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Kanda Sashti: The Epic Battle With Soorapadman And The Divine Blessing Of Lord Murugan At Tiruchendur

By
TS Krishnan
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Kanda Sashti: The Epic Battle With Soorapadman And The Divine Blessing Of Lord Murugan At Tiruchendur

Today is the Kanda Sashti festival. According to the Kanda Purana, it is the day when Lord Murugan defeated the demon Soorapadman. This event is believed to have taken place at Tiruchendur, which is why the festival is celebrated with great reverence at the Tiruchendur temple.

Background

To understand the background of this festival, we need to know what the Kanda Purana says about it. During the yagna performed by Daksha to insult Lord Shiva, the devas who participated in it were cursed for doing so. Due to this curse, they had to endure a lot of hardship from the demon Soorapadman.

Soorapadman was the eldest of three sons born to Sage Kashyapa and the asura woman Maya. Singhamukha (the lion-faced demon) and Tarakasura (the elephant-faced demon) were his brothers. The three brothers performed intense penance to gain innumerable boons from Lord Shiva.

Soorapadman built a palace on Mount Mahendramalai, near Tiruchendur, and began tormenting the devas, defeating them in battle and causing them immense suffering. The devas, in distress, prayed to Lord Shiva for help. In response to their prayer, Lord Shiva manifested Lord Murugan through the power of his third eye.

When the time came to battle Suran, Murugan set out to defeat him. His mother, Goddess Uma (Parvati), gave him the divine weapon called the vel (spear). The day Lord Murugan received the vel from his mother is still celebrated as an important part of the festival. During this event, one can see Murugan’s face glistening with sweat as he receives the vel from Goddess Parvati, who is also called Velnedunganni (the one who holds the vel).

After receiving the vel, Lord Murugan came to Tiruchendur, leading the army of the devas. There, he meditated for six days. Before the battle, he meditated upon his father, Shiva, asking for the strength to defeat Suran. Soon after, a fierce battle broke out between Suran and the Devas forces. Lord Murugan killed Suran’s Tarakasura and Singhamukha brothers with his vel.

Then came the final battle between Lord Murugan and Soorapadman. Using all his illusory powers, Soorapadman fought with Murugan. But Subramanya overcame all of them. In the final stages, Soorapadman transformed into a giant Mango tree in the ocean. Murugan used his vel to strike the tree, splitting it into two. One half turned into a peacock and the other into a rooster. These two creatures came to fight him. However, Murugan did not kill them but blessed them, taking the peacock as his vehicle and the rooster as his emblem on the flag.

Thus, instead of destroying Soorapadman, Murugan gave him his blessing, transforming him into these forms. This is the story behind the Kanda Sashti festival, commemorating the demon Surapadma’s defeat and Lord Murugan’s victory.

The Tiruchendur Temple & Kanda Shashti Festival

The history of Murugan’s defeat of Suran is mentioned not only in the Kanda Purana but also in Tamil literary works such as Purananuru, Silappadhikaram, and Tirumurugattrupadai. Both Silappadhikaram and Tirumurugattrupadai refer to Tiruchendur as one of Murugan’s six sacred abodes. From this, it is understood that Tiruchendur was considered a place of worship for Lord Murugan since the Sangam period.

During the medieval period, the Pandya kings built the temple as a rock-cut temple. The inscription of the Pandya kings found there lists the offerings (Naivedhyam) given to Subramanya during the festivals and mentions the God with the name ‘Subramanya Bhatarar’. As He is here to fight the war, Murugan is seen without his consorts of Valli and Deivayanai. The Vigraha of Lord Subramanya is seen holding a rosary, symbolizing his penance. Alongside him, two of his warrior generals, Veerabahu and Veerakesari, are also seen in the temple. Below the sanctum of Lord Murugan is a Panchalinga vigraha that Murugan consecrated to perform pooja before he fought Suran.

The Kanda Sashti festival begins on the ‘Prathamai’ thithi Tamil month of Aipasi which follows the new moon day, with the Kaappu Kattal (protective ritual). Observing a fast and tying a protective thread (Kaappu) before performing penance is a tradition. According to the tradition, it is believed that Lord Murugan fasted for six days during Kanda Sashti. The Tiruchendur temple has four Utsava Murthis: Shanmuga, Jayanthinathar, Kumara Vidangar, and Alivayukandaperumal. The Kaappu Kattal ceremony is performed for Jayanthinathar on Kanda Sashti day. A yagashala (sacrificial hall) is set up for six days, and homams (ritual fires) are performed. Each day, Jayanthinathar comes to Yagyasala at the temple, and special poojas are held.

On the sixth day, known as Sashti, the festival of Surasamharam (the destruction of Suran) is celebrated. In the evening, Jayanthinathar arrives at the Tiruchendur seashore, where the samharam of Tarakasura, with his elephant face, and Singamukhasura, with his lion face, takes place one after the other. After that, the battle with Surapadman is enacted, where Suran transforms into a peacock and a rooster, and the scenes of his transformation are displayed. Murugan then accepts the peacock as his vehicle and the rooster as his banner. Once the Surasamharam ritual is complete, a special Abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed for Jayanthinathar to cool his intense energy. The next day, the Thirukalyanam (divine marriage) of Kumara Vidangar and Deivayanai takes place. This marks the conclusion of the Kanda Sashti festival.

Since Lord Murugan is believed to fast for six days during the Kanda Sashti festival, it is customary for his devotees also to observe a fast during this period. Devotees stay at the temple and observe the fast by offering prayers and having the darshan of Lord Murugan in the morning and evening. Various types of fasts were observed during this period. Some devotees refrain from eating any food, while others follow a Milagu Viratham(fast where only pepper is consumed). Some devotees only eat bananas while fasting. After the Surasamharam is completed, devotees break their fast by drinking milk. The famous Naazhik Kinaru (the well created by Murugan to cool the Vel after defeating Suran) is located at the Tiruchendur seashore. It is considered auspicious to bathe in this well on the day following the Surasamharam.

While the Surasamharam festival in Aipasi is celebrated primarily at Tiruchendur, it is essential to note that it is observed at all Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu.

TS Krishnan is a Tamil scholar and author.

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“Lotus Shouldn’t Even Bloom In The Pond”: DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu Asks Officials To Remove Lotus Flowers At Wetland Park In Chennai

By
The Commune
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DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu Asks Officials To Remove Lotus Flowers At Wetland Park In Chennai

During a visit to the wetland park under construction in Porur, HR&CE Minister PK Sekar Babu couldn’t resist a bit of sarcasm when speaking to the CMDA officials. As he observed the lotus flowers blooming in the pond, he quipped, “The lotus shouldn’t even bloom in the pond,” clearly aimed at taking a dig at the BJP, whose electoral symbol is the lotus flower. His remark was met with laughter from the officials, who understood the political undertone.

The wetland park, being developed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) over a sprawling 16.60-acre area, is set to cost ₹12.60 crore. The park will feature 103 seating areas, walkways, a basketball court, a children’s play area, a 6.85-acre lake, an open-air gym, parking spaces, restrooms, shops, and surveillance cameras.

During his inspection on 6 November 2024, Minister Sekar Babu reviewed the progress of the ongoing work, inquiring about the completion timeline. He also suggested improvements to the electrical and security facilities. However, it was his comment about the blooming lotuses in the pond that stole the show.

According to a Puthiya Thalaimurai report, the DMK Minister asked the officials to remove the lotus that had bloomed in the pond.

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Kashyap “Kash” Patel – The Trump Loyalist Who Could Lead America’s Intelligence Apparatus

By
The Commune
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Kashyap Patel

Donald Trump has secured a historic return to the White House, defeating Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Building on strong support in key swing states, Trump surpassed the required 270 electoral votes, marking his successful comeback after a previous term. With a campaign focused on promises to tackle issues like national security, economic recovery, and government reform, Trump’s victory has energized his supporters and signaled a renewed agenda for the country. As he prepares to assume office, Trump’s next steps will involve selecting his cabinet and outlining his plans for the coming term.

Among them is Kashyap “Kash” Patel, a steadfast Trump supporter with a history of loyalty and high-profile service during Trump’s first term. Patel’s expertise in defense and intelligence, coupled with his work on sensitive national security issues, has positioned him as a strong candidate for a major role, likely as the next director of the CIA or as the Attorney General.

Known for his alignment with Trump’s “America First” philosophy and willingness to confront political adversaries, Patel is seen as a key figure who could help advance Trump’s agenda to overhaul critical government institutions.

Who Is Kashyap/Kash Patel?

Kashyap “Kash” Patel, born on 25 February 1980, in Garden City, New York, is the son of Indian parents who emigrated from East Africa in the 1970s. His father reportedly fled Uganda during Idi Amin’s rule, seeking a new life in the United States. With roots in Vadodara, Gujarat, raised in a Hindu household with a multicultural perspective, Patel’s senior yearbook quote reflected his values, citing Jewish theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel: “Racism is man’s gravest threat – the maximum of hatred for a minimum reason.”

Patel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond, earned a law degree from Touro College, and received a Certificate in International Law from University College London. He began his legal career as a public defender in Miami, handling complex criminal cases, including murder, narcotics trafficking, and financial crimes.

Transition to Federal Government and Justice Department

Patel’s federal career took off when he joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a terrorism prosecutor. He led investigations and oversaw prosecutions targeting individuals connected with organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and served as the DOJ’s Liaison Officer to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). His role with JSOC allowed him to collaborate on high-profile counterterrorism operations, including global targeting efforts against terrorism suspects, including dismantling ISIS and al-Qaeda leadership, such as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Qasem al-Rimi, and coordinating the repatriation of numerous American hostages.

Rise In Politics: House Intelligence Committee, Nunes Memo

Patel’s profile grew significantly when he was recruited by Rep. Devin Nunes to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. There, Patel became instrumental in investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. He drafted the “Nunes Memo,” a critical document alleging misuse of surveillance methods by the FBI in its investigation into the Trump campaign. The memo resonated with Trump and helped Patel gain influence in Republican circles as a key Trump loyalist.

Roles In Trump Administration

Patel has been in the following roles in the Trump administration:

National Security Council (NSC): In 2019, Patel joined the National Security Council as a counterterrorism director. He quickly rose to Senior Director, tasked with overseeing Trump’s high-priority missions, including operations against ISIS and Al-Qaeda and the safe repatriation of American hostages held abroad.

Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI): In February 2020, Patel became Principal Deputy to Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell. In this position, he was responsible for coordinating the work of all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies and delivering the President’s Daily Briefing.

Department of Defense: Patel’s final role under Trump was as Chief of Staff to Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller. In this capacity, he influenced defense operations, including overseeing aspects of the Pentagon’s leadership during the transition from Trump’s administration.

Controversies

Patel has sparked significant controversy throughout his career, with some seasoned national security officials viewing him as unpredictable and excessively eager to align with President Trump. Toward the end of Trump’s first term, Patel was considered for senior roles as deputy director at the CIA or FBI. However, CIA Director Gina Haspel and Attorney General Bill Barr opposed the move, citing Patel’s lack of experience in these positions.

Post-Government Career

After Trump’s term ended, Patel continued promoting Trump’s policies through media appearances and ventures like his 501(c)(3) charity, Fight With Kash, which aimed at supporting “America First” causes and exposing government corruption. He also published a memoir, Government Gangsters, in which he detailed his perspectives on the Deep State.

In a podcast, he states that he advised Trump not to pick “people who are auditioning to be POTUS in 4 years.”

Public Statements On Ram Mandir & PM Modi

As a true-blue Hindu, on the Ram Mandir and Prime Minister Modi, he reportedly said, “To bring things really up to date, the opening of Ram’s Temple, when PM Modi went there, all the Washington newspapers only covered the last 50 years of history. They forgot the 500 preceding years. Whether or not you are Hindu or Muslim, there was a Hindu temple there for one of the quintessential gods in the Hindu pantheon in 1500 that was toppled, and they have been trying to get it back for 500 years. But the Washington establishment forgot that part of history to put on what I believe is a disinformation campaign that’s harmful to India and the PM’s position. And they’re using that because I think they liken Trump and Modi as kind of similar figures, and the establishment class in Washington doesn’t want that to be the case.”

Speculated Role In Trump’s Second Term

Following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, Kashyap Patel is widely regarded as a leading candidate for a national security role, possibly as CIA Director. His potential appointment would require Senate confirmation, which may prove contentious due to his alignment with Trump’s agenda and his outspoken criticism of intelligence and government institutions. If confirmation proves unfeasible, Patel could take up a role in the National Security Council, where he is expected to continue his work in national security and intelligence oversight.

As the U.S. braces for a second Trump term, Patel’s potential to shape the national security landscape remains a subject of national attention.

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Congress Scion Rahul Gandhi’s Editorial On Indian Monopolies Allegedly Plagiarised And Written With AI Tool

By
The Commune
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A recent editorial attributed to Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has stirred up controversy over allegations of plagiarism and possible AI-assisted ghostwriting.

The editorial, which critiques monopolistic control in India and appeals to the business community to resist the concentration of power among a few, stands accused of heavily borrowing ideas from Chapter 13 of Edmund Burke on India, published online by Cambridge University Press in 2012.

Rahul Gandhi’s article is structured into three parts. It first discusses how the East India Company wielded influence in colonial India. Then, it focuses on the often maligned business tycoons of India without having the audacity to name them and concludes with a ‘new deal’ to shape the business environment in India.

Critics argue that the editorial follows the themes and rhetoric of Burke’s work, specifically on issues of foreign monopolistic control over India and the detrimental effects of monopolies on society’s social and economic fabric. The similarity between the two texts, particularly in the framing of monopolistic entities as exploitative and the analogy of a weakened “motherland” suffering under corporate subjugation, has prompted claims that the content is not entirely original. It is alleged that Gandhi’s editorial uses these historical critiques and presents them as contemporary commentary, with only a change in context to refer to modern Indian monopolies.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekar wrote a similar article in 2009 as a blog post critiquing the then UPA government, emphasizing the need to “support diverse businesses, not just a few giants.”

Alleged Ghostwriting And AI Assistance

Speculation about the editorial’s authorship has also surfaced. Some sources suggest that the editorial may have been ghostwritten by someone who could have allegedly employed AI tools to refine and enhance the language, framing, and structure. AI-assisted content generation is increasingly common, especially for public figures seeking polished, sophisticated language without dedicated writing teams.

https://twitter.com/Bharatmkm/status/1854252077557371251

However, while AI can streamline content creation, it also raises ethical questions if it is used to mask unoriginal or borrowed content.

The editorial’s rapid distribution through digital channels, including popular media figures and social media influencers, further fueled suspicions of a coordinated campaign. Critics have pointed out that media personalities, allegedly influenced by political IT cells, actively promoted the editorial to frame Gandhi as a vocal advocate against monopolistic practices. This involvement of media and influencer networks adds another layer of controversy to the editorial’s origins, suggesting it may have been strategically crafted and distributed to shape public opinion.

Rahul Gandhi’s editorial, now tainted by allegations of plagiarism and ghostwriting, not only undercuts his credibility but also raises serious questions about intellectual honesty in political discourse. If indeed lifted from scholarly works on colonial exploitation without attribution, Gandhi’s supposed rallying cry against monopolistic control comes across as hollow, lacking originality and ethical grounding. By presenting recycled ideas as his own, he imperils undermining the message he aims to champion—empowering Indian businesses and resisting undue corporate influence.

For a leader who positions himself as a voice for fairness and justice, the use of ghostwritten, AI-embellished content borrowed from historical texts is ironic and deeply misleading. Rather than demonstrating bold, independent thought, Gandhi’s editorial now appears to be a crafted narrative that not only diminishes his own authenticity but also insults the intelligence of his audience.

Borrowing heavily from Burke’s ideas on colonial exploitation while posing as an advocate for India’s modern business interests undermines his message, leaving the reader to wonder if he truly grasps the weight of his own words—or if they are merely scripted for effect.

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Is DMK Plotting To Split VCK Over Potential Alliance With Vijay’s TVK?

By
The Commune
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Is DMK Plotting To Split VCK Over Potential Alliance With Vijay's TVK?

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a key ally of the DMK, is reportedly worried that if their leader Thirumavalavan forms an alliance with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s newly launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) starting with a bonhomie on 6 December 2024, it could result in a split within the party.

VCK, which has been part of the DMK-led alliance, has faced increasing tensions in recent months. The party has been pushing for several demands, including the erection of a flagpole for Thirumavalavan’s 60th birthday, a campaign for alcohol abolition, a greater share of power in the administration, and even an indirect push for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post.

Potential DMK Strategy To Mitigate VCK Pressure?

The DMK is well aware that it cannot secure victories in northern Tamil Nadu without VCK’s support. Thirumavalavan, a seasoned political figure with over 40 years in the field, has significant influence. In this context, the DMK’s new Deputy General Secretaries, Aadhav Arjuna, and Vanniarasu have raised questions about why Thirumavalavan shouldn’t be considered for the Deputy Chief Minister role, given his experience and political standing.

Within the VCK, there are growing divisions, with prominent members such as MP D. Ravikumar and MLAs like Sinthanai Selvan and Aloor Shanavas rallying in support of the DMK alliance, even as they clash with Aadhav Arjuna and his supporters.

Tensions Rise After Vijay’s Maiden Political Speech

In the meantime, the political landscape has become even more volatile following Vijay’s speech at a recent TVK conference, where he has offered for equal power-sharing within the government in case he wins significantly. Aadhav Arjuna responded positively, saying, “Supportive voices are now being heard in Tamil Nadu for our political stance on sharing power. Congratulations to Vijay for affirming in his first conference that equal sharing of power is a fundamental right.”

However, many in VCK have not shared this sentiment. Ravikumar, Vanniarasu, Aloor Shahnavas, and others have strongly criticized Vijay’s comments, especially since he is still in the early stages of launching his new party. VCK chief Thirumavalavan also spoke out, accusing TVK founder-chief Vijay of attempting to sow division within the DMK alliance by calling for power-sharing a year and a half before the elections.

VCK Volunteers Defend Power-Sharing Stance

In response, VCK volunteers have defended Aadhav Arjuna’s position, stating that there is nothing wrong with his call for sharing power. They argue that the party was founded to secure a share of government power and that pushing against this principle would undermine opportunities for newcomers to secure positions like MP or MLA.

“There’s still plenty of time before the assembly elections, and it’s too early to predict how the political landscape will evolve,” said a VCK volunteer. “But regardless of the coalition, our core demand will remain the same: a share in governance.”

Thirumavalavan’s Position On Alliance And Participation In Events

Despite the tensions within the party, Thirumavalavan has acknowledged the sentiments of VCK volunteers and agreed to participate in the book release ceremony organized by Aadhav Arjuna on 6 December. This decision seems to reflect his willingness to engage with the emerging political dynamics, even as the VCK continues to navigate its position within the DMK alliance and its broader political ambitions.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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AR Rahman Becomes Butt Of Jokes As Kamala Harris Loses

By
The Commune
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Rahman and Kamala Harris

Music “maestro” and Oscar award winner AR Rahman was in the news in October 2024 when he endorsed Kamala Harris with a lineup of song dedications during the campaign for the US Presidency.

In the video, he says, “Kamala Harris’s vision for a more equitable world is an inspiration for us all. Her interest in focusing on what unites us instead of what divides us is a message that is very important not just for the United States but for the world. As a fellow South Asian Tamizh person, I am deeply proud of her commitment to making the world a better place. I look forward to having the first female President.”

In the half-hour “dedication” video, which saw the likes of leftist supporter Chinmayi and a few others, Rahman sang quite a few songs in various languages. He expressed his support for “Indian origin” Kamala Harris for President.

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Victory Fund announced the performance, describing it as an influential act of solidarity. Shekar Narasimhan, chairman of the AAPI Victory Fund, highlighted that Rahman’s contribution was not merely a musical offering but a “call to action,” urging the community to rally for a future centred on progress and representation. The performance was broadcast on 13 October 2024. It featured some of his most beloved songs, interwoven with messages underscoring Harris’s historic candidacy and her commitment to AAPI issues.

However, following the counting and subsequent results of the elections, which Harris lost, AR Rahman has become the butt of people’s jokes. Here are a few examples:

https://twitter.com/sevarkodiii/status/1854135716827283700

 

https://twitter.com/SaffronTwitz/status/1854122483504288127

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TN BJP Slams DMK Leader Over Aryan-Dravidian Racial Theories

By
The Commune
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TN BJP Slams DMK Leader Over Aryan-Dravidian Racial Theories

Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson ANS Prasad slammed former Union Minister and DMK leader A Raja on the Aryan-Dravidian racial divide theory of the DMK leader. “How much longer will you deceive people with the outdated Aryan-Dravidian racial theories that Ambedkar himself discarded as garbage,” said Prasad.

He said that Raja, while responding to actress Kasturi’s remarks at a protest in Chennai, had once again reiterated the old narrative from the Justice Party era. “In 3000 BC, Aryans migrated from Central Asia through the Khyber Pass seeking pastures for their cattle. Brahmins soon took control of religious authority, creating the Manusmriti to establish a societal order that divided people by birth into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras,” he said.

BJP spokesperson Prasad said that the Aryan-Dravidian theory is a fictional story fabricated by Christian missionaries like Robert Caldwell to divide Hindus and facilitate conversions.

He said that B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, dismissed the Aryan-Dravidian theory as garbage. “Figures like A. Raja conveniently ignore this and continue using this divisive theory to perpetuate racial politics in Tamil Nadu. Caste distinctions indeed exist within Hinduism, but they are gradually diminishing. When Hindus recognise a shared identity, these distinctions will fade away,” he said. The BJP leader said that efforts to eliminate caste disparities have been ongoing for ages, with great souls like Sri Ramanuja working to eradicate caste-based discrimination. He also said that for nearly a century, the RSS has worked tirelessly at the grassroots level to promote unity and eliminate caste distinctions. “Former RSS Sarsangachalak Balasaheb Deoras famously declared, ‘If untouchability is not a sin, then nothing else can be’. This firmly underscores that untouchability has no place in Hinduism,” he said.

He added that certain political parties, driven by linguistic and racial fanaticism, divide Hindus along caste lines to secure political gains. The BJP leader said that these parties form governments by securing votes from certain Hindu groups and religious minorities, but then treat Hindus as second-class citizens. “Their self-serving political strategies are the reason why caste distinctions still persist within Hindu society. Today, it is unacceptable to demean anyone by caste,” he said.

The BJP leader said that it has become commonplace to insult Brahmins, using the term ‘Parppan’ (an epithet they consider derogatory) and mocking their customs and speech openly on social media. “In Tamil Nadu, no action is taken even when complaints are filed about such incidents. This has forced Brahmins to protest, demanding legal protection. Indian Constitution grants everyone the right to protest for their rights. For over three years now, the people of Tamil Nadu have been disillusioned with the DMK government. Corruption is rampant everywhere,” he said. He added that is untouchability so prevalent within the DMK that a key leader like Raja cannot even contest in an unreserved seat. He asked what Raja’s stance on the DMK’s leadership succession by birth was and whether this was not modern untouchability, or can it be called a “Dravidian Manusmriti”.

–IANS

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Telugu-Origin Usha Chilukuri Set To Become ‘Second Lady’ Of US

By
The Commune
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Telugu-Origin Usha Chilukuri Set To Become ‘Second Lady’ Of US

Usha Chilukuri Vance, wife of Donald Trump’s running mate J.D. Vance, is set to become the first Indian-origin ‘Second Lady’ of the United States. The 38-year-old Indian-American lawyer has her roots in Andhra Pradesh and the news of her elevation has already sparked celebrations in Vadluru village in West Godavari district from where her family hails.

People in the village burst firecrackers and distributed sweets after the victory of the Republican ticket of Trump and Vance in the US Presidential elections. Earlier, some villagers offered prayers for the victory of Trump and Vance, saying this would further strengthen the India-US relations. Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh said that this is a very special moment for the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially West Godavari district. “The Second Lady designate, Usha Vance has roots in AP. We’re proud as people of AP Origin continue to make their mark in various spheres across the world,” said Minister Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Vance, the 40-year-old Ohio Senator and the running mate of President-elect Trump, is set to become the Vice President. He married the Yale-graduated lawyer in 2014. The couple has three children – Ewan, 6, Vivek, 4, and Mirabel, 2. Usha’s parents Radhakrishna Chilukuri and Lakshmi Chilukuri had migrated to the US in 1980. Usha, one of the three children of Radhakrishna and Lakshmi, was born and brought up in San Diego (California). A marine molecular biologist and biochemist, Professor Lakshmi Chilukuri is Provost of the Sixth College at the University of California, San Diego University. Radhakrishna Chilukuri, also known as Dr Krish Chilukuri, is a lecturer, Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, Department of Aerospace Engineering at the San Diego State University. Usha, who has been passionate about books since her childhood, holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the Yale University and a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of Cambridge Later, she joined Yale Law School where she met Vance.

Their friendship turned into love and they tied the knot in 2014. The couple was blessed by a Hindu priest in a separate ceremony. Usha worked as a corporate lawyer and litigator for some years. She was a Law Clerk to two Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and argued civil cases belonging to the education, medical, and defence sectors. She was also associated with the Supreme Court Advocacy Clinic, Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic, and Iraqi Refugee Assistance Projects. She is currently working as a litigator in the National Legal Agency.

Interestingly while studying at Cambridge, Usha worked with left-wing and liberal groups and registered her name as a Democratic Party in 2014. Four years later, she registered with the Republican Party for voting from Ohio. Usha had helped Vance organise a meeting on ‘Social decline in White America’ that formed the basis of his 2016 bestseller “Hillbilly Elegy”. She played a key role in Vance’s Senate campaigns in 2016 and 2022. She was instrumental in her husband’s election as Ohio senator in 2022 and was also responsible for his campaign for the office of Vice-President.

–IANS

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Shram Suvidha & Samadhan Portals Being Made More User-Friendly: Mansukh Mandaviya

By
The Commune
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Union Minister for Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday held a review meeting on revamping the Shram Suvidha and Samadhan portals to make these platforms more efficient, user-friendly, and beneficial for both employers and workers.

As the exercise to upgrade the portals gathers pace, Mansukh Mandaviya said: “The revamping of Shram Suvidha and Samadhan Portals is focused on efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of use. We are making strides toward a more streamlined compliance process for establishments nationwide by upgrading technology and technical features. This improvement will also ensure better service delivery and protection for workers central to India’s workforce.”

During the Union Budget 2024-25 speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Shram Suvidha and Samadhan portals will be revamped to enhance ease of compliance for industry and trade. In line with this announcement, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated a comprehensive revamp of the Shram Suvidha and Samadhan portals.

The revamped Samadhan portal will facilitate a smoother conciliation process, enable online registration of bipartite settlements, and onboard all proceedings related to claims for gratuity, wages, equal remuneration, and maternity benefits. It will also allow for online filing of applications for intimation/permission for layoffs, closures, and more. Daily proceedings of cases in the Central Government Industrial Tribunals (CGIT) will also be accessible on the portal. These enhancements will aid workers in obtaining justice transparently, as they can monitor the status of their cases directly from their devices (computers or mobile phones). The revamped Shram Suvidha portal, with simplified registration, returns, and license forms, will become a one-stop solution for Labour Law compliance for employers. The enhanced portal will also facilitate improved data sharing between enforcement agencies, enabling automatic flagging of non-compliant establishments.

Features like predictive analysis and customised dashboards will serve as crucial tools for policy-making. This enhancement focuses on upgrading technology, optimising the user interface, and integrating advanced design features to ensure efficient case and claim processing. The improvements aim to automate routine tasks, including notification alerts, identification of non-compliant establishments, and providing users with guided suggestions for compliance. The Ministry is also focusing on making these portals bilingual to reach a wider audience and create easier access for individuals. The new portals will also offer supportive features such as video and audio tutorials, interactive chat support, among others.

–IANS

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Calcutta HC Upholds Pervious Order On Police Torture Of BJP Women Activists

By
The Commune
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Calcutta HC Upholds Pervious Order On Police Torture Of BJP Women Activists

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Wednesday, upheld a previous order by a single-judge bench of the same court directing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe on the alleged torture of two women BJP activists in police custody. State police arrested these two women activists after a complaint was lodged against them accusing them of making derogatory comments concerning the daughter of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee.

Later the two women approached the single-judge bench of Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj accusing police of excesses including physical assault while they were in police custody. On October 8 Justice Bharadwaj besides directing the CBI probe in the matter also observed that such actions on the part of the state police were simply unacceptable. Thereafter the West Bengal government approached the division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hirnmay Bhattacharya and challenged the single-judge bench order. However, on Wednesday, the division bench observed that from the medical report, it was clear that there had been a physical assault on the two women’s petitions and hence that report cannot be ignored.

The division bench observed that the CBI will continue with its probe and it is the duty of the state government to see whether everything is going on as per legal provisions. On Wednesday, while holding the brief on behalf of the state government the advocate general Kishore Datta questioned how the single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court directed the CBI probe after hearing the matter for just a day. He also denied allegations against the state police of custodial torture in the matter. However, the division bench dismissed his argument and questioned that if the state government is so confident of the role of the state police in the matter then why is it opposing the CBI probe? The division bench also observed that the court has serious questions on even the arrest of the two women.

–IANS

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TheCommune
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