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MK Stalin Peddles Debunked Aryan-Dravidian Theory To Claim Racial Superiority Of Dravidianists

MK Stalin Peddles Debunked Aryan-Dravidian Theory To Claim Racial Superiority Of Dravidianists,

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently marked the centenary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization by Sir John Marshall, expressing gratitude for the historian’s contributions. Stalin remarked approvingly about the controversial Aryan-Dravidian theory, which numerous scholars have discredited.

He announced plans for an international conference and the installation of a life-size statue of Marshall in Tamil Nadu, framing these events within a narrative that elevates Dravidian culture.

He wrote on his X handle, Exactly 100 years ago, on 20th September 1924, Sir #JohnMarshall announced the discovery of the #IndusValleyCivilisation, reshaping the history of the Indian subcontinent. I look back, grateful, and say, “Thank you, John Marshall.” By taking the right cognisance of the material culture of the #IVC, he linked it to the #DravidianStock. My government has already announced that an international conference and the installation of a life-size statue of Sir John Marshall in Tamil Nadu will mark the centenary of this historic discovery.”

The Aryan-Dravidian theory that Stalin promotes posits a racial divide between the so-called Aryans and Dravidians, suggesting a history of invasion and subjugation. However, this theory has long been contested. The initial archaeological findings at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were often misaligned with existing narratives of Aryan invasion.

Scholars have questioned the validity of these interpretations, with notable American archaeologists like George Dales and Richard Meadow asserting that there is no evidence to support claims of armed conquest or destruction by Aryans. 

Moreover, many serious scholars and archaeologists have independently concluded that there is no biological or archaeological proof of Aryan migration or invasion. Critics argue that the theory’s proponents’ resort to fantastical explanations, claiming that Aryans descended from the heavens, wielding mythical weapons, thus leaving no trace in Harappan lands. This kind of “shabby archaeology,” as it has been termed, offers little more than a speculative narrative devoid of empirical support.

Interestingly, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key figure for many Dravidianists, dismissed the Aryan Invasion Theory as lacking any scientific basis. Yet, MK Stalin and his supporters continue to advocate for this outdated perspective, perhaps to justify their political agenda and secure contracts for projects like the statue of Marshall, rather than addressing pressing needs in Tamil Nadu.

The emphasis on Dravidian identity over Tamil welfare raises questions about the priorities of the ruling party. Critics argue that perpetuating divisive narratives serves to distract from real issues facing the population. They assert that recognizing the shared history and culture of all Tamils, irrespective of these constructed racial categories, is essential for genuine progress.

Ultimately, the continuation of the Aryan-Dravidian discourse reflects a strategy rooted in divide-and-rule politics, reminiscent of colonial tactics. As long as Dravidianists cling to this narrative, the true potential of Tamil identity may remain obscured by the shadows of a debunked theory.

(With inputs from Tamil Labs and “The Invasion that Never Was” by Michel Danino)

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Dinamalar Report Says 850 Police Officers Allegedly Complicit In Drug Trafficking In TN, BJP TN Slams Dravidian Model And Demands Accountability From CM Stalin

Dinamalar Report Says 850 Police Officers Allegedly Complicit In Drug Trafficking In TN, BJP TN Slams Dravidian Model And Demands Accountability From CM Stalin

In a shocking revelation, the Tamil Nadu Intelligence Department has compiled a list of 850 police officials allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The list, handed over to Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal, has sent ripples through the state’s law enforcement ranks. The involvement of policemen in the drug trade has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and the central government, placing immense pressure on the Tamil Nadu administration.

The state has been grappling with the growing issue of drug smuggling, with narcotics being trafficked in from both foreign countries and other Indian states. Reports indicate that not only young adults but also school students are falling prey to drug addiction, contributing to a surge in crime across the region.

Both the central government and courts have expressed their dissatisfaction with Tamil Nadu’s handling of the drug crisis. The Madras High Court judges recently demanded a comprehensive report from the state government detailing the measures taken to combat drug trafficking. Judges voiced concern that the government’s response thus far has lacked seriousness, calling for urgent and effective action.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has vowed to take decisive steps in response to mounting pressure, setting a “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu” target. He convened high-level consultations with police authorities and ordered the formation of a new task force by merging the Narcotics Intelligence Unit and the Prohibition Enforcement Wing. This unit aims to crack down on drug smuggling in all its forms.

The unit has already made substantial progress. Last year, it conducted statewide operations that led to the arrest of 22,447 drug dealers and the seizure of 42,337 kg of ganja, 1.234 kg of heroin, 74,412 narcotic pills, and 223 kg of other substances. So far this year, 4,522 cases have been registered, resulting in the arrest of 7,123 individuals and the confiscation of 11,081 kg of ganja and 74,016 pills.

Despite these efforts, critics argue that the government’s actions have focused primarily on arresting small-time dealers, while larger drug networks remain untouched. Allegations of police collusion with drug gangs have gained traction, as several law enforcement officers have been implicated in high-profile cases. In one instance, Sridhar, a constable from the Race Course Police Station in Coimbatore, was arrested for assisting drug traffickers and receiving ₹1.60 lakh in bribes. Similarly, Erode Cyber Crime Sub-Inspector Mahendran was apprehended for aiding a notorious ganja dealer in Coimbatore.

The complicity of police officers has drawn widespread outrage, particularly after incidents like the raid in Nagapattinam, where 400 kg of ganja worth ₹4 crore, bound for Sri Lanka, was seized. Photos surfaced of Nagai Inspector Periyasamy dining with members of the same smuggling gang he had supposedly targeted, fueling public distrust.

As intelligence efforts intensified, the 850-name list emerged, prompting swift action at the highest levels of government. A top official remarked, “Drug trafficking is a crime that destabilizes the country and destroys future generations. We have advised the government to take strict action against the guilty, setting an example for others.”

Amid this crackdown, police raids targeting students have been conducted statewide. In Katangulathur, near Chennai, over 500 officers raided private hostels and residences around a well-known college, confiscating ganja and gutka. A similar operation in Neelampur, near Coimbatore, involved 200 officers who seized drugs and weapons, including knives and sickles, from students’ homes.

In Chennai’s Perumbakkam area, where more than 20,000 families reside in Urban Habitat Development Board housing, 300 officers raided 1,400 homes to investigate drug distribution.

A joint raid by the State Narcotics Control Unit and Railway Police at Chennai Central Railway Station has, however, been met with skepticism, with critics calling it a mere formality.

BJP TN Slams DMK Govt, Asks Accountability From CM Stalin

The Tamil Nadu BJP has launched a fierce attack on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his government, alleging that 850 police officers and government officials are complicit in drug trafficking networks. These revelations, reportedly from the Tamil Nadu Intelligence Department, have sparked outrage, with the BJP accusing the ruling DMK of mismanagement and failing to combat the escalating drug problem in the state.

The controversy began when reports emerged suggesting that numerous police officers, tasked with enforcing law and order, were allegedly involved in facilitating drug crimes. The BJP criticized Stalin’s administration, claiming that the so-called “Dravidian model” has led to governance failure, as drug trafficking and violent crimes have surged since the DMK came to power. They highlighted the detrimental impact on young people, particularly school and college students, many of whom have fallen victim to drug abuse.

The BJP condemned the alleged complicity of law enforcement officers, describing it as a betrayal of public trust and a “dark” situation for Tamil Nadu. They questioned the integrity of a system where officers are reportedly accepting commissions from drug lords. In a direct appeal to Stalin, the BJP demanded accountability for the allegedly corrupt officers and immediate action against them, warning that mere transfers would not suffice.

The party called for decisive measures to protect Tamil Nadu’s youth and criticized the government’s responses as “meaningless raids” and empty promises. They also referenced the Madras High Court’s concerns over the government’s handling of the drug crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and stronger enforcement. The BJP’s statement reflects rising public alarm regarding the state’s drug epidemic and corruption within its law enforcement agencies.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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Renowned Morsing Artist Srirangam R Kannan Passes Away

Renowned Morsing Artist Srirangam R Kannan Passes Away

Srirangam Kannan, a revered Indian musician and distinguished morsing artist, passed away today, leaving behind a rich legacy in Carnatic music. Born on May 5, 1952, in Srirangam to K. Sathyamurthy and Kamalam, Kannan initially had limited exposure to Carnatic music until a transformative concert at the age of 19, where Sri Pudukkotai S. Mahadevan’s performance inspired him. He soon became Mahadevan’s disciple and honed his craft under the guidance of Kanadukathan Rajaraman, a renowned kanjeera and mridangam artist.

Kannan graduated with a degree in mathematics and joined the Indian Bank, where he dedicated 30 years of service, ultimately retiring as a manager in 2000. Despite his banking career, his passion for music remained paramount, and he continued to perform in concerts across India and for All India Radio Chennai.

Throughout his illustrious career, Kannan received numerous awards and honours, including the prestigious Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Carnatic Music from the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. All India Radio also recognised him as a Top Graded artist and received various accolades for his contributions to the field.

Kannan’s global reach was evident through his participation in numerous international tours and festivals, including performances in the USSR, Europe, and Australia. His collaborations with esteemed artists and ensembles showcased his mastery of the morsing and enriched the world of fusion music.

Srirangam Kannan’s profound impact on Carnatic music and his dedication to his art will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the many lives he touched with his music.

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The Urgent Need For Decolonizing Indian Education

The Urgent Need For Decolonizing Indian Education

Recently, we saw a shocking spectacle of a celebrity in social circles shamelessly showering undeserving encomium on the Delhi sultan Humayun for his fraternal affection to Rani Karnavati while explaining the origin of ‘Raksha Bandhan’! Of course, on observing the intensity of the feedback, she attempted to deflect the focus and explain that it was just one of the many stories she had learnt while growing up.

We hasten to clarify that this article is neither about any individual celebrity, any Delhi sultan nor any Rajput queen. This is about truth; about history. On the element and extent of truth in historical narratives thrust on us. All of us have been fed in our school days with the same rotten, routine, repetitive reporting by Marxist/Nehruvian historians over several decades and consequently, we continue to carry the corrupt chronicle till we stumble upon the true rendition from various sources at a much later stage.

Therefore, the news item is no surprise. Now, a new problem crops up as to verifying the veracity of the version in the net, since the virus of falsehood and fakery fiction has spread into the net also. Still, finally, we sift and sort the data thus received and arrive at the proper judgement.

But the problem is this: When we realize that we had been wickedly subjected to a dishonest deception during our school days, we imagine ourselves to be sober and mature enough and are inclined to condone such lapses as trivial aberrations and we continue to go about our routine affairs. It is too late. The stable was wide open and the horses had bolted.

Whereas if we had received proper knowledge during our formative years, we, being young and energetic, would have been definitely and justifiably bubbling to the brim with patriotic spirit with our heads held high and that natural feeling of frenzy and fervour would have reflected in every one of our activity wherever we happened to function in life, contributing as a result, maximum output to national wealth and prosperity. Now, what is happening is that we are trying to close the stable after the horses have left. The pity is that the exercise has not even started in full swing.

It is not only in history, but in all other academic subjects also, this dishonest deceit has spread its tentacles. For instance, why should we continue to give false credit in our science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and other textbooks to those fellows Newton, Archimedes, Pythagoras, Fibonacci, etc. when all those inventions were already known to us centuries earlier through our Vedic texts and from our greatest brains like Aryabhatta, Varahamihira, Charak, Susruta, Brahmagupta, Kanada, Baudhayana, just to mention a few.

Instead, should we not record those genuine facts and their bona fide authors in detail, describing how our ancient greats had invented them eons ago and with a small footnote indicating that they are all surreptitiously being attributed to Western scientists of later ages by the West? This precious knowledge is not confined only to the Samskritam language alone.

It is spread in all our local languages since this wisdom is a common denominator of all the natives of Bharat. For instance, there is a Tamil couplet: அணுவைத் துளைத்தேழ் கடலைப் புகட்டிக் குறுகத் தறித்த குறள்.
ஒளவையார்.
[Here Avvaiyaar, a Tamil poet of ancient times, while eulogizing Tirukkural says that it is so profound in its import that it is like breaking an atom and inserting seven seas in it. Now, it proves that we possessed the knowledge of the Atom centuries ago; that it can be broken; and that when broken it releases a behemothic quantum of energy, and that there are seven orbits in it!]

Such scientific references are found in plenty in other Tamil literature like திருமந்திரம் [Tirumandiram], பரிபாடல் [Paripadal] etc.
Similarly, if we take care to examine the literature in our native languages and discuss it with the seasoned village folks, we can unearth a voluminous wealth of native knowledge that can profitably be included in all our textbooks.

At present, unfortunately, we come to know just a few of these only much later through individual search and it is of no use at all. As a result of such a fundamentally faulty start, our students today are more Westernized than the Westerners themselves. On the other hand, they have started evincing deeper interest in our systems and values like yoga, pranayama, etc. Is it not a pity? This exercise of complete revamping of all our textbooks should therefore start without any further delay from the elementary stage onwards in the schools so that the young, nascent mind should start feeling justifiably proud of our ancient rich heritage. They will grow up as true proud, patriotic Bharatiyas.

Here is a quote from Francois Gautier:
We remember that when Murli Manohar Joshi tried to reform education, there was such an outcry that the then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had to backtrack. But the thing is, the more you wait, the more difficult it is going to be because religions other than Hinduism have radicalized themselves in the last two decades. It is a must that in his third term if PM Modi comes back to power, he Indianises education to stem this huge brain drain and keep in India the best minds so that the country benefits from their intelligence.

Mr. X is standing in a railway station waiting for the train. He keeps his suitcase on the floor and is talking to his friend. A thief comes, snatches the suitcase, and runs. The friend, noticing this shouts in excitement. Our X was unperturbed. He says, ‘Don’t panic. The key is with me!’. Don’t laugh. Are we any wiser?

Parasuram Sharma is a retired bank officer and an octogenarian whose interests include Sanathana Dharmam, Samskritam, history and politics.

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Andhra Dy CM Pawan Kalyan Calls For National Level ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ Amidst Tirupati Laddu Beef Fat Issue

Andhra Dy CM Pawan Kalyan Begins 'Praschit Deeksha' Over Animal Fat In Tirupati Laddu Prasadam

On Friday, September 20th, Andhra Pradesh minister and Janasena party leader Pawan Kalyan called for the creation of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level amidst the controversy over adulterated ghee being used in the sacred Tirupati laddus.

Kalyan expressed his concern on X: “The discovery of animal fats such as fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat in the Tirupati Balaji Prasad has deeply disturbed us all. The TTD board, appointed by the YCP government, must answer these questions. Our government is dedicated to taking the strictest actions possible.

He further added, “This incident highlights broader issues related to the desecration of temples, land disputes, and other religious practices. It may be time to establish a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level to address these matters concerning temples across India.”

Kalyan also emphasized the need for a national debate on this matter involving policymakers, religious leaders, judiciary, citizens, and the media to protect Sanatana Dharma from any form of desecration.

Earlier, at a legislature party meeting in Vijayawada on Wednesday, marking 100 days of the NDA rule in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress Party government of allowing adulterated ghee with animal fat to be used in the prasadam at the Tirumala temple. His claims ignited a political controversy across the country.

YSR Congress Party leaders Y V Subba Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, both former heads of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, refuted Naidu’s claims. Subba Reddy remarked, “Chandrababu Naidu has damaged the sanctity of Tirumala and hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus. His accusations are baseless and malicious.”

Reddy challenged Naidu, offering to take an oath before Lord Venkateswara to affirm their innocence, and questioned whether Naidu and his family would do the same.

Karunakar Reddy called the allegations an attack on the Hindu community and emphasized that the Tirumala Prasadam is prepared by Srivaishnava community members, dismissing any wrongdoing by the TTD board or officials.

On Thursday, September 19th, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkatararamana Reddy presented documents he claimed were from the National Dairy Development Board, revealing that tests had confirmed the presence of beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the Tirupati prasadam.

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BSP Asks Congress To Sack TNCC Pres Selvaperunthagai Alleging Involvement In TN BSP Leader Armstrong’s Murder

BSP Asks Congress To Sack TNCC Pres Selvaperunthagai Alleging Involvement In TN BSP Leader Armstrong's Murder

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging the dismissal of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai, accusing him of involvement in the murder of former BSP state chief K Armstrong. The letter, penned by BSP Tamil Nadu state general secretary K Jeyshankar, alleges that Selvaperunthagai orchestrated the assassination with the help of rowdy Nagendran, who has been arrested in connection with the crime.

K Armstrong, aged 52, was brutally hacked to death outside his residence in Perambur by unknown assailants, with CCTV footage revealing four individuals disguised as food delivery agents. Over 16 individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder, including Ashwathaman, a former Congress member, and his father Nagendran, a life convict. Jeyshankar claims that Selvaperunthagai was closely associated with Nagendran and was key in planning the attack.

Jeyshankar further alleges that Selvaperunthagai has a history of criminal involvement, pointing to his suspected role in several other murders, including those of Auditor Pandian, Albert, and PPG Shankar. According to the BSP, Ashwathaman, appointed by Selvaperunthagai in the Indian National Congress (INC) youth wing, worked closely with his father and Selvaperunthagai to conduct criminal activities and share ransom money.

The BSP criticized the ruling DMK government, which is part of the INDIA bloc, for failing to arrest Selvaperunthagai, suggesting that his political position as TNCC president has shielded him from investigation. Why has Selvaperunthagai not been arrested despite his involvement in Armstrong’s murder? the BSP questioned, referencing growing public demand on social media for action against him.

The party has called on Rahul Gandhi to sack Selvaperunthagai over Armstrong murder case, arguing that his removal would help preserve the Congress party’s reputation in Tamil Nadu. In addition, BSP leaders, along with Armstrong’s widow, plan to meet with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to discuss the case and push for justice.

Jeyshankar’s accusations have intensified the political pressure on Selvaperunthagai, with demands for him to be questioned in the ongoing murder investigation.

(With inputs from DTNext)

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“100 Cr People Would’ve Got Laddus, Did You Enjoy The Beef?”: Anti-BJP And Pro-Congress Dravidianist Activist Piyush Manush Mocks Hindus On Tirupati Prasadam Issue

"100 Cr People Would've Got Laddus, Did You Enjoy The Beef?": Anti-BJP And Pro-Congress Dravidianist Activist Piyush Manush Mocks Hindus On Tirupati Prasadam Issue

Amidst the ongoing controversy over the use of substandard ingredients like beef tallow and lard in Tirupati laddu, a Dravidianist activist named Piyush Manush used the news to mock Hindus further with his provocative comments. In a recent video, Manush mocked Hindus for consuming laddu containing beef tallow, adding fuel to the already tense situation.

Beef Tallow in Tirupati Laddus

On 18 September 2024, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of using substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the famous Tirupati laddu. However, YSRCP denied these allegations.

A laboratory report revealed that beef tallow, fish oil, and palm oil were used to prepare laddus, which were distributed as prasad at the renowned Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. The report’s findings indicate that the ghee used to prepare the iconic Tirupati laddu prasadam during the YSRCP regime contained traces of animal fat, including beef tallow and fish oil, leading to widespread outrage and claims of disrespect toward religious sentiments.

 

The revelation of the presence of beef tallow, fish oil, and pig tissue has caused great shock among Hindus, for whom the deity Tirupati Balaji and the prasadam are considered favourites. However, with the news break, Dravidianists made merry and started mocking Hindus over the presence of beef tallow in the prasad.

Piyush Manush Video

The most vitriolic mocking was done by a Dravidianist activist who calls himself an environmentalist – a selective one at that, Piyush Manush.

He shared a video on his X handle. In the video, he says, “Did you get a good laddoo? Just a few days back, we got cream bun a few days ago. We got a good bun. All these days you kept looking at others’ plates if they were consuming beef, you even checked their refrigerators, and you even kill. At least 100 crore people would have visited Tirupati. They would have got laddoos. What happened? Did you enjoy the beef? Did you like it? You are done. At least now do not look at another person’s plate. Go do your work. Perumal himself gave a good laddoo to you.”

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Nothing Wrong In Holding Palestinian Flag: Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan

Karnataka Minister for Housing, Wakf and Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan on Thursday said that after the Union government supported the Palestinians, there is nothing wrong in holding the Palestinian flag in the state.

“The Union government has expressed its support for Palestine so there is nothing wrong in holding and moving around with the Palestinian flag. They had held the Palestinian flags only because of the support of the Union government to the Palestinian cause,” the Minister told the media persons in Kalaburagi city. “If the Union government had not made an announcement in this regard, they would not have done this. If slogans are raised in support of other nations, it is wrong. Those who indulge in such acts are anti-nationals. They should be hanged. However, holding and waving Palestinian flags is not wrong,” Minister Zameer maintained.

He added that the BJP sought votes after making Hindus and Muslims fight. “Congress is not like them, we seek votes based on the work we have done,” the minister said. Commenting on the violence during the Ganesh Visarjan procession in Nagamangala town, Minister Zameer charged that the BJP is igniting fire over the development. “Action has to be taken in these matters no matter who is indulged in these acts. Politicians should not take part in inciting people. They should not consider caste and religion and treat everyone equally,” the minister said.

Reacting to State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra’s statement that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would resign, the minister said that even if hundreds of Vijayendras come and thousands of Kumaraswamys come nothing is going to happen. “Siddaramaiah is a tiger, no one can cause any harm to him,” the minister claimed. Karnataka Police have booked FIRs and detained youths in connection with the waving of Palestinian flags and putting up ‘free Palestine’ posters. Former Home Minister and senior BJP leader Araga Jnanendra had urged the Congress government to hand over the case of installing of free Palestine flex near a dargah in Shivamogga district to the National Investigation Agency.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara had stated on Wednesday that the accused arrested in connection with hoisting Palestinian flags and putting up pro-Palestine posters are claiming that the Union government has expressed support for Palestine, and they did nothing wrong by expressing their support to Palestinians. “All those involved in recent incidents where Palestinian flags were hoisted were arrested. Although they have argued that since the Union government has expressed support for Palestine, they did nothing wrong, we have still arrested them,” the state Home Minister said.

He added that the investigation is ongoing to determine who incited them and urged them to hoist the flags. “The individuals involved are aged between 17 and 21 years,” Home Minister Parameshwara said. –IANS

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Skill University Will Be A Role Model For Country, Says Telangana CM

Skill University Will Be A Role Model For Country, Says Telangana CM

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy asserts that the newly established Telangana Young India Skill University will be a role model for the country. On Thursday, CM Reddy appealed to industrialists and blue-chip companies to join as partners to impart skills and help the youth get jobs.

The Chief Minister met with the Telangana Young India Skill University Board headed by noted industrialist Anand Mahindra and representatives of industries from various sectors. Revanth Reddy entrusted the University Board with the responsibility of promoting Skill University as the best institution in the country. The Chief Minister said the government has already allotted 150 acres of land and earmarked Rs 100 crore for the university. He appealed to industrialists to partner and create a Corpus Fund to run the institution. He also urged the industrialists to come forward and construct buildings on the university campus. The buildings will be named after companies and donors who contributed to their construction. He exuded confidence that the university would get its brand image in the country under the leadership of Anand Mahindra, who has already made his mark in the field of skill development.

Revanth Reddy told the meeting that the government would now focus on establishing the Young India Sports University, which is coming up on 200 acres. The sports university will train enthusiastic athletes to win gold medals for the country in the 2028 Olympics. The Chief Minister also urged industrialists to take part in the development of the sports university.

Stating that there is no shortage of funds, the Chief Minister said the government was ready to spend Rs 1,000 crore, out of Rs 3 lakh crore in the state annual budget, to promote sports. Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, Industry and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu, University Board Chairman Anand Mahindra, Co-Chairman Srini Raju, Board Members P. Devaiah, Suchitra Ella, Satish Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Special Chief Secretary to Government Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary to CM Seshadri, CM’s Special Secretary Ajith Reddy and other senior officers participated in this meeting. Board members Manish Sabharwal, Sanjeev Bikchandani, MM Murugappan, Dr. KP Krishnan participated in the meeting through video conference.

The Chief Minister noted that degrees are insufficient for youth to get jobs. On the other hand, the industries face a shortage of skilled manpower. Skill University is aimed at bridging this gap. State IT and Industries Minister Sridhar Babu said the state government is working hard to promote Hyderabad as a world-class investment destination. As part of this, the government decided to set up a new Future City and envisaged plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) city.

University Board Chairman Anand Mahindra praised CM Revanth Reddy for the idea of Skill University to produce skilled youth from Telangana for the world. Stating that the Chief Minister is a highly competent leader and his vision is commendable, Anand Mahindra said this was why he accepted the responsibility of University Board Chairman at his request. “The governments used to give top priority to subsidies, but CM Revanth Reddy showed vision by giving importance to skill development for jobs,” he said.

The University Board decided Skill University will start teaching the courses this year. The courses will begin next month after Dasara. The classes will be temporarily started in the Engineering Staff College of India. The courses in healthcare, commerce, and logistics will be launched first. Apollo, AIG, Lenskart, Flipkart, Amazon, All Cargo, Pro Connect, and O9 Solutions companies have come forward to offer courses. The university will train 2,000 youth in the first year.

–IANS

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If Implemented With Right Intent, ‘One Nation, One Election’ Will Be Beneficial: Prashant Kishor

If Implemented With Right Intent, ‘One Nation, One Election’ Will Be Beneficial: Prashant Kishor

Prashant Kishor, chief of Jan Suraaj Abhiyan, on Thursday said that if implemented with the right intent, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ can be beneficial for the country. “If implemented with the right intent, this idea would be highly beneficial for the nation,” said Prashant Kishor.

Kishor highlighted that the proposal’s success will depend heavily on the purpose and intention behind its implementation. “I welcomed the idea if it is pursued to benefit the nation, but also cautioned against its misuse. If this law targets or harms specific groups, it could have negative consequences. The honesty and integrity of the government’s approach will determine its success,” Kishor said.

Drawing on his extensive experience in electoral politics, Kishor highlighted that around one-fourth of the country’s population votes every year due to frequent elections across various states and levels of government. This continuous election cycle, he explained, often prevents those in power from focusing fully on governance, as they are always in election mode. By consolidating elections to occur once or twice in a term, Kishor believes that not only would the government have more time to focus on governance, but also time and resources – both for the government and the public – would be saved.

“The ‘One Nation One Election’ concept adds to the broader conversation on electoral reforms, where the aim is to streamline elections across the country for greater efficiency and governance stability,” Kishor said. “The electoral process that has been in place for the last 50 years cannot be changed overnight. The government should allow 4-5 years to implement such a significant change gradually,” he said.

–IANS

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