concert due to overcrowding.
Both Rahman and ACTC echo similar sentiments, that the “needful” will be done. Their responses to queries on social media have been repetitive and devoid of substantial answers, leaving attendees overwhelmed with questions and a lack of clarity regarding justice. CEO of ACTC Hemanth in an interview has however promised refunds to those who were not able to attend.
According to reports, the police had given permission for only 25,000 but in the interview to Thanthi TV, the CEO of ACTC Hemanth unwittingly revealed that they sold over 45,000 tickets and put up over 47,000 chairs but did not get permission for the same. But he also told that the police were aware of the fact that the audience turnout would be more.
Maridhas alleges that the ruling government, the organisers, and the singer are in collusion regarding this issue. People were making a commotion on the roads outside the venue, complaining of the congestion, suffocation, cramped space inside the venue. The attendees had to travel for 4 hours to reach the venue even though they were only a short distance away. Even Chief Minister MK Stalin’s vehicle was caught in the jam due to the concert, yet not a single policeman ventured to the venue to investigate why such a massive crowd had gathered. The following day, a police official gave a statement to the press, stating that they would look into the matter and take necessary action.
Maridhas again contends that they all seem to be using identical language, which he interprets as a signal that no substantial action will be taken. According to him, he suspects that the Tamil Nadu police might be complicit, as a similar event by Rahman in Pune was promptly halted by the police for exceeding the permitted time. Live concerts are only allowed in Pune until 10 PM. A police officer got onto the stage and instructed that the event be concluded.
However, in Chennai, the police turned a blind eye. Questions have been regarding the police’s action despite traffic issues leading to speculations about possibilities of political involvement. There is a stark contrast with the Pune event, where police halted the concert for violating permitted timings, while in Chennai, the event continued even as attendees fled due to safety concerns.
While Rahman referred to himself as GOAT and claiming to be the sacrificial goat in the episode, it is three Indian Police Service officers – Disha Mittal IPS, Dr. Deepa Sathyan IPS and Adarsh Pachera IPS who have been made the sacrificial goats.
Despite all the uproar surrounding the event, AR Rahman posted a tweet late in the morning—a message that conspicuously lacked any mention of refunds or an apology. Instead, he straightforwardly instructed attendees to reach out to a specified email ID to voice their grievances.
Dearest Chennai Makkale, those of you who purchased tickets and weren’t able to enter owing to unfortunate circumstances, please do share a copy of your ticket purchase to arr4chennai@btos.in along with your grievances. Our team will respond asap🙏@BToSproductions@actcevents
Many attendees had anticipated some form of compensation, such as refunds or the opportunity to attend a future concert. Rahman’s tweet primarily addressed those who were unable to enter the event, leaving a looming question: What would be his response to those who managed to escape a harrowing situation that unfolded inside?
Around the same time as his tweet, an interview with The Hindu was published, where Rahman claimed responsibility for the event’s mistakes. However, his tweet seemed more like an attempt to deflect criticism, stating that such errors would not occur again in the future. Curiously, he did not address any of the pressing questions raised by attendees and the public:
Why did such a massive crowd gather?
Shouldn’t there have been records of ticket purchasers?
How did the crowd size swell beyond the venue’s capacity?
What measures were in place for entry and exit management?
Why were the menu prices exorbitantly high?
Why was car parking located so far away, a considerable inconvenience for attendees?
Even when a significant number of people were urgently leaving the venue to safeguard their lives, AR Rahman continued with his concert, claiming ignorance, particularly when the commotion was audible from a considerable distance.
PR Team Deployed To Cushion AR Rahman From Public Anger
With people seething with anger on social media, attempts are now being made to absolve AR Rahman and pin it on the event organizer ACTC.
Actor Karthi (brother of ‘actor’ Suriya Sivakumar who often peddles DMK propaganda on and off screen) came out in support of AR Rahman trivializing the fiasco and asking the event organizers to take responsibility.
We have known and loved Rahman sir for more than 3 decades now… What happened during the concert was unfortunate. However, knowing sir he would be immensely affected by it. My family too was at the concert amid the chaos but I stay with #ARRahman sir and I hope the event…
Samathuva Makkal Katchi head and actor Sarath Kumar went to the extent of gaslighting the already traumatized audience saying “there is nobody to blame except own own discipline of “following the queue” an “traffic rules“. He tried to absolve Rahman and the event organizer ACTC of any responsibility by pinning the blame on “every single individual who first created chaos” and “violated the traffic rules on the roads”.
BJP leader Khushbu too came out in support of AR Rahman and blamed the organizers for the mismanagement.
Heard about the major chaos and difficulties faced by #ARR fans at the chennai concert. Rahman has always made sure his fans are never disappointed. My daughter and her friends were among those who were denied entry despite a Diamond pass. It took them over 3 hours to reach the…
AR Rahman’s ‘Marakkuma Nenjam’ concert has come to be known as a scandal, ‘Scam 2023’, with attendees demanding accountability, transparency, and justice for the traumatic experience they endured. Public anger continues to grow as questions about responsibility, safety, and financial improprieties remain unanswered.
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Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Appavu, who has previously expressed support for Christianity and made derogatory remarks about the Hindu religion, has once again made divisive comments about Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism. During his speech at the Golden Jubilee program of the Palayankottai Diocese, he alleged that Sanatana Dharma had deprived 96% of Hindus in Tamil Nadu of education.
Appavu, the speaker, asserted, “Sanathanam implies that only 4% of the population is entitled to education, while the rest are destined to be subservient. This constitutes its underlying doctrine. If it hadn’t been for Lord Macaulay’s arrival in 1835 and the subsequent passage of the Education Act, we would not have had access to education. Institutions like Xavier College and Xavier School, where we are currently gathered, would not have had a presence if the British had not passed laws in 1795 that allowed everyone to acquire land.”
He added, “Looking back 111 years to 1912, the region comprising Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and a part of Odisha was home to languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Tulu. At that time, a staggering 94 out of every 100 graduates belonged to the same community, with 4% accounting for 94% of all graduates, while the remaining 96% held only a 6% share of the degrees. This reflects the prevailing education system and social conditions of that era.”
He further said, “125 years ago, individuals traveling from South Tamil Nadu to Chennai for education faced discrimination and were not permitted to eat or stay at establishments like Mysore Cafe. Those journeying from the southern districts in need of accommodation were predominantly part of the 96% Hindu population who were denied education and the right to stay in hostels. It was during this time that the South Indian Welfare Rights Association was established, leading to the establishment of hostels by the YMCA in many places in Chennai, thereby providing much-needed accommodation for students.”
Appavu went on to say, “Some now refer to the policies of Sir Vaikunder as “Sanatanam.” Sir Vaikunder, originally known as Mudisoodum Perumal, was a prominent figure who vehemently opposed Sanatana Dharma, the caste system, and oppression over 200 years ago. He was given the name Muthukutty by the Maharaja of Travancore, who argued that being born in Izhikulam made it inappropriate for him to carry the name Perumal. It was this Muthukutty who became Vaikundar, an important historical figure. Vaikunder advocated for equality among all individuals and discouraged idol worship, as he believed it unnecessary, suggesting that people from the privileged 4% would predominantly engage in such practices. He emphasized that one’s conscience should be their guide, all while identifying himself as a Hindu. His relative, Narayana Guru, also faced discrimination and was denied the right to walk on Somanathar Temple Street in Vaikam.”
“The oppression faced by individuals like Sir Vaikunder and Narayana Guru was so severe that even walking on that street, let alone entering the temple, was forbidden. The efforts of individuals like Periyar and Kamaraj, who fought against this discrimination, helped to pave the way for progress. Today, Tamil Nadu has made significant strides in education, economics, and development, largely due to the contributions of Christian preachers who came to serve the entire community,” Speaker Appavu highlighted.
In this situation, Nellai district secretary of Hindu Munnani CS Vimal has filed a complaint with Palayamkottai police demanding action against Speaker Appavu for denigrating Hindu religion in a Christian meeting.
In their complaint, Hindu Munnani said, “On the 10th of September 2023, during a speech at the Palayankota Xavier College grounds as part of the Balayankot District Golden Jubilee ceremony, Tamil Nadu Speaker Appavu made remarks suggesting that the denial of education to 96% of Hindus was synonymous with “Sanathanam.” He insinuated that this term implied that only 4% of the population was entitled to an education while the rest were relegated to a status akin to slavery. This speech, delivered in a gathering predominantly attended by Christians, was seen by some as an attempt to disrupt law and order and sow discord and religious animosity, particularly against Hinduism.”
The complaint added, “In the wake of the speaker’s speech, certain Islamic organizations have also taken to social media platforms to express disparaging views about Hinduism, amplifying the divisive sentiments further. As a result, many Hindus, including myself, have been deeply hurt by the offensive remarks made by Speaker Appavu during his address to a Christian audience. It is disconcerting that such derogatory comments about Hinduism were made at a gathering of another faith community.”
The complaint ended by urging, “I kindly urge you to initiate the necessary legal proceedings aimed at fostering peace and justice in response to Speaker Appa’s remarks, which were delivered in a manner that could potentially incite religious animosity.”
2G scam fame DMK MP A Raja who is known for his rabid anti-Hindu hate speech, has once again spewed venom on Hindu religion. This time he has called the Hindu religion a menace to India and the world.
A few days ago DMK MP A. Raja likened Sanatana Dharma to HIV AIDS and leprosy even as the dust was yet to settle on DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin likening Sanatana Dharma to Dengue, Malaria, and Corona and calling for its eradication at the “Eradicate Sanatana Conclave” held at Chennai.
“I am oddly surprised that Udhayanidhi Stalin had only spoken about it softly saying (Sanatana Dharma) has to be eradicated like malaria and dengue. Malaria and dengue don’t have social stigma. The society won’t look at them disgustingly. If we have to call it something disgusting, there was leprosy, there is HIV today. For us, just like leprosy and HIV, we’ve to see it (Sanathana Dharma) as a social stigma.“, he said at a protest meeting organized by the rabid anti-Hindu outfit Dravidar Kazhagam against the Centre’s Viswakarma Scheme.
Even when the controversy surrounding A Raja’s comparison of Sanatana Dharma/Hindu religion is yet to subside, he has stoked another controversy by calling the Hindu religion as menace to India and the world.
In a video meeting organized by DMK, A. Raja can be heard saying, “India is the reason for the global disease in the name of caste, dividing people on the caste lines; Dividing people on the economic lines by using caste. Caste cannot be used only for social use. It depends upon the economically also. Those who are living Indians in other countries, also propagating caste in the name of Hindu religion. So, Hindu religion is a biggest menace not only to India. Now it is a menace to the entire world.”
Responding to this hate speech, BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai lashed out the DMK saying the party was solely responsible for creating caste divide and hatred in the state .
“DMK MP A Raja calls Hindu Religion a menace to India & the world. DMK is the principal reason for creating caste divide & hatred in TN, and the DMK MP has the audacity to blame Sanatana Dharma for the mess they made.”, Annamalai said.
DMK MP A Raja calls Hindu Religion a menace to India & the world.
DMK is the principal reason for creating caste divide & hatred in TN, and the DMK MP has the audacity to blame Sanatana Dharma for the mess they made. pic.twitter.com/fqWO9FiQqY
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s call for eradication of Sanatana Dharma had set off a political storm with many members of the I.N.D.I Alliance including Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Arvind Kejriwal (AAP), Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena – UBT) distancing themselves from the DMK Minister’s remarks.
However, Udhayanidhi Stalin had recently asserted that he is not bothered about the DMK government falling and will continue to oppose Sanatana Dharma.
The latest remarks of A. Raja has only added fuel to the already raging political furore and is further expected to harm the prospects of the I.N.D.I alliance.
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The Marakkuma Nenjam concert featuring renowned musician AR Rahman has prompted a look into past events featuring him. While the incidents occurred in different countries, the recurring theme of poor crowd management and unfulfilled expectations has left fans feeling betrayed.
In the instance of the concert on 10 September 2023 near Chennai, attendees experienced a series of issues, including a delayed start, not permitting ticket holders inside the venue, gross crowd mismanagement, lost children, panic attacks among attendees, suffocation, as well as molestation.
The saga of letdowns began a decade ago when a similar concert took place in a different country. An X (Twitter) user Aruna narrated her traumatic experiences starting a decade ago.
Reading the trauma every concert-goer went through last night triggers mine from 10 years ago. Same #ARRahman . except different countries. It’s not even a blunder. Time again, he repeats the betrayal. Outrage today, forgiven&forgotten tomorrow, exploited again in the next one.
AR Rahman was in Malaysia for his “Infinite Love” concert at Stadium Merdeka in 2014. The event was marred by rain, wet seats, and poor parking arrangements. This was also seen in Singapore the same year where the audience was seated in an open stadium and thanks to the rain, wet seats were the norm. Owing to the rain, the concert began late and the the performance, intended for primarily Tamil-speaking audiences, featured predominantly Hindi songs, adding to the frustration. The concert faced power failures, tech problems, and instruments getting wet due to the rain, resulting in a chaotic atmosphere.
2014 🇸🇬 ARRahman shit show. We were all abandoned wholesale. Literally left in darkness. His computer system crashed. We stared at an empty stage. pic.twitter.com/k1NSP2NlKU
Two years later, he held a Live In concert in Malaysia (2016) replicating the disappointing pattern from 2 years before at Bukit Jalil stadium. This time, concert-goers endured a drenching downpour, lightning, and thunder. The performance began five hours behind schedule, further aggravating the crowd. The organisers failed to inform the crowd of the delay or the reasons for it. Chaos ensued as people descended from upper levels to take over the front row seats, and the organisers seemingly disappeared. Singer Shaktishree’s attempts to calm the audience were met with criticism, as attendees grew increasingly frustrated. AR Rahman’s comments during the Malaysian concert added insult to injury, as he appeared to dismiss the audience’s resilience. The concert, condensed into a rushed affair, concluded around 12:30 AM without an apology or remorse from the artist.
From ⬆️ 📰. 2016, 🇲🇾 #ARRahman shit show. They blasted jarring audio whenever we shouted for him to come on stage. Quote unquote: “Every time the chants started, they were drowned out by audio tracks and video reruns. Many simply gave up the waiting game and left the stadium.” pic.twitter.com/6WLd3cl5Ku
To see a repeat of past events a decade later has caused old wounds to resurface for many fans who have travelled to different countries just to listen to him perform live. These incidents have left many fans disillusioned.
The X user Aruna expressed her deep disappointment at realising the artist she once idolised had no respect for his audience. The emotional turmoil of separating the music from the creator has proven challenging for devoted fans. The fan said that he has never apologised or made an effort to handle the situation if things went awry, but instead asked his singers like Shaktisree Gopalan to do some monkey balancing who she said was sent to handle the situation with a disheartening lack of empathy and an unapologetic attitude. Instead of offering an apology, she is said to have addressed the audience condescendingly, urging them to endure the circumstances without any acknowledgment of their frustrations. The fan also questioned the response given by AR Rahman on his X/Twitter handle where there is no sign of apology, empathy or even issuing a refund. She says she feels cheated as a Tamilian and has been stabbed in the back by the likes of ARR.
Calls for apology, accountability, and issuing refunds have grown louder as concert-goers demand better treatment and respect from their favourite artists.
After posting a vague message on his X(Twitter) handle, he shared a screenshot of that post on his Instagram account, where he blatantly showcased a narcissistic stance, referring to himself as the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time). Instead of addressing fans’ expectations for a simple apology, AR Rahman has adopted a self-centered approach, offering mere lip service to his countless fans who underwent a traumatic night at the concert.
In a viral video clip circulating on social media, K Ponmudi, the Higher Education minister in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, can be heard asserting that the formation of the I.N.D.I.A alliance was primarily aimed at opposing Sanatana Dharma.
These remarks were delivered during the same conference dedicated to the eradication of Sanatana Dharma, where Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, had likened Sanatana Dharma to diseases such as malaria, corona, and dengue, advocating for its elimination.
Ponmudi emphasized that the ideology of opposing Sanatana Dharma was a shared objective within the alliance, transcending any internal differences among its member parties.
He further explained that all members of the alliance were united in their commitment to promoting equality, protecting minority rights, and ensuring gender equality. The I.N.D.I.A alliance, consisting of 26 political parties, was established to raise social awareness and consciousness on these crucial issues.
“Through the media and the press, our principle of opposing Sanatana Dharma… I.N.D.I.A… our friends here have already mentioned… This I.N.D.I.A is an alliance formed against Sanatana Dharma. We may have our disagreements. But no one has any difference of opinion on opposing Sanatana Dharma. Everyboy in this alliance want to bring out equality, protect minorities, equality between men and women. This is the agenda of the 26 parties that have formed the I.N.D.I.A alliance. For this to happen, we need political power.”, Ponmudi said.
Ponmudi concluded by highlighting the significance of achieving political success to effectively address these matters, emphasizing the importance of political victories.
It’s worth noting that this video surfaced following statements from several I.N.D.I.A alliance members, including the Trinamool Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who expressed their disagreement with Udhayanidhi’s remarks.
"I.N.D.I.A alliance is formed to fight against the principles of Santana Dharma, we may have our differences among us but the 26 parties in the alliance are united in the fight against Santana Dharma but we need political power for that" DMK Minister Ponmudi. pic.twitter.com/tKQTTv1VsZ
