India and Russia have reaffirmed their strategic partnership by signing a Protocol to deepen cooperation in aluminium, fertilisers, railways, and mining technology.
At the 11th session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernisation and Industrial Cooperation here, the two sides welcomed enhanced engagement in aluminium, fertilisers, and railway transport, alongside capacity building and technology transfer in mining sector equipment, exploration, and industrial and domestic waste management.
The meeting was held under the framework of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. From the Indian side, the session was co-chaired by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, from the Russian side.
The meeting reviewed the progress made since the 10th session and provided a platform to strengthen cooperation across key sectors. Discussions included updates from the sub-groups on modernisation, mining, fertilisers, and railway transport, as well as emerging areas of collaboration. Key focus areas included cooperation in aerospace science and technology, including the establishment of a modernised wind tunnel facility, production of small aircraft piston engines, and joint development in carbon fibre technology, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing.
Both sides also explored opportunities in rare earth and critical minerals extraction, underground coal gasification, and creation of modern industrial infrastructure. The meeting concluded with the signing of the Protocol of the 11th Session by both co-chairs, reaffirming the strategic India-Russia partnership and shared commitment to deepen industrial and economic cooperation. The session saw participation from around 80 delegates representing both sides, including senior government officials, domain experts, and representatives from industry, the Commerce Ministry said.
-IANS
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The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Gangai Konda Cholapuram, commemorating both the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola and the thousand-year milestone of his maritime expedition, seems to have unsettled certain ideological quarters.
In response, there have been attempts to downplay the Chola legacy and portray them in a negative light. A recent article in a newspaper is one such example, riddled with factual inaccuracies, misleading interpretations, and anachronistic judgments about Rajendra Chola’s Gangetic expedition and his reign.
It is no surprise that a book by Kanisetti is quoted frequently in the article, a work that contains more fiction than verified history about the Cholas.
Let us be clear. No one claims that ancient India was devoid of warfare. The epic battle of Kurukshetra itself is a testament to this. Many dynasties ruled various parts of the subcontinent, and conflicts among them were not uncommon. In Tamil Nadu, the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas were engaged in frequent battles since the Sangam era. However, these conflicts were typically confined to the battlefield. Yes, there were occasional excesses, as is common in the course of wars, but they remained exceptions.
A verse from the Sangam classic Purananuru captures the ethics of war. The Pandya king Palyagasalai Muthukudumi Peruvazhuthi, known for his fierce campaigns, declared through his army, “Cows, Brahmins devoted to natural duties, women, the sick, and those without heirs, please move away as our arrows will be unleashed soon.” This was the war dharma practiced by our kings.
The author of the article does not seem to be aware of what actually happened at Gangai Konda Cholapuram just a week ago, let alone have the authority to write about events from a thousand years ago. The article begins by claiming that the Prime Minister carried “a traditional kodam or jug of water from the Ganga to pour into a tank.” In reality, the Gangajal was used for performing abhishekam to the presiding deity, Gangai Konda Choleeswarar, not poured into a tank. This is clearly visible in the visuals from the event.
The article further states that “the BJP adopted the Tamil god Murugan,” indicating its ideological slant. Gods do not belong to any one language or region. Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Skanda, is revered across India. Inscriptions refer to a Murugan temple in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The Yaudheyas worshipped Skanda as their guardian deity and minted coins bearing his image. The Guptas built several temples for Skanda. Thus, the label of “Tamil God” is both misleading and divisive.
The article makes another fundamental error by stating that Rajendra Chola conquered the Cheras and Pallavas. The Pallavas had ceased to exist as a ruling power long before Rajendra’s time. Aditya Chola had defeated the last Pallava king, Aparajitha, in 897 CE, marking the end of the Pallava dynasty. There was nothing left for Rajendra to conquer on that front.
It goes on to claim that Rajendra was seeking ritual confirmation of his status as emperor. This demonstrates a complete ignorance of Chola records. The Thiruvalangadu copper plates clearly state that the purpose of Rajendra’s northern expedition was to bring the sacred waters of the Ganga to sanctify his newly established capital and temple at Gangai Konda Cholapuram.
It was customary to consecrate a new capital or temple with sacred water. Rajendra undertook a Digvijaya, a ceremonial conquest, to bring the Ganga water. Along the way, he faced resistance, particularly from the Western Chalukyas who had allied with northern kings such as Indraratha. Rajendra, in turn, had alliances with King Bhoja of the Paramaras and Gangeya of the Kalachuris. A strong army was dispatched to ensure safe passage. The military engagements were incidental to the main objective of sanctification, as reiterated in the Karandai and Esalam copper plates, which also compare Rajendra with Bhagiratha who brought Ganga to earth as per our Puranas.
The article then cites Kanisetti’s book to claim that Rajendra’s army “killed, raped, and plundered” its way to the north. This is an unsubstantiated and baseless claim. None of Rajendra’s inscriptions or Meikeerthi mention such acts. They only document victories over kingdoms. The accusation that Rajendra’s army sacked temples and stole idols is equally baseless. Rajendra was a devoted Shaivite, calling himself “Shiva Charana Sekhara.” Why would such a ruler desecrate temples? For instance, a temple at Mahendragiri in Odisha contains a Tamil inscription by Rajendra, and the temple stands intact even today. In fact, Chola kings often made donations to temples in conquered regions, a fact that completely contradicts the article’s narrative.
The article also mocks the practice of bringing idols from other regions, quoting Kanisetti’s speculative statement that it is “difficult to believe that these idols were obtained without extreme violence.” This is mere conjecture. Chola records mention that some idols were given as gifts. At Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Rajendra built a separate shrine for the Mahishasuramardini idol brought from Chalukya territory, where she was revered as a war goddess.
Mahishasura Mardhini Shrine at Gangai Konda Cholapuram
A Ganesha idol from Bengal is still worshipped as “Gangaikonda Ganapathi” in a Kumbakonam temple. These idols were housed in temples and treated with reverence. Calling temples “less respectable places” only reveals the bias of those unfamiliar with temple traditions.
The article makes another glaring factual error in stating that “in 1025, Rajaraja stormed Kedah in Sumatra,” when in fact, Rajaraja had passed away in 1014. Kedah is in the Malay Peninsula, not in Sumatra. Moreover, the Srivijaya Empire was not thrown into chaos for a century. In fact, post-expedition, the Cholas maintained cordial relations with Srivijaya. Inscriptions record that Vira Rajendra mediated a succession dispute within Srivijaya, and Kulottunga I even spent time in the region and built temples there.
It is also worth noting that the celebration of Adi Thiruvathirai at Gangai Konda Cholapuram was initiated by local history enthusiasts, not by Dravidian ideologues. Ironically, the same ideologues have in the past accused the Cholas of favouring Brahmins, a baseless allegation with no historical support.
The article includes a veiled comparison, implying that Rajendra’s expedition was akin to the later Islamic invasions. This is not only historically inaccurate but deeply offensive. The invasions led by the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals were marked by temple destruction and massacres. Ulugh Khan, also known as Muhammad bin Tughlaq, is recorded to have killed 12,000 devotees. According to Amir Khusrau, Malik Kafur destroyed the Chidambaram temple and slaughtered Brahmins who defended it. There is no comparable evidence of such violence during Rajendra’s campaign. Moreover, the Cholas never annexed northern territories, as that was never their objective.
To conclude, at a time when the country is rediscovering its civilisational legacy through events like the Gangai Konda Cholapuram celebrations, attempts to distort history and equate dharmic kings with foreign invaders are deeply disingenuous. The facts of history do not support the narrative that Hindu kings were looters or temple destroyers. These are speculative imaginations of individuals who pose as historians without offering credible evidence.
TS Krishnan is a Tamil scholar, historian and author of the book The Cholas.
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A Hindu organisation has filed a petition against the Dravidar Kazhagam functionary, Ramesh, who referred Hindus as “sons of prostitutes” during a Christian gathering in Kumbakonam on 4 August 2025. The event was organised to protest the arrest of Catholic missionaries in Chhattisgarh over allegations of forced conversions among tribal communities.
In the video the Dravidar Kazhagam functionary said, “The reason, what they (the opposition) give is they are converting people. This very idea is a fraudulent one. Today, people are clear. If a person from one religion wants to go to another religion, they think, they act, they fully internalize that idea, and if they wish, they go. No one is forced, compelled, given money, or given goods to do so… All these things they say are false accusations. They are snatching away freedom of expression. How is that? What accusation was leveled against Jesus Christ? When Jesus Christ was arrested and brought before the assembly, what did the arresting government say? They said, “He is inciting a revolution.” They made that same accusation then. And what are they doing today? Look. Fear is coming to the ruling class. That’s why they have imprisoned these sisters today. Rather than being an untouchable, rather than being a Pulaiyan, rather than being a Pallan, rather than being a Paraiyan, one can be a Christian. One can be a Muslim. We welcome it. Periyar said, “Rather than being the son of a prostitute, the son of a Devadasi in the Hindu religion, you should go to another religion as a self-respecting human being.”
The video of Ramesh’s remarks quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. In response, Vasudevan, coordinator of the Federation of Hindu Associations, submitted an official online complaint to the Tamil Nadu police, urging immediate action against the speaker.
The gathering, which took place at the Old Fish Market in Kumbakonam, included leaders from various Christian denominations, political parties, and other organisations. The stated purpose was to protest the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh who faced charges related to human trafficking and forced religious conversions. While the nuns were later granted bail, their detention sparked political outrage, with parties such as Congress, Left, RJD, SP, TMC, DMK, VCK, and NTK highlighting the incident to portray the BJP as anti-minority. Critics argue that these parties aimed to deflect attention from proselytisation activities by Christian groups.
In his complaint, Vasudevan stated that Ramesh’s speech was highly offensive and specifically targeted Hindus. “I am the coordinator of the Federation of Hindu Associations. On the 4th, a public meeting was held to denounce the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh. At this meeting, Ramesh, son of Peter and a Dravidar Kazhagam functionary, made highly disparaging remarks about Hindus. His video, which has gone viral, shows him calling Hindus ‘sons of prostitutes’, targeting the community specifically. Despite the presence of women in the audience, whose visible reactions reflected discomfort, he continued unabated. His words were offensive and constitute a blatant case of hate speech. The Supreme Court has repeatedly stressed that such speech has no place in a civilised society and must be dealt with sternly,” he said.
Vasudevan added that freedom of expression cannot be used to incite caste or communal tensions and urged the DMK government to hold Ramesh and others on stage accountable for failing to prevent or condemn his remarks.
Ramesh reportedly defended his statement by citing EV Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar), a tactic frequently employed to avoid legal consequences. Critics, however, argue that this reflects a long-standing pattern of anti-Hindu rhetoric from certain Dravidian leaders.
Past incidents are often cited to illustrate this trend. In 2022, DMK MP A. Raja reportedly remarked during a ceremony commemorating Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani that Shudras and Hindus were treated as untouchables and children of prostitutes. Similarly, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, in a 2020 webinar on “Periyar and Feminism,” claimed that Hindu women were considered “prostitutes” under Sanatana Dharma and highlighted their historical exploitation.
Critics argue that despite multiple complaints over such derogatory statements, Tamil Nadu police have rarely taken action against leaders from DMK, VCK, or Christian evangelists. By contrast, social media activists associated with Hindu organisations or those critical of Chief Minister Stalin or minority communities are often swiftly targeted. This selective approach, they claim, exposes an evident bias in law enforcement.
A major controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu’s literary and political circles after the Azhwar Research Centre, headed by DMK MP Jagathrakshakan, announced that poet and lyricist and MeToo accused Vairamuthu will be conferred the prestigious Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban Award during the upcoming golden jubilee celebrations of the Kamban Vizha.
The announcement has drawn sharp condemnation from various sections of the Tamil cultural community and political leaders. Critics have expressed anger over the selection of Vairamuthu, who in the past faced severe backlash for his remarks on Andal, a revered Tamil poet-saint considered divine by Tamil Hindus. Many allege that honouring him with an award named after Kamban, the celebrated author of the Tamil Ramayana, amounts to an insult to Tamil Hindu heritage.
BJP state secretary Aswathaman took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the decision, stating, “An award for Vairamuthu for his filth?! Is it permissible to tarnish Kamban’s name?! It has been announced that the Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban Award will be presented to Vairamuthu on behalf of the Alwars Research Centre of DMK MP Jagathratchagan. Many Tamil enthusiasts are expressing outrage, stating that this tarnishes the name of Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban. The community that celebrates Kamban is in uproar, questioning whether the Kamban Award should be given to a scoundrel who wrote an article casting great blame on Andal. It has been announced that this award will be presented to Vairamuthu at an event presided over by Chief Minister Stalin. If you are eager to give an award to Vairamuthu, give it in the name of Karunanidhi or E.V. Ramasamy! But do not attempt to tarnish the name of Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban. The Alwars Research Centre and the Chennai Kamban Kazhagam must withdraw this award announcement. This award should be given to another deserving individual.”
திமுக எம் பி ஜெகத்ரட்சகன் அவர்களது ஆழ்வார்கள் ஆய்வு மையம் சார்பாக கவிச்சக்கரவர்த்தி கம்பன் விருது வைரமுத்து அவர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படுவதாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இது கவிச்சக்கரவர்த்தி கம்பனின் பெயரை களங்கப்படுத்துவதாக உள்ளது… pic.twitter.com/iNrHnqxXSG
The ceremony is scheduled to be presented on August 8 at AVM Rajeshwari Kalyana Mandapam in Chennai as part of a three-day event (Aug 8–10) organized by the Chennai Chamber of Commerce and Kamban Kazhagam, celebrating 51 years of the Kamban Vizha.
The event is expected to feature key dignitaries including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who is slated to preside over the award ceremony. Others listed to attend include singer Nithyashree Mahadevan, orator Suki Sivam, and several scholars and cultural personalities. The ceremony also includes book releases and special lectures under the banner “Kamban Vizha – 2025.”
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Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said on Wednesday that 16 Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels, and one official ship were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Wednesday.
According to Taiwan’s MND, eight out of 16 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In response to Chinese military activity, Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the situation and deployed aircraft, naval vessels, and a coastal-based missile system. “16 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 16 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” the MND posted on X.
This latest incursion follows a recent pattern of Chinese military activity near Taiwan. Earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan reported that 12 Chinese military aircraft, five naval vessels and one official ship were tracked operating near Taiwan. According to the statement, Taiwan forces monitored the situation and responded to Chinese military action.
In a post on X, the MND wrote: “12 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.”
Similarly, on Monday, the MND stated that five Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and one official ship were spotted operating near Taiwan. According to it, four out of five sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
“5 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 out of 5 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” it said in a statement shared on X. Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), continues to be governed independently since 1949.
However, Taiwan continues to face threats from China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory under the “One China” principle, insists on its reunification with Beijing. Despite China’s efforts, Taiwan, backed by strong public support, continues to assert its sovereignty and respond to China’s incursions.
-IANS
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dedicated the newly constructed Kartavya Bhavan to the nation, asserting that this new construction reflects the Centre’s commitment to building a ‘Viksit’ and ‘Atmanirbhar‘ India.
He inaugurated the Kartavya Bhavan-03 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi earlier in the day and also visited an exhibition related to the construction of the Kartavya Bhavan-03, showcasing the building’s modern features and highlighting the aspects of the building constructed to ensure environmental sustainability.
Following this, PM Modi took to X and posted, “Kartavya Bhavan, on the path of duty, is a symbol of our unwavering commitment and continuous efforts toward serving every individual. It will not only help in swiftly delivering our policies and schemes to the people but will also provide a new momentum to the country’s development. I am deeply proud to dedicate this building, an example of state-of-the-art infrastructure, to the nation.”
Stressing that Kartavya Bhavan reflects the Modi government’s “commitment to building a ‘Viksit’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ India,” the Prime Minister said, “Today, the nation has witnessed the tireless hard work and determination of our labouring brothers who have shaped it. I am extremely delighted to interact with them.”
PM Modi also planted a sapling in the courtyard of the newly constructed complex, aligning with this ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. “Full attention has been given to environmental protection in the construction of Kartavya Bhavan, for which our country is committed. Today, I also got the fortunate opportunity to plant a sapling in its courtyard,” he posted.
Later in the evening, the Prime Minister will address a public gathering at the same venue at approximately 6.30 p.m. The inauguration of Kartavya Bhavan–03 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Central Vista redevelopment project.
As the first of several upcoming Common Central Secretariat buildings, the new structure is designed to streamline administrative functioning by consolidating various ministries and departments currently operating from scattered locations across Delhi. Kartavya Bhavan-03 spans an area of approximately 1.5 lakh square meters, including two basement levels and seven floors (Ground + 6 levels). It will house several key government offices, including those of the Ministries of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Rural Development, MSME, DoPT, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).
The state-of-the-art complex integrates modern infrastructure with cutting-edge technology to support efficient and secure governance. The new building will exemplify modern governance infrastructure featuring IT-ready and secure workspaces, ID card-based access controls, integrated electronic surveillance, and a centralised command system.
The facility will promote eco-consciousness through zero-discharge waste management, in-house solid waste processing, e-vehicle charging stations, and extensive use of recycled construction material.
Kartavya Bhavan-03 is designed to consume 30 per cent less energy compared to conventional office buildings. It includes double-glazed facade windows to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce noise, LED lighting with occupancy sensors, energy-efficient lifts, and a centralised energy management system. Solar panels installed on the rooftop will generate over 5.34 lakh units of electricity annually.
-IANS
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Pointing out that they respected the sentiments of the Tamil people, the makers of director Gowtam Tinnanuri’s explosive action entertainer, ‘Kingdom’, featuring actor Vijay Deverakonda in the lead, on Wednesday expressed regret if the sentiments of the people were in some way hurt by their film.
However, the makers also underlined the fact that the film was a completely fictional one and assured Tamil audiences that the film contained no scenes that would hurt their sentiments.
Sithara Entertainments, the production house that has produced the movie, issued a statement on Wednesday in which it said, “We hereby confirm that we respect the sentiments of the Tamil people, and we promise that, there are no such scenes which are involved in the movie that resembling (sic)to hurt the sentiments of the local state people.”
The production house also went on to say that the story of the film was completely fictional and an imaginary one and that this had been “mentioned in the disclaimer portion of the movie.” The production house however went on to say, “In such case, if the sentiments of the people are hurt, we regret for the incident. We kindly request you to support the movie. (sic)”
The production house’s clarification comes in the wake of protests breaking out in Tamil Nadu. The film, which was released worldwide on July 31, has sparked controversy for allegedly portraying Sri Lankan Tamils in a negative light. Tamil nationalist groups, particularly the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), have accused the film-makers of hurting Tamil sentiments.
NTK cadres have alleged that ‘Kingdom’ depicts Sri Lankan Tamils as villains.The party claims the portrayal is not only insensitive but also aimed at maligning the identity and history of the Tamil people.
Written and directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom has music by Anirudh Ravichander and editing by Navin Nooli. It has been produced by Naga Vamsi S and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune 4 Cinemas Banners respectively.
The film is being presented by Srikara Studios. Well known costume designer Neeraja Kona is in-charge of the costumes for this film, which has songs choreographed by Vijay Binni. Three stunt choreographers — Yannick Ben, Chethan D’Souza, Real Satis — have worked on the film, which is full of action sequences.
-IANS
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Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin on Wednesday held a meeting with Vinay Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Russia, as both sides discussed ways to further intensify the multifaceted India-Russia Special Privileged Strategic Partnership.
“During the talks, the sides discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the defence sphere, confirmed the focus on further strengthening the specialised cooperation in the form of a particularly privileged strategic partnership,” read a statement issued by the Russian Defence Ministry.
“The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere which is traditional for the Russian-Indian relations,” it added. India has a longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence which is guided by India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MMTC) headed by the Defence Ministers of both countries.
As time-tested partners, both countries have been involved in several bilateral projects, including the supply of S-400, licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI, supply of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov), production of Ak-203 rifles in India and BrahMos missiles.
New Delhi and Moscow acknowledge that the military technical cooperation has evolved over time from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems.
As the Indian Armed Forces successfully retaliated and also inflicted significant losses on Pakistan during the decisive Operation Sindoor in May this year, the S-400 air defence system was credited with shooting down several incoming missiles from across the border.
Considering the strategic planning and military preparedness, New Delhi is set to procure more S-400 air defence systems soon. Meanwhile, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is also in Moscow, holding meetings with senior Russian officials to discuss India-Russia defence and security cooperation.
The visit comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has announced that he will announce “very substantial” increases to the 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods because of New Delhi’s oil purchases from Russia. Trump has accused New Delhi of “fuelling the war machine” by buying cheaper Russian oil and selling it for “big profits”.
-IANS
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded Union Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, for highlighting the remarkable growth of India’s handloom sector.
The Prime Minister’s Office, in a post on social media platform X, shared Margherita’s article on how India is weaving together heritage, innovation, and collective effort to inspire the world.
“Union Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, writes about the growth of the textile sector in Bharat. He explains how, by weaving together heritage, innovation and collective effort, India’s handloom sector stands poised to inspire the world,” PMO India said.
With just one day left for National Handloom Day, Margherita wrote about the transformation of the textile sector in the country, crediting a series of targeted interventions by the Union government. He said this vision, guided by Prime Minister Modi, aims to make handlooms a key part of daily life.
“With one day to go for National Handloom Day, I write on the growth of the textiles sector in Bharat owing to a series of targeted interventions from the Union government and as envisioned by our Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi to make handlooms a key part of our daily lives,” the MoS wrote on X.
In his post, Margherita expressed pride in the rich legacy and promising future of Indian weavers, acknowledging the efforts of Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh. He said that from the looms of North East India to cutting-edge AI-driven designs, the story of India’s handlooms showcases resilience, empowerment, and limitless creativity. “From the looms of North East India to innovations in AI-driven design, the story of India’s handlooms reflects resilience, empowerment, and boundless creativity,” he added.
The Swadeshi Movement, launched on 7 August 1905, played a key role in promoting indigenous industries, especially handloom weaving. In 2015, the Union Government declared August 7 as National Handloom Day to honour this legacy. The first National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7 August 2015, with Prime Minister Modi inaugurating the event in Chennai.
-IANS
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Starting from this weekend and continuing till the next, West Bengal is all set to be rocked again over protest movements by various groups on the first anniversary of the rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August last year. The body of the victim was recovered from a seminar hall within the hospital premises on the morning of August 9.
While the sole convict in the case, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy had already been sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court, even after a year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had been unable to complete its investigation on the alleged “larger conspiracy” behind the crime. Hence, while the movement last year was mainly targeted at the state administration in West Bengal and the ruling Trinamool Congress, this movement will have a larger perspective, also focussing on the alleged inability of the CBI to complete a fool-proof investigation in the matter.
The parents of the victim have given a ‘Nabanna Abhijan (march to the state secretariat)’ call on August 9 and appealed to all political parties to join in the procession, demanding justice for their daughter on her death anniversary.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, who first floated the idea of involving the victim’s parents there, has extended full-fledged support to the protest march. On Wednesday, Adhikari accused the West Bengal government of allegedly using its entire police administration to stop the protest march. The BJP leader stated that a special police briefing has been convened on Wednesday evening, which almost all top IPS officers of West Bengal Police have been asked to attend.
Using his social media handle, LoP Adhikari, without mentioning Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s name, said she has gone to Jhargram to attend her events after deploying the police force to protect the state secretariat. “Abhaya’s parents, a year after the hellish episode that happened to their child, have called for a ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ to demand answers from the state’s police and health minister for her failure over the incident. But out of that fear, the honourable person has already fled the city on the pretext of an administrative program in Jhargram!”
LoP Adhikari alleged. Sharing a copy of the police note for the briefing later in the day, the BJP leader said, “To protect her chair at the state secretariat, all the big police officers are meeting today at the police line in Shibpur, Howrah, to make arrangements for how to send the entire state police on the road!”
Besides the march to the state secretariat, several protest programmes have been announced by other pressure groups from August 8 to August 15 to observe the anniversary of the tragedy. Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), West Bengal, Medical Service Centre, Service Doctors affiliated to All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), West Bengal Doctors’ Forum, and Association of Health Service Doctors, will organise multiple protest movements.
The convenor of JPD, Punyabrata, said that the state government had failed miserably in ensuring the safety and security of Bengal’s daughters in hospitals and colleges. “Even after the tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital a year ago, another rape took place in a law college in South Kolkata. This shows that there is a need to hit the streets once again to demand justice for our daughter and hold the government accountable,” Punyabrata added.
On August 8, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF) will take out a torch rally from College Square to Shyambazar in north Kolkata at 9 P.M. and from midnight to 4 A.M. the next day, they will organise a sit-in at Shyambazar five-point crossing.
On August 9, JPD and Abhaya Mancha will tie rakhis in the morning to send the message of providing safety and security to the people. At 4 P.M., doctors will assemble at Hazra crossing to take out a march to Kalighat, near Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence. At 6 P.M. on the same day, the WBHDF has given a call for a gathering at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital.
On August 14, rallies and protest meetings will be organised by doctors and the common people. At midnight, another ‘Reclaim the Night’ event has been planned across Kolkata where the common man, including women of the household, will take to the streets to demand justice.
-IANS
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