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“I Lack The Kind Of Wisdom He Possesses”, PMK Founder Dr Ramadoss Wittily Mocks Stalin’s Remarks

By
The Commune
-
“I Lack The Kind Of Wisdom He Possesses", PMK Founder Dr Ramadoss Wittily Mocks Stalin's Remarks

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr. S. Ramadoss sarcastically responded that he lacks Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s “luminous political wisdom,” to the DMK chief’s recent “no work” remarks, in which Stalin suggested that Ramadoss criticizes the government daily due to a lack of other responsibilities.

The controversy began after Ramadoss called for an investigation into allegations of bribery involving the Adani Group, which was mentioned in a U.S. court case related to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board. In response to this, Stalin commented, “Ramadoss has no other work, has nothing better to do. He makes daily statements, and there’s no need to respond to them.”

This statement sparked a backlash from the PMK, with party president Anbumani Ramadoss demanding an apology from Stalin. “If the Chief Minister does not apologize, it will be impossible to control the anger of PMK supporters,” Anbumani warned. PMK cadres and the Vanniyar Association organized widespread protests across the state.

Leaders from other political parties, including BJP state president K. Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, NTK leader Seeman, and TMC leader G.K. Vasan, also criticized Stalin’s comments. In response, the PMK staged statewide protests, reiterating their demand for an apology from the Chief Minister.

In the latest development, Dr Ramadoss, addressing the media in Chennai, countered Stalin’s remarks with sarcasm. He said, “I don’t have that kind of wisdom he possesses. What can I do? It deeply saddens me that, like him, I don’t have political wisdom that is too luminous political wisdom.”

The exchange has escalated political tensions in Tamil Nadu, as the PMK and allies seek accountability and respect from the state government.

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HAF Alleges NYT And Bloomberg Buried Study That Exposes How Caste Trainings Fuel Anti-Hindu Bias And Hate

By
The Commune
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HAF Alleges NYT And Bloomberg Buried Study That Exposes How Caste Trainings Fuel Anti-Hindu Bias And Hate

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has accused major media outlets, including The New York Times and Bloomberg, of suppressing coverage of a study by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Rutgers University that exposes caste-based Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training programs may exacerbate anti-Hindu hate instead of mitigating caste bias.

The research highlights that such programs, particularly those offered by the South Asian Dalit organization Equality Labs, may inadvertently worsen anti-Hindu discrimination and hate rather than mitigate caste bias as intended.

Study Findings 

According to the study, participants exposed to Equality Labs’ anti-caste training materials were more likely to adopt dehumanizing rhetoric, especially against individuals identified as Brahmins. The study noted a significant increase in participants using terms like “parasites,” “virus,” or “devil personified” when the term “Jew” was substituted with “Brahmin” in the training materials.

Image Source: HAF

The research also involved a control group that received neutral academic teaching on the concepts of varna and jati. Participants subjected to Equality Labs’ training were found to be 30% more likely to perceive bias and harm in scenarios where none existed.

Image Source: HAF

“The evidence is clear: instead of combating bias, caste DEI trainings offered by caste activists like Equality Labs worsen racial suspicion, anti-Hindu hate, and could engender ‘punitive retribution,’” HAF stated.

Allegations Against Media Outlets

HAF stated that The New York Times initially planned to publish an article on the study and had even set a release date but later shelved it without explanation. Bloomberg also reportedly scrapped its coverage of the research, allegedly due to editorial biases favoring DEI initiatives.

Evolutionary biologist Colin Wright, who published an analysis of the study, criticized The New York Times for its inconsistency. He pointed out that the newspaper had previously cited NCRI research in over 20 articles without requiring peer reviews but insisted on peer review for this specific study as a reason to delay publication.

Bloomberg, according to Wright, dismissed the story outright, with allegations that internal editorial sympathies for DEI programs influenced the decision.

HAF has called on both The New York Times and Bloomberg to publish the findings, arguing that the suppression of such critical information has far-reaching implications for the Hindu-American community. “To refuse to cover this case-control study is to censor critical information,” HAF stated, urging greater transparency.

The findings and their alleged suppression raise two significant concerns. First, the DEI training programs designed to address caste discrimination may inadvertently foster anti-Hindu bias and deepen social divides. Second, the media’s reluctance to cover a study involving a prestigious university has sparked debate over journalistic integrity and the role of media in holding diversity initiatives accountable.

(With inputs from India Today)

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BJP-Led NDA’s Resounding Assembly Election Wins To Push Economic Reforms

By
The Commune
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BJP-Led NDA’s Resounding Assembly Election Wins To Push Economic Reforms

The recent state assembly election victories have further consolidated the position of BJP-led NDA which will provide much-needed stability and resolve to push for economic reforms, according to a report on Thursday.

The results of recent state/Bye-elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have bolstered the position of ruling NDA, said the report by PL Capital – Prabhudas Lilladher.

This will help policy continuity towards major reforms across the spectrum in the country. With the BJP-led MahaYuti’s landslide victory in the Maharashtra, the state’s ambition to reach the target of a $1 trillion economy goal got a major fillip, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In August this year, Maharashtra became the country’s first state to surpass the half a trillion-dollar economy mark, underscoring the state’s rapid economic progress and its ambitious journey towards a trillion-dollar economy.

India’s food inflation is likely to ease while the growth outlook for the economy is “cautiously optimistic” for the coming months as the agricultural sector is likely to benefit from favourable monsoon conditions, increased minimum support prices and adequate supply of inputs, according to the Finance Ministry’s monthly economic review.

According to the report, the Indian markets are on course but headwinds are yet to peak out. The demand conditions remain mixed with steady uptick in rural demand given low base and normal monsoons.

All hopes now rest on the demand surge in festival and wedding season, it added. According to the report, Donald Trump 2.0 is likely to see some reduction in global wars, lesser geo-political uncertainty and stable crude prices, which would augur well for the Indian economy.

The expected revival in government capex as Q2 capex has turned positive and H1 capex is only 37 per cent of FY25 BE, it added. Banks, capital goods, hospitals, logistics and pharma reported more than 19 per cent EBIDTA growth YoY. Durables, IT services and chemicals reported single digit EBIDTA growth in Q2 FY25.

–IANS

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Bangladesh High Court Declines Suo Motu Order To Ban ISKCON

By
The Commune
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Bangladesh High Court Declines Suo Motu Order To Ban ISKCON

The Dhaka High Court on Thursday, 28 November 2024, declined to issue a suo motu order to ban the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, noting that authorities have already initiated necessary measures.

During the hearing, the bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury reviewed information provided by the Attorney General’s office. Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md. Asad Uddin informed the court that three separate cases have been registered concerning the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON-related activities, leading to the arrest of 33 individuals.

The bench emphasized that the government must remain vigilant in protecting law and order and the safety of citizens and their property, given the sensitive nature of the situation.

The court’s decision to not ban ISKCON followed a request from Supreme Court lawyer Md. Monir Uddin, who submitted newspaper reports highlighting ISKCON activities. He had urged the bench to ban the organization and impose Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dinajpur. In response, the High Court had earlier directed the Attorney General to report on the steps taken by the government. In Thursday’s session, the bench expressed hope that the authorities would continue to act cautiously to maintain peace and stability.

The petition against ISKCON alleges that the organization incites communal tensions through religious events, imposes its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, and forcibly converts members of lower Hindu castes. Additional claims include the takeover of Sanatan temples and alleged involvement in communal attacks on mosques. The petition further accused ISKCON of destabilizing the nation and collaborating with foreign media to foster discord.

This controversy has been further intensified by the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Chattogram on charges of sedition. Das was accused of raising a flag on a stand displaying the national flag of Bangladesh and was denied bail, leading to widespread criticism and demands for his release.

(With inputs from Daily Star)

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Hindu Americans Condemn Attacks On Minorities In Bangladesh, Call For Sanctions

By
The Commune
-
Hindu Americans Condemn Attacks On Minorities In Bangladesh, Call For Sanctions

Hindu Americans wrote letters to the US President-elect Donald Trump as well as incumbent President Joe Biden, demanding the protection of vulnerable minority communities in Bangladesh. They also called for sanctions against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus over multiple incidents of atrocities and violent attacks on Hindus in the South Asian nation.

The Hindus for America First (HFAF) wrote an open letter to US President-elect Donald Trump, calling for halting US funding of projects in Bangladesh.

“Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Bangladesh have faced systemic violence and discrimination. We humbly ask that your administration make US aid contingent on the Bangladeshi government taking measurable action to protect these populations. Taxpayer dollars should never support governments that fail to safeguard their most vulnerable citizens,” said HFAF Founder and Chairman Utsav Sanduja.

He further expressed concerns over Bangladeshi officials’ ties to radical and extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam. Sanduja said that these connections threaten the security of not just the Asian sub-continent but also the US.

Sanduja said in his letter, “We respectfully recommend visa restrictions and tighter oversight to prevent these ideologies from taking root on American soil. ”

Another prominent group of Hindu Americans, The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), in separate letters to Biden and Trump, expressed grave concerns over escalating violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh and the recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.

“The minority population, mainly Hindus, which constituted about 20 per cent of East Pakistan’s population in 1947, now accounts for less than 8 per cent in Bangladesh, a stark reminder of the ongoing persecution,” the FIIDS said in a letter to US President Joe Biden.

The influential Indian-American organisation sought to draw the attention of the Biden administration to growing attacks and persecution of Hindu minorities, stating that there have been more than 200 documented incidents of violence against Hindus including arson, mob attacks, desecration of temples and Hindu deities since the fall of Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh.

“US should urge Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Younus to release Chinmoy Krishna Das and provide protection to minority communities, besides calling for an independent enquiry into recent and historical violence against the minorities,” it demanded in a letter to the US President. Some Indian-American groups also held demonstrations in various US cities against the illegal arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das.

Das was arrested and subsequently booked in a sedition case by Bangladesh police, apparently for organising protests against state-sponsored oppression of Hindu minorities in the country. Vishva Hindu Parishad America (VHPA) has also called upon the US administration to safeguard the vulnerable minorities in Bangladesh. VHPA general secretary Amitabh Mittal said, “The silence of global media regarding the ongoing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh is deafening. The recent arrest of an ISKCON priest and the violent attacks on Hindu temples underscore the alarming rise in religious intolerance.”

–IANS

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BJP TN’s SG Suryah Debunks DMK Claims On PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Highlights Benefits For Artisans

By
The Commune
-
BJP TN's SG Suryah Debunks DMK Claims On PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Highlights Benefits For Artisans

The ruling DMK, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin, has once again resorted to promoting their old narrative, claiming that the central government’s ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ is caste-based and against the principles of social justice. However, this assertion is blatantly false. The scheme’s clear eligibility criteria do not require any caste or religious affiliation; instead, it targets artisans and craftsmen from 18 specific trades.

What’s hypocritical is that the Chief Minister & DMK chief suddenly opposes the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’. At the same time, he remains silent on similar schemes for artisans under the Minority Affairs Ministry, such as the earlier ‘USTTAD’ scheme or ‘PM VIKAS’ scheme. This omission or deliberate disregard shows an apparent inconsistency in their stance.

BJP State Secretary SG Suryah fired back, highlighting the DMK’s alleged double standards and questioning its motives behind rejecting a program that could benefit thousands of artisans in Tamil Nadu.

DMK Opposes Vishwakarma Yojana

On 28 November 2024, DMK chief Stalin, in a statement opposing the central government’s ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’, declared via his official X account that, “The Tamil Nadu Govt will not implement the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in its current form, as it fails to align with the principles of social justice. Instead, we will introduce a more inclusive scheme to empower all artisans, irrespective of caste or family occupation, ensuring holistic and equitable support. As ideological inheritors of leaders who opposed ‘Kula Kalvi Thittam’ we cannot support schemes that perpetuate hereditary caste-based occupations under any guise.”

He added, “Kindly refer to my letter to the Hon’ble PM, expressing the GoTN’s opinion and request for modification in the PM Vishwakarma scheme being implemented by the Ministry of MSME, GoI. In light of the concerns raised that the scheme strenghthens the system of caste based vocation, GoTN had constituted a committee to study the scheme. This committee has recommended modifications to the scheme, which I have brought to the attention of the Hon’ble PM. I have received a reply from the Hon’ble Minister of MSME, GoI with no mention of the modifications suggested. The Government of Tamil Nadu will therefore not be taking forward the implementation of PM Vishwakarma scheme in its present form. However, to empower artisans in TN under the overall principle of social justice , the GoTN has decided to develop a more inclusive and comprehensive scheme for artisans, which does not discriminate based on caste. This schemed will provide holistic support (financial assistance, training) to all artisans in the state, irrespective of caste or family occupations.”

BJP Suryah Explains Misconceptions Against PM Vishwakarma Scheme

In response to the CM’s statement, BJP State Secretary SG Suryah issued a condemnation and provided a detailed explanation about the misconceptions in the remarks. Through his official X account, he stated, “We are forced to explain the ‘Vishwakarma’ scheme to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who does politics without understanding it! We would like to clarify again, it is completely wrong for your government to criticize the schemes of the central government for not implementing them for the benefit of the people, Chief Minister Mr.@mkstalin..”

Further, the statement issued by SG Suryah read, “‘The Tamil Nadu government will not take forward the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme in its current form. The Tamil Nadu government has decided to formulate a comprehensive scheme to empower the artisans in Tamil Nadu, without any discrimination on the basis of caste, under the overall policy of social justice,’ said Chief Minister Mr. Stalin in today’s statement, another manifestation of political vendetta against the Central Government.”

The primary objective of this central government scheme is to uplift the status of artisans and craftspeople who work using manual labor and traditional tools. An initial allocation of Rs 13,000 crore was made for this scheme to promote the quality of their work. The scheme aims to provide collateral-free loans, skills training, incentives for digital transactions, market-related support and modern tools to artisans and craft workers. But your use of this rhetoric, which you do not adhere to, and linking it to ‘social justice’, repeatedly shows you to be a funny Chief Minister.” He stated.

“Have you forgotten that in 1973, your father, the late Mr. Karunanidhi, started the Handloom Industries Development Corporation under the name “Poompuhar” and it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024? To encourage the artisans of that company, you honor the best artisans of Tamil Nadu by giving awards every year. Isn’t that based on caste? Doesn’t that count as your false and distorted social justice?” He questioned.

“Unlike what you do for publicity, this ‘Vishwakarma’ scheme, conceived by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, is a wonderful scheme that has actually brought light to the lives of artisans… Thus, the aim of the Central Government is to benefit the artisans, not to invite 10 artisans like you and take photos and advertise them..” He further added.

“We want to clarify again, the schemes of the Central Government are being implemented for the benefit of the people. It is completely wrong to criticize government the schemes for not implementing them..Before your government utters the word social justice once again, let the ‘Vengavayal’ come to your mind… Even a school student can easily understand it, unlike you…” He finally said.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

PM Vishwakarma, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched on 17th September 2023 by the Prime Minister to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. The Scheme covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades, viz. Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai), Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith (Lohar), Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith (Sonar), Potter (Kumhaar), Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker, Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan, Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber (Naai), Garland maker (Malakaar), Washerman (Dhobi), Tailor (Darzi) and Fishing Net Maker.

Benefits

The Scheme envisages provisioning of the following benefits to the artisans and craftspersons:

  • Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
  • Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day.
  • Toolkit Incentive: An incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
  • Credit Support: Collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of up to Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh with tenures of 18 months and 30 months, respectively, at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%, with Government of India subvention to the extent of 8%. Beneficiaries who have completed Basic Training will be eligible for the first tranche of credit support of up to Rs. 1 lakh. The second loan tranche will be available to beneficiaries who have availed of the 1st tranche and maintained a standard loan account, have adopted digital transactions in their business, or have undergone Advanced Training.
  • Incentive for Digital Transaction: Re. 1 per digital transaction, up to 100 transactions monthly, will be credited to the beneficiary’s account for each digital pay-out or receipt.
  • Marketing Support: Marketing support will be provided to the artisans and craftspeople through quality certification, branding, onboarding on e-commerce platforms such as GeM, advertising, publicity and other marketing activities to improve linkage to the value chain.

Through the Vishwakarma Yojana, the government also wants to help women and people from groups that don’t often get enough support. This includes people from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), those with disabilities, transgender individuals, as well as people living in areas like the North Eastern states, islands, and hilly regions.

Term of Repayment (In months)

1st Tranche loan amount, which can be up to Rs. 1,00,000, has to be repaid in 18 months
2nd Tranche loan amount, which can be up to Rs. 2,00,000, has to be repaid in 30 months

As the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ is a central sector scheme, the state government is not required to spend any funds, yet the citizens, particularly those in neglected sectors, stand to benefit significantly. Traditional trades such as Carpenter, Boat Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Mason, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Garland Make, and Fishing Net Maker are prevalent in Tamil Nadu, and artisans from these sectors will directly benefit from the scheme. For instance, regions like Dindigul, known for lock makers, Madurai, famous for its garland makers, and coastal areas where boat and fishing net makers thrive, are all set to gain from the initiative. This raises the question: Is the DMK concerned that they cannot sticker the scheme and are hesitant to implement it?

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Jyothika Visits Tirumala, Here’s How Her Husband Suriya’s Father Derided The Temple

By
The Commune
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Jyothika Visits Tirumala, Here's How Her Husband Suriya's Father Derided The Temple

Actress Jyothika and husband Suriya were recently spotted performing special pujas at Kollur Mookambika and Tirumala temples, drawing attention for their temple visits following the box office failure of Kanguva. The visits have sparked discussions, given Jyothika’s earlier remarks discouraging donations to temples.

Following her visit to Kollur Mookambika temple with her husband Suriya, actress Jyothika is said to have performed special pujas with him in the aftermath of the Kanguva disaster.

Subsequently, on 27 November 2024, videos and photos of the actress who is also actress-turned-politician Nagma’s step-sister, was seen in Tirumala Tirupati temple.

It is noteworthy to remember that in her speech at the awards ceremony in 2020, Jyothika recounted that the Brihadeeshwara temple with all its grandeur reminded her of the palaces in Udaipur. As a part of her shooting, she had to visit a hospital that she found was poorly maintained. She used the awards ceremony as a platform to make a public request that people donate money to schools and hospitals instead of putting money in temple hundis. She went on to say that schools and hospitals are just as important, if not more so, and that they deserve more support from the public.

As Jyothika and Suriya’s pictures and videos in Tirumala went viral, an undated video of her father-in-law Sivakumar, Suriya’s father, known for knocking down cellphones of fans who would request him for a selfie, speaking about VIPs having darshan at Tirumala temple also went viral. It is noteworthy that Sivakumar’s second son Karthi has a huge fan following in the Telugu audience. 

In the video, he says, “The poor man goes up the hill through forests and snake pits. On special days, the devotees circumambulate the temple at least 8 times. For a poor man, a real bhakta taking this route, he can only get darshan only on the 4th day. Once he enters the temple, those people with a bamboo stick of this size keep shouting “jargandi jargandi” and will send the devotees out in an instant. But a millionaire, without his wife’s knowledge, takes a young lady with him, stays in the guest house, drinks all night, and goes to the temple at 4 AM in the morning without bathing – but he is accorded full honour (kumbham) there. I am saying this after seeing it happen, I am not lying.”

The entire family seems to be a masterclass in irony. On the one hand, we have Sivakumar delivering sermons on temple ethics and lamenting VIP favouritism, and on the other, we have Jyothika hopping temples with the same VIP privileges he criticized. Her past diatribe on redirecting temple donations to schools and hospitals now feels like an afterthought as she performs “damage control pujas” post-Kanguva‘s box office collapse.

Perhaps Sivakumar’s insights about temple visitors apply closer to home than he might have imagined—minus the snake pits. As for Jyothika, her temple run might not be the redemption arc she hoped for, but it certainly makes for prime meme material. Maybe the next time they preach morality or make public declarations, they should first look at their highlight reel. Hypocrisy, after all, has its divine way of catching up.

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India Launches Tamil Teaching Programme In Fiji

By
The Commune
-
India Launches Tamil Teaching Programme In Fiji

In a historic move to preserve and promote Tamil, one of the world’s oldest classical languages, the Indian government has launched the Tamil Teaching Programme in Fiji. This initiative, funded by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, is being implemented in partnership with the Fijian Ministry of Education, the Fiji Government, and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam).

The programme aims to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties between India and Fiji, home to a vibrant South Indian diaspora. Two Tamil teachers from India will be stationed at Sangam schools in Rakiraki and Labasa to teach and inspire future generations. This marks a major milestone in preserving Tamil culture and language in the Pacific region.

TISI Sangam, founded in 1926 by Sadhu Kuppuswamy in Nadi, has been at the forefront of promoting South Indian cultural and linguistic heritage in Fiji. An indentured laborer turned spiritual leader, Sadhu Kuppuswamy was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda and other Indian saints. He dedicated his life to uniting Fiji’s South Indian community through education, religion, and cultural preservation, with the iconic Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi serving as a focal point for these efforts.

The programme is a direct outcome of discussions held during Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to Fiji last year. During his visit to the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, Dr. Jaishankar pledged India’s support for cultural preservation in the region.

This initiative highlights the Modi government’s commitment to promoting India’s linguistic and cultural heritage globally. By facilitating Tamil education in Fiji, the programme ensures the survival and growth of the Tamil language and culture among future generations in the Pacific.

(With inputs from Australia Today)

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After Kanguva Disaster, Jyothika Who Opposed Temple Donation Visits 2 Temples In 2 Days – How Many More?

By
The Commune
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After Kanguva Disaster, Jyothika Who Opposed Temple Donation Visits 2 Temples In 2 Days - How Many More?

Actress Jyothika, wife of self-proclaimed social reformer and actor Suriya, has set tongues wagging with her recent temple visits. This is the same Jyothika who, in 2020, famously criticized temple donations, suggesting the money would be better spent on schools and hospitals—a comment that didn’t sit well with many in the Hindu community.

Fast forward to today, and she’s now making the rounds at temples, drawing amused reactions and sharp criticism alike.

The internet hasn’t held back, gleefully resurfacing Jyothika’s old remarks to question her sincerity. Memes and jibes abound, with one netizen joking that their next temple visit should be to a shrine for career comebacks. Others mock the irony of their temple tour after years of dismissing the value of religious spending.

Over the past few days, both husband and wife have been on the temple run with Jyothika visiting Kollur Mookambika Temple on 26 November 2024 performing the Chandi yaaga and Poornahuti with her husband and also visiting Tirumala Tirupati temple in two days’ time.

Adding to this, her husband Suriya has embarked on his own temple marathon following the spectacular failure of his film Kanguva at the box office. Coincidence? Social media doesn’t think so. Critics have labeled this sudden wave of devotion as “divine damage control,” with some speculating that the couple is turning to the gods to reverse their misfortunes.

On 20 November 2024, a video of Dravidianist actor Suriya and director Siva visiting the Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple in Sholingar, near Ranipet went viral, following the intense backlash from fans after the release of Suriya’s movie ‘Kanguva’, which received severe criticism and widespread trolling from all corners of the country.

On 27 November 2024, actor Suriya visited the Sri Masaniamman Temple in Anaimalai, where he offered prayers and sought blessings for the success of his upcoming film, Suriya 45.

As Jyothika’s pictures and videos in Tirumala went viral, an undated video of her father-in-law Sivakumar, Suriya’s father, known for knocking down cellphones of fans who would request him for a selfie, (Cell Thatti, his nickname), speaking about VIPs having darshan at Tirumala temple also went viral.

In the video, he says, “The poor man goes up the hill through forests and snake pits. On special days, the devotees circumambulate the temple at least 8 times. For a poor man, a real bhakta taking this route, he can only get darshan only on the 4th day. Once he enters the temple, those people with a bamboo stick of this size keep shouting “jargandi jargandi” and will send the devotees out in an instant. But a millionaire, without the knowledge of his wife, takes a young lady with him, stays in the guest house, drinks all night, and goes to the temple at 4 AM in the morning without bathing – but he is accorded full honour (kumbham) there. I am saying this after seeing it happen, I am not lying.”

Did Sivakumar already know his daughter-in-law also would be making trips to Tirupati?

Whether their temple run is a case of karma, a PR stunt, or a genuine change of heart, Jyothika and Suriya’s temple runs have become the talk of the town.

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Alt News’ Mohammed Zubair Booked For Endangering Unity And Sovereignty Of India, Ghaziabad Police Tells Allahabad High Court

By
The Commune
-
Alt News' Mohammed Zubair Booked For Endangering Unity And Sovereignty Of India, Ghaziabad Police Tells Allahabad High Court

Mohammed Zubair, the co-founder of Alt News and self-proclaimed fact-checker, has been charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts that endanger India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. The investigating officer informed the Allahabad High Court that this charge would be added to the ongoing case.

The FIR was filed after Zubair’s tweet on X (formerly Twitter) allegedly led to a mob gathering at the Dasna Devi Temple in Ghaziabad. Supporters of Yati Narsinghanand, the temple’s priest, complained, accusing Zubair of incitement. Zubair, who was previously charged with provoking incidents such as the one involving former BJP leader Nupur Sharma, sought protection from arrest by appealing to the High Court.

On November 25, the Court directed the investigating officer to provide an affidavit outlining the specific charges against Zubair. In a submission today, the officer confirmed that two additional charges had been added: Section 66 of the Information Technology Act and Section 152 of the BNS. The Court accepted these amendments and set the next hearing for December.

Earlier in October, an FIR was registered against Zubair after an attack on the Shiv Shakti Dham at Dasna Devi Temple. The complaint alleged that Zubair, along with Muslim leaders Arshad Madani and Asaduddin Owaisi, incited violence by encouraging local Muslims to mobilize outsiders to target the temple. BJP leader Dr Udita Tyagi filed the complaint on October 7 at the Web City police station in Ghaziabad.

Dr Tyagi claimed the October 5 attack on the temple was part of a deliberate conspiracy. She further alleged that Zubair, Owaisi, Madani, and other Muslim leaders had been consistently inciting violence against Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati. In her plea, she urged the authorities to identify those stoking communal unrest and to ensure Narsinghanand’s release and protection by providing adequate security.

(With inputs from Bar & Bench and OpIndia)

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