Home Blog Page 736

Actor Vijay’s Cutout Placed Alongside Anti-Hindu EVR And Dr Ambedkar For TVK Mega Public Meeting, Gets Slammed

Actor Vijay's Cutout Placed Alongside Anti-Hindu EVR And Dr Ambedkar cutouts For TVK Mega Public Meeting, Gets Slammed

Kollywood actor Vijay’s eagerly awaited first conference for his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), is scheduled for 27 October 2024, in Vikravandi, Viluppuram district. This event is highly anticipated as Vijay has remained largely silent about his political ideology since the party’s inception eight months ago. Observers are curious about his vision and how he plans to navigate the political landscape, particularly as he aligned himself closely to Dravidian ideology.

In this context, preparations for the conference have been in full swing, but they have now become embroiled in controversy due to cutouts featuring Vijay alongside anti-Hindu figures EVR and Ambedkar, positioned in the corner after Vijay, which have drawn significant criticism from netizens.

Netizens Criticism For Featuring EVR

One netizen said, “This generations have started realizing people like #EVR #Anna #Karunanidhi who tried to dilute the identity, culture and spirituality of Tamil Nadu by talking about separatism for their political selfishness. If #Vijay understands that he will escape, if not will become ten among the eleven…”

Another netizen said, “There is no need to wait for the conference to take place…for the policy to be announced… No need to look for a reason to not support TVK… Rusty #EVR”

Another netizen suggested that TVK could have avoided including EVR, while another proposed featuring Prabakaran instead.

 

 

Netizen Criticism For Featuring Ambedkar Towards The End

Here are some criticisms from netizens for not giving importance to Dr BR Ambedkar.

https://twitter.com/Kathir71900009/status/1849127028114776499

What Has Been Vijay’s Strategy So Far?

He has largely followed the Dravidianists and EVR’s ideology, which is simply anti-Hindu. Previously, he did not extend wishes for Hindu festivals but was quick to acknowledge minority celebrations. After facing significant backlash, he recently surprised many by wishing people for Pooja celebrations, including Ayudha Pooja, Saraswati Pooja, and Vijayadasami. This marks a notable shift for Vijay, who had previously avoided acknowledging Hindu festivals and faced criticism for it.

His recent gestures to celebrate Hindu festivals suggest a move toward treating all faiths equally and stepping beyond Dravidian narratives.

Vijay faced considerable backlash for not wishing the Hindu community on major occasions, such as Tamil New Year, while he extended greetings for Onam, a Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala. This inconsistency drew accusations of hypocrisy, aligning him with the DMK’s approach.

Here’s a list of his previous political gestures since launching his party, which primarily consisted of online messages sending indirect signals:

  1. Not Wishing for Vinayakar Chaturthi: Vijay did not acknowledge Vinayakar Chaturthi, a significant festival for the majority Hindu population, leading to accusations of disregarding Hindu cultural values.
  2. Not Wishing for Tamil New Year (Puthandu): Instead of recognizing Tamil New Year, Vijay chose to greet his followers for Ambedkar Jayanti, which falls on the same day a strategy similar to the DMK’s treatment of Hindu festivals.
  3. No Wishes for Krishna Jayanti: He also neglected to acknowledge Krishna Jayanti on August 26, 2024.
  4. Wishing for Onam: In an apparent effort to connect with his Malayali audience, Vijay wished them for Onam, similar to DMK leader MK Stalin’s gestures in the past.
  5. Acknowledging Christian and Muslim Festivals: He consistently wished for festivals like Ramzan, Eid, and Easter, along with other special days like Labour Day and Independence Day.

This divide-and-rule approach was evident in Vijay’s political statements, where he aligned himself with the DMK on issues like NEET and CAA. However, his strategy faced backlash, particularly during Vinayagar Chaturthi, when critics pointed out that while he releases films on such festivals for profit, he fails to wish the Hindu community.

Now, with the recent cutouts featuring EVR, critics wonder if Vijay is attempting to appease the DMK once again.

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally. 

“Julius Caesar Ruled Greece”: Madurai CPI-M MP Su Venkatesan Who Has Written Books On History Gets History Wrong

"Julius Caesar Ruled Greece": Madurai CPI-M MP Su Venkatesan Who Has Written Books On History Gets History Wrong

Communist MP Su Venkatesan is once again in the news – this time it is for hishistorylessons about Roman King Julius Caesar, or was he a Greek King, according to the Communist history?

In an event held a few days ago, he is seen speaking about the greatness of the city of Madurai. In the speech, he touches upon Rakhigarhi and its findings, Keeladi, and talks about how historically important the city is. Suddenly, he touches upon something very interesting.

He says, Construction of the present Madura Coats Mill began in 1899. When digging the ground to build the foundation, they found old coins. Upon investigation, it was found that those coins featured Julius Caesar who ruled Greece 2200 years ago. In 1932, the American Missionary wrote and published a book on the discovery of the coins. American Madura Mission was an important Mission – Pasumalai School, and American College, were founded by the missionaries. I found that book which I had been looking for a very long time at a shop near the Regal Theatre. In the book, a father had written, that coins were found when they were digging the ground to build Madura Coats Mill. Those coins were those of Julius Caesar. These coins must be kept safe, so we gave them to the American College for safekeeping.Julius Caesar ruled 2400 years ago and the coin he used during his reign was exchanged with a trader living on the banks of the Vaigai River for some trade.”

Many netizens on social media called out his ignorance of world history since the Communist leader himself has written books on historical topics like the Indus Valley Civilization, Vaigai River Civilization, etc.

While his pronunciation may be defective (he seems to say Majura Coats instead of Madura Coats), in reality, in 1889, Madura Mills Co. Ltd., also known as Madura Coats, was established by Scottish brothers Andrew and Frank Harvey who were involved in cotton trading.

Who Was Julius Caesar?

Wikipedia says Gaius Julius Caesar (12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC) was a prominent Roman general and statesman. As a key member of the First Triumvirate, he commanded Roman forces during the Gallic Wars and later triumphed over his political rival Pompey in a civil war. This victory paved the way for him to assume the role of dictator from 49 BC until his assassination in 44 BC. Caesar’s actions were pivotal in the fall of the Roman Republic and the eventual emergence of the Roman Empire. Although he was Roman, Caesar could speak Greek.

Did Julius Caesar Rule Greece?

However, Caesar did not rule Greece. The Battle of Pharsalus is said to have taken place in 48 BC in Greece. The battle was primarily between two factions of Romans: Julius Caesar’s army and Pompey the Great’s forces. Both armies consisted mainly of Roman soldiers, with some foreign auxiliaries from regions supporting Caesar or Pompey. That is the closest Caesar gets to Greece.

The definitive Roman occupation of the Greek world was solidified after the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, where Augustus defeated Cleopatra VII, the last Greek Ptolemaic queen of Egypt, and the Roman general Mark Antony. Following this victory, Augustus conquered Alexandria in 30 BC, marking the end of Hellenistic Egypt as a significant power. The Roman era in Greek history continued with Emperor Constantine the Great, who established Byzantium as Nova Roma, the new capital of the Roman Empire, in 330 AD. This city was later renamed Constantinople.

Roman Coins In Madurai

In 2023, excavations in Keeladi, Tamil Nadu, uncovered significant Roman artifacts, including silver coins attributed to Augustus Caesar, indicating possible trade links between ancient Rome and this region during the Sangam age. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reports that findings from the site date back to as early as the 8th century BCE, revealing brick structures, decorative jars, and various antiquities. These discoveries challenge previous assumptions about urbanization in Tamil Nadu, showcasing Keeladi as a vital urban center and opening avenues for further archaeological investigations across South India.

Dr Nagaswamy’s book “Tamil Coins” also mentions coins being found in 1882. It says, “We have seen that Roman coins (Honorius and Arcadius) were found in the city of Madurai in 1882. That Roman coins were in circulation even after 5th century is thus attested.”

Ancient Roman coins have been unearthed in the coastal town of Arikamedu, Tamil Nadu. Archaeologists discovered a 2,100-year-old Roman coin alongside five others that date back 1,700 years, along with various artifacts, providing evidence of trade conducted by the Romans in the region. Between 1899 and 1904, excavators uncovered numerous artifacts, including burial urns and skeletal remains, while iron and bronze objects were particularly notable for their craftsmanship.

The findings of Roman coins and artifacts in South India, particularly in the Coimbatore and Madurai districts, indicate a significant trade relationship with Rome during the Imperial age, especially from Augustus to Nero. During this period, Roman demand for Indian goods such as spices, perfumes, ivory, fine muslins, precious stones, and cotton surged. The most notable export was the beryl, sourced from specific locations in the Coimbatore District, believed to be the purest in the world.

Archaeological excavations have revealed substantial quantities of Roman coins in Southern India. Specifically, 612 gold coins and 1,187 silver coins have been documented, along with numerous hoards described in various quantities, including thousands found in earthen pots. This suggests a thriving trade network between Rome and the region, with the city of Madura, the capital of the Pāṇḍyan kingdom, emerging as a critical center for these exchanges.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Suriya, Who Opposed Hindi In NEP, Showed North Indian Character Get Slapped In ‘Jai Bhim’ For Speaking Hindi, Spends ₹20+ Crores to Promote ‘Kanguva’ In Hindi Market

Suriya, Who Opposed Hindi In NEP, Showed North Indian Character Get Slapped In 'Jai Bhim' For Speaking Hindi, Spends ₹20+ Crores to Promote 'Kanguva' In Hindi Market

Dravidianist and virtue-signaling actor Suriya, who opposed teaching Hindi to students in Tamil Nadu and featured a scene in his film where a North Indian man is slapped for speaking Hindi, has now journeyed to Mumbai and Delhi to promote his upcoming movie Kanguva in Hindi. This starkly reveals the hypocrisy of Suriya and his family, who publicly criticize the language preventing others from benefiting from it in Tamil Nadu, all while lining their own pockets.

No To Hindi; Yes To Revenue From It

It’s true that actor Suriya has begun promoting his film in Hindi, alongside his film unit. Recently, he was seen in Mumbai with lead actress Disha Patani and director Siva, focusing primarily on Hindi promotions over other languages.

The team behind Kanguva aims for the film to be a nationwide success. The trailer, released ahead of its worldwide premiere on 14 November, has already garnered positive feedback. As the promotional efforts ramp up, interviews in various languages are expected to follow. Suriya is placing high hopes on Kanguva, especially since he hasn’t had a significant hit in recent years.

The film has generated considerable interest, with the producer targeting an ambitious revenue of ₹2000 crore, particularly seeking a strong foothold in North of India. To ensure a substantial presence in Bollywood, a promotional budget of ₹15 crore has been allocated for Kanguva in Hindi.

With stars like Disha Patani and Bobby Deol involved, the strategy is to aggressively market the film in the Hindi-speaking market, serving as a crucial introduction for Suriya to Bollywood.

In addition to the promotional budget, the producer is investing another ₹7 crore for prints and theatrical expenses, aiming for a wide release across 3500 screens in North India.

Suriya’s Hindi Opposition Stunt To Appease DMK

The husband-wife duo has indulged in virtue-signalling the public over Hindi, over building hospitals and schools instead of temples in the past. Here is a look at their past actions.

In 2019, Suriya opposed the National Education Policy’s three-language system. However, when it came to his own film, Kanguva, he posted on his social media X handle in six languages, including Hindi, to promote the film. Suriya had argued that the policy imposed Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states and disadvantaged rural students.

After all the talk about Hindi imposition, Suriya and his family including his wife Jothika and two children moved to Mumbai in March 2023 into a ₹70 crore apartment.

In his film, Jai Bhim, in the Tamil version, there is a scene where a character gets slapped for speaking in Hindi. In the scene, Prakash Raj, who plays the role of a police officer, slaps a north Indian (who has been stereotyped as a ‘Marwari’ Seth) for speaking in Hindi and asks him to speak in Tamil. This scene is however absent in the Hindi version of the film. Many pointed out that this was deliberately done to appease the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, the party which is known for inciting hatred in the name of a non-existent ‘Hindi imposition’.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Rajini-Gnanavel’s Mega Dravidianist Propaganda “Vettaiyan” Ends Up As A Mega Flop Show At Box Office

Rajini-Gnanavel's Mega Dravidianist Propaganda "Vettaiyan" Ends Up As A Mega Flop Show At Box Office

Rajinikanth’s latest film, Vettaiyan, has become yet another instance where the superstar’s allure failed to resonate at the box office. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, the film featured a star-studded cast and was heavily promoted for the long-anticipated reunion of Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan since their collaboration in Hum (1991), alongside Fahadh Faasil. However, the film managed to earn only ₹207 crores globally, prompting Lyca Productions to allegedly reach out to Rajinikanth for compensation regarding the losses.

According to reports, the production house has requested Rajinikanth to take on another project for them and also to consider reducing his fee for future collaborations. While these reports are circulating, there has been no official confirmation. Previous films by the production house with Rajinikanth, including Kaala, Lal Salaam, and Darbar, similarly failed to meet expectations at the box office.

In Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth reprises his role as a cop with a troubled past. At a recent press conference, Gnanavel expressed interest in creating a prequel titled Vettaiyan: The Hunter, which would explore Rajinikanth’s character Athiyan’s journey to becoming an encounter specialist and delve into Fahadh Faasil’s character transformation into a thief and informant.

Vettaiyan: Total Box Office Collection So Far

Currently, the movie has grossed ₹238.95 crores worldwide, with a net collection of ₹138 crores or ₹164 crores gross. The action drama, coinciding with Dussehra, was released on 10 October 2024 and initially opened strong. However, it faced a sharp decline during the first week.

Though Vettaiyan had impressive pre-sales, ranking as the second highest for a Kollywood film after Vijay’s The GOAT. It enjoyed a solid opening day and surpassed ₹100 crores in its debut weekend. Unfortunately, it experienced a drastic drop of over 70% on its first Monday and has struggled to recover since then.

After 10 days of release, by 21 October 2024, Vettaiyan recorded a dismal occupancy rate of just 14.13% in Tamil markets, with morning shows at 13.36%, afternoon shows at 14.63%, evening shows at 14.39%, and no attendance for night shows. The film fared even worse in the Telugu and Hindi markets, with occupancy rates dropping to 12.58% and a mere 5.66%, respectively.

The film had a strong opening, earning ₹31.7 crore on its first day, followed by ₹24 crore on the second day and ₹26.75 crore on the third. However, it experienced a downturn during the weekdays, bringing in ₹5.6 crore on the first Monday, dropping to ₹4.3 crore on Tuesday and Wednesday. While the film’s crew attributes its poor performance to mixed reviews, higher earnings were anticipated at this stage. Unfortunately, the movie lacked substance, with subpar music being a major factor in its failure.

Budget vs. Box Office Collection

Originally intended as a mid-budget film, costs escalated by including stars like Fahadh Faasil and Amitabh Bachchan. The estimated budget is around ₹300 crores. Even considering the total worldwide gross, the film has a significant journey ahead before it reaches profitability.

Why did it flop? Right after its release, the film faced heavy criticism from all angles, including from Rajinikanth’s own fans, who felt it was not a Rajinikanth film and merely propaganda. Additionally, it was seen as relying on the same tiring lies, with little effort made to verify the facts presented.

Film Review: Vettaiyan

Vettaiyan, starring Rajinikanth, opens with a tribute to Thomas Babington Macaulay, setting a controversial tone right from the start. While the film aims to tackle serious issues like drug abuse in government schools, it quickly devolves into a series of absurd scenarios that feel more like propaganda than genuine storytelling.

Directed by TJ Gnanavel, known for his contentious work in “Jai Bhim,” the film perpetuates inaccuracies, particularly regarding the portrayal of communities. For instance, it misrepresents the background of a key character involved in a custodial death, drawing ire from the Vanniyar community.

The narrative introduces a series of implausible events, such as a petty thief making millions through fake QR codes, which raises unnecessary fears about digital transactions. The film’s depiction of the NEET exam further pushes an unfounded agenda, casting it as a tool of privilege without any real evidence.

Visually, Vettaiyan features a musical number that, while colorful, hints at cultural appeasement, which might leave audiences questioning the intent behind such choices.

As Rajinikanth’s character delivers lines that promote Dravidianist ideology, the film reinforces negative stereotypes about Hindus while portraying minority communities in a predominantly positive light. This biased representation detracts from the film’s potential impact and alienates a segment of its audience.

In the end, Vettaiyan feels more like a vehicle for a specific political narrative than a well-crafted film. For longtime fans of Rajinikanth, this alignment with propaganda over storytelling is disheartening, making it difficult to reconcile the superstar’s legacy with his recent choices.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally. 

7 College Students Arrested In Chennai Meth Lab Bust

7 College Students Arrested In Chennai Meth Lab Bust

In a major bust by the city’s newly formed Anti-Drug Intelligence Unit (ADIU), seven individuals, including students, were arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine in a makeshift laboratory set up in a residence in Kodungaiyur. The suspects include Gnanapandian, 22, an MSc Chemistry student, and robotics engineering graduates Pravin Pranav, 21; Kishore, 21; Naveen, 22; and Dhanush, 23. Fleming Francis, 21, and Arunkumar, 22, were also involved.

The police seized 250g of meth, valued at approximately ₹10 lakh, along with two laptops, seven mobile phones, a chemical weighing machine, and an array of lab equipment, including test tubes, pipettes, burettes, raw chemicals, and jars. The group had converted Pravin’s house into a lab, sourcing chemicals from pharmaceutical firms, online portals, and the Sowcarpet area of Chennai. Initially, their parents believed they were conducting academic research.

The ADIU had been tracking the group for some time after receiving tips about suspicious activity at Pravin’s home. When officers raided the house, they discovered the meth lab and arrested all seven individuals. Police revealed that the students, frustrated with a low-quality drug batch purchased from a dealer named Arun, decided to produce methamphetamine themselves, relying on Gnanapandian’s chemistry expertise.

The group initially experimented with drug production and later began selling meth to college students and acquaintances. The investigation revealed that Kishore, one of the arrested, is the son of DMK councillor Katiravan from Meenjoor, as reported in OneIndia Tamil.

Following the arrests, Arun, who initially supplied the low-quality drugs, was also apprehended. The police are currently searching for another individual from the Red Hills area who reportedly supplied drugs to Arun. The entire operation has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Authorities continue investigating to uncover broader connections to other cities’ criminal networks.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Rewa Industry Conclave Received Investment Proposal Of ₹31000 Cr: MP CM

The Madhya Pradesh government’s fifth Regional Industry Conclave (RIC), held in Rewa on Wednesday, received an investment proposal worth more than Rs 31,000 crore. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that this mammoth investment proposal in various sectors, including food processing, tourism, logistics industry, IT, and solar energy, will create 28,000 employment opportunities in the Vindhya region.

He said Rewa’s industry conclave had received a better response than expected. He informed that more than 4000 participants attended the event. He added that investors from more than ten states participated in the conclave, more than 300 buyer-seller meets were held, and more than 150 distinguished guests from industrial houses attended. “Rewa’s Regional Industry Conclave has been a big and successful event towards the region’s development. Investment proposals worth crores of rupees have been received from leading industrialists in various sectors, including renewable energy,” he said.

The Chief Minister also handed over land allotment letters to investors for setting up industries in various sectors across the state. According to official information, ‘Letters of Intent’ were issued for more than 80 industrial units, allocating more than 200 acres of land. He also launched MP Tourism’s newsletter ‘Offbeat Madhya Pradesh’ to promote lesser-known destinations in the state, showcasing the rich and diverse tourism experiences available beyond traditional hotspots. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones of several projects of worth Rs 2,690 crores in several districts in the Vindhya region.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

AI Adoption Can Generate ₹33.8 Lakh Cr Worth Economic Value By 2030: Hardeep Puri

AI Adoption Can Generate ₹33.8 Lakh Cr Worth Economic Value By 2030: Hardeep Puri E20

The potential economic impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is immense and AI adoption can generate 33.8 lakh crore of economic value in the country by 2030, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said on Wednesday.

Addressing an event in the national capital, Minister Puri underscored the pivotal role of AI in transforming the energy sector, emphasising that AI is set to revolutionise operations, drive efficiency and accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable energy landscape. AI and generative AI (GenAI) optimise operations by leveraging real-time data and insights. He noted that international oil companies are making significant investments in AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon future. Minister Puri highlighted how AI is rapidly being adopted across industries and will be instrumental in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

“The Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the energy domain are also harnessing AI and machine learning (ML) to improve safety, security, and operational efficiencies at various locations. Through advanced tools like demand forecasting, customer analytics, and pricing analytics, AI is enhancing the overall customer experience in the energy sector,” the minister emphasised. AI-enabled mechanisms such as deep learning are being used to analyse complex seismic data for identifying potential hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Additionally, AI-based prediction of drilling complications and real-time optimisation of drilling parameters have proven effective in improving drilling efficiency and reducing operational costs. Citing the latest research by JP Morgan, the minister discussed the potential of generative AI to increase global GDP by $7-10 trillion over the next three years, leading to a major boost in workforce productivity and reshaping the global economy.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

PM Modi Meets Presidents Of UAE And Uzbekistan Before Concluding ‘Successful’ Russia Visit

PM Modi Meets Presidents Of UAE And Uzbekistan Before Concluding 'Successful' Russia Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his visit to the Russian city of Kazan on Wednesday with meeting presidents of the UAE and Uzbekistan after participating in the restricted and open sessions of the 16th BRICS Summit and holding the much-awaited bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Just before flying back home, PM Modi also held meetings with the Presidents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uzbekistan. In his meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, PM Modi reviewed progress in the bilateral cooperation, including in trade, economic, health, connectivity, capacity building and digital technologies. Both leaders agreed to work together in regional and global fora to strengthen the voice of the Global South. “Had a wonderful meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Kazan. Discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan including trade and cultural linkages,” PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

In the meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he also reviewed and “positively assessed” the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. ” I am Glad to have met my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan,” said PM Modi. The two back-to-back meetings were held immediately after Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held significant discussions during their first meeting at the delegation level in nearly five years.

During the meeting, PM Modi asserted that India-China ties have to be based on three mutuals – mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity – if they have to return to a positive trajectory and remain sustainable. Earlier in the day, while addressing the BRICS leaders, PM Modi urged firm support of all members of the grouping on the issue of terrorism, insisting that there can be no “double standards” on the serious matter. “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. And just as we were able to overcome a challenge like Covid together, we are certainly able to create new opportunities to ensure a secure , strong and prosperous future for future generations,” said PM Modi in his remarks at the closed plenary of the 16th BRICS Summit.

On Tuesday, the PM held two bilateral meetings immediately after he arrived in Kazan – with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. “This Summit is special because we welcomed the new BRICS members. This forum has immense potential to make our planet better and more sustainable,” PM Modi reckoned before leaving for New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Army Dedicates Kameng Museum To People Of Arunachal Pradesh

Army Dedicates Kameng Museum To People Of Arunachal Pradesh

The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum (KCHM) celebrates the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated it on Wednesday.

The museum, built by the Indian Army as part of Operation Sadbhavana, is being touted as the first community-oriented institution of its nature in the region. Among the others present at the inauguration ceremony were Kamlesh Paswan, union minister of state for rural development, Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, General Officer Commanding Gajraj Corps, Maj Gen Neeraj Shukla of the Blazing Sword Division and Phurpa Tsering, MLA, Dirang. Over 500 people had gathered at the scenic village of Nyukmadung, Dirang, for the ceremony. A senior official said that Nyukmadung is located along the route to the popular tourist destination of Tawang, and KCHM will play a pivotal role in preserving the cultural legacy while contributing to the region’s socio-economic growth.

“The museum aligns with the Central government’s Vibrant Village Programme and has been developed with the Indian Army’s initiative and strong support from the local community and the state government. The Museum embodies the rich ancient traditions and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. It stands as a symbol of peace, security, and the collaborative spirit of nation-building through the integration of local communities,” he added. Chief Minister Khandu, during his address, cited ancient texts such as Kalika Purana and the Mahabharata to highlight the region’s profound cultural, historical, and religious significance.

He described KCHM as an essential institution to preserve the past while inspiring future generations. At the same time, Khandu commended the efforts of the Army for setting up the Museum and overall border area development through Op Sadbhavana. He added that the Kameng Museum is a reflection of the Indian Army’s commitment to transform the border areas through initiatives such as model villages, border tourism, and enhanced infrastructure that aligns with the Centre’s ‘Vibrant Village Programme’. He referred to the inauguration as an achievement of the comprehensive vision outlined for border areas, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and economic development of the region through ‘border tourism’ and ‘cultural revival’.

Khandu also thanked the Indian Army for synergised efforts with the state government for the overall development of the people and the creation of a ‘Viksit Arunachal’. He also complimented Manvi Seth and her team from the Indian Institute of Heritage for aesthetically curating the Museum and adding digital artefacts. The Chief Minister also commended the efforts of Praveen Chaturvedi, CEO, Moonlight Pictures, for capturing details of ancient traditions and contemporary life of people in Arunachal Pradesh for a captivating movie that will be screened for the whole world.

Kameng Museum metamorphosed as a community-driven, community-oriented project with a voluntary donation of land and houses a collection of 343 traditional heirlooms dating back to the Neolithic period by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. In addition to the artefacts, the museum features a modern movie hall, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, a children’s park, a tourist facilitation centre and a medical emergency setup for transients, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Mutual Trust, Mutual Respect And Mutual Sensitivity Key To Future Of India-China Ties, PM Modi Tells Xi Jinping

Mutual Trust, Mutual Respect And Mutual Sensitivity Key To Future Of India-China Ties, PM Modi Tells Xi Jinping

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday conveyed it to the Chinese President Xi Jinping that India-China ties have to be based on three mutuals – mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity – if they have to return to a positive trajectory and remain sustainable.

“We welcome the consensus reached on issues that have arisen across the border in the last four years. Maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain our top priority. Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity form the basis of our relations,” said PM Modi in a significant bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping – the first at the delegation level in nearly five years – in the Russian city of Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. As PM Modi emphasised that relations between India and China are important not only for people of the both countries, but also for global peace, stability and progress, the Chinese President also acknowledged that people in both countries, and even the international community, are keeping a close watch on the meeting.

“China and India are both ancient civilisations, major developing countries, and important members of the Global South. We are both at a crucial phase in our respective modernisation endeavours. It best serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples for both sides, to keep the trend of history in the right direction of our bilateral relations,” remarked Xi Jinping. “It’s important for both sides to have more communication and cooperation, properly handle our differences and disagreements and to facilitate each other’s pursuit of development aspirations. It’s also important for both sides to shoulder our international responsibility, set an example for boosting the strength and unity of the developing countries and to contribute to promoting multi polarization and democracy in international relations,” he added.

The breakthrough in bilateral talks, first after the violent Galwan Valley face-off between the soldiers of the two countries at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in June 2020, was made possible after New Delhi and Beijing on Monday reached an agreement on patrolling along the nearly 3500-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) to end the four-year-long border confrontation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had confirmed that the Indian and Chinese diplomatic and military negotiators have been in close contact with each other in a variety of forums over the last several weeks after which an agreement was arrived at on patrolling arrangements along the LAC, leading to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in the specific areas in 2020.

On Tuesday, as Xi Jinping left for Kazan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the patrolling arrangements in the India-China border areas. As the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC in other areas of the Western Sector of the India-China border areas, the two sides have been engaged in discussions through established diplomatic and military channels to address the situation. On Monday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said that the latest agreement creates the basis for peace and tranquillity which should be there in the border areas and existed before 2020 – something which had been India’s major concern over the past few years for the bilateral relationship to turn normal.

“At various points of time, people almost gave up. We have always maintained that on the one hand, we had to obviously do the counter deployments… But, side by side, we have been negotiating since September 2020 when I met my Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow. It has been a very patient process, maybe more complicated than what it could and should have been. The fact is that if we are able to, as we now have, reach an understanding regarding patrolling and observing the sanctity of the LAC, then, I think, it creates the basis for peace and tranquillity which there should be in border areas and existed there before 2020,” remarked Jaishankar while speaking at the NDTV World Summit.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.