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Isha Outreach Supported Ponnad Farmer Producer Company Limited Bags the Prestigious CII FPO Excellence Award

By
The Commune
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Isha Outreach Supported Ponnad Farmer Producer Company Limited Bags the Prestigious CII FPO Excellence Award.

In the past 6 months, 5 FPOs supported by Isha Outreach have won various national and state awards awards

Five Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) supported by Isha Outreach, the social development arm of Isha Foundation, have received prestigious national and state-level awards for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and rural development. The awards won in the past 6 months highlight the power of collective farming to tackle key challenges in Indian agriculture while promoting economic and social upliftment for farmers.

Ponnad Farmer Producer Company Limited from Karnataka received the prestigious CII FPO Excellence Award in the Market Linkage category at the CII FPO Summit 2024 in New Delhi. Ponnad FPCL has emerged as a price leader in the Madikeri region, achieving a turnover of ₹9 crore in FY 2023-24. This recognition stems from its robust partnerships with corporate buyers, transparent quality checks, and initiatives like free transportation and storage facilities for coffee farmers, significantly enhancing their income.

Tiptur Farmer Producer Company Limited in Karnataka was awarded by Karnataka State Agri Produce Processing and Export Corporation Limited (KAPPEC) for its dedication to delivering high-quality, well-packaged agricultural produce directly from farmers to buyers. The FPO has gained the trust of its members through its transparent practices, enabling better prices for copra and empowering its farmer community. Directors of the FPO are personally involved in the sorting & grading of produce to ensure quality.

In Tamil Nadu, Velliangiri Uzhavan Farmer Producer Company Limited was honoured with the prestigious “Millionaire Farmer of India” Award by Krishi Jagran in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Since its inception in 2013, this FPO has grown from a modest turnover of ₹45,000 to ₹17 crore by 2021-22. It has become a benchmark for coconut prices in the Thondamuthur region, offering benefits like access to drip irrigation systems, organic certification, and fair-priced input shops, all of which have significantly improved farmer incomes.

Malanadu Farmer Producer Company Limited, based in the Nilgiris, also received the “Millionaire Farmer of India” Award for its extraordinary performance. Establishing itself as a leader in the coffee market, the FPO achieved a five-fold increase, with a turnover within a year, growing from ₹1 crore in 2022-23 to ₹5.1 crore in 2023-24.

Thencherimalai Farmer Producer Company Limited, located in Sultanpet, Coimbatore, was named the Best FPO for the financial year 2023-24 by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development ( NABARD). This FPO set several benchmarks by becoming the fastest NABARD-promoted organisation to register 750 members, secure a ₹15 lakh equity grant in one year, and achieve a turnover exceeding ₹1.58 crore within its first year of operation.

Taking to social media X on the achievements of the FPOs, Sadhguru said, “Farmer Producer Organizations ( FPO) have proven to be among the best models to significantly enhance farmer economy and ecological sustainability. What a marginal landholder can never hope to achieve as an individual farmer, becomes a possibility because of the strength of the collective and the Power of Scale. To enrich the farmer economy and the Nation’s economy, to establish sustainable farming practices and #SaveSoil, for food and water security, #FPOs are the way forward. Congratulations to all farmers and everyone striving in this direction. Blessings.”

https://x.com/SadhguruJV/status/1866852376667377702 

Mr Yogesh Dwivedi, CEO of Madhya Bharat FPO Consortium, speaking at the CII FPO Summit 2024 in Delhi, congratulated Ponnad FPCL on receiving the award. He remarked that the FPO is an example of how Isha and Sadhguru are making a tangible difference. Beyond their contributions to spirituality, the organisation has actively partnered with farmers, showcasing commendable ground-level efforts that have resulted in remarkable turnover achievements. Their vision is truly inspiring, and we wish them continued success in their work with the farming community.

Venkat Rasa, Project Director at Isha Outreach said, “Under Sadhguru’s guidance, we began with the Velliangiri Uzhavan FPO in 2013. Today, we are proud to see the success of 25 FPOs across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These awards affirm the value of collective effort in transforming farmer livelihoods, and we remain committed to scaling these models further.”

Isha Outreach has played a pivotal role as a Cluster-Based Business Organisation (CBBO), providing end-to-end support for these FPOs. From soil testing and farmer training to market linkage and inputs shops for high-quality input materials such as seeds, bio-inputs, fertilizers, its initiatives have empowered nearly 10,000 farmers across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. 

(This is an official press release from Isha Foundation. The Commune was not involved in creating this content.)

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Troubled By Pile Of Garbage, Ghazipur Residents Say ‘Kejriwal Made False Promises’

By
The Commune
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Troubled By Pile Of Garbage, Ghazipur Residents Say 'Kejriwal Made False Promises'

As Delhi gears up for Assembly elections, Ghazipur residents remain mired in unaddressed issues of mounting garbage and worsening living conditions. Despite repeated promises, including a decade-old pledge from CM Arvind Kejriwal to clear the infamous Ghazipur landfill, locals face unchecked pollution, health hazards, and daily struggles. From clogged canals filled with dead cattle to unbreathable air during summer fires, the garbage heap has become a grim symbol of neglect. Residents, disillusioned by years of inaction, vow to hold Kejriwal accountable during his campaign.

The mound of garbage remains a source of constant worry for the residents here. Despite promises by leaders including former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, their problems have remained unaddressed. Many Ghazipur locals spoke about their problems in an interaction with IANS on Thursday. Munni Devi, a local resident, said: “The situation is getting worse day by day. The pile of garbage is continuously increasing. Wherever you look, only garbage is seen. The water canal has become a garbage dump. Dead cattle are found in the canal. What are the MCD people doing? We have been tolerating the filth for years.”

“Arvind Kejriwal had promised to remove garbage, but the promise has not been fulfilled,” she said. Rajesh, another local, said: “I have been living here for years. The problem regarding the garbage dump has not been solved. Arvind Kejriwal promised that he will remove the garbage but there hasn’t been any progress in the past 10 years. The garbage pile-up has only increased. “For 10 years, we have been living in filth and stink. Problems increase during rainy days,” he added.

Balmitra Devi said she has given up all hopes of any improvement. “No government will solve our problem. I have been living here for 40 years. Pollution has entered our house. As soon as you go out, you have to come face to face with filth. One has to face a lot of difficulties,” she said. Nirmala Devi, a housewife, said: “We cannot eat bread at home. I want to ask Kejriwal what work he has done in 10 years. What work did you do after staying in MCD for two years?” Shafiq said that when Arvind Kejriwal comes for campaign this time, he will definitely ask him about the promise. “The problem has not reduced during Kejriwal’s government. When he comes to ask for votes, we will ask what happened as you had promised,” he said. Khalid, another resident, said that the garbage heap in Ghazipur only makes for political fodder and no solution. Sartaj said: “The pile of garbage will never end. The present government promised but see what happened. There are diseases all around. Fires break out here during summers. People have trouble breathing.”

“Since childhood, I have been seeing the pile of garbage. But, no government has come forward to remove it. We have to face a lot of problems,” said Nitin.

–IANS

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Telangana ACB questions officer owning ₹100 crore-worth assets

By
The Commune
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Telangana ACB questions officer owning ₹100 crore-worth assets

Telangana’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday began questioning Nikesh Kumar, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department, who was arrested earlier this month in a disproportionate assets case.

A day after a court granted the ACB custody of the tainted official for four days, the anti-graft agency’s sleuths took him into custody from Chanchalguda prison. He was brought to the ACB office in Nampally, where investigating officers questioned him.

The ACB officials had found assets valued at ₹17.73 crore owned by Nikesh Kumar and his family members, which are disproportionate to his known sources of income. In one bank locker, they found gold jewellery weighing 1.5 kg.

The market value of his assets, including a villa, flat, plots, agricultural land, and gold ornaments, is pegged at over ₹100 crore. The official, who joined the job a decade ago, was said to be earning at least ₹2 lakh a day, allegedly through corrupt means.

The ACB officials were shocked to find the value of the disproportionate assets. Their questioning is likely to reveal more facts about the sensational case.

The agency will also try to find out if Nikesh Kumar was acting as a ‘benami’ of any other person. In May, the ACB team trapped Nikesh when he demanded and accepted a bribe of ₹2 lakh along with three other officials working in the irrigation and revenue department. A major chunk of Nikesh Kumar’s illegal wealth came allegedly through No Objection Certificates (NOCs), which he issued for building permissions through the TG-bPASS portal.

This is the ACB’s second-biggest catch after the apprehensions of the former director of Insurance Medical Services (IMS), Ch Devika Rani, in 2019 and HMDA Director (Town Planning) Shiva Balakrishna earlier this year.

While Devika was seized with disproportionate assets worth ₹30 crore, Balakrishna was seized with unregistered properties worth ₹9 crore.

The value of the two tainted officials’ seized assets was only as per the government record. The market value is estimated to be hundreds of crores.

–IANS

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Manipur Pays Rich Tributes To Women Freedom Fighters On Historic Nupi Lal Day

By
The Commune
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Manipur Pays Rich Tributes To Women Freedom Fighters On Historic Nupi Lal Day

The people of Manipur on Thursday paid heartfelt tributes to women freedom fighters who took part in ‘Nupi Lal (women’s war)’ against British actions in 1904 and 1939. The iconic day was commemorated as the 85th Nupi Lal Numit.

The Nupi Lal or Nupee Lal is an epoch-making struggle which broke out on December 12, 1939 against an extremely exploitative form of socio-economic and political system perpetrated by the combined feudalistic-colonial rule in Manipur. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led the people in offering floral tributes to the departed women freedom fighters at the Nupee Lal Memorial complex. A formal function was also held at the Ghanapriya Women’s College, where addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister maintained that Nupee Lal Numit had been observed every year to remember the role played by brave Manipuri women in 1904 and 1939, revolting against the injustice of British imperialism.

He continued that apart from the contribution of women during the fight, people should also remember the bravery and courage shown by Manipuri women in other instances including ousting the Burmese (Awa) during the Seven Year Devastation period (1819-1826). Singh further mentioned that the bravery and courage could also be seen among present day women of the state, as they had been leading from the forefront in every issue pertaining to the safety of the people of the state.

He highlighted the contribution of Manipuri women in certain sectors including social, economic, art and culture, hospitality and games and sports among others, apart from their domestic activities. Cultural performances by Manipuri women in different national and international events had shown the uniqueness of the state’s culture across the world, the Chief Minister stated.

Singh told the gathering at the function that acknowledging the hard work and commitment of women, the state government had introduced certain women welfare schemes including the Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme, providing financial assistance of Rs 500 per month to unemployed women who are above the age of 40 years. Noting that Ima markets (all-women market) had been constructed across every district of the state, considering the role of women in economic activities, Singh said that financial assistance had also been given to women sports persons in establishing training institutes and providing training to young athletes in their respective disciplines.

The Chief Minister also spoke on the initiatives of the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in passing the Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 in Parliament. Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Biswajit Singh stated that Nupee Lal is observed every year to remember the courage and sacrifice of women freedom fighters and to pay tribute to their contributions, adding that the observation should be a proud moment for every Manipuri.

Referring to the two instances of Nupee Lal in 1904 and 1939 and the courage and bravery of Manipuri women in fighting against the injustice of the British imperialist, he stressed the need for everyone in the state to inherit their courage and love for the motherland. The Minister stated that Nupee Lal had brought political, social and economic reformation in the state and people should always remember that. Mentioning the contribution of women in different fields, he expressed that gender equality is necessary for bringing development in Manipur. He further stressed the need for women in the decision-making process for inclusive growth.

On December 12, 1939, a large number of women stormed the state Durbar Office asking for immediate stoppage of rice export, in which around 21 women were seriously injured by the bayonets and butts of the soldiers’ weapons. The first women’s agitation was triggered by the action of Colonel Maxwell in July 1904 to reintroduce the abolished Lallup System, wherein men were required to perform free labour for 10 days after every 30 days.

After the bungalows of two British officials were burnt down in 1904, Maxwell temporarily reintroduced the Lallup System to rebuild them. This move proved a misstep as the women rose up in unison to protest against the injustice of forced labour. After the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Manipur came under direct British rule till 1907, when the administration was handed over to Raja Churachand Singh and his durbar. However, a British political agent was employed to oversee the functioning of the region and had powers over the royal durbar. This had major implications on the economy and trade of Manipur.

–IANS

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“If You’ve Sex Child Is Born, But If I Just See Child Is Born”: DMK’s Rabid Stage Speaker Sivaji Krishnamurthy Unleashes Abuse On TVK Vijay, Kasturi, ADMK Leaders

By
The Commune
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DMK Sivaji Krishnamurthy Unleashes Abuse On TVK Vijay, Kasturi, ADMK Leaders

Sivaji Krishnamurthy, a DMK functionary infamous for abusive speeches, used a Pudukkottai event celebrating Udhayanidhi Stalin’s birthday to unleash vulgar tirades against opposition leaders, judiciary members, and his party allies. Despite having spent two months in jail for hate speech, Krishnamurthy showed no remorse, brazenly mocking legal consequences and boasting of impunity under the DMK government. His remarks, including personal attacks and body-shaming, were laced with defiance and open contempt, exposing a culture of protection and tacit endorsement from the ruling party.

Sivaji Krishnamurthy Speech At DMK Meeting

Sivaji Krishnamurthy wasted no time stirring controversy at the DMK meeting, beginning his speech with a provocative and self-aggrandizing statement, he said, “While Senthil was speaking, our MP said, ‘He was good, but now he has started speaking Seeman, Saaman (d*ck),’ and asked how that happened. If I’m on stage, there will be a electric vibration. If you have sex, you will have a child, but if I see you, you will have a child—that’s Sivaji Krishnamurthy!”

Later, displaying no remorse for his recent arrest, he continued with a defiant tone, “They said here too, ‘they’ll file an FIR.’ An FIR is equal to my hair (M*yiru)—what will he do? Recently, they kept me in jail for two and a half months and made all kinds of offers, saying, ‘If you come here, we’ll give you this or that,’ but all of that is eqaul as my hair.” and continued, “They can keep me in jail for another 15 days—that’s all they can do, other that, they cant even pluck my hair,” he boasted, openly challenging authorities and dismissing the consequences of his actions.

In the video, Sivaji Krishnamurthy is seen angrily lashing out at TVK chief Vijay for his recent criticism of the DMK during the Ambedkar book launch event in Chennai. He also took aim at VCK deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjuna for his remarks against DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin.

In a particularly controversial segment, Sivaji turned his criticism toward the judiciary. Referring to Actress Kasthuri’s bail and criticizing unknown justice, he said, “Don’t think this is the same jail where Kasthuri was in. She came out in just four days. This ‘Naadhari’ gets out of jail in four days, while I was kept for two and a half months.” He went on to express his frustration, on the honorable judges in the court, “A DMK speaker held in jail for two and a half months, but a ‘Naadhari’ speaks, comes out in four days, and on the sixth day, she seeks a conditional bail relaxation, and the court grants it! But if I approach the court, they ask, ‘Have you heard his speech? Go, listen to and come back. Would you watch this with your family?’ Why are you not watching it with your family or someone else? Am I shutting the door and showing you a blue film? You are hearing it with your family, aren’t you?”.

The remarks, laced with defiance and contempt, reflect Sivaji’s lack of remorse, sparking further controversy over his behavior and language.

Continuing his controversial tirade, Sivaji Krishnamurthy turned his attention to actor-turned-politician Vijay, making abusive remarks. Referring to Vijay’s activities during the pandemic, he asked mockingly, “Vijay was plucking whose hair while DMK was giving their life and working? You were clapping hands in the business center. Don’t you have any shame, ‘Mayirandigala’?”

He then shifted to ridiculing and abusing AIADMK leaders with offensive remarks. Taking digs at former Chief Ministers and other party members, he said, “During the corona period, what did ‘Pallu’ Palaniswami and ‘Poosari’ Paneerselvam do? Don’t laugh at this. Call Paneerselvam, make him stand here, dress him in a saffron dhoti, and give him a sickle. He’ll look just like God Ayyanar. Call Palaniswami, put a big chair in front of him with a table and a cash box, and he’ll resemble a Buhari hotel manager.”

He didn’t stop there, targeting another AIADMK leader, Sellur Raju, with ridicule he said, “There’s a guy in Madurai—who is he? Sellur Raju. He’ll look exactly like an astrologer with a parrot. This is the truth. If I’m wrong, say so or come to my room and slap me with a chappal. But what I’m saying is true, isn’t it?” Krishnamurthy’s insults continued as he mocked Rajendra Balaji, “Then there’s another, Rajendra Balaji. Have you seen the Hutch dog? Put a picture of that  and morph it with Rajendra Balaji. Even the hutch dog would be scared, saying, ‘Our man has come!’ He will be same with that eyes, face, and nose alike.”

The speech, marked by crude humor and personal attacks, has drawn widespread criticism for its tone and lack of decorum.

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Income Tax Refunds Jump 46.3% To ₹3.04 Lakh Crore In April-Nov

By
The Commune
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income tax hyderabad

According to figures released by the Union Finance Ministry on Thursday, the number of tax refunds recorded a 46.31 per cent jump to ₹3.08 lakh crore between April 1 and November 27 this year compared to the same period of 2023, marking a significant increase in the efficiency of the Income Tax Department.

In the corresponding period last year between April 1, 2023, and November 30, 2023, refunds totalling ₹2.03 lakh crore were issued, reflecting the Ministry’s concerted efforts to expedite the process this year. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) played a crucial role in achieving this milestone, the statement added.

In its year-end review, the Finance Ministry also said that within just a week of processing, an impressive 26.35 per cent of IITRs for FY 2024-25 were cleared — a significant improvement compared to the 22.56 per cent achieved during FY 2023-24. This year-on-year surge showcases not only the capacity of the system but also the proactive engagement of taxpayers in adhering to filing deadlines.

At its peak this year the Income Tax Return portal handled more than 900 filings in a second and nearly 70 lakh ITRs (Income Tax Returns) in a day, the figures show.

This year a record of over 1.62 crore ITRs were processed in a single day for A.Y. 2024-25, according to the statement. The highest filing of ITRs in one day was 69.93 lakh ITRs filed on July 31, 2024. A total of 8.50 crore ITRs were filed till November 22, which is 7.32 per cent higher than ITRs filed for the corresponding period of the preceding year.

The Demand Management Facilitation Centre was established to simplify the management of tax demands by providing taxpayers with a single point of contact for all issues related to outstanding tax demands which helped to speed up filings, the statement said.

“The Central Board of Direct Taxes strives for greater transparency through timely release of data and assists taxpayers through timely awareness campaigns,” the statement added, A special initiative was undertaken to address 35 lakh failed refund cases from various assessment years, ensuring refunds were processed for validated bank accounts. This step not only expedited the issuance of pending refunds but also streamlined the overall process.

–IANS

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Indian Citizenship Granted Under CAA To 56 Pakistani Nationals Residing In Gujarat

By
The Commune
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Indian Citizenship Granted Under CAA To 56 Pakistani Nationals Residing In Gujarat.

Under the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Gujarat has officially granted Indian citizenship to 56 Pakistani nationals who have lived in the state for over two decades. Gujarat’s State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi ceremoniously handed over the citizenship certificates during an event in Ahmedabad on 11 December 2024.

Sanghavi congratulated the recipients and expressed heartfelt wishes, saying, “Smile, now you are citizens of this great country, India.” His words brought immense relief and joy to the new citizens, many of whom had awaited this moment for years.

Hisha Kumari’s Remarkable Journey

One of the most inspiring stories among the recipients was that of Hisha Kumari. Born in Pakistan in 1998, she moved to India with her family in 2013, seeking freedom and a better future. Her perseverance and determination stand as a testament to her resilience.

Hisha continued her education in India, completing her schooling and gaining admission to a medical college in Ajmer in 2017. Having recently completed her medical studies, she is now set to embark on her career as a doctor.

Expressing her gratitude upon receiving her citizenship, Hisha said, “I am grateful to the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for restoring my identity. With this citizenship, I can now apply anywhere.” She proudly displayed her certificate, marking the culmination of years of effort and hope.

Streamlining the Citizenship Process

State Home Minister Sanghavi highlighted the government’s commitment to simplifying the citizenship process for deserving individuals. “Earlier, these people had to endure a lengthy process in Delhi. Now, we have ensured their issues are resolved locally,” he explained.

The event underscored the Modi government’s focus on granting citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries under the CAA. From 2017 to March 2024, 1,167 Pakistani citizens were granted Indian citizenship. With these 56 individuals, the total has now risen to 1,222.

Gujarat’s Proactive Role

In Gujarat alone, over 50 Pakistani Hindus received citizenship certificates in the last six months, demonstrating the state’s proactive approach to addressing the concerns of persecuted minorities.

For the 56 individuals, obtaining Indian citizenship marks the end of a long and arduous journey and the start of a new chapter filled with opportunities and hope. This legal recognition enables them to fully integrate into Indian society, pursue their dreams, and build a secure future.

(With Inputs From Organiser)

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“You Will Hear From Me Legally”, Actress Sai Pallavi Gets Disproportionately Enraged At Vikatan’s Report About Her Eating Vegetarian Food During “Ramayan” Film Shooting

By
The Commune
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Actress Sai Pallavi Enraged At Vikatan Report About Her Eating Vegetarian Food During "Ramayan" Film Shooting

Kollywood actress Sai Pallavi made news, not for her work, but for her fiery reaction to a harmless report about her adopting a vegetarian diet for her role as Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana adaptation. While the report was seen as a positive reflection of her dedication to the role, Pallavi quickly denounced it as “baseless”. She threatened legal action, raising eyebrows over her selective outrage.

Sai Pallavi, recently seen in Major Mukund Varadarajan’s biopic Amaran, threatened legal action over a seemingly harmless rumour about her diet. A Vikatan report claimed Sai Pallavi adopted a vegetarian lifestyle for her portrayal of Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming adaptation of the epic Ramayana.

The creative read, “Sai Pallavi is currently acting in ‘Ramayanam‘ in Bollywood. For that, she has made a commitment not to touch any non-vegetarian food till the end of the shoot. So, he does not even eat at the hotel, but takes chefs with him when he goes abroad. They cook vegetarian food.”

https://twitter.com/CinemaVikatan/status/1866434735452418254

This seemed like a normal and positive step for any actor involved in filming our epics. However, Sai Pallavi chose to react differently.

In response, Pallavi issued a fiery statement on X, slamming the media and threatening legal action for “baseless rumours” and “fabricated lies.” She wrote, “Most of the time, Almost every time, I choose to stay silent whenever I see baseless rumours/fabricated lies/incorrect statements being spread with or without motives(God knows), but it’s high time that I react as it keeps happening consistently and doesn’t seem to cease; especially around the time of my films’ releases/ announcements/ cherish-able moments of my career! Next time I see any “reputed” page or media/ individual carrying a cooked-up crappy story in the name of news or gossip, then you will hear from me legally! Period! & @CinemaVikatan @vikatan @AnandaVikatan I doubt your credibility @filmsandstuffs “Ditto””

While Pallavi’s decision to address a rumour about her diet may seem trivial to many, it has raised questions about her selective outrage. Critics have pointed out that the actress remained silent on far more significant and contentious issues in the past.  

Pallavi faced backlash earlier for her controversial remarks about the Indian Army when she compared Pakistani terrorists to our Army, as well as her insensitivity towards the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits. Despite widespread criticism, the actress refrained from issuing a clarification or apology. Her silence during that period left many questioning her stance on important national issues.  

However, when it came to a benign report about her food habits during the shoot of Ramayana, Pallavi reacted with unprecedented intensity. This stark contrast in her approach has led to accusations of hypocrisy and selective activism.  

The original rumour—that Pallavi was sticking to a vegetarian diet while playing Sita—was neither defamatory nor damaging. Many saw it as a compliment, reflecting her dedication to embodying the revered character. Yet, Pallavi labelled the report as “fabricated lies” and threatened legal action against media outlets.  

This reaction has left many questioning why such a minor narrative elicited such a strong response. Was it a deliberate attempt to distance herself from being perceived as devoutly religious or aligned with the portrayal of Hindu cultural values?  

While Pallavi’s food habits are undoubtedly her personal matter, her disproportionate response to this issue compared to her silence on previous controversies suggests a calculated approach. Critics argue that her indignation over being associated with vegetarianism, especially in the context of playing Sita, exposes a deeper discomfort with the cultural implications tied to the role.  

Stars Who Turned Vegetarian When Playing Roles Of Deities

Many stars have shown remarkable dedication by giving up personal habits to embody the spiritual essence of divine roles. Actress Nayanthara adopted vegetarianism as a mark of respect while playing Sita in the Telugu film Sri Rama Rajyam (2011). Similarly, Bollywood actor and co-star of Sai Pallavi, Ranbir Kapoor embraced a disciplined lifestyle by abstaining from alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and late-night parties to connect with the purity of Lord Ram while preparing for the same film.

Wrestling legend Dara Singh, who played Hanuman in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (1987), gave up non-vegetarian food entirely during the shoot and remained so immersed in his role that he often murmured his lines in his sleep.

Arun Govil, who portrayed Lord Ram in the same series, gave up smoking after an incident where a fan criticized him for not aligning his off-screen behavior with his divine role. Inspired by the reverence fans had for his portrayal, Govil not only quit smoking but also embraced spirituality.

Sai Pallavi’s selective engagement with public narratives—ignoring significant controversies while vehemently opposing benign rumours—raises questions about her priorities and principles. If she can threaten legal action over a harmless report about vegetarianism, why couldn’t she offer clarity or correction on her remarks about the Army or Kashmiri Pandits?  

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Union Cabinet Clears ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill To Streamline Electoral Process

By
The Commune
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Union Cabinet Clears ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill To Streamline Electoral Process.

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill, which aims to improve electoral processes. The bill is likely to be tabled during this winter session of parliament.

According to the Centre, this legislation will not only streamline the electoral process but also foster greater efficiency and reduce the financial and administrative burden associated with conducting multiple elections at different times.

The Centre has stressed that the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ envisions synchronising the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies, allowing voters to cast their ballots for both polls simultaneously.

By doing so, the government aims to address several challenges posed by the current staggered elections, which often lead to prolonged electioneering, disruption in governance, and heightened expenditure.

Earlier in September, the Union Cabinet had approved the proposal for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill.

Congress leader Tariq Anwar, while speaking to IANS, said, “This is a controversial issue. Ours is a federal structure in which it is not possible to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’. The opposition has not gained confidence in the issue. All stakeholders must be taken into confidence before taking such a big decision,” he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hailed the proposal, saying that the Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections.

The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind had recommended holding concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.

However, critics have argued that implementing synchronised elections could pose logistical and constitutional challenges. They highlight potential difficulties in dissolving Assemblies midway or addressing situations where a state government falls before completing its tenure. Proponents of the Bill, on the other hand, argue that it will usher in a new era of stability and continuity in policymaking, as governments will no longer have to operate in a perpetual election mode.

–IANS

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“Brahmins Are Poisoning Our Minds & Pushing Us To Wield Weapons”, Says Failed Commie Director Raju Murugan

By
The Commune
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Brahmins Are Poisoning Our Minds & Pushing Us To Wield Weapons, Says Failed Commie Director Raju Murugan.

The Dravidianist propaganda machinery in Tamil Nadu hit a new low as Kollywood director Raju Murugan, known for his waning relevance and ideological failures, used the platform of the “Break the Bloody Silence” event to launch an unwarranted tirade against Brahmins.

He made sweeping and scandalous allegations that were irrelevant to the event he was participating in and not based on any factual truth.

At the launch of the song “Break the Bloody Silence”, an event intended to condemn ongoing global conflicts like war, Raju Murugan took the opportunity to voice unfounded accusations against the Brahmins. His remarks, filled with hatred, went beyond the purpose and aimed at advancing a divisive narrative.

He began by linking international conflicts rooted in land, ethnicity, and geopolitical tensions to India’s domestic issues, stating, “Comrades, if you see why we designed this evening’s event as a stance against war, an international war is not just about Palestine or Ukraine it is a struggle against capitalism, autocracy, and imperialism which are deeply connected to the violence in Manipur, Gujarat, and even honour killings in Tamil Nadu. We are not merely speaking for a child who has died in Palestine; we are speaking for ourselves, and that’s why everyone must speak. This makes it vital.”

Then, advancing a narrative targeting the Brahmin community, he said, “Comrades, if you see the upper castes, they often repeat one thing. In Tamil Nadu and India, Brahmin supporters keep saying, ‘Have you ever seen a Paapaan (derogatory word for Brahmin male) on the street wielding a knife to stab someone? Have you seen one? Are they inciting riots? Are they taking up weapons? Have you ever seen this?’ For over fifty years, this question has been repeated endlessly. And I see this as a very important question because when it reaches ordinary people, he believes, ‘Yes, that’s true. I’ve never seen an upper caste in street wielding a knife and stab someone.’ While that might be factual, but the critical point is for the person who holds the knife on the street, the very knife was provided by him (Brahmin). The weapon is here (brain) which is a significant poisonous tool. So here we should see for the past thousand years who is giving that weapon.”

What followed from Director Raju Murugan was highly controversial. He shifted focus to a documentary on the Gujarat riots and the Godhra train burning incident, naming communist activist Teesta Setalvad as part of the research. Murugan claimed that many of those involved in the violence were Dalits and tribal people. He went on to assert that both the victims and the perpetrators were Dalits and tribals. Then he blamed the Brahmin community for allegedly brainwashing Dalits and inciting them to commit acts of violence.

Director Raju Murugan’s film career, particularly after his early successes with ‘Cuckoo’ and ‘Joker’, has largely been marked by a series of failures, primarily driven by his attempt to push communist and Dravidianist ideologies in his films. His 2020 film ‘Gypsy’ serves as a prime example of this trend. The film tells the story of a wandering communist musician who elopes with an orthodox Muslim girl in the name of love, ultimately marrying her. The narrative is illogical, with the couple ending up in Delhi, and throughout the film, there are references to promoting communist ideals. The storyline culminates in riots that closely resemble the 2020 Delhi riots. Additionally, the film’s song “Ullam Uruguthayaa”, sung by Susheela Raman, faced severe criticism for its woke pop song aimed to deride Hindu gods and hymns. Now, his latest attempt to gain attention by targeting the Brahmin community only further highlights his ongoing search for relevance and opportunities.

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