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Kerala Mar Thoma Church Priest Passes Away Days After Hasty ‘Demise’ Message Leaves Clergy Red-Faced

By
The Commune
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Reverend Father James George, the Vicar of the Kumbanad Shalom Mar Thoma Church near Thiruvalla passed away on Thursday. The Sabha Secretary of the Thiruvalla-headquartered Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Kerala, Reverend Abey T. Mammen officially communicated the news in a statement.

“The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church expresses deepest condolences to the bereaved family members on the sad demise of Rev. James George, who passed away on Thursday, 27 March 2025, at 12.15 AM. The mortal remains will be brought to Kumbanad Fellowship hospital mortuary today at 2 AM,” read the official declaration.

Earlier, an error attributed to a communication gap left the Mar Thoma Syrian Church embarrassed as Mammen on Tuesday evening issued a condolence message announcing the death of senior priest George.

He was admitted to a private hospital near here after he fell sick on Monday. On Tuesday, soon after the condolence message announcing the passing away of Reverend George came, things went into fast gear with the social media group of the Church and its laity also passing on the message as part of its normal practice.

However, close to midnight came another message from Mammen expressing regret over the wrong message regarding Reverend George.

In a statement issued by Mammen, it said, “We acknowledge the deep concern and emotional response from our faithful community regarding the condition of our beloved clergy, Rev James George. Earlier, based on the available information communicated to us and the critical nature of the situation following the withdrawal of ventilator support, an announcement regarding the passing of Rev. James George was made. “We have since been informed by the attending medical team that while James George remains in a critical state and continues to be under close final observation, he has not yet been officially declared deceased.”

“We recognise the gravity and sensitivity of this situation and deeply regret any confusion or distress caused. We request the continued prayers of all faithful members during this deeply trying time and will keep everyone updated as we receive further medical updates. “Even now he is in a sinking stage and oxygen support is provided. Let us remain united in prayer and hope, trusting in God’s presence and peace through this difficult journey,” wrote Mammen.

A section of the Church was up in arms on the miscommunication by Mammen and wanted action, but now all eyes are on the Church and it is likely to come out with a protocol over demise announcements in the future.

–IANS

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Gautam Adani Hails Wheelchair-Bound Employee’s Courage For Attempting Bungee Jumping

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The Commune
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Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Thursday hailed the courage of a wheelchair-bound employee who attempted adventure sport bungee jumping in Rishikesh.

Bungee jumping is an adventure sport where a person jumps from a great height while tied to a large rope. The Adani Group Chairman lauded Kay Mehta’s willpower for indulging in the sport while in a wheelchair.

He called Mehta an inspiration for millions of people with and without disability. “Most people do it for the thrill. Kay Mehta, our own Adanian, did it to make a statement,” Gautam Adani, shared in a post on social media platform X. “From the heights of Rishikesh, strapped in his wheelchair, Kay took a leap that told the world: no odds, no fear, can stop willpower. Kay, you don’t just inspire us – you redefine what it means to be an Adanian. Hum Karke Dikhate Hain #HKKDH,” the Adani Group Chairman said.

Notably, ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ is a media campaign launched by the Adani Group in May 2023. Developed by Ogilvy India, the campaign is called ‘Hum mushkilo ki nahi sunte, karke dikhate hai’ (Undeterred by challenges, we deliver on our commitments). It highlights the Adani Group’s “resilience, tenacity, and relentless pursuit of overcoming obstacles to build world-class infrastructure, both in India and abroad”, as per the company.

The latest in the campaign series is the narrative-driven film ‘Journey of Dreams’, which was released early in March. Highlighting the transformative power of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited, the film pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ of today’s India and Indians, showcasing unwavering determination.

The film emphasises how Adani Ports enables businesses, both large and small, to thrive by providing seamless connectivity and world-class facilities, according to the company. In December last year, the company’s advertisement on wind turbines and renewable energy took the internet by storm. The 1.30-minute video, with the tagline ‘Pehle Pankha Aayega, Phir Bijli Aayegi’, takes the viewers by surprise and also goes on to illustrate how clean energy can light up lives, without polluting the environment.

–IANS

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Manipur Police Arrest Six Militants, Three Smugglers, Seize Drugs Worth ₹3.15 Crore

By
The Commune
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The Manipur Police have arrested six militants of different outfits and seized a cache of arms and ammunition, officials said here on Thursday.

The police also seized drugs worth Rs 3.15 crore and arrested three smugglers, the officials said. A police official said that two cadres of the proscribed outfit People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were arrested from Imphal West district on Wednesday night.

Two more militants of People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) (Pro) outfit and an active member of Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) were arrested from Imphal East district.

The police also arrested a militant of the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF-K) from Tengnoupal district. The arrested militants were involved in abduction, forcible collection of money from traders, officials, contractors, and issuing threat notices to people.

Several two-wheelers, mobile sets, sharp-edged weapons, incriminating documents and various other materials were recovered from the militants.

Manipur Police arrested three drug peddlers from Imphal East district and recovered 10.5 kg of heroin valued at Rs 3.15 crore from their possession. The drugs, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar, were contained in 880 soap cases. A car in which the smugglers were travelling was also seized. Manipur has around 400 km of unfenced border with Myanmar.

The police also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including AK series rifles and Self-Loading Rifles, from Imphal East and Kakching districts. On Wednesday, five militants were arrested and a cache of arms and ammunition was seized in Manipur.

The militants of the banned United National Liberation Front (Koireng faction) were identified as Thongam Ronaldo Singh (26) and Khuraijam Micheal Singh (28). Manipur Police arrested three drug peddlers who were involved in the transportation of drugs along National Highway-02 (Imphal to Senapati district) in Imphal West district on Tuesday night.

Police recovered 5.5 kg of heroin valued at Rs two crore from their possession.

–IANS

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Dravidian Model School: Students At Ponnagaram Government High School Struggle Without Classrooms And Study Under Temporary Tin Sheds And Trees For 6 Years

By
The Commune
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(Image Credit: Nakkheeran)

For the past six years, students at Ponnagaram Government High School, located near Aranthangi in Pudukkottai district, have been forced to study outdoors under the shade of trees due to the lack of proper classrooms. Only temporary tin shed structures have been provided. The students, who come from disadvantaged fishing communities, have urged the government to construct a proper building for their school.

Ponnagaram Government High School, situated in the Manamelkudi union on the east coast, was upgraded to a high school in 2017. Despite the school’s consistent success in maintaining a 100% pass rate in the 10th-grade public examinations until last year, it has yet to receive any dedicated classrooms. The school currently serves 272 students, with 60 10th-grade students set to sit for their public exams. While the school has one toilet unit for the students, no classroom buildings have been constructed in the eight years since it was upgraded to a high school.

When the school transitioned from a middle school to a high school, the existing three-classroom building for the middle school was taken over. One of these classrooms has been converted into a computer lab with 11 computers, while the other two are shared by the 10th and 11th-grade students. Despite repeated petitions by the Parents’ Teachers Association (PTA), parents, and villagers to various officials, including the District Collector, Education Department, ministers, and MPs, the situation has not improved.

Seeing the hardships their children endured in the heat and rain, villagers took it upon themselves to build a two-classroom structure, though there was still no place for students in 6th and 7th grades. The teachers, out of their generosity, built a large tin shed, but during extreme weather, many students are forced to sit in the shade of trees, much like they did in earlier years. The PTA and School Management Committee (SMC) have once again started a campaign to demand a proper classroom building for the students who have been suffering in these conditions.

Since the school was upgraded to a high school in 2017, it has achieved remarkable success, with teachers dedicated to providing quality education. However, due to the lack of proper infrastructure, the school cannot accommodate students from nearby villages who seek admission. The existing two classrooms, originally meant for middle school, have 55-60 students each, making it impossible to divide the classes effectively. As a result, the classes have remained as single units. In addition, the school has only one toilet unit meant for 168 students, which is inadequate and causes further hardship. Despite repeated requests to build more classrooms, no action has been taken.

Speaking to the media, a student said, “We are studying under a shed built by the people of our town. When there is a power outage, extremely sweats, and we can’t sit. During such times, we have to move out and study under the trees. That’s why we need a proper building.”

One of the villagers, expressing frustration to the media, said, “They keep saying to provide 10 and 15 classrooms over and over… everything is on paper but nothing is being done. The government should at least construct two classrooms this academic year to resolve this issue, so that students can study well and happily.”

The villagers and teachers have expressed their frustration, with the students deciding to boycott the 10th-grade public exams unless their demands for a proper building are met. The teachers, however, stress the importance of the exams and hope that a boycott will draw the attention of officials to address their concerns. It is a painful reality for these students, as they are deprived of the basic infrastructure needed for their education.

In response to these concerns, the District Education Officer stated that inspections have been conducted at schools with shortages, and a request for new buildings has been sent. Schools in Ponnagaram, Kottayapattinam, and Thirunalur South are on the list for new construction, and steps will be taken soon.

The children of poor fishing families, who have long been denied proper educational facilities, deserve better opportunities. The future of the 60 students in Ponnagaram Government High School who are set to take their 10th-grade exams now lies in the hands of the authorities.

(With Inputs From Nakkheeran)

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Trustee Of Mariamman Temple Near Nannilam Erects Banner Wishing For Ramzan, Removed After Intervention From Devotees And Hindu Munnani

By
The Commune
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The Hindu Munnani, with assistance from authorities, has removed the ‘Ramzan wishes’ banner put up by N. Muruganandam, a trustee of the Arulmigu Sanduveli Mariamman Temple which falls under HR&CE Department. This action followed concerns raised by devotees who highlighted that the trustee placed banners on a public road, which featured Ramadan wishes along with the temple’s name and his own.

The temple trustee’s involvement in promoting other religious practices led to a formal complaint being lodged with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. As a result, departmental action has been initiated against him.

The Hindu Munnani, through its official X account, stated, “Complaint filed in the morning, banner removed by the evening..!! In Mappillai Kuppam village, located in Nannilam taluka of Tiruvarur district, N. Muruganandam, a trustee of the Arulmigu Sanduveli Mariamman Temple under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, had placed a banner on a public road featuring Ramadan wishes with both the temple’s name and his own on it. Additionally, he participated in prayers and consumed the fasting porridge. The banner was swiftly removed following a complaint filed by the devotees and the Hindu Munnani condemning the use of the temple’s name for religious events and involvement in promoting other religious practices. A departmental action has been taken against him.”

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RTI Reveals ₹7.96 Crore Paid To Private Firm As “Design And Consultation Fee” For Developing Blueprint Of Tiruchendur Temple Complex

By
The Commune
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A shocking revelation through an RTI request has exposed that a private company was paid a staggering ₹8 crore solely for drafting the blueprint of the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple complex.

The renowned Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple is currently undergoing a large-scale renovation project, estimated at ₹300 crore. Initiated on 28 September 2022, the construction is now reportedly 90% complete. The grand Maha Kumbabhishekam is scheduled to take place on 7 July 2025, once the work reaches full completion.

The matter came to light after an advocate Ramanatha Adhithan had filed an RTI regarding the temple expenditure.

Recently, Prithviraj (50), a BJP member and resident of Kamaraj Salai in Tiruchendur, shared a video alleging corruption in the ₹200 crore infrastructure project funded by Shiv Nadar at the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple. He claimed that toilets built for devotees were in poor condition and that essential pipes and other fittings had been damaged or stolen. The video quickly went viral, drawing significant public attention.

In response, on 23 March at around 4:00 AM, police from the Tiruchendur temple station arrived at Prithviraj’s residence, stating that he was being taken in for questioning regarding a case against him. However, his family alleged that the officers trespassed into their home and attempted to detain him without presenting any legal documents related to the case.

Amid these developments, the RTI disclosure has sparked controversy, raising concerns over the exorbitant payment for the temple map alone. This revelation has further fueled outrage among devotees and activists, who are now demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the temple’s financial dealings.

(With Inputs From Tamil Janam)

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125 Years Old Valmiki Ramayana Palm Leaf Manuscripts Discovered In Kalatheeswarar Temple Near Tirupattur

By
The Commune
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A rare collection of palm leaf manuscripts containing a Valmiki Ramayana scroll has been discovered at the Kalatheeswarar Temple in Koratti, Tirupattur district.

During the temple’s renovation in Kandili union, Tirupattur circle inspector Narasimhamoorthy discovered five bundles of ancient manuscripts hidden in the Rajagopuram. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) was promptly notified, and Haripriya, the joint commissioner overseeing the scroll project, dispatched a team for examination.

Scroll project coordinator Thamarai Pandian revealed that the five bundles contained 2,075 palm leaf manuscripts. Based on handwriting analysis and stylistic elements, the texts are believed to follow the ‘Vazhi Suvadi’ tradition and were transcribed approximately 125 years ago. However, the original source material is estimated to date back nearly 300 years. The manuscripts, titled Sri Ramayana Katha, present a highly detailed retelling of Valmiki Ramayana in a dialogue format, making them more accessible to readers without extensive Sanskrit influence.

The discovered texts include Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkinda Kanda, and Sundara Kanda, but Yuddha Kanda is missing. Many pages have deteriorated over time, with fungal growth due to prolonged storage. Restoration efforts, including chemical preservation and cleaning, are underway. Researchers believe that if permission is granted by the HR&CE Department, these texts could be copied and published for public access.

The discovery reinforces the historical significance of Valmiki Ramayana in Tamil Nadu alongside the widely revered Kamba Ramayana. It also highlights the tradition of reciting Valmiki’s version in Tamil households. The timing of this revelation, just a week before Sri Rama Navami, adds to its significance.

Tamil Nadu is home to 43,762 temples under the Hindu Religious Endowments Department, many of which hold ancient records in the form of palm leaf manuscripts, copper plates, and inscriptions. So far, only 1,771 temples have been examined, leading to the discovery of 178,000 scrolls, 390 literary manuscripts, and 95 copper plates. Of these, 50,028 manuscripts have been cataloged and preserved. Five books have already been published from these findings, reflecting ongoing efforts to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rich historical and religious heritage.

(With Inputs From Dinamalar)

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Kerala’s ‘Secular’ Leftists Display Religious Intolerance Over Mohanlal’s Prayer To Sabarimala Ayyappan For Mammootty’s Health

By
The Commune
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In Kerala, so-called secularists seem unable to tolerate genuine camaraderie between Hindus and Muslims. The moment such bonds are displayed, they rush to criticize, spread negativity, and retreat to their usual divisive stance—one that sustains their ideology and relevance by maintaining strict religious boundaries.

A recent example of this was Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, a staunch Sanatani, visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple, where he conducted a special “Usha Pooja” and prayed for the well-being of his close friend and fellow actor Mammootty, who has been dealing with health issues.

This heartfelt gesture between two of Malayalam cinema’s biggest icons became widely discussed. Though such religious offerings are usually private, a receipt for the puja, featuring Mammootty’s real name, Muhammad Kutty, and his star sign Vishakham, surfaced on social media. The image quickly went viral, with most people appreciating the bond between the two actors.

However, some radical leftists reacted with hostility, displaying religious intolerance and accusing Mohanlal of wrongdoing. Shockingly, they portrayed his prayer as blasphemy, forcing him to explain a simple act of goodwill. This raises a troubling question—where is Kerala headed?

One of the most vocal critics was journalist and Islamic scholar O. Abdulla, a former editor of the Malayalam daily Madhyamam, which is known for its radical views and opposition to the BJP and RSS. In a social media post, Abdulla condemned Mohanlal and Mammootty, stating, “If Mohanlal did this with Mammootty’s knowledge, then Mammootty must repent (Tauba). He must apologize to the Islamic community.”

This statement left many people baffled—what exactly was the crime here? Abdulla later released a voice message reinforcing his stance, said, “Mammootty has committed a grave offense. If Mohanlal performed the puja purely based on his faith, then Mammootty is not at fault. However, if Mammootty had requested the offering, that would be unacceptable, as prayers should only be made to Allah. Seeking blessings elsewhere is forbidden in Islam and has been since the time of the Prophet.”

He further insisted that Mammootty must clarify his stance to the Islamic community, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, urging religious scholars to intervene.

This raises a serious question—does Abdulla believe Kerala is governed by Sharia law? Are we living in Afghanistan or Pakistan? His comments sparked backlash, with many questioning how someone could promote such a divisive mindset. While some defended his statement on theological grounds, others called for legal action against him for disrupting Kerala’s communal harmony.

Mohanlal’s Response

Addressing the controversy, Mohanlal stated in a recent interview,: “Prayers are personal. Mammootty is my dear friend, and I prayed for him. The chit I gave at the temple was leaked, which is how people found out about it.” He reassured everyone that Mammootty’s health condition was minor and nothing to worry about.

Is Free Speech For Leftists Just A Tool To Push Their Narrative & Sustain Religious Intolerance?

Critics and social activists raise concerns about the limits of religious freedom in India’s Constitution. While it guarantees the right to practice one’s faith, does it permit individuals like Abdulla to impose their beliefs on others? With a significant social media following, he promotes a divisive ideology that many support. If such narratives go unchecked, what kind of society are we fostering?

Perhaps realizing the growing backlash, Abdulla quietly removed his post. But should individuals like him be allowed to sow discord without consequences? The spread of inflammatory and reckless rhetoric on social media must be addressed. It is crucial to hold such figures accountable before they further threaten India’s secular and pluralistic foundations.

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“Grabbing A Minor’s Breasts Isn’t Attempt To Rape?” – Supreme Court Slams Allahabad HC, Halts Ruling

By
The Commune
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Supreme Court Constitutes SIT To Probe Chennai Minor Sexual Assault Case. statehood ncpcr muslim girl marriage free speech

On 26 March 2025, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of a contentious ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which stated that forcibly grabbing a minor girl’s breasts, untying her pyjama drawstring, and attempting to drag her under a culvert did not amount to an attempt to rape.

A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih will review the High Court’s decision and has already expressed strong disapproval. The Supreme Court remarked, “Some observations in the impugned judgment, particularly in paragraphs 21, 24, and 26, reflect a complete lack of sensitivity on the part of the author.”

What Did Allahabad High Court Ruled? 

In a shocking ruling, the Allahabad High Court recently on 17  March by Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, modified charges against two accused in a sexual assault case involving an 11-year-old girl. The accused were initially charged with attempted rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, the court ruled that their actions—grabbing the victim’s breasts, breaking her pyjama string, and attempting to drag her beneath a culvert—did not constitute an attempt to rape.

Instead, the court described the act as “aggravated sexual assault” and directed that the accused be tried under Section 354-B of the IPC (assault with intent to disrobe) and Sections 9/10 of the POCSO Act. The court emphasized that for an attempt to rape charge, the prosecution must prove that the accused had gone “beyond the stage of preparation.”

This novel interpretation ignores the sheer brutality of the act and instead creates an artificial distinction between intent and execution. The accused will now face less severe charges, sending a troubling message about the legal threshold for attempted rape.

Earlier, on 24 March, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Bela Trivedi and Prasanna B. Varale declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Allahabad High Court’s ruling.

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Congress Worker And Selvaperunthagai Supporter Vanishree Behind ‘Savukku’ Shankar Home Attack

By
The Commune
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Social media has erupted in heated discussions after a group of unidentified individuals, disguised as sanitation workers, unlawfully entered the residence of YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar on 24 March 2025. The intruders reportedly ransacked the house, terrorized his mother, and smeared filth across the rooms and dining table.

According to police sources, the attack was allegedly motivated by remarks Shankar made in one of his YouTube videos, which the assailants deemed offensive to sanitation workers. Shankar later took to social media to share details of the incident, including screenshots of a video call made by one of the trespassers using his mother’s phone. In response, authorities deployed police officers to prevent further escalation.

Shankar accused Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President Selvaperunthagai of orchestrating the attack, claiming that his loyal supporter, V. Vanishree Vijayakumar, led the assault. Following these allegations, netizens launched an online campaign demanding her arrest for allegedly threatening a journalist and attempting an attack on his home.

Social media posts by V. Vanishree Vijayakumar suggested that the incident was premeditated, as she appeared to have planned the act in advance. Evidence from her now-deleted Facebook posts indicated that she was live-streaming the event, further reinforcing suspicions about her intent.

Even Vanishree was confronted by a police officer, who questioned her actions, stating that she had only been granted permission for a protest, yet she and her group had unlawfully entered and attacked the house. The officer confronted her, saying, “We have warned you multiple times to send them away and come with two others. Now, what is the point after ransacking the house there, and coming here to shout?” In response, another woman defended their actions, saying, “No one damaged the house.” The officer immediately countered, “Then? he destroyed it himself?” She casually replied, “Yes, sir.” The officer pressed further, “Is it? That elderly woman?”

Vanishree’s social media post showcased her close ties with the Congress party and firm support for TNCC Chief Selvaperunthagai. Following this revelation, netizens voiced their outrage and demanded her arrest.

 

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