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Inside The Thakur Family Foundation: How A US-Based Foundation Funded Indian Leftist Media To Shape Public Health Discourse

By
The Commune
-

A complex web of foreign funding, pharmaceutical interests, and media manipulation has emerged around the Thakur Family Foundation (TFF), a US-based organization, raising serious questions about its influence on Indian media and public health narratives.

Recent revelations concerning substantial grants from TFF to individuals closely associated with the fact-checking website Alt News have brought these concerns into sharp focus, suggesting potential violations of Indian laws and a coordinated agenda against India’s pharmaceutical and traditional medicine sectors.

The Thakur Family Foundation: Origins And Key Figures

The Thakur Family Foundation Inc. is a United States 501(c)(3) organization founded by Dinesh S. Thakur, based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The foundation describes its mission as working in “public health and civil liberties” and “invests in capacity building for an empowered society through participative, socially-just governance,” according to its profile on Ashoka University.

Dinesh Thakur’s history is pivotal to understanding the foundation’s activities. In the early 2000s, after working for a decade in senior positions at US pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), Thakur surprisingly quit to “serve India.” He joined Ranbaxy in 2003, coincidentally around the same time that Ranbaxy was engaged in a legal dispute with Pfizer over the generic version of Lipitor, which threatened Pfizer’s billion-dollar market.

During his brief 2–3-year stint at Ranbaxy, two other BMS colleagues – Dinesh Kasthuril and Venkat Swaminathan – also joined the Indian pharmaceutical company in different branches. All three subsequently left Ranbaxy and returned to the US, after which Thakur “exposed” Ranbaxy to the US FDA. This resulted in Ranbaxy being fined USD 500 million, with Thakur receiving a whistleblower reward of USD 48.6 million.

While Ranbaxy was indeed at fault, the narrative that emerged targeted not just one company but extended to “Indian pharma” and “generic medicine” broadly. This pattern of targeting Indian pharmaceutical interests has continued through Thakur’s foundation activities.

The TFF’s leadership includes Thakur’s former BMS and Ranbaxy colleagues. Swaminathan and Dinesh Kasthuril serve as directors of the foundation, recreating their earlier professional alignment. Kasthuril also joined Thakur’s venture Sciformix before moving to LabCorp’s Fortrea.

The Alt News Connection: Foreign Funding And Conflicting Narratives

The controversy intensified with the discovery that TFF provided significant grants to two individuals closely associated with Alt News:

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh, a neuroscientist and author, received a substantial grant from TFF.

Image Source: Propublica
Image Source: Propublica

Another Alt News ‘contributor’ Sharfaroz Satani, reportedly received USD 5,907 (approximately ₹4.43 lakh) between 2020 and 2021 from the Thakur Family Foundation. When combined with the grant to Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh, the total amount comes to around ₹50 lakh. Since Alt News does not possess an FCRA licence, it is not permitted to accept foreign contributions directly — yet the funds appear to have reached the platform indirectly through its employees.

The Grant’s Purpose And Propaganda

Documentation from the Thakur Family Foundation’s website explicitly states the purpose of the award: “WE MADE AN AWARD TO NEUROSCIENTIST AND AUTHOR, DR. SUMAIYA SHAIKH, TO SUPPORT HER FACT-CHECKING CLAIMS RELATED TO EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE.”

 

There are also links to the specific articles produced under this grant on Alt News website. These articles, which were published on platforms associated with the individuals, are alleged ‘fact-checking’ pieces that apparently debunked various claims related to COVID-19. The articles include:

Debunking claims that Vitamin C and lemon-infused hot water can protect against coronavirus or cancer.

Addressing exaggerated effects of the “Janta curfew” as a 14-hour period to kill the coronavirus on surfaces.

Countering claims of genetic superiority of Indians in dealing with COVID-19.

Investigating the scientific basis of Patanjali’s Coronil as a cure for COVID-19.

Scrutinizing home remedies promoted by an Ayurvedic practitioner and the AYUSH ministry’s promotion of “immunity boosters” like Arsenicum Album 30 and Ayush Kwath.

The Larger Pattern: TFF’s Media Network In India

The Alt News funding represents just one node in TFF’s extensive network of media influence in India:

MoneyLife Foundation: Sucheta Dalal’s “startup” received seed funding from Thakur in 2017 and “generous funding” of approximately USD 100,000. Coincidentally, MLF subsequently “exposed” Sun Pharma, which had taken over Ranbaxy in 2015, causing its stock to crash.

Bezwada Wilson/ARUNK (Safai Karmachari group): A grant (~USD 45,628) is reported in the dossier; critics note Wilson’s institutional links and membership roles (including presence in DIGIPUB forums).

The Wire: Received direct grants from TFF, with four of its journalists receiving approximately $75,000 for COVID-19 coverage. The Wire’s founder, Siddharth Varadarajan, has longstanding ties with Thakur, serving on the advisory board of Thakur-funded “Project 39A.” The Wire’s coverage consistently favored foreign vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) while criticizing Indian vaccines as “hasty” and “risky.”

Similarly with Newsclick

Multiple News Portals: TFF grants to various Indian news portals over three years amounted to INR 16 crore, creating a extensive network of media influence.

The Pharmaceutical Connection and Larger Agenda

The pattern suggests a coordinated effort to undermine confidence in Indian pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine:

Global Narrative Building: A series of reports about “bad Indian medicine” emerged simultaneously across multiple countries (Gambia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Iraq), creating a global narrative against Indian pharma.

Questionable Testing Methods: The Bloomberg report that found “bad Indian medicine” in Iraq used US firm Valisure for testing, which had previously been admonished by US courts for “utilizing unreliable methods” and received warnings from US authorities in 2022 for “invalid methods & subpar equipment.”

Valisure Connection: Valisure received awards from Thakur’s foundation around the same time it was producing reports critical of Indian medicines.

Strategic Timing: Thakur’s book “Truth Pill,” co-authored with Prashant Reddy, was published precisely when the Gambia case broke, providing the perfect backdrop for its launch.

Last Word

The Thakur Foundation’s activities represent a sophisticated network leveraging foreign funding to influence Indian public discourse, particularly around pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The pattern suggests a coordinated strategy to undermine Indian generic medicine, traditional healthcare systems like Ayurveda, and promote specific corporate interests under the guise of public health advocacy.

The Alt News case exemplifies how foreign funding can potentially bypass Indian laws to influence public narrative, while the larger TFF network demonstrates how multiple media organizations can be leveraged to create an echo chamber supporting specific agendas.

(This article is based on an X thread by Disinfo Lab)

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Altercation Erupts At Tenkasi Temple Over Recitation Of Thiruvasagam; Devotees Allege Harassment By HR&CE Officials

By
The Commune
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Altercation Erupts At Tenkasi Temple Over Recitation Of Thiruvasagam; Devotees Allege Harassment By HR&CE Officials

A dispute has broken out at a Shiva temple in Tenkasi, with devotees alleging that officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department attempted to stop them from reading Thiruvasagam (holy Tamil Saivite hymns) within the temple premises, leading to a heated confrontation.

The incident, which was captured in a video that has since circulated online, centers on a group of devotees who were reciting the Thiruvasagam, a classic Tamil devotional text, inside the temple. The devotees claim that despite having prior permission for their activities, they were asked to leave and continue their recitation outside.

The video reveals a tense exchange. One devotee can be heard asking the devotees, “You have taken permission for all this and are reading? You have already submitted a letter saying that you are going to read it, right?” And the devotees affirm this. This indicates that the group had obtained formal authorization, which they believe was being unjustly revoked.

It is alleged that the EO had spoken derogatorily to the devotees, especially the guru of the group. Another devotee alleged that the EO nearly came to assault him with an umbrella and spoke disrespectfully. The devotees said, “We consider him as our god, he is our guru.”

Another devotee alleged that the temple authorities questioned who allowed them in and that they would file a police complaint if they didn’t leave.

The devotees seemed very furious and agitated by the behaviour of the temple authorities – it is alleged that the temple is administered by the HR&CE department of the Tamil Nadu government.

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After Karnataka Congress Govt Bans Events On Govt Land Without Permit, High Court Allows RSS March In Priyank Kharge’s Chittapur

By
The Commune
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After Karnataka Congress Govt Bans Events On Govt Land Without Permit, High Court Allows RSS March In Priyank Kharge's Chittapur

The Karnataka Congress government, on 19 October 2025, issued an order making prior permission compulsory for any event held on government property. The directive, issued by the Home Department on Saturday, comes after a state Cabinet decision to regulate the use of public spaces.

The order defines ‘government property’ broadly, encompassing any land, building, structure, road, park, playground, waterbody, or other immovable property owned and managed by a local authority, department, board, or corporation.

This comes amid Karnataka Congress Minister Priyank Kharge’s call to the state government to ban RSS activities in Karnataka.

As per the Government Order (GO), organisations seeking to hold events must apply to jurisdictional revenue and police officials at least three days in advance. The competent authority is required to dispose of the application at least one day before the scheduled event by issuing a written order, provided the applicant meets all requisitions and is given a reasonable opportunity for a hearing.

The order stated that any program or procession held in violation of these rules will be considered unlawful under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the local police are empowered to register a suo motu case. The government has noted that detailed guidelines for the use of public spaces will be issued by respective departments.

The implementation of this order came into immediate focus in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, – Priyank Kharge’s constituency, where permissions for two proposed rallies were denied. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had planned a route march, and the Bhim Army had scheduled a counter-event for the same day.

The Chittapur tahsildar rejected the RSS’s application, citing that the organisation had not sought prior permission, failed to provide details on the number of attendees, and did not submit registration documents or information about ‘lathis and other weapons’. The rejection letter stated the application would be reviewed only if the sought details were furnished.

A police report highlighted that simultaneous rallies by the RSS, Bhim Army, and another group, the Bharatiya Dalit Panther, could lead to clashes and disturb public peace. The report also noted heightened tensions in Chittapur following a recent incident where an RSS activist allegedly verbally abused and issued a death threat to Karnataka IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge, who represents the constituency. Earlier, the installation of saffron flags and banners for the RSS event had also sparked tensions, leading authorities to conduct a clearance drive citing lack of permission.

Court Permits RSS Pathasanchalan

In a subsequent legal development, the Karnataka High Court allowed the RSS to hold its route march in Chittapur on 2 November 2025. The court was hearing a petition filed by Ashok Patil, convenor of RSS Kalaburagi, who challenged the authorities’ inaction on the original application for a Sunday event.

During the hearing, Justice MGS Kamal observed that everyone’s sentiments must be respected and questioned the state government on its plans to accommodate the event. The petitioner’s counsel argued that all official queries had been answered and pointed out that similar processions were conducted peacefully elsewhere in the state.

The petitioner agreed to hold the event on the new date. The High Court directed the petitioner to submit a fresh application with all required details to the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi and asked the authorities to consider it and file a report before the next hearing on 24 October 2025. The court also noted that other organisations, including the Bhim Army and Bharatiya Dalit Panther, were similarly denied permission for their rallies.

(Source: NDTV & Indian Express)

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Bison Review: Mari Selvaraj’s Most Mature, Honest, And Fearless ‘Raid’ Of Self-Introspection That Lands As A Masterstroke

By
S Kaushik
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In his pre-release interview with Sudhir Srinivasan, Mari Selvaraj spoke of offering the people of his region and community a bird’s-eye view — showing them how he sees them, from the perspective of an outsider who has journeyed far in his evolution as a filmmaker.

And that’s precisely what he does in Bison Kaalamaadan. He lays bare how impulsive rage has kept old flames smoldering, how small grievances are fanned into generations-long conflicts, and how this cycle shapes the lives of those trapped within it.

Mari Selvaraj’s Bison Kaalamaadan isn’t just a film — it’s an act of cinematic courage. Set against the volatile socio-political backdrop of southern Tamil Nadu during the Pasupathi Pandian–Venkatesh Pannaiyar era, Mari blends historical realism with haunting fiction. The result is a deeply rooted, emotionally stirring tale that looks caste, conflict, and identity straight in the eye — without flinching, without sermonizing.

Right from the opening frame, Mari signals that we are in for something audacious. The first shot — a breathtaking bottom-up view of the inside of a cylindrical high-rise, with identical floors circling upward — evokes the horns of a bison stacked behind one another. Something like this:

3d Sphere Modern Tunnel Wall With Gray Circle In Rendering Backgrounds | JPG Free Download - Pikbest

It’s both a literal and symbolic tunnel: the viewer being drawn into the world of the Bison, and a visual metaphor for the odds the protagonist must rise above. As a big fan of Mari’s visual grammar, I was hooked – this is the world of Bison, and we’re being pulled right into its spine.

At its heart, Bison Kaalamaadan tells the story of Kittan (Dhruv Vikram), a young man from a so-called “untouchable” community whose life revolves around kabaddi — a sport built on touch. Mari uses this irony brilliantly, turning the game into both metaphor and battleground. Kittan’s journey is one of discrimination, betrayal, and redemption — but not in the simplistic “oppressor versus oppressed” binary we’ve been fed by recent Dravidianist narratives.

Mari does something far more honest and courageous. He holds up a mirror to his own community, revealing the caste prejudices that thrive even among those who are generalized as “oppressed”. Kittan faces discrimination and violence both from members of his “rival” community but also from within — from an extended family member, a caste zealot who rallies behind the Dalit leader Pandiarajan. And Mari doesn’t resort to token symbolism or virtue signaling. He doesn’t show someone cutting a poonool to make a statement. Instead, he stages a far more powerful image — the PT teacher snipping away the caste-marker threads of red-green, green-blue, yellow-red. The message lands quietly yet firmly: on the kabaddi ground, caste doesn’t speak — talent does. It’s a moment of profound self-introspection and rare honesty, one that few filmmakers in Tamil cinema would dare to attempt.

And yet, it’s people from the so-called “rival” communities who lift him higher. The PT teacher (Madankumar Dakshinamoorthy) who first encourages him, Kandasamy (Lal) — a kabaddi coach from the “dominant” caste who spots his talent and breaks bread with him — and Kaandippan (Azhagam Perumal), whose home proudly displays a portrait of freedom fighter Arthanareesa Varma, all become agents of change in Kittan’s life for the better.

This is where Mari Selvaraj’s brilliance truly shines. He doesn’t villainize. He doesn’t glorify. He humanizes. Even when Kandasamy’s relationship with Kittan fractures under the weight of social violence, Mari refuses to demonize him. Instead, he lets pragmatism and pain coexist — Lal’s Kandasamy isn’t evil, just trapped in a brutal world order. And even in separation, he ensures Kittan’s growth by recommending him to another club. It’s rare empathy in today’s polarizing cinematic landscape.

Cinematically, Bison Kaalamaadan is a masterclass in pace and tension. Despite running close to three hours, the film never drags. The rapid-fire edits, the claustrophobic camera work, and Nivas Prasanna’s tense score create an atmosphere thick with urgency and danger. The qualifying match sequence, intercut with Kittan’s father dancing in a trance before their clan deity, stands as one of Mari’s most powerful visual montages — a scene where religion, sport, and emotion merge into something almost transcendental. The pounding Rajamelam that we heard in Karnan and Dhruv’s fierce energy make it pure goosebump cinema.

Like every Mari Selvaraj film, animals in Bison Kaalamaadan carry deep symbolic weight. From Karuppi the dog in Pariyerum Perumal to the tied donkey in Karnan, the pigs in Maamannan, and the cow that wanders into a banana plantation in Vaazhai, Mari has always used animals as living metaphors — pivots that elevate the story, heighten the tension, and mirror the human condition. In Bison, it is a goat that pisses inside a bus.

Dhruv Vikram delivers a deeply committed performance, his physical transformation as a kabaddi player evident in every move. But it’s Pasupathi who owns the film. It wouldn’t be unfair to say that he’s the real hero. His portrayal is extraordinary — every flicker of his eyes, every muscle under his cheek tells a story of trauma, endurance, and pride. His performance alone is reason enough to watch Bison Kaalamaadan.

Image

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Lal and Ameer have also done their job quite well giving a sense of what the rivalry between Pasupathi Pandian and Venkatesh Pannaiyar would’ve been like.

What’s perhaps most striking about Mari’s evolution is how he rejects the tired Dravidianist clichés that plague modern Tamil cinema. There’s no Brahmin-bashing. No north-versus-south sloganeering. No preachy political inserts. In fact, a Tamil man casually speaking Hindi becomes a quiet but powerful moment — a reminder that embracing another language isn’t betrayal, and that identity and inclusivity can coexist without bitterness.

And then comes the final image — the Indian tricolour flying high. It’s not jingoism, but a visual of triumph and unity. After all the blood, discrimination, and chaos, the flag becomes a symbol of transcendence — of belonging to something larger than caste, creed, or conflict. When was the last time you saw a Tamil film end with the Indian flag shown with such dignity, such purity?

Image

And underpinning it all is Mari’s central message — that anger, when channelled right, can be transformative. For Kittan, anger births achievement; for Mari, it births art. The film stands as a testament to what righteous fury can create when guided by compassion and self-awareness.

“Everything that you speak out loud, let it be spoken from within the seeds”

Those were Mari’s opening words in the video of Naan Yaar song from Pariyerum Perumal — and with Bison Kaalamaadan, he has done exactly that. He has spoken from the roots, from the soil that shaped him.

As noted in my review of Vaazhai, Mari Selvaraj is a gifted filmmaker at the height of his cinematic mastery and storytelling craft — a storyteller who should continue to chronicle his life, his journey, and his community’s struggles through such deeply rooted, resonant tales.

Kaushik is a film buff and political writer. 

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Tamil Nadu Congress MLA Along With Supporters Attack Traffic Police In Broad Daylight For Doing His Duty

By
The Commune
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Mayiladuthurai Congress MLA S. Rajakumar slapped a traffic police on duty in broad daylight in Chennai’s arterial Anna Salai.

The traffic police had locked the wheels of the MLA’s car and put a challan as it was parked obstructing traffic.

This led to a brawl between the Congress MLA’s supporters and the traffic police.

MLA Rajkumar, who allegedly beat up traffic policeman Prabhakaran, said, “I can’t take my car, it will be parked here.”

Anna Salai Police, who received the information, have informed the police authorities and an investigation is currently underway.

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Not A Joke, Pakistan Govt Asks X (Twitter) To Ban OpIndia’s Account Worldwide

By
The Commune
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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has requested X to withhold the OpIndia account worldwide, citing legal demands related to reported content.

Many other pro-Hindu and pro-BJP accounts have also received the same mail from X (Twitter) saying that the Pakistani government has sought to withhold some of their X posts.

The notice, addressed to OpIndia’s editorial team, asserts that the platform’s content violates Pakistani laws, though specific details remain undisclosed. This move comes as no surprise given Pakistan’s history of internet censorship, including the blocking of social media platforms during the February 2024 national elections, justified by the government as a measure to ensure national security.

OpIndia, which has carved a niche for itself by challenging mainstream narratives and frequently critiquing Islamist ideologies and Pakistan’s policies, has faced criticism in the past.

Recent articles published by OpIndia have further intensified this tension. For instance, a March 4, 2025, report titled “Persecution of Hindus in Pakistan: HRCP Report Exposes Violence and Injustice” detailed the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s findings on forced conversions, mob violence, and institutional discrimination against Hindus, particularly in Sindh province, painting a grim picture of religious minorities’ plight. Another article, dated September 28, 2022, “Pakistan Officials Come in Support of Banned Islamist Outfit PFI,” exposed Pakistan’s support for the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI) and its ties to global terror outfits, accusing Pakistani officials of rallying international backing for the group.

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Karnataka Govt Employee Dies By Suicide Over 27 Months Of Unpaid Wages In Chamarajanagar

By
The Commune
-

In a deeply distressing case from Karnataka, a government employee took his own life allegedly over non-payment of wages for more than two years. The deceased, identified as Chikoosa Nayaka, worked as a waterman at the Honganuru Gram Panchayat in Chamarajanagar district. He ended his life outside the panchayat office after repeated appeals for his salary went unheard.

According to reports, Nayaka left behind a suicide note detailing his struggles. He stated that his salary had been pending for 27 months, despite repeated pleas to officials. “I have been serving as a waterman since 2016. I repeatedly requested the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) and the Gram Panchayat president to release my dues, but they ignored me. Even my appeal to the Zilla Panchayat CEO went nowhere,” the note reportedly said.

Nayaka mentioned that he had sought permission to resign due to ill health but was constantly denied. He accused PDO Rame Gowda and Mohan Kumar, the husband of the Gram Panchayat president, of subjecting him to continuous mental harassment. “Whenever I asked for leave, they told me to find a replacement before taking time off. They made me stay in the office from 8 AM to 6 PM. I am ending my life because of the harassment by the PDO and Mohan Kumar,” he wrote, urging authorities to take legal action against those responsible.

Following his death, a case was registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the PDO, the Gram Panchayat president, and her husband. The Zilla Panchayat CEO also suspended Rame Gowda for negligence and violation of service rules.

The incident sparked widespread outrage, with the Karnataka BJP accusing the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of negligence and failure to ensure timely payment of wages to government employees. The party drew parallels to a similar tragedy involving Bhagyavati Vishweshwaraiah Aggimath, a librarian from Sedam taluk in Kalaburagi district, who also died by suicide over unpaid wages.

State BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa condemned the Congress government for its apathy. “Even after the suicide of a librarian, the government should have acted swiftly to fix the salary issues. Instead, this insensitive government continues to ignore the suffering of its employees. How many more lives must be lost before it ensures timely payment of salaries?” he wrote on X on October 17, urging the state to implement mechanisms that guarantee prompt wage disbursal.

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6 Instances Where DMK Opposed NCERT

By
The Commune
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In this report, we look at statements made by DMK leaders against the policies initiated by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). These emerge amidst Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s recent assertion that teachings of Prophet Muhammad are included in the state syllabus, contrasting with the party’s historical resistance to NCERT content involving Hindu traditions.

#1 DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian Slams Hindi Titles In NCERT Books

In April 2025, DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian criticized NCERT’s decision to use Hindi titles for English-medium textbooks, labeling it an unconstitutional “cultural imposition” that undermines linguistic diversity. The criticism echoed concerns from other southern leaders about “Hindi imposition” and was part of a broader political pushback against the central government’s education policies, which the DMK argues marginalize regional languages like Tamil.

#2 Party-Wide Opposition To NCERT’s Hindi Move

In April 2025, the DMK officially opposed NCERT’s move to rename English-medium textbooks with Hindi titles, reiterating its long-standing stance against what it perceives as “Hindi imposition.” The party’s position was supported by allies in other southern states, with Kerala’s Education Minister terming the move “illogical.” This coordinated opposition highlighted the ongoing political tension between the central government and southern states over language policy in education.

#3 A Sarvanan Argues ‘Ganita’ Ignores Tamil Tradition

In April 2025, DMK leader A Sarvanan opposed NCERT’s renaming of mathematics textbooks to “Ganit Prakash,” arguing that the Sanskrit-derived term ‘Ganita’ does not represent Tamil linguistic traditions. He noted that ‘Kanakku’ is the common term for mathematics in Tamil. This objection was framed as a defense of Tamil heritage against the dominance of Sanskrit-based terminology in national educational materials, a key point in the Dravidian political narrative.

#4 Stalin Rejects NEP as ‘Nagpur Scheme’

In March 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin declared he would not implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 even if the central government offered ₹10,000 crore, accusing the policy of undermining state education systems. He labeled the NEP a “devastating Nagpur scheme,” linking it to the RSS headquarters and framing it as an ideological imposition that compromises Tamil Nadu’s autonomy and social justice principles.

#5 TKS Elangovan Slams ‘Bharat’ Move in NCERT Books

In October 2023, DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan criticized NCERT’s recommendation to replace ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in textbooks, calling it a “cheap and illogical” political gimmick stemming from the BJP’s fear of the opposition’s INDIA alliance. He argued that such a change requires a constitutional amendment and reflects the ruling party’s political motivations rather than educational merit, vowing continued resistance.

#6 DMK Opposes NCERT Textbook Deletions

In August 2023, the DMK strongly opposed NCERT’s deletions from textbooks under the NEP’s rationalization exercise, criticizing the removal of portions related to Mughal history, Gandhi’s legacy, and communal harmony. This opposition was part of a broader resistance from southern states, which view the NEP as a centralizing force that compromises state autonomy and imposes a majoritarian narrative on the educational curriculum.

#7 Stalin Opposes CUET, Citing NCERT Bias

In April 2022, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), arguing that its reliance on the NCERT syllabus disadvantages students from state boards like Tamil Nadu’s. He stated that the test favors those from CBSE schools and coaching centers, sidelining the diverse and robust state education systems and creating an unequal playing field for higher education admissions.

#8 Karunanidhi Condemns NCERT Cartoon on Anti-Hindi Agitation

In June 2012, DMK president M. Karunanidhi demanded the removal of an NCERT textbook cartoon that lampooned the 1965 anti-Hindi agitation, calling it hurtful to Tamil sentiments. The party argued that cartoons are transient political commentary and unsuitable for history textbooks, as they could distort historical understanding and insult the legacy of the Dravidian movement’s struggle for linguistic rights.

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Welcome To Kerala’s Secular Circus: Where Hindutva Is Blamed In A Case Of Hijab Vs. Holy Cross

By
The Commune
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Welcome to Kerala’s Secular Circus - Today’s Episode: Hijab Vs. Holy Cross

In Kerala, secularism often feels less like a constitutional principle and more like a travelling circus, each act choreographed to showcase that the “real threat” to harmony is somehow always the Hindu majority, even when the fight onstage has nothing to do with them. The latest hijab row at St. Rita Public School in Kochi exposed this farcical dynamic in full colour.

A Muslim student demanded her right to wear the hijab in a Christian-run institution. The school, backed by a High Court interim order and police protection, said no, the uniform applies to all. Within hours, Education Minister and CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty intervened, ordering the school to permit the hijab. It was the perfect opportunity for the Left to parade its “secular” credentials while subtly wooing Muslim votes under the guise of constitutional liberty.

But the Church wasn’t amused. The Syro-Malabar media commission blasted the minister’s interference as a gift to communal elements targeting Christian educational institutions. Even Deepika Daily, the Church’s own mouthpiece, published an editorial warning against surrendering to “religious fundamentalism” dressed up as rights discourse. By Wednesday, the same minister who had thundered about freedom of choice was suddenly pleading for calm and consensus, conveniently after realising he had stepped on ecclesiastical toes.

Strip away the speeches and what remains is this: a tug-of-war between Muslim assertion and Christian resistance, with the CPI(M) trying to score political points from both sides. The Hindu community, neither party to the dispute nor beneficiary of the outcome, will still, in the next breath, be scolded as the supposed enemy of secularism.

So, what actually unfolded in this three-ring circus?

  1. Muslim groups demanded religious exceptions from a private institution’s rules.
  2. The Christian management resisted firmly to preserve its institutional identity and authority.
  3. The Communist government rushed in to scavenge whatever minority votes it could, only to retreat when it realized it was alienating another crucial electoral bloc.

This entire drama was a raw power play between three distinct groups, with the Hindu community merely as spectators. Yet, this is the bitter punchline of the Kerala paradox.

While it is a case of a Communist Minister going out of the way to appease his Muslim votebank, the secular media resorts to acrobatics to somehow pin the controversy on Hindutva and BJP.

For example, Deccan Herald in an article wrote that the “backing of the BJP and its coalition partners to the Christian management school could be seen as yet another attempt of the saffron party to get closer to the Christian community for electoral gains”.

After this unseemly squabble over religious expression and institutional control, a clash where secular principles were the first casualty, these very same actors will, without a hint of irony, reunite.

They will stand on a shared platform, point a collective finger at the Hindu majority, and deliver their favorite sermon on “Hindu intolerance” and “majoritarianism.” They will lecture the rest of India on communal harmony, all while their own political ecosystem thrives on precisely the kind of sectarian bargaining they publicly decry.

The final conclusion is inescapable. Kerala’s secularism is not a principle; it is a posture. It is a convenient weapon to be wielded against one community while the others engage in the very real, very messy politics of identity and power. The circus leaves town, but the clowns remain in government, already preparing for their next act.

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“Instead Of Controlling Situation, Leader Incited”, Madras High Court Slams Thirumavalavan In VCK Car Dash Incident Case

By
The Commune
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"They Beat Him Since He Stared Angrily": VCK MP Thirumavalavan Justifies His Goons Thrashing Motorist In Two-Wheeler Dashing Case

The Madras High Court on Friday delivered a stinging rebuke to the city police and VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan over last week’s incident where a lawyer was assaulted near the court premises. The judge sharply questioned the police’s “hostile” action of registering a case against both the victim and the assailants and condemned Thirumavalavan for his role, stating he “seemed to be acting in an inciting manner.”

The controversy stems from an incident where a car carrying VCK President Thirumavalavan allegedly hit a scooter ridden by lawyer Rajiv Gandhi near the Madras High Court. When Gandhi confronted the occupants about the collision, he was allegedly brutally assaulted by men accompanying the VCK leader. A video of the incident went viral, sparking widespread criticism.

Thirumavalavan’s Explanation and Controversial Remarks

In his defense, Thirumavalavan claimed that the scooter rider had intentionally stopped in front of the car to pick a fight. He denied that his party men assaulted the lawyer and alleged a conspiracy by the BJP and RSS behind the entire episode.

However, his subsequent remarks ignited further outrage, he even justified the thrashing by his cadre as he said the motorist glared at him and hence his cadre beat him. Thirumavalavan even said, “And even that, was the hitting done properly.” This statement was widely condemned for its dismissive and provocative tone.

Police Action and Legal Fallout

Following the incident, the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Bar Council formed a committee to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the police registered FIRs – against the VCK men under two sections, and surprisingly, against the lawyer, Rajiv Gandhi, under three sections.

This dual FIR prompted another lawyer, K. Balu, to file a petition in the High Court. Balu, who had also faced threats from a Cuddalore lawyer using obscene language in connection with this case, sought police protection and action against those threatening him.

Lopsided FIR and Legal Fallout

The Esplanade police registered cases after a 10-day delay based on complaints from both sides. However, the FIRs showed a stark contrast.

In the complaint filed by the assaulted lawyer, Rajiv Gandhi, which mentioned that Thirumavalavan “incited” the attack, a case was registered against the assailants under only two sections: using obscene language and attacking with intent to cause injury. Thirumavalavan’s name was omitted.

In the complaint filed by VCK advocate Parvendan, the police registered a case against Rajiv Gandhi under three more severe sections: obstructing a person with wrongful intent, threatening, and intentionally insulting with intent to disturb the peace.

Lawyer Rajiv Gandhi’s side has questioned the police’s basis for including the “threatening” section, as the VCK advocate’s complaint allegedly contained no mention of any threats.

High Court’s Scathing Observations and Questions

During the hearing of these petitions, Justice Satish Kumar did not mince words. The court raised several pointed questions to the police:

“On what basis is the case filed against both parties?” the judge asked, expressing astonishment at how a case was registered against the lawyer who was the victim of the attack. He further asked, “But on what basis was an FIR registered against both parties? … when only one party had joined in attacking a lawyer?”

The judge was deeply critical of the police’s inaction, questioning what the police personnel present at the scene were doing during the attack and opining that he “believed the police were silent on the matter.”

In a major condemnation of the VCK leader’s conduct, Justice Satish Kumar observed, “The leader who was present there, instead of controlling the situation, seems to have acted in a manner that provoked the problem.” The court recorded its “strong condemnation that his speech in a way that could encourage violence is condemnable.”

The judge noted the profundity of the incident, stating, “Such a terrible act had taken place in the High Court premises… This incident was recorded in all CCTVs. However, it is very sad that the police have only registered a case and have not taken any action so far. What were the police personnel present at the spot doing when the attack was taking place?”

He was unequivocal in his assessment of the police’s dual FIR, calling it “hostile that the police is pursuing this case against both the victim and the attacker,” and pointedly asked, “To satisfy whom has the police taken this action?”

Court’s Directives

The High Court has issued firm directives to the police – to seize the CCTV footage of the entire incident, to conduct a thorough investigation based on this evidence, and to submit a report on the action taken against the perpetrators of the attack.

The court’s strong remarks have put the police investigation and the conduct of the political leader under the spotlight. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.

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