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PM unveils Adi Shankaracharya Statue and Samadhi at Kedarnath

By
The Commune
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stones and dedicated to the Nation various development projects in Kedarnath. He inaugurated Shri Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi and unveiled the statue of Shri Adi Shankaracharya. He also reviewed and inspected the executed and ongoing infrastructure works. The Prime Minister also offered prayers at the Kedarnath Temple. Prayers were offered and celebrations held at 12 Jyotirlingas and 4 dhams and many places of faith all over the country along with the event at Kedarnath Dham, all events were linked to the main event at Kedarnath Dham.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister evoked the great spiritual rishi tradition of India and expressed his indescribable joy on coming to  Kedarnath Dham. Recalling his interaction with soldiers at Nowshera yesterday, he said yesterday, on Diwali, he took the feelings of 130 crore Indians to soldiers, today, on Govardhan Puja, he said that I was on the land of soldiers and in the divine presence of Baba Kedar. The Prime Minister quoted a verse from Ramcharitmanas- ‘अबिगत अकथ अपार, नेति-नेति नित निगम कह’ meaning some experiences are so supernatural, so infinite that they cannot be expressed in words. He said this is how he feels under the shelter of Baba Kedarnath.

The Prime Minister said that new facilities like shelters, facilitation centres will ease the lives of priests and devotees and allow them to fully immerse in the divine experience of the pilgrimage. Recalling the Kedarnath floods in 2013, the Prime Minister noted that damage caused by the floods years ago was unimaginable. He said “people who used to come here used to think that will this our Kedar Dham stand up again? But my inner voice was saying that it will stand with more pride than ever before.”  The Prime Minister said due to the grace of Lord Kedar and inspiration of Adi Shankaracharya and his experience of managing the aftermath of the Bhuj Earthquake, he could be of help in those difficult times. He struck a personal note and said that it is a blessing that he could serve the place which nurtured him earlier in his life. He thanked all the workers, priests, Rawal families of the priests, officials and the Chief Minister for relentlessly pursuing the development works at the Dham. I said he kept monitoring the work through drones and other technologies. He said that “this combination of modernity with the eternal on this ancient land, these development works are the result of the natural grace of Lord Shankar.”

Talking about Adi Shankaracharya, Shri Modi said  that the meaning of Shankar in Sanskrit is – “शं करोति सः शंकरः”. That is, the one who does welfare is Shankar. This grammar was directly proven by Acharya Shankar. His life was as extraordinary as it was  devoted to the welfare of the common man, he said. The Prime Minister recalled there was a time when spirituality and religion started getting linked with stereotypes and outdated practices. Whereas, Indian philosophy talks about human welfare and looks at life in a holistic way. Adi Shankaracharya did the work of making the society aware of this truth, he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that today, our cultural heritage centers of faith are being viewed with deserved and valid pride, as they should be viewed. “A grand temple of Lord Shri Ram is coming up in Ayodhya. Ayodhya is getting its glory back. Just two days ago, the whole world saw the grand celebration of Deepotsav in Ayodhya. Today we can imagine how the ancient cultural form of India must have been”, Shri Modi said. The Prime Minister said that today’s India is confident about its heritage. “Today, India sets tough goals and deadlines for itself. Today, it is not acceptable for India to be timid about deadlines and goals”, the Prime Minister said. Talking about the contribution of heroes of the Freedom Struggle, the Prime Minister asked the countrymen to visit the places related to the glorious freedom struggle of India and pious places of pilgrimage and get acquainted with the spirit of India.

The Prime Minister said that the third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand. He informed that work is going on at a fast pace on the Chardham road project, connecting with the Chardham highways. In future, the work has started so that devotees can come here to Kedarnath ji through cable car. There is also the holy Hemkund Sahib Ji nearby. Work is going on to build a ropeway to make the darshan in Hemkund Sahib ji easy. “Keeping in mind the immense  potential and full faith in the capabilities of the people of Uttarakhand, the State government is involved in the ‘mahayagya’ of Uttarakhand’s development”, he said.

The Prime Minister lauded the discipline shown by Uttarakhand in the fight against Corona. Overcoming the geographical difficulties, today Uttarakhand and its people have achieved the target of 100 % single dose vaccination. This is the strength and power of Uttarakhand, he said. “Uttarakhand is situated at a very high elevation. My Uttarakhand will scale even greater heights than its own elevation”, The Prime Minister concluded.

Shri Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi has been reconstructed after the destruction in the 2013 floods. The entire reconstruction work has been undertaken under the guidance of the Prime Minister, who has constantly reviewed and monitored the progress of the project. Today also, the Prime Minister reviewed and inspected the executed and ongoing works along the Saraswati Aasthapath. Key infrastructure projects which have been completed, including Saraswati Retaining Wall Aasthapath and Ghats, Mandakini Retaining Wall Aasthapath, Tirth Purohit Houses and Garud Chatti bridge on river Mandakini. The projects have been completed at a cost of over Rs. 130 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for multiple projects worth over Rs 180 crore, including the Redevelopment of Sangam Ghat, First Aid and Tourist Facilitation Centre, Admin Office and Hospital, two Guest Houses, Police Station, Command & Control Centre, Mandakini Aasthapath Queue Management and Rainshelter and Saraswati Civic Amenity Building.

(Published from PIB)

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China supplies cheap and unreliable weapons to third world countries: Pentagon report

By
The Commune
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After the government of Sri Lanka terminated any future supply of fertilizers from China, there is a new report that states that nations that import military hardware from this Communist regime, consider the arms to be of lower quality and reliability.

However, according to a report published by the Pentagon, countries that buy Chinese weapons is because they are not expensive but have a serious issue with reliability and are less expensive than other comparable systems.

According to a Pentagon’s 2021 Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China, some potential customers consider arms made by Beijing to be of lower quality and reliability, 

China’s arms sales operate primarily through state-run export organisations such as the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), the report stated.

Also, arms transfers are now one of the cornerstones of China’s foreign policy along with other types of assistance to complement foreign policy initiatives undertaken as part of China’s One Belt, One Road initiative.

Some of Beijing’s clients include Pakistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Algeria, Serbia, and Kazakhstan and China has supplied unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), submarines.

Beijing has also agreed to sell eight Yuan-class submarines for more than USD 3 billion to Pakistan and it is China’s first AIP powered submarine and presumed to be one of the quietest diesel-electric submarine classes in service.

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Sri Lanka bans Chinese fertilizer, sends SOS to India, IAF airlifts 110 tonnes

By
The Commune
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After the Sri Lankan Government detected contamination in the organic fertiliser supplied by China, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has lifted 100,000 kilograms of Nano Nitrogen fertilizer after the Government of Sri Lanka sent out a SOS.

The High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka said in a statement, “Two Indian Air Force (IAF) heavy-lift aircraft arrived in early morning hours of 04 November with a consignment of Nano Nitrogen fertilizer on the request of the Government of Sri Lanka.”

The statement stated further, “The two IAF C-17 Globemaster aircrafts arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport with 100,000 Kg of Nano Nitrogen. The deployment was essentially to support the Government of Sri Lanka’s initiative towards Organic farming and to expedite availability of Nano Nitrogen Fertiliser to the Sri Lankan farmers.”

“The Government of India has continued to support Sri Lanka in times of critical requirement as part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity and role as the ‘First Responder’ in the region,” it added.

As per reports, a consignment of Chinese fertiliser was found contaminated and it did not pass its quality standards set by Sri Lanka’s Plant Protection Ordinance that prohibits the government from importing any product that is found to host microbes or other harmful microorganisms.

However, tests that were carried out on Chinese samples showed the batch was contaminated with harmful microbes. The Chinese who are known to deny any failure on their part asked Sri Lanka to re-test the contaminated batch claiming the standards on the island nation did not meet the international standards.

As of now, Colombo has informed Beijing that it will not allow for a bulk permit to the Chinese batch of fertilisers, which prevents it from entering or loading in Sri Lanka. 

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Even Pak PM wished Hindus on Deepavali, not TN CM Stalin

By
The Commune
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On Thursday (November 4), Hindus across the world celebrated Deepavali marking the triumph of good over evil. Leaders from across the world conveyed their wishes to Hindus celebrating the festival.

US President Joe Biden lighted a lamp in the White House wishing Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains celebrating Deepavali. A US lawmaker has even introduced a bill to make Deepavali a federal holiday.

Even Prime Minister Imran Khan of the Islamic State of Pakistan wished the Hindu ‘minority’ in his country on Deepavali.

However, as expected, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin did not wish the Hindu community on the occasion of Deepavali in line with the anti-Hindu stance of the DMK.

While they claim to be ‘rationalistic’, their rationalism is only targeted against members of only one particular faith – Hinduism. The DMK resorts to blatant and covert appeasement towards members of the two major Abrahamic faiths – Islam and Christianity to consolidate their minority votebank.

Chief Minister Stalin who did not wish for Deepavali had just a few weeks ago sent his wishes on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi extending his ‘heartfelt’ wishes to the ‘Muslim brotherhood’ on the occasion of Prophet Mohammad’s birthday.

Similarly, CM Stalin had also wished the Muslim community for Bakrid.

But on October 14 and 15, when Hindus across the world celebrated Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadasami on the respective days CM Stalin did not extend his wishes for these festivals. In August, when Hindus celebrated Vinayaka Chathurthi, he didn’t wish on that occasion too.

Similarly, as Tamil people across the world celebrated Puthandu (Tamil New Year) the DMK chief did not extend wishes for the same but had sent wishes to people on the occasion of Ugadi, the Telugu New Year.

While it is one thing to stick to ‘rationalism’ and not wish for Hindus on their festivals as the President of DMK, it is expected that a Chief Minister who is supposed to be a leader for all, acts without prejudice and bias.

Political observers and experts opine that by selectively wishing for only Muslims and Christians on their festivals and not extending privilege to Hindus, MK Stalin is violating his oath as Chief Minister.

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Actor Suriya’s Jai Bhim spreads canards against Vanniyars and Brahmins

By
The Commune
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Actor Suriya’s latest film Jai Bhim which has been receiving both bouquets and brickbats has several problematic scenes creating rift between different communities.

The film which seems to have been taken to coax the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has elements of the party’s politics – peddling hatred against Brahmins and Hindi.

In one scene, Prakash Raj who plays the role of a police officer slaps a north-Indian (who has been stereotyped as a ‘Marwari’ Saet) for speaking in Hindi and asks him to speak in Tamil.

Many on social media not just pointed out this problematic scene for instigating violence but also lashed out as Suriya for being a hypocrite as he has released Jai Bhim in Hindi too in order attract Hindi audience.

In another scene, Suriya can be seen subtly spreading canards about Brahmins. Actor MS Bhaskar who is shown as a Brahmin lawyer (Sankaran) uttering ‘Sivaya Namaha’ quite often, approaches Suriya (Chandru) in the corridors of the court to apparently appreciate Suriya.

Here is how the interaction goes:

Sankaran: Chandru.. Very good ya. This haebus corpus case would’ve been dismissed in 2 minutes. You quoted the Rajan case! Sivaya Namaha! That was a wise move! The case has now come in your favour.

Chandru: No sir. I feel I’m handling this case wrong. 

Sankaran: No no no. I’m telling you. You’re on the right path. 

Chandru: No sir. If you’re being so positive, then there must be something wrong that I am doing. 

In the above interaction, the character Chandru implies that Brahmins are nefarious and not to be trusted.

In another scene, the villains are shown belonging to the Vanniyar community with their sacred motif ‘Agni’ being situated in the frame. The sub-inspector who is one of the villain in the film Jaybeem, is portrayed as a Vanniyar man and being an enemy of the Irular community.

But in reality, the sub-inspector’s name who implicated the Irular men and thrashed them was Anthony Sami and is not a Vanniyar.

In light of this, the Vanniyar community has been lashing out at Suriya and the makers of the movie for the unwarranted provocation.

This is not the first time actor-turned-virtue signaller Suriya has been caught peddling propaganda. His earlier film Soorarai Pottru is a mischievous distortion of the story of Air Deccan’s G.R. Gopinath who is a Brahmin and a capitalist. However, he is shown as a follower of anti-Hindu bigot ‘Periyar’ E.V. Ramasamy Naicker and a ‘socialist’ capitalist.

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Modi Govt reduces fuel price on Deebavali eve

By
The Commune
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petrol diesel price

The Narendra Modi government has decided to reduce Central Excise Duty on Petrol & Diesel by ₹5 and ₹10 respectively.

The price reduction will be effective from tomorrow.

“The reduction in excise duty on diesel will be double that of petrol. The Indian farmers have, through their hard work, kept the economic growth momentum going even during the lockdown phase and the massive reduction in excise on diesel will come as a boost to the farmers during the upcoming Rabi season,” stated the government statement.

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WHO approves India’s COVAXIN

By
The Commune
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After months of waiting, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday said it has granted emergency use listing (EUL) to Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin.

The Technical Advisory Group (TAG), an independent advisory committee of WHO, recommended EUL status for Covaxin.

‘WHO has granted emergency use listing (EUL) to #COVAXIN (developed by Bharat Biotech), adding to a growing portfolio of vaccines validated by WHO for the prevention of COVID-19,’ the global health body said in a tweet.

Dr Poonam Khetarpal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South East Asia, in a tweet, said, ‘Congratulations India for Emergency Use Listing of its indigenously produced COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin.’ ‘The Technical Advisory Group of WHO has recommended Emergency Use Listing status for Covaxin,’ a source told PTI before the WHO announcement.

On October 26, the TAG had sought ‘additional clarifications’ from the company for Covaxin to conduct a final ‘risk-benefit assessment’ for Emergency Use Listing of the vaccine which was seen by many as a delibrate tactic to ensure this drug is not used internationally.

However, after the Australian government gave its clearance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the G20 summit recently the approval from WHO granting Covaxin EUL was not surprising.

As per data provided by Bharat Biotech, Covaxin has demonstrated 77.8 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 and 65.2 per cent protection against the new Delta variant.

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Telangana Guv Tamilisai comes to the rescue of TN truck drivers stuck in Kashmir due to heavy snow

By
The Commune
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Truck drivers from Tamil Nadu who were stranded in Kashmir due to heavy snowfall were escorted to comfort upon the timely intervention of Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan.

The drivers belonging to the Salem and Coimbatore districts were transporting goods from Kasargod in Kerala to Ladakh.

But they got stranded about 40 kms from Jammu due to heavy snowfall. They had posted a video of their plight which was brought to the attention of Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan who is also the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry by the BJP Coimbatore District President.

In the video they explained that they were supposed to finish their duty and return home for Deebavali but couldn’t due to snow. Their owners had not informed about the weather conditions in Srinagar. For days, they had to survive by keeping the truck switched on so that they got some warmth.

Dr. Tamilisai immediately reached out to Major Tushar Bajir. The CRPF forces in the area were informed about the stranded vehicles and a team was sent to escort the stranded drivers.

They were taken to the nearby army camp and were made comfortable by giving refreshments and a place to relax.

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan later thanked the BJP office bearers of the Coimbatore district for bringing the matter to her attention.

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“Don’t Ban Firecrackers On Diwali”: Sadhuguru Jaggi Vasudev Says

By
The Commune
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As the debate on firecrackers ban hots up in the country, Sadhguru, Founder-Isha Foundation, opposed the blanket ban on firecrackers and offered a simple alternative.

Taking to Twitter, the spiritual leader said, “Concern about air pollution is not a reason to prevent kids from experiencing the joy of firecrackers. As your sacrifice for them, walk to your office for 3 days. Let them have the fun of bursting crackers.”

Earlier on Monday, the Special Bench of the Supreme Court stated that a blanket ban on firecrackers may not be possible, calling the earlier Calcutta High Court’s order for a complete ban as “extreme”. The measures ought to be in place to prevent the use of toxic chemicals in firecrackers, the Bench noted.

Extending warm greetings for Diwali to everyone, Sadhguru further added, “Lighting up in joy, love, and consciousness is vital in times of crisis that could dump you into darkness. This Diwali, light up your Humanity to its full glory. Love & Blessings.”

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Kerala HC: Removal of PM Modi photo from Covid-19 vaccine certificate a very dangerous proposition

By
The Commune
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As the opposition who have for months had problems with the photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from vaccine certificate, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday (2 November) said that the demand to remove the photo of the PM from the vaccine certificate is a “very dangerous proposition”.

Justice N Nagaresh, who heard the plea challenging with regards to the photo of PM Modi being affixed on the vaccination certificates issued to the citizens upon being vaccinated, orally remarked, “This is a very dangerous proposition. Tomorrow someone can come here and protest that they don’t like Mahatma Gandhi, and seek the removal of his image”, reports Livelaw.

The petition contended that PM Modi’s photo be removed since the certificate was his private space and he has rights over it.

All Covid-19 certificates issued in India are presently printed have on the bottom photo of PM Modi. Responding to Justice Nagaresh’s observation, Advocate Ajit Joy, counsel for the petitioner, said that the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi was printed on currency as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Regulations, while PM Modi’s photo was not affixed based on any statutory provision.

The Central government has sought time to file an affidavit informing their stance and bearing that in good cognizance the court has posted the case for hearing on 23 November.

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TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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