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Job Creation Gathers Further Momentum In 2024-25

By
The Commune
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Job Creation Gathers Further Momentum In 2024-25

India’s job market continues to boom, with a massive 4.67 crore jobs added in the last fiscal year and robust growth evident in the formal and informal sectors in the current financial year 2024-25. This strong employment generation is reflected in double-digit growth in the unincorporated sector and significant enrollment increases across key social security schemes like EPF and ESIC.

While a massive 4.67 crore additional jobs were created in the Indian economy in the financial year ended March 2024, the fast pace of employment generation has continued into 2024-25 in both the formal and informal sectors, official data shows.

The total estimated employment in India’s Unincorporated Sector recorded a double-digit growth of 10.01 per cent during October 2023–September 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year, according to the annual survey of the Ministry of Statistics released on Thursday.

The Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) shows that among the broad sectors covered, the number of establishments in the “Other Services” employed more than 12 crore additional workers between October 2023 and September 2024, marking an increase of more than one crore workers from 2022-23 and reflecting robust labour market growth.

Among the broad activities, the “Other Services” sector showed the highest annual growth of 17.86 per cent, followed by 10.03 per cent in the manufacturing sector. The unincorporated non-agricultural sector plays an important role in the Indian economy contributing significantly to employment, Gross Domestic Product, and the overall socio-economic landscape.

This sector sustains millions of livelihoods and acts as a backbone for the incorporated sector by supplying goods and services, reinforcing its role in the domestic value chain. Similarly, India’s employment in the formal sector, which offers better quality jobs, has kept up its growth momentum during the first half of the current financial year with an increase in new additions across the three social security schemes compared to the same period last year, according to official figures released in November.

New enrolments to the Employees’ Provident Fund scheme, which applies to larger organisations and better-paid employees, increased by 2.3 per cent to 6.1 million in the first half of 2024-25 (April-September), compared to the same period of the previous year. New subscriptions to Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, which applies to smaller organisations, grew faster at 5.2 per cent with 9.3 million additions during the first half of the current financial year.

Similarly, subscriptions to the National Pension System were 6.8 percent higher, reflecting the rising number of employees entering better job streams. The Finance Ministry’s latest monthly economic review also observed this improvement in job quality.

–IANS

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TN Private Schools Assn Founder Arasakumar Denies Reports Of Private Schools “Adopting” Govt Schools, BJP TN Chief Annamalai Provides Proof

By
The Commune
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TN Private Schools Assn Founder Arasakumar Denies Reports Of Private Schools "Adopting" Govt Schools, BJP TN Chief Annamalai Provides Proof

In a recent development surrounding the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association’s resolutions, President Arasakumar has denied reports claiming that private schools would adopt 500 government schools. The controversy stemmed from a press release circulated after the association’s meeting on 30 December 2024. During the meeting, a resolution was passed for private schools to provide infrastructure support to nearby government schools through CSR initiatives. This included contributions like libraries, sports equipment, and sanitation improvements.

However, certain media outlets reported that the resolution included adopting government schools, leading to confusion. Arasakumar is reported to have clarified that the association never used the term “adopt” and emphasized that the resolution was solely about aiding government schools with resources and infrastructure. He expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation, stating that it insulted private school principals’ generosity.

On the other hand, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai shared proof of the resolution, which confirmed that the association had no plans to adopt schools. He criticized the government’s failure to fund education adequately and questioned the DMK administration’s promises regarding school infrastructure.

He wrote on his X handle, “It is a well-known fact that in Tamil Nadu, DMK district secretaries, MLAs, ministers, MPs and finally the Gopalapuram family run private schools. In this situation, Mr B.T. Arasakumar, Vice President of the DMK’s headquarters’ press relations, is starting a new association for all private schools across Tamil Nadu under his leadership. The Minister of School Education will also participate in its inaugural ceremony. A press release about the ceremony is being given to the Tamil Nadu media. Based on that press release, leading media, including Dinamani, published a news report on 31.12.2024 under the title “Private schools adopting 500 government schools in Tamil Nadu: Minister Anbil Mahesh praises”. It is usual for the media to publish news based on the press release they receive in such private events where ministers participate. Our questions are as follows: In the Tamil Nadu budget, Rs. Where did the 44,042 crores go? What happened to the DMK’s promise to build new buildings for 10,000 dilapidated schools? Why is the DMK government borrowing a new Rs. 1 lakh crore yearly without fulfilling any basic needs?”

It is noteworthy that Arasakumar has been seen with the DMK leadership quite often.

Background

On 30 December 2024, during the inaugural event of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association—formed by the merger of six private school associations—nine resolutions were passed urging the government to address critical issues private schools face. Among the key demands was the timely release of funds for the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which the association highlighted as a significant concern.

The resolutions called for the permanent recognition of matriculation, nursery, and primary schools that meet specific criteria. Another resolution proposed a policy change to relax regulations for private school buildings constructed before 31 May 2023. It urged the government to allow primary and nursery schools with sufficient classrooms to be upgraded to middle schools.

The association also demanded that the government release the pending RTE funds within the same academic year to cover students’ tuition fees. They further suggested that only students with at least 75% attendance should be eligible to sit for board exams.

In addition, the association called for establishing an expert committee chaired by a retired judge to address the legal challenges private schools face. As part of a special resolution, they announced plans to adopt 500 government schools during the 2025-2026 academic year.

During the event, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi stated that a resolution decision would be made after discussions with the Chief Minister. The minister and School Education Secretary, S Madhumathi, explained that the delay in RTE fund disbursement was due to the central government’s hold-up in releasing funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme.

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DMK Worker By Day, Biriyani Seller By Afternoon, Burglar By Night: Report Reveals Shocking Details Of Anna University Sexual Assault Culprit Gnanasekaran

By
The Commune
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DMK Worker By Day, Biriyani Seller By Afternoon, Burglar By Night: Report Reveals Shocking Details Of Anna University Sexual Assault Culprit Gnanasekaran

Shocking new reports have revealed that Gnanasekaran, the alleged DMK functionary arrested in connection with the on-campus sexual harassment case involving an Anna University student, is not only a serial sexual offender but also led a lavish lifestyle through a series of daring burglaries. Operating in the Pallikaranai area of Chennai, he is said to have used his car, adorned with a political party flag, to break into homes and steal.

Astonishingly, many of these thefts were recorded in FIRs as being committed by an “unknown” or “unidentified” person. In a bizarre and disturbing pattern, Gnanasekaran seemingly balanced a life of nighttime robberies, daytime party welfare duties, afternoon biryani business, and repeated instances of sexual harassment, carrying on with these shocking activities for years without being caught.

According to a report by News Tamil 24×7, Gnanasekaran has boldly carried out a series of burglaries between October and December 2024, within the jurisdiction of the Pallikaranai police station, using his car adorned with a party flag. According to the report, he possesses a unique skill for stealing from various types of homes and can scale any building. Despite 4 to 5 similar cases being registered during this period, the thief remained unidentified until a recent special police investigation into the sexual harassment case. Through CCTV footage, authorities have confirmed that the thief was none other than Gnanasekaran. He is said to have used these thefts to fund party-related activities and welfare initiatives for women.

Profile Of Gnanasekaran

Gnanasekaran, a 37-year-old alleged DMK functionary from the Kotturpuram area in Chennai, reportedly works as a roadside biryani vendor. He is reported to have two wives, one of whom he married under compelling circumstances after she became pregnant while they were both in school. Remarkably, both his first and second wives live with him at his Kotturpuram house.

One wife is a contract worker, believed to be a professor at Anna University, which granted him unimpeded access to the campus—a connection he reportedly exploited to carry out his criminal activities there. Gnanasekaran is facing charges for multiple offences.

A resident of Kotturpuram had told a private YouTube channel that Gnanasekaran and his friends shared sexual photos of women through Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

Additionally, Gnanasekaran’s affiliations with the ruling DMK party have come to light, with photos of him alongside prominent DMK leaders, such as Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Ma. Subramanian. These connections have fueled speculation that his political ties may have played a role in attempting to cover up his actions.

Criminal History And Background:

A repeat offender with a long criminal history, Gnanasekaran has been booked for shocking activities that span over a longer period before the Anna University incident, with numerous charges pending against him.

  • Total Pending Cases: 14 with convictions in 6
  • Previously Filed Cases: Gnanasekaran has been involved in at least six criminal cases before this incident, including allegations of molestation, trespassing, theft, and other serious charges.
  • Prior Offenses: He is accused of molesting multiple individuals in separate incidents, including one women within Anna University and one woman who is the daughter of a Tehsildar. However, many of the victims have not come forward to file formal complaints.

Anna University Sexual Assault Incident:

  • Victim: A second-year engineering student inside the college.
  • Incident Location: Anna University campus, Chennai.
  • Details: Gnanasekaran, along with an accomplice, attacked the victim and her boyfriend at a secluded spot on the campus. He filmed the assault victim without consent and threatened to release the footage unless the victim complied with his demands. The perpetrator forced the victim to strip, harassed her, and then sexually assaulted her.
  • FIR Details: Gnanasekaran’s actions included:
    • Voyeurism – recording private moments of the girl with her boyfriend and threatening to leak the footage to college authorities and the victim’s parents.
    • Sexually assaulting the girl and recording the same
    • Forcing the victim to choose between expulsion from the university or “spending time” with him and another man.

Connection To DMK And Alleged Political Protection:

  • DMK Affiliation: Gnanasekaran is a DMK functionary with documented ties to the party, despite official claims from DMK leaders denying his affiliation.
  • Party Role: He was reportedly a Deputy Organizer for the Saidapet area, as confirmed by party leaflets and the DMK mouthpiece Murasoli.
  • DMK Ties: He has been photographed with senior DMK leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Ma. Subramanian, showing his strong political connections.
  • Political Interference: Gnanasekaran’s past offenses were allegedly covered up with political backing. For instance, it is alleged that in the current sexual harassment case, the DMK circle secretary Shanmugam reportedly intervened during a police inquiry to protect Gnanasekaran from being arrested immediately.

Additional Allegations and Investigations:

  • Criminal Record: Apart from the recent sexual assault case, Gnanasekaran has a shocking history of criminal activities, including trespassing, theft, and molestation.
  • Unlawful Activities: He was involved in illicit activities, such as selling alcohol and drugs in the Saidapet area, where he had ties to the deceased rowdy ‘Gym’ Ezhumalai, according to AIADMK IT Wing head Kovai Sathyan.
  • Use of Campus Access: His wife’s position as a temporary sanitation worker at Anna University allowed him unrestricted access to the campus, which he reportedly exploited to target victims and plan assaults.
  • Cover-Up Allegations: Despite clear evidence linking Gnanasekaran to the DMK, certain party elements have attempted to downplay or cover up his affiliation. Controversy surrounds the leak of the FIR, which contained sensitive details about the victim’s identity. The police have filed a case against the matter and investigations are underway.

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Indian Economy In Robust Spot Globally In 2025 With High Frequency Indicators Picking Up Growth

By
The Commune
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Indian Economy In Robust Spot Globally In 2025 With High Frequency Indicators Picking Up Growth

As 2025 begins with heightened global uncertainties ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, India continues to be in a much stronger position economically as high-frequency indicators showed a pick-up in the pace of growth in the third quarter of the current fiscal year (Q3 FY25).

GST collections, services purchasing managers’ index (PMI), air passenger growth, and vehicle registrations saw a notable improvement in Q3 versus Q2, according to a Bank of Baroda (BoB) report. On the other hand, while the manufacturing sector is expanding slowly in China, lifting domestic consumption and reviving the real estate sector is proving to be a task for the administration.

The US economy is giving mixed signals regarding growth. While the labour market appears to be softening and manufacturing activity is weak, retail sales, pending home sales, and the service sector seem to be doing well. In Europe, manufacturing activity cannot pick up pace so far, while the service sector is regaining ground.

In India, the current account deficit (CAD) narrowed to 1.2 percent of GDP in Q2 FY25 from 1.3 percent of GDP in Q2 FY24. “While the trade deficit was higher, buoyant services exports and continued strength in remittances underscored the lower CAD. Our year-end market analysis shows that both Sensex and Nifty 50 surged by 8.7 percent and 9 percent in CY24, respectively.

Sensex touched an all-time high this year as it breached the mark of 85,500,” said Sonal Badhan, economist, Bank of Baroda. Sectors including real estate, consumer durables, and IT were amongst the best-performing stocks in CY24.

The Indian rupee depreciated by 2.8 per cent in 2024, but remained one of the better-performing currencies among its peers. The pressure on yields was lower and boosted demand flow as the market witnessed the bond inclusion in the JP Morgan emerging market index, Bloomberg, and FTSE Russel.

According to the report, high frequency indicators have shown notable improvement in the October-December 2024 period. GST collections have jumped by 8.3 per cent (YoY) in Q3 to Rs 5.5 lakh crore, and are also up from Rs 5.3 lakh crore in Q2, signalling further improvement in consumption pattern. Apart from this, helped by festive demand, other indicators of urban consumption have also improved.

Air passenger air traffic registered 11.6 per cent growth in Q3, compared with 7.8 per cent growth registered in Q2. Services PMI averaged 59.2 in Q3 versus 58.1 in the same period last year.

“We expect quarterly corporate results to also show improved performance in Q3,” said Badhan.

On the central bank actions, the report said growth is expected to recover in H2 FY25 and inflation abating, “we see a scope of 25 bps rate cut in February 2025. We expect a cumulative easing of 50-75bps in the current cycle” Furthermore, with the expectation of a pick-up in government spending followed by improvement in both government and private investment in H2, the IIP growth will perform a lot better in H2 FY25 from H1 FY25, it noted.

–IANS

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“So Many Police Deployed To Arrest Us Instead Of Arresting Criminals”: PMK Leader Sowmiya Anbumani Slams DMK Govt For Curbing Protests Against Anna University Sexual Assault Case

By
The Commune
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PMK Leader Sowmiya Anbumani Slams DMK Govt For Curbing Protests Against Anna University Sexual Assault Case

On 2 January 2024, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Sowmiya Anbumani, along with other party officials, was arrested for attempting to stage a protest against on campus Anna University sexual harassment case.

The PMK, despite the Chennai police denying permission for their planned protest, decided to go ahead and demonstrate as initially announced. In response, the police deployed over 300 personnel around Valluvar Kottam, the designated protest site.

As soon as Sowmiya Anbumani and other PMK members attempted to march, they were promptly arrested and taken away by the police. The protest, organized by the PMK Women’s Wing, was held in condemnation of the sexual assault of an Anna University student.

Speaking to the press, Sowmiya Anbumani said, “How many more women will be sacrificed? A student from Kanchipuram, a student from Anna University, a woman from Thanjavur, and another from Kallakurichi just last week. We don’t know how many more women the government is going to sacrifice. If we come to ask about this, will you arrest us? Everyone is guilty. Instead of arresting the criminals, they are arresting us, the ones protesting for these women. These many police deployed to arrest us – if they had used this to arrest the culprits, it would console us. But instead, they send this many police to arrest us. What kind of justice is this? We strongly condemn it.”

Earlier in the day, in response to the Anna University incident, the PMK mounted a campaign under the slogan “Am I Next?”. Posters bearing this question were plastered across Chennai ahead of the protest at Valluvar Kottam. Soumiya Anbumani, addressing the gathering, called for stringent action against the accused and a thorough investigation into the case, including the alleged involvement of others.

“The safety of our students should be non-negotiable,” she said. “This is not just about one incident but a larger failure to ensure a secure environment for our youth.”

The protest, however, faced resistance from authorities, as the Chennai police denied permission for the gathering, citing security concerns. Despite this, a significant number of protesters assembled, prompting heavy police deployment at the venue to maintain order.

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Bangladeshi Muslims Infiltrating Tamil Nadu For Jobs, Alleges Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

By
The Commune
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On 1 January 2025, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a startling claim, accusing sections of the Indian textile industry, particularly in Tamil Nadu, of illegally “importing” cheap laborers from Bangladesh. He stated that this incentivization encourages a significant influx of Bangladeshi nationals into India.

Speaking during a press conference, Sarma linked the infiltration to the collapse of the textile industry in Bangladesh following recent unrest and the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. “The textile industry in Bangladesh has virtually collapsed due to the disruptions there. Bangladeshi textile workers, primarily from the majority community, are now crossing into India, and many textile factory owners, especially in Tamil Nadu, are incentivizing this by offering low-wage opportunities,” Sarma alleged.

The Assam Chief Minister highlighted an alarming increase in illegal infiltration across the Assam and Tripura borders, with Assam police detecting 20 to 30 infiltrators daily. Similar trends have been observed in Tripura. Since the disruptions began, Assam has pushed back approximately 1,000 infiltrators.

Sarma criticized the practices of some industrial houses in Tamil Nadu, claiming they were exploiting the situation for cheap labor. “We have to strike at those industrial houses which are incentivizing people to come to India in the form of cheap labor,” he said.

Sarma also pointed out the resilience of Bangladeshi Hindus amid the unrest, stating that none of them had crossed into Assam in the last five months despite being a persecuted minority.

The Chief Minister revealed that the matter had been raised in the recent North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting in Agartala and discussed with Home Minister Amit Shah. He also spoke with Northeast and West Bengal counterparts to address the growing crisis.

The Assam government has adopted a strict pushback policy for infiltrators instead of detaining them, as arrests often lead to bail and continued illegal stay. “We created another way to push them back immediately,” Sarma said.

Sarma emphasized that the Central Government is taking the issue seriously and is working on measures to address it.

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Rabies Cases On The Rise In Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu, Highest In 5 Years

By
The Commune
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Rabies Cases On The Rise In Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu, Highest In 5 Years pitbull one health vaccination dog bite

With a rise in dog bite cases across Tamil Nadu, the state health department has directed district and city health officers to ensure round-the-clock availability of the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV).

In a statement, the Tamil Nadu Director of Public Health (DPH) instructed health officers to always maintain a stock of at least 20 vials of ARV. Officials have been directed to administer the vaccine in all dog bite cases without hesitation, regardless of concerns about wastage. Additionally, no denial or refusal to administer ARV, even during night hours, will be tolerated.

The state has witnessed an alarming surge in rabies-related deaths and dog bites in 2024, with 34 human fatalities and 6.42 lakh dog bite cases reported up to October — the highest in five years.

In comparison, 2023 recorded 18 rabies deaths and 4.41 lakh dog bite cases. Sources in the health department stated that updated data on rabies cases and deaths is being compiled.

Rabies remains a significant public health concern, with a 100 per cent fatality rate, a stark contrast to Tamil Nadu’s zero fatalities from malaria, chikungunya, scrub typhus, leptospirosis, and Japanese encephalitis in 2024.

A lack of reliable data on the dog population in many districts exacerbates the challenge of managing rabies. Accurate population estimates are essential for planning vaccination campaigns and sterilisation surgeries under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme.

While some districts, such as Chennai and Coimbatore, have conducted dog population censuses, many others lack this critical data. Interestingly, the Nilgiris district has been rabies-free for the past 15 years due to sustained and aggressive vaccination efforts.

Sundar Raj, an animal rights activist in the Nilgiris, explained, “We carried out door-to-door vaccination. There was resistance initially, but we convinced people.” He also highlighted the importance of testing dogs with rabies symptoms. “A rabid dog would have bitten many other dogs before dying. These dogs develop rabies within 2–15 days. If the rabid dog is not tested and ring vaccination is not conducted, the virus keeps spreading,” he warned.

The DPH’s statement also addressed snake bite cases in the state. Tamil Nadu reported 7,310 snake bite cases till June 2024, compared to 19,795 cases in 2023. The health department directed district officials to ensure the availability of anti-snake venom (ASV) at all Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres.

A minimum stock of 10 ASV vials should always be maintained. ASV should be administered to all snake bite victims before referring them to tertiary care facilities. The department clarified that performing a test dose is unnecessary before administering ASV.

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Widow Brutally Raped, Murdered & Body Thrown In Cornfield In Kallakurichi District, Two Arrested

By
The Commune
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Widow Brutally Raped, Murdered & Body Thrown In Cornfield In Kallakurichi District, Two Arrested

Police arrested two individuals for questioning in connection with the brutal rape and murder of a widow, whose body was found discarded in a cornfield near Chinnaselam in Kallakurichi district.

Over the past week, the police have been working to solve the case and identify the victim. In connection with the investigation, a local tea shop owner named Kumaresan and another individual, Bell Mani, have been taken into custody, and further inquiries are ongoing.

The victim, Nirmala, a 28-year-old woman from a village in Chinnasalem taluka, had already faced tragedy in her life, losing her husband to electrocution four years ago. She had been living with her two young daughters since then.

On 26 December 2024, she visited her home with her children, and later that night, she informed her family that she was heading out to deliver milk at the cooperative society. However, she never returned.

The following morning, a neighbour found her dupatta, mobile phone, and chappals scattered in a nearby field. Further investigation revealed the harrowing truth that the woman had been raped and murdered. The Chinnasalem police have registered a case and begun their inquiry. District Superintendent of Police Rajat Chaturvedi and DSP Devaraj personally inspected the crime scene and are overseeing the investigation.

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Hindu Munnani Slams TN CM Stalin For Skipping Swami Vivekananda Memorial During Kanyakumari Visit

By
The Commune
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Hindu Munnani Slams TN CM Stalin For Skipping Swami Vivekananda Memorial During Kanyakumari Visit

Kadeswara C Subramaniam, the State President of Hindu Munnani, has sharply criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for not visiting the Swami Vivekananda Memorial after inaugurating the glass bridge pathway to the Thiruvalluvar statue and the Vivekananda memorial rock in Kanyakumari. Subramaniam urged the Chief Minister to abandon his perceived anti-Hindu stance and adopt a more neutral approach for the sake of all communities.

In a statement, Kadeswara C. Subramaniam said, “The Hindu Munnani strongly condemns the deliberate insult of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin, who inaugurated the glass bridge path to the Thiruvalluvar statue and the Swami Vivekananda memorial rock in Kanyakumari, by not visiting the Vivekananda memorial.

He elaborated on Vivekananda’s significance, stating, “Swami Vivekananda is a symbol of India. He brought Indian Hinduism into the global spotlight and elevated it worldwide. Swami Vivekananda’s ideas inspire many foreigners from around the world to visit where he penanced. Swami Vivekananda was the one who exalted service to the poor and the marginalized. In honor of his memory, people from all walks of life, regardless of political differences, played a major role in erecting a memorial on the rock where the brave monk meditated is an indelible history. Goddess Parvati performed penance on a rock in the middle of the Kumari Sea, at the southern tip of India, standing on one leg and praying to Lord Shiva, who resided in Kailash. Upon learning this, Swami Vivekananda swam to the rock in the middle of the sea and engaged in intense penance for three days. Impressed by Vivekananda’s penance, the Goddess appeared before him as Raja Rajeshwari, the Mother of India. Following this, Swami Vivekananda participated in the World’s Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, USA. There, he amazed the world by sharing the greatness of Hinduism. Swami Vivekananda is a treasure of India. His journey of triumph began in Kanyakumari. However, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin has refused to visit the sacred place where such a great man performed his penance.”

Subramaniam also criticized the Chief Minister’s minority appeasement policies, highlighting contradictions in his actions, “Everyone in India should recognize the nature of this anti-Hindu mentality. It was Eknath Ranade, the head of the committee that built the memorial for Swami Vivekananda, who insisted on erecting a statue of Thiruvalluvar at this site. The foundation stone was laid during the MGR regime in 1979, The DMK is attempting to hide this history. Additionally, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin, who has participated in various programs, announced the launch of three passenger boats for visiting the Thiruvalluvar statue and these boats will be named Kamaraj, Nesamani, and G.U. Pope, respectively. Why the name of Christian missionary, Pope (chosen)? Kanyakumari is the birthplace of many poets from the Sangam era. The place where many poets lived as mentioned by Tolkappiyar in the Tolkappiyam. The Chief Minister, who refuses to remember it, will not add any glory to Kanyakumari by naming such a prestigious place after the Pope for vote bank politics.”

Subramaniam further slammed out the commercial implications of the government’s plans, “Moreover, the decision to charge a fee for walking on the glass bridge built by the Tamil Nadu government to visit the Thiruvalluvar statue is not only an act of commercialism but also a disrespect to the saintly poet Valluvar himself.”

Subramaniam concluded by calling for a more inclusive leadership, “Just as the Chief Minister inaugurates free marriages, Annadhanam, and other events funded solely by temple contributions through video conferencing without visiting the temples, the Chief Minister has also avoided coming to the Vendhar memorial after inaugurating the Swami Vivekananda Mandapam and the Thiruvalluvar statue walkway, thinking that Swami Vivekananda is a saint only for Hindus. Chief Minister, Swami Vivekananda is a saint for Indian nation. I don’t know when the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu will come to understand this. And why is the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister only promoting anti-Hindu sentiments in all matters, not just for Tamil Nadu? This is not good for this country either.! Moreover, such an act of the Chief Minister is an insult to the crores of people who respect and admire Swami Vivekananda. Therefore, the Hindu Munnani insists that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu should act as a neutral Chief Minister for all the people, instead of seeing everything as vote politics..”

(With inputs from Hindu Munnani)

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Bangladesh Court Rejects ISKCON Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das’ Bail

By
The Commune
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Bangladesh Court Rejects ISKCON Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das' Bail

A Bangladesh court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, also associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), during a hearing held under tight security, local media reported.

Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam rejected the bail plea after hearing arguments from both sides for around 30 minutes, said Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Advocate Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan to The Daily Star.

As many as 11 Supreme Court lawyers, led by Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, represented the ISKCON priest in the high-profile sedition case. Following the hearing, Chinmoy’s lawyer, Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, said that they plan to appeal to the High Court for bail.

Arrested on November 25 from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on sedition charges, Das has remained in jail amid growing calls for justice. The charges, filed against Das and 18 others, were linked to the hoisting of a saffron flag above the country’s official flag during a protest rally on October 25 in Chattogram’s Laldighi Maidan.

The bail petition, supported by 20 advocates from Dhaka and Chittagong, highlights allegations of a false and fabricated case. Advocates argue that Das, suffering from health issues such as diabetes and respiratory problems, is being unjustly detained.

His primary lawyer, Ravindra Ghosh, was previously barred from filing an anticipatory bail petition. Earlier on December 11, a Bangladesh court rejected Das’ initial bail plea, citing procedural lapses. Reports indicate that the absence of a valid power of attorney and lawyer representation led to the rejection.

The case took another turn when Subhashish Sharma, one of Das’ lawyers, missed a December 3 hearing due to security concerns. Prosecutor Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan stated that the absence of proper documentation and legal representation hindered earlier proceedings. Meanwhile, India has called for a fair and transparent trial, emphasising the need to respect the legal rights of all involved.

Advocates and supporters are hopeful that the court will consider the monk’s deteriorating health and the procedural irregularities that have plagued the case so far.

–IANS

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TheCommune
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