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Magalir Urimaithogai Thittam: Those With Fridge & 42″ TV Get ₹1000 Even Before Launch While Poor Women Claim To Be Left In Lurch

By
The Commune
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The Tamil Nadu State government, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), made a poll promise to provide a monthly dole of ₹1000 to each woman in the state. However, despite these grand assurances, the implementation of this scheme did not occur immediately upon their assumption of power. It was only during this year’s budget, the then Finance Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan announced that ₹7000 crores had been set aside for this scheme (the Kalaignar Magalir Urimaithogai Thittam) and announced a specific date for the rollout – September 15, 2023.

As the promised date approached, news channels were abuzz promoting the scheme and reported that on 14 September 2023, some women across the state received SMS notifications informing them of the deposit of ₹1000 into their accounts. The government proudly proclaimed that over 1.06 crore women heads of families, were eligible for this scheme. However, it came to be known that not all applications were entertained nor did all the women who applied and were eligible receive the dole amount as the others. 

In a report by News Tamizh 24×7, women from localities like Vannarapettai in Trichy, near the Government Hospital, revealed that among the more than 200 families residing there, only 5 families had received the promised dole.

The rest were left bewildered, wondering whether their applications had been summarily rejected. Frustration led to protests as these women, most of them daily wage labourers and domestic workers, gathered to demand answers and request reconsideration of their applications.

Chief Minister MK Stalin acknowledged that approximately 1.63 crore applications had been received for the honorarium, but only 1,06,50,000 were deemed eligible after scrutiny. He asserted that rejected applicants could seek explanations from officials and should receive an SMS regarding the rejection. Additionally, those who did not receive the honorarium were encouraged to reapply.

Yet, several videos emerged that raised suspicions rather than instilling confidence. In one video from Theni, a beneficiary was seen in a relatively well-off household, complete with a 42″ LED TV and a modern refrigerator. She displayed her GSM phone, revealing the SMS notification to the news channel, causing many to question whether the eligibility criteria had been relaxed for individuals owning such amenities.

It is imperative to note that the application form requires information about electricity bills, as the criteria for this dole are households with up to 3600 units of annual consumption, roughly 300 units per month. 

In another video from Erode, a visibly delighted woman proudly displays her smartphone and exclaims, “I’m excited! They had told us we’d receive it tomorrow, but we actually received it a day earlier. My daughter isn’t well today, and I used this money to take her to the hospital and buy medicines. I’m excited because, in our neighborhood, I’m the first one to receive this financial assistance.”

This development has prompted online users to question whether the eligibility criteria were relaxed for individuals who own refrigerators. The application form explicitly requests information regarding electricity bills, as the criteria for this financial aid stipulate households with an annual consumption of up to 3600 units, approximately 300 units per month.

This has sparked further debate and skepticism among netizens, who wonder whether the aid is truly reaching those in need or if it has been distributed with less discernment than promised.

https://twitter.com/Kunthavi5/status/1702279450614972896

Several netizens took to sarcasm to post about the scheme on social media platform X.

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Pondy Lit Fest’s Fourth Edition Begins Today With A Focus On ‘India’s Strategic Autonomy

By
The Commune
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In the coastal city of Puducherry, the Pondy Lit Fest will return with its Fourth Edition on 15th September 2023. This year, the event focuses on the theme “India’s Strategic Autonomy”. The three-day event starting 15 September 2023 up to 17 September 2023 will witness discussions spanning various topics like technology, science, military, economics, and foreign policy and is bound to generate immense cogitation in the young minds. The Southern part of India has already made space for literary fests (Pondy Lit Fest, Western Ghats Lit Fest, Mangalore Lit Fest, etc.) that counter the propaganda from the lies peddled by historians, media outlets, and politicians. At a time when the counterbalance to intellectual discourse is slowly growing in India, such Lit Fests will undoubtedly bring all such debates to one stage. 

Setting Expectations High 

 After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the organisers in the last edition retained the underlying theme “Bharat Shakti” in the spirit of Sri Aurobindo. The third edition also came at the confluence of India celebrating 75 years of her Independence and Sri Aurobindo’s 150th birth anniversary. The event focused on paying respects to the sacrifices of countless heroes from South India in the struggle for independence. Along with it, the event celebrated our trajectory in diverse fields. With a focus on revisiting the past to aspire for a better future, sessions covered domains like Culture, Civilisation, Literature, Sanatana Dharma, Economy, Media, History, and Defence. The event also hosted various book launches that blended with the theme.

 In the past, the organisers faced hurdles in conducting the fest due to intense pressure from certain sections. Despite the challenges, the fest has tried to bring out young minds from diverse fields. With riveting discussions between eminent politicians, scientists, and authors, the fest has surely developed its own signature. 

What Can One Expect In This Edition Of The Pondy Lit Fest

In this year’s edition, Pondy Lit Fest promises to deliver a high-quality experience with presentations, lectures, book discussions, and panel discussions by India’s foremost thinkers. The Lit Fest aims to unite India by incorporating contributions from various strategic sectors and highlighting the ideas put forth by influential figures from these domains.

 The audience can also witness the seventh edition of the Swarajya Awards which will be presented on the first day of the event. These awards are conferred for outstanding work in the spheres of economics, politics, society, and culture respectively.

The Motwani Jadeja Foundation’s flagship initiative, the Rajeev Circle Scholars Program, will also be introduced at Lit Fest. This initiative aimed to bring out highly researched and affordable books on Indian history by granting fellowships to eligible scholars.

Books from publishers like BluOne Ink and Garuda Publications will be launched formally during the event. The Lit Fest will also feature stalls from organisations and publishers in the Indic Space.

For more details on the schedule and the lineup of speakers and other events, check this post.

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Vinayagar Idol Makers Worried As DMK Govt Launches Crackdown Ahead Of Vinayagar Chaturthi

By
The Commune
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In an infuriating turn of events, the premises where Vinayagar idols are made in Karur in the Sungagate area for the Vinayagar Chathurthi festival have been sealed by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) just days before the festival date, leaving the local Hindu community and idol makers in despair. This development has ignited a fierce debate, with many questioning the timing and motives behind the PCB’s actions and accusing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government of insensitivity towards Hindu sentiments.

The Vinayagar Chathurthi festival, a significant Hindu celebration, is to be celebrated on 18 September 2023 all over India and in Hindu homes across the world. As part of the tradition, idols of Lord Ganesha (Vinayagar) are placed in homes, public places, and temples to invoke blessings. However, the sealing of a idol production hall housing approximately 400 Vinayagar idols has thrown a shadow over the festivities.

According to reports, the PCB, alongside revenue department officials and police, conducted a surprise raid on the idol-making site following a complaint alleging the use of plaster of Paris (PoP) in contravention of the regulations. Despite the fact that the makers have been creating idols for over a decade using materials such as potato flour and other natural flours that easily dissolve in water, the authorities proceeded to seal the premises.

The lady is seen crying and begging the officials saying, “Sir we have borrowed money for huge interest to make these idols, please let us be…”

Local Hindu organisations, including the Shiv Sena Party and Indhu Makkal Katchi, have raised questions about the timing and validity of the complaint. They said that the PCB sealed the hall without conducting proper chemical tests on the idols and suggested that this might be a deliberate attempt to undermine Hindu traditions. Representatives from Hindu organizations have asserted that they had placed orders for 120 Vinayagar idols, and the sudden sealing of the premises by the PCB just two days before the festival appears to be a deliberate plot aimed at hurting Hindu sentiments.

The artisans, who hail from northern states of India mainly Rajasthan, are facing a bleak future as they have borrowed substantial sums of money for their business and depend on the sale of the idols during the festive season for their livelihoods.

False Allegations On Vinayagar Idol Maker In Tenkasi

In a similar incident in Tenkasi, a Vinayagar idol factory owned by a BJP worker named Murugan was raided a few days ago, and he was accused of using PoP to make idols. Murugan vehemently denied the allegations, breaking one of his idols to prove its biodegradability. Despite this, a false FIR was filed against him. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of Hindu idol makers in the DMK regime.

https://twitter.com/itz_RRenuka/status/1700218495815004337

The local BJP unit has pledged support to Murugan, who has been making Ganesh /Vinayagar idols for his living for the past two decades, using materials like potato flour, tapioca flour, and sago flour, all of which are biodegradable.

These actions come at a time when the Chief Minister’s son and other members of the ruling DMK are spitting vitriol about Sanathana Dharma on public platforms and comparing it with diseases like malaria, dengue, corona, and even HIV AIDS, and leprosy. The Hindu community’s sentiments have been continuously and callously wounded by the ruling regime, particularly since their ascent to power in 2021.

(With inputs from Tamil Samayam)

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Slain LTTE Chief’s “Daughter” & Hubby Hoodwink TN Police And Escape To Sri Lanka, Raises Concerns About Priorities Of TN Police

By
The Commune
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Following the escape of a group of South Koreans and a Bulgarian while under the supervision of state authorities, Tamil Nadu officials have recently discovered that a couple, suspected to have been associated with the intelligence wing of the LTTE, managed to flee from the Mandapam camp to Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu police officers became aware of this escape only after a video emerged on social media in Sri Lanka, featuring the escaped woman identified as Duwaraha, who is believed to be the daughter of the deceased LTTE leader Prabhakaran.

The individuals in question are K Dhayabara Raj and his wife Udayakala. In 2016, Dhayabara Raj was held in the Tiruchy special camp and subsequently went on an indefinite fast, alleging the unlawful confinement of his family at the special quarantine camp in Mandapam, Ramanathapuram. Responding to his plea, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court ordered the state to transfer Raj, who is wanted by Interpol, to the Mandapam camp without round-the-clock security supervision.

DT Next reports sources who claim to have said, “The two were supposed to be in Mandapam under the watch of the revenue department. But a video of Udayakala has now surfaced. In the video, she was described as Duwaraha, the daughter of the late LTTE leader Prabhakaran. It looks like she has launched a political party there in the Island nation,”.

The couple, along with their three children, apparently departed from the Mandapam camp covertly in an unauthorised boat to their hometown almost two years ago. It has been alleged that the two were soliciting significant sums of money from local Tamils in Sri Lanka, offering to secure the release of their relatives held by the Sri Lankan forces following the conclusion of the civil war. Tamil Nadu police only became aware of their escape after the recent emergence of the video.

On the other hand, the Tamil Nadu police have been spending their energies on going after people who are critical of the ruling DMK on social media.

The Commune and its directors were booked for reporting on the standoff between Podu Deekshitars of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and HR&CE officials.

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah was arrested under non-bailable sections for his remarks against Madurai CPI-M MP Su Venkatesan over the death of a hygiene worker who was forced to clean a faeces-filled drain by a CPIM councillor. While the incident happened in Pennadam town of Cuddalore district, Suryah had inadvertently mentioned Madurai in his statement.

An AIADMK IT wing functionary was arrested under non-bailable sections for sharing a video meme that humorously referenced MK Stalin’s video statement on Senthilbalaji’s arrest. The video meme contained no derogatory content.

A Pro-BJP Twitterati was arrested for sharing an old article and allegedly misattributing DMK to an illegal liquor-producing gang in Tiruppur in light of the recent hooch tragedy in Marakkanam.

Vice President of Tamil Nadu BJP’s Industrial Cell Selva Kumar was arrested for criticizing DMK Minister Senthilbalaji.

Admin of Voice of Savukku Shankar X handle was arrested for a video meme targeting CM MK Stalin and DMK Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan, over inclusion of the clause “eligible household” for the monthly assistance scheme for women.

The DMK govt went all the way to Gujarat to arrest BJP cadre John Ravi who had made satirical social media posts on CM MK Stalin and his father late Karunanidhi.

A functionary belonging to TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK was arrested for posting a meme that took a jibe on Tamil Nadu sports ministry headed by Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Political commentator Kishore K Swamy was arrested for posts critical of MK Stalin made in light of the monsoon preparations. He was earlier slapped with Goondas Act for criticizing DMK leaders Karunandhi, Stalin and Annadurai.

DMK critic YouTuber-turned-BJP cadre Karthik Gopinath was arrested over the issue of raising money for temples at Siruvachur in Perambalur district which were destroyed by miscreants.

BJP supporter and political analyst Krishna Kumar Murugan was arrested in the case of alleged ‘defamatory’ posters that caricatured MK Stalin.

YouTuber Maridhas was arrested for a video about Tablighi Jamaat and for a tweet that came in the light of the late Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat.

Naam Tamilar functionary Ganesh Kumar alias Nila Kannan was arrested for posting an image of late DMK leader Karunanidhi having food served by three different women.

Badri Seshadri, a critic of the DMK, was arrested for his comments in an interview to a YouTube channel about the Manipur issue in which he had made remarks on the Chief Justice of India.

The spate of arrests targeting individuals who have expressed criticism towards the DMK party, juxtaposed with the apparent lapses in intelligence resulting in LTTE suspects evading capture right under the nose of law enforcement, has given rise to apprehensions regarding the Tamil Nadu police’s discernment of priorities.

(With inputs from DT Next)

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“Lord Rama’s Birthplace In Ayodhya Is Bogus”, Says DMK Member & TN Textbook Corporation Head Dindigul Leoni

By
The Commune
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Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Sanathana Dharma (Hindu religion), a new video has emerged, this time featuring remarks by DMK member Dindigul Leoni who also heads the Tamil Nadu Textbook & Educational Services Corporation.

In the video, which was posted on the social media platform X, Leoni makes provocative comments that have ignited a fresh wave of debate and concern.

In the video, Dindigul Leoni is seen making a statement that has drawn widespread attention. He asserts, “Today, a bogus story has been created that Lord Rama was born in the place where Babar Masjid was situated in Ayodhya. Destruction of Babar Masjid and building of Ram temple by Sanatana Dharma forces is the biggest betrayal by them.”

It is not explicitly clear when and where he made these statements. By the looks of it, it seems that he is addressing a political rally. 

Dindigul Leoni’s Controversial History

Dindigul Leoni, in addition to his political affiliations, holds the position of chairman at the Tamil Nadu Textbooks Corporation. He has been a prominent figure in various Tamil debates (pattimandram) over the years but has also been involved in multiple controversies, often due to his use of vulgar and derogatory language.

Leoni recently faced criticism for making crass comments about the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. His remarks were widely condemned, especially because of the nature of language which has become a part of his public interactions.

Moreover, Leoni has a history of making inappropriate comments, particularly concerning women. He has been known to make disrespectful remarks about a woman’s body shape and structure during political rallies, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

Leoni’s latest comments have triggered outrage among various sections of society. This comes at a time when the dust caused by the “eradicate Sanathana Dharma” remarks of DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin still hasn’t settled. 

DMK Members Toe Same Line On Sanathana Dharma

These comments coming from Leoni only indicate that the DMK as a whole is consistently making negative remarks about Sanathana Dharma, a religion followed by the majority of the population, seemingly for the sake of garnering votes.

DMK MP A Raja and MLA Ponmudi were also in the news over the past few days for their remarks on Sanathana Dharma. A Raja equated Sanathana Dharma to HIV AIDS and leprosy. In another video that went viral, he said that “Hindu religion was a menace to India and the world. 

DMK Minister Ponmudi whose residence was recently raided by the ED over money laundering charges said that the I.N.D.I.Alliance was made to oppose Sanathana Dharma. 

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Former VHP Leader RBVS Manian Arrested For Derogatory Remarks On Dr. Ambedkar, No Action On Udhayanidhi For Derogatory Remarks On Hindu Religion

By
The Commune
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A former leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), RBVS Manian, was apprehended by the Chennai police on Thursday (14 September 2023). He has been booked for making “offensive remarks” against Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

In a video that was doing the rounds on social media, RBVS Manian can be heard saying that Dr. BR Ambedkar, was merely a stenographer with no meaningful involvement in the crafting of the ‘constitution of India’. Furthermore, he was observed making indecent remarks about Thiruvalluvar.

On Thursday morning, the Chennai police took RBVS Manian into custody at his residence in T. Nagar. He has been booked under five sections of IPC, including Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 153, 153(a).

While what RBVS Manian did make derogatory remarks on Dr. Ambedkar and has to face the consequences, many on social media alleged bias on the part of Tamil Nadu police as there has been no action taken on DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin (Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son) for his hate speech against Sanatana Dharma or the Hindu religion

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.

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Aavin Ghee & Butter Prices Hiked Ahead Of Festive Season

By
The Commune
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As the festive season approaches, consumers in Tamil Nadu are facing yet another price hike in dairy products from Aavin, the state-owned dairy organisation. The recent increase in prices, sanctioned by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Tamil Nadu government, has left many residents concerned about the impact on their budgets.

Aavin Ghee & Butter Prices Soar

The price of Aavin ghee has witnessed a substantial increase of ₹70 per litre and ₹50 per half-litre. This sudden surge comes as a blow to consumers who rely on Aavin’s dairy offerings for their daily needs.

Notably, Aavin butter has not been spared from the price hike. Consumers now face an additional cost of Rs 15 per half a kilo when purchasing this staple dairy product.

Recurring Price Hikes

This is not the first instance of price hikes for Aavin products. The past year has seen a series of increases in prices for various dairy items:

  • In March 2022, the cost of Aavin ghee was raised by ₹20 per litre.
  • July 2022 witnessed price hikes in curd, ghee, lassi, buttermilk, and other products, which were attributed to changes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • November 2022 saw the price of Aavin premium milk rise by ₹12 per litre, although cardholders were exempted from the increase.
  • In December 2022, the price of ghee increased by ₹50 per litre, coinciding with a Rs 3 per litre increase in the price of milk.
  • February 2023 brought a reduction in the fat content of standardized milk (green packets) as a cost-cutting measure.
  • July 2023 marked an increase in the prices of paneer and the badam mix.
  • Just last month, in August 2023, the price of the 5-litre packet of Green Magic milk surged by Rs 10.

Consumer Concerns

These recurring price hikes have raised concerns among consumers, who are now feeling the financial strain, particularly in the lead-up to the festive season. Many rely on Aavin products for their quality and affordability, and these continuous increases threaten to disrupt their household budgets.

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Sanatana Tamizhar Sangamam 2023: A Cultural Conclave Celebrating Tamil Heritage And Sanatana Dharma

By
The Commune
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The storm started by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Minister and son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin continues to brew as more and more members of the party continue to make derogatory comments about Sanatana Dharma. As an effort to dispel the confusion and celebrate the rich heritage of Tamil culture and promote the values of Sanatana Dharma, the YouTube channel Pesu Tamizha Pesu is gearing up to host an event in Chennai titled “Sanatana Tamizhar Sangamam 2023” with the topic of discussion being “Why I Support Sanatana Dharma“.

Rajavel Nagarajan and his team at Pesu Tamizha Pesu, are bringing together a galaxy of speakers, thinkers, and writers. The event aims to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and insights on a wide range of topics related to Tamil culture, Hindu Sanatana Dharma, and the Tamizh identity.

The lineup of speakers includes South India Forward Bloc party founder Thirumaran Ji, Arjun Sampath of the Indhu Makkal Katchi, Thangaraj, Spiritual discourser DA Joseph, BJP leaders Amar Prasad Reddy, Asuvathaman, TADA Periyasamy, political commentator Sundar Raja Chozhan, doctor Rajkumar of Lifeline Hospitals, Director Perarasu, BJP Tamil Nadu minority wing leader Daisy, State President for Muslim Rashtria Manch Fathima Ali, BJP Tamil Nadu General Secretary Prof Rama Srinivasan, stunt master Kanal Kannan among others. Spiritual discourser Dushyanth Sridhar is also participating in the conclave as a special guest.

The event is scheduled to take place at Kumararajah Muthiah Hall, MRC Nagar in Chennai on 17 September 2023 from 8.44 AM.

The primary goal of the conclave is to counter the vicious narrative peddled by DMK and Dravidianists about the Hindu religion also known as Sanatana Dharma. The event is open to all and free of charge.

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DMK MLA Writes To TN Govt College Demanding Students To Express Views Against Sanatana Dharma, Principal Obliges But Withdraws After Outrage

By
The Commune
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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.

A new circular has been issued in which students have been asked to express their views just about “Sanatana”.

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Marakkuma Nenjam Nightmare: No Real “Apology” From Rahman, ACTC Head Gives Unsatisfactory Response With Vague Promise Of Refund

By
The Commune
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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.

First Aid & Ambulance Services

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. 

https://twitter.com/hailhydra_01/status/1701847694954938876

Many netizens also compared how music composer Ilayaraaja handled a similar situation at his concert.

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.

“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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