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School Hostel Warden Arrested For Harassing 17 Students In Dharapuram, Senior Warden Held For Ignoring Complaints

By
The Commune
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School Hostel Warden Arrested For Harassing 17 Students In Dharapuram, Senior Warden Held For Ignoring Complaints

On 13 November 2024, the police in Dharapuram apprehended a warden from a private school hostel for allegedly sexually harassing 17 schoolboys over the past few months. They also arrested a senior warden of the same hostel for failing to act on the complaints about the first warden.

The two individuals have been identified as 25-year-old Saran and 34-year-old Rambabu, both wardens at a Sindhu Matriculation Higher Secondary school hostel in Dharapuram.

A police official stated that Saran was responsible for the harassment and that he was arrested following a complaint from the students’ parents. Rambabu was also taken into custody for neglecting to address the students’ complaints against Saran.

The two individuals have been taken into custody and presented in court, sparking a wave of shock and concern among local residents.

(With Inputs From TOI)

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Insight UK Challenges Oxford Union For Inviting Speaker With Terror Links To Debate On Kashmir

By
The Commune
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In a formal statement, Insight UK has expressed grave concerns regarding an upcoming debate at the Oxford Union titled, “This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir,” scheduled for 14 November 2024. The social movement representing British Hindus and Indians voiced strong objections, particularly in light of the Union’s choice of speakers—Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan—who, they claim, have alleged links to organizations associated with terrorism. Insight UK warned that hosting such speakers risks amplifying extremist ideologies on a prominent academic platform.

Background and Context

For decades, the Kashmir region has faced intense turmoil and violence, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Kashmiri Hindus. Recognized internationally as an integral part of India, Kashmir’s status is upheld by Indian law and its Constitution. The ongoing conflict has seen violent extremism masquerading as separatist movements, with both Indian security forces and civilians bearing the brunt of these actions. Insight UK argues that any forum questioning Kashmir’s political status challenges India’s sovereignty and disregards the suffering caused by decades of terrorism.

The organization’s letter to the Oxford Union highlighted this perspective, stating that the debate undermines India’s constitutional integrity and territorial rights by casting doubt on the Kashmir region’s status as part of India. They underscored that the issue is an internal one for India, and debating its independence in an international academic institution could be seen as interference.

Allegations Against Invited Speakers

Insight UK’s objections go beyond the topic of the debate. The organization raised serious concerns about the speakers, particularly pointing to their alleged involvement with organizations implicated in terrorism.

Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur is a UK-based Pakistani-origin activist known for promoting Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir. He leads two organizations, “The Justice Foundation” and the “World Kashmir Freedom Movement,” both originally founded by his father, Ayyub Thakur, a former ISI-linked agent who financed terror activities in the region. Muzzammil has continued his father’s legacy by lobbying internationally, promoting anti-India rhetoric, and endorsing separatist and militant ideologies. Recently, he faced backlash and was allegedly assaulted by three men at an anti-India event in London. His social media activities frequently celebrate militants as “martyrs.”

Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, president of the “World Kashmir Freedom Movement,” has been investigated for his connections with groups suspected of extremist activities. Insight UK states that Thakur has promoted divisive and hateful rhetoric on social media, allegedly inciting violence and disturbing public order. Reports also link Thakur’s organization, co-founded by his father, to investigations by the FBI, the UK’s Charity Commission, and Scotland Yard for alleged connections with terrorist organizations.

Thakur’s social media activity, Insight UK argues, includes statements that endorse terrorist acts and downplay violence, citing examples where he reportedly condoned a terrorist’s escape and normalized slurs against other faiths. His father’s organization, Mercy Universal, was reportedly investigated for its financial connections to Pakistan’s ISI and alleged support of the terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen.

Some other problematic issues with Thakur include:

  • In May 2022, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur was booked under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by Jammu and Kashmir police for anti-national activities and threatening an Indian advocate, Syed Zeeshan. The charges include harassment, intimidation, and alleged cybercrimes.
  • He reportedly threatened Kashmiri advocate Syed Zeeshan and a woman named Tasleema, who had exposed alleged Pakistani propaganda at the United Nations. His social media accounts have been restricted in India due to his activities.
  • Thakur has collaborated with the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) and Turkish media outlet TRT World, promoting Pakistan’s narratives on Jammu and Kashmir internationally.
  • He has spoken against India’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging exploitation and “occupation.” Thakur made such claims at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and endorsed an anti-India magazine, “Kashmir Inside.”
  • In October 2023, he participated in an event at the British Parliament, advocating for British intervention in Indian affairs, particularly regarding Kashmir.
  • Thakur has emphasized public advocacy and “narrative-building” against India to influence youth and international opinion, which allegedly aligns with Pakistan’s agenda on Kashmir.
  • In August 2024, Thakur reportedly faced a backlash during an anti-India event in London, indicating public opposition to his activities.

Zafar Khan, the other speaker invited to support the proposition, serves as chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Diplomatic Bureau. The JKLF, according to Insight UK, has a history of violence targeting the Kashmiri Hindu community, including the 1990 exodus where Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee their homes under threat of violence and death. The group was also linked to the 1984 abduction and murder of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in Birmingham, a brutal crime that intensified the group’s association with violent separatism.

JKLF members, Insight UK noted, systematically threatened Hindu and Sikh minorities, marking their homes for forced conversions or execution. Insight UK’s statement cites documented accounts of JKLF-linked atrocities in Kashmir, including the confessions of Farooq Ahmed Dar (alias Bitta Karate), who admitted on video to killing over 20 Kashmiri Hindus. The organization’s letter pointed to these violent episodes as evidence of JKLF’s extremist intentions under the guise of a “freedom” movement.

Insight UK’s Position on Academic Integrity and Extremism

As an organization representing the British Hindu and Indian community, Insight UK emphasized its commitment to raising awareness of issues affecting the diaspora. In its letter, the group expressed its belief that academic institutions like the Oxford Union should provide platforms for constructive dialogue rather than host individuals connected with divisive ideologies. Insight UK called on Oxford Union to reconsider its decision, cautioning that the debate risks validating extremist narratives and compromising the Union’s commitment to impartial discourse.

Insight UK also pointed out that, while freedom of speech is a cornerstone of academic institutions, responsibility is equally important. They argue that providing a stage to those associated with violence and separatism could send a dangerous message, especially in an educational setting that should stand for understanding and peace.

Oxford Union has yet to respond to Insight UK’s letter or address the specific allegations concerning the invited speakers. However, the situation highlights the fine line between fostering open debate and inadvertently promoting narratives tied to extremist actions.

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The Silent Majority Speaks: Trump’s Victory And The Rejection Of Wokeism

By
Sathya Narayanan
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The Silent Majority Speaks: Trump's Victory And The Rejection Of Wokeism

The biggest reality show finally ends with Trump securing enough electoral votes to regain the presidency. For a common man who is unperturbed by the vagaries of US politics and its impacts around the world, this is simply an election that resulted in Trump’s victory, and Kamala’s defeat. However, there is a world of difference between saying ‘Trump won’ or ‘Kamala lost’, because it isn’t between two individuals, to start with.

What they stand for, and what they represent is far bigger than those two individuals. If you were to form an opinion of Trump based on what is dished out to you by the mainstream media, you would think of him as a misogynist, rapist, convicted felon, twice impeached politician, teeming with a personal vendetta, and so on. Certainly not the kind of character that we would like to associate with. Yet, the majority of those who voted, voted for him. Why is it so? Were the Americans that dumb? Were they not able to differentiate the good from the bad? Just pause and think. What if they have done that?

Yes, what if they have chosen the best of the two? Humans are instinctively programmed to choose good over bad. That being the case, was the loser worse than Trump and what he stood for? The answer is an overwhelming ‘yes’. Trump is simply a common sensical businessman who has his ears to the ground. As his supporters claim, he is a patriot first. A true patriot would know what made a country what it is today, and what it would take to achieve even greater heights. The success of a country is basically built on its strong foundation of values and wisdom of its people. Faith & tradition add strength to its values.

Despite all the personal flaws, the voters of the USA chose Trump only because what the loser represented was even worse. That’s it. Kamala was just a representative. Anyone in her place would have lost as well. Without those manufactured votes, the loss would’ve been colossal.

What is that Kamala represented, which got overwhelmingly rejected by the voters? I am sure it must be at odds with the fundamental values of the society that make up a country. A society is strengthened only by its core values and faith, which act as a glue to hold them together. In the name of liberalism when alien values are introduced into a society, they poison the minds leading to the slow disintegration of the society. The push for liberalism, which is nothing but a euphemism for communism is being thrust upon societies across the world. Liberalism came in many flavours like wokeism, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and LGBQT, etc. The poisoning of society was made possible by the active participation of the mainstream media.

I have noticed young mothers feeding their children by telling them to eat the food immediately otherwise a bad man will come and take them away. Such a fear psychosis introduced at a young age, continues to work its magic even with adults. The forces that are pushing for liberalism across the world, found one such bad person everywhere. Thus, societies are being taken towards disintegration, slowly and steadily, without them being aware of it.

The submissive population and pliant media emboldened the ruling class which kept pushing liberalism. This also led to widespread corruption. What they failed to realize is that there is always an inflection point. That leads to a person or party emerging as a mascot for change. India had its inflection point in 2014. Invariably such change agents have come to be called ‘right-wingers’ or ‘nationalists.’

The rise of the so-called right-wingers is being seen across the world now. In Europe, six countries namely Italy, Finland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, have hard-right parties in government. In France, it is being kept at bay by an unholy alliance of opportunists. In the Netherlands, they are gaining ground. In South America, Argentina is having a right-wing government. In Brazil, they are fast gaining ground.

The USA, long considered a leader of the free world, had enough of it. People have started seeing through the smokescreen. The architect of modern Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew was credited for his approach of bringing up one generation of people in a strict law-abiding manner so that the generations that follow inherit that quality. The forces that are pushing for liberalism took a page out of Lee Kuan Yew’s book and applied it for a different purpose. Bring up one generation of people in a perpetual confused state, bogged down by the woke virus to destabilize the society and eventually the country itself. They nearly succeeded in the USA.

The time was ripe for the inflection point. Trump, an astute businessman sensed the opportunity and presented himself as the flag bearer to restore the country from those evil forces. The rest is history.

Sathya Narayanan is an IT professional and a social commentator.

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Dravidian Model Of Education: TN Govt-Aided School Screens “GOAT” And “Vettaiyan”, Students Told To Pay

By
The Commune
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Dravidian Model Of Education: TN Govt-Aided School Screens "GOAT" And "Vettaiyan", Students Told To Pay

A government-aided girls’ higher secondary school in VK Puram, near Ambasamudram, has faced criticism following allegations of screening Tamil films for students and charging them for the viewing. The school, which serves around 1,700 students from grades 1 to 12, reportedly showed Vijay’s film ‘GOAT‘ to senior students on a TV on 9 November 2024, afternoon, while a Rajinikanth film, ‘Vettaiyan‘, was screened for younger students in grades 1 to 5.

Around 600 school students attended the screenings, with reports claiming that ₹25 was collected from each student for ‘GOAT’ and ₹10 for ‘Vettaiyan’. The charges and the nature of the event sparked controversy, with some alleging that students were coerced into paying for the film viewings. The issue gained further traction when members of the Hindu Munnani expressed concerns over whether the school had obtained the necessary permissions to show these recent films. They also criticized the school for potentially misusing school hours for financial gain and voiced their objections on social media.

In response to the growing concerns,  the Chief Educational Officer (CEO) of the district, Sivakumar, has ordered an investigation and instructed education officials to visit the school. The CEO noted that the school principal defended the screenings, claiming they were intended to help students relax and reduce stress. However, the CEO has also directed that the money collected from students be refunded.

(With Inputs From TNIE)

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Woman Fruit Vendor In Chennai Brutally Murdered After Refusing ‘Mamool’ Demand; Husband Injured In Attack

By
The Commune
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Woman Fruit Vendor In Chennai Brutally Murdered After Refusing 'Mamool' Demand; Husband Injured In Attack.

In a shocking incident in Chennai, a woman fruit vendor was brutally murdered in Tiruvottiyur on 12 November 2024, after she refused to pay alleged extortion money known as “mamool.” Her husband, who attempted to intervene, also sustained serious stab wounds. This incident has raised concerns about the resurgence of the mamool culture among criminals in the state capital and whether these offenders are being adequately checked.

The assailant, reportedly intoxicated, had a confrontation with 45-year-old fruit vendor named Gowri at her shop, demanding the extortion payment. When she refused, he pulled out a concealed knife and stabbed her in the neck. Her husband, Mari, who came to her defense, was also severely injured. The attacker attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by bystanders, who alerted the police.

Upon receiving the information, the police arrived at the scene and questioned the suspect, who was being restrained by the public. The Tiruvottiyur police subsequently arrested a 30-year-old man for the murder of Gowri. A senior officer reported that M Gowri, originally from Arambakkam village near Tada in Andhra Pradesh, operated a fruit shop on Sannathi Street in Tiruvottiyur. On the evening of the incident, while she and her husband were selling fruits, V Sekar approached them to demand money. Sekar had a history of animosity towards the couple, as Gowri had previously struck him during an altercation. When Gowri denied his request, he fatally stabbed her and injured Mari when he tried to help her.

Gowri was rushed to Government Stanley Hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Mari is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

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Man Stabs Doctor In Chennai’s Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital; DMK Health Min, Dravidianist Media And D-Stocks Wrongly Claim Attacker Is “North Indian”, Minister Later Clarifies

By
The Commune
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A doctor at Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCSSH) in Guindy, Chennai, was critically injured in a violent attack on Wednesday, 13 November 2024. Dr Balaji Jagannath, an associate professor in the Department of Oncology, was reportedly attacked by Vignesh, a man from Perungalathur, who allegedly blamed Dr Jagannath for his mother’s condition. The altercation began around 10:30 AM, when Vignesh entered the oncology department with an outpatient pass, accompanied by a group. The disagreement escalated over the treatment provided to his mother, Prema, a cancer patient, during which Vignesh allegedly slashed the doctor’s neck and inflicted several injuries. Onlookers quickly intervened, and Dr Jagannath was rushed to the ICU, where he is reported to be in critical condition.

Dr Jagannath, who is a cardiac patient and on anticoagulants, suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his neck, head, and back. According to KCSSH Director L. Parthasarathy, he was immediately taken into surgery, where a team from the Cardiothoracic, Vascular, and Neuro Surgery departments stabilized his condition.

Following the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock on social media and ordered a thorough investigation. The Chief Minister assured that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of healthcare workers. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Health Minister Ma. Subramanian visited KCSSH in response to the attack.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian Incorrectly Blames North Indians

While addressing the press about the rainy weather conditions, preparedness, etc, the reporters asked DMK Health Minister Ma Subramanian about the gruesome attack at the hospital. At this point, while it seemed he was not aware of the situation, someone goes close to the minister and apprises him of it. Replying to the question again he said, “They told me just now. Around 4 North Indians came to the hospital for treatment and attacked the doctor after locking him up in a room. Police have arrested two people, the police department will take immediate action and arrest the rest of them and take appropriate legal action.“

In reality, as mentioned above, the culprit is Vignesh, and had been captured on CCTV walking casually after stabbing the doctor several times. He is also seen dropping the weapon in an open area inside the hospital.

Dravidianist Media Also Blames “North Indians”

Thanthi TV, a prominent mainstream media blamed “north Indian youth” over the attack on the doctor.

The above X post reads: “Doctor stabbed to death at Kalaignar Centenary Hospital, Guindy, Chennai. North Indian youths stabbed the doctor saying that he did not treat the mother properly. Hospital staff who caught 4 people, beat them and handed them over to the police.”

In another tweet, Thanthi TV wrote: “Doctor gets stabbed in Chennai’s famous Kalaignar hospital. Madness of North Indian youth”

Ma Subramanian Clarifies

After visiting the hospital and taking stock of the situation, Health Minister Ma Subramanian spoke to the press. He said, “His mother was taking treatment here, he is quite used to the place and people have seen him here before. At this time, he has attacked the doctor in the room under the pretext of meeting him. I was in Pallikaranai to oversee something and was told some North Indians were involved in the attack by the director. But it is wrong, it is not North Indians. The accused is from Tamil Nadu, from Perungulathur and his name is Vigneshwaran. Police have taken him into custody and do further investigation. He thought the wrong chemotherapy treatment was given to his mother as the lungs were affected. This hospital carries out cancer therapy very well and the doctor in question has a very good name in the industry. “

Despite the clarification, Dravidianist media like Thanthi TV have not removed the posts from their X handle yet.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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“This Is Not A Murderous Crime,” Says DMK Health Minister’s On YouTuber Irfan Cutting His New Born’s Umbilical Cord 

By
The Commune
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"This Is Not A Murderous Crime," Says DMK Health Minister’s On YouTuber Irfan Cutting His New Born's Umbilical Cord.

DMK Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ma. Subramanian, who just weeks ago vowed to take severe action against Youtuber Irfan for the grave act of cutting his newborn baby’s umbilical cord in a hospital—an obvious violation of medical protocols—has now taken a surprising turn. The Minister recently stated that only a notice had been issued to Irfan and emphasized that the incident does not constitute “murder,” signalling a more lenient approach. This marks the third time Irfan has been dealt with remarkably casually, despite his repeated violations of medical laws and procedures, allowing him to remain largely unaffected by legal consequences.

DMK Minister Ma Subramanian addressed the press during his visit to Coimbatore, where he participated in various activities, including inspecting hospitals and inaugurating a new MRI lab at a government hospital. Journalists questioned the DMK Minister on recent controversy involving Youtuber Irfan and why no action had been taken against him.

In response, the Minister stated, “We have only issued a notice, and we have already taken action against the hospital. This is not a murderous crime; a fine of ₹50,000 has been imposed, and the hospital’s services have been suspended for 10 days. As for the issue, we have issued a notice to the concerned party. Is this such a big issue?”

After saying this, the minister casually stood up from his chair and walked away, seemingly avoiding further questions and any potential controversy.

Background

Tamil YouTuber Mohamed Irfan, known for frequently flouting state laws, seems to have once again escaped accountability, raising concerns about the DMK government’s leniency towards him. This troubling display sets a dangerous precedent.

The incident in question occurred when Irfan posted a video on his YouTube channel, “Irfan’s View”, filmed at a private hospital in Chennai. The video depicted Irfan cutting his newborn’s umbilical cord on camera as he and his wife, Aaliya, celebrated the birth of their first child.

Despite DMK Health Minister Ma. Subramanian’s statement over two weeks ago, vowing severe action against Irfan once he returned from abroad, no significant steps have been taken against him. Instead, the hospital involved has been penalized, but Irfan himself has faced no consequences for his actions, leading to criticism of the government’s inaction and perceived special treatment.

So far, YouTuber Irfan, sent a letter to the Health Department, expressing his respect for Tamil Nadu’s health authorities and clarifying that he never intended to cause harm. Irfan, claiming he was currently abroad, apologized for any misunderstandings and stressed that he had no intention of violating medical ethics.

However, the Health Department took immediate action against the hospital. The hospital where the procedure took place was fined ₹50,000 and its operations were suspended for ten days. Additionally, the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) revoked the Clinical Establishment Act registration of Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Sholinganallur, suspending all patient care activities for ten days, starting October 24.

An exception was made for pregnant women receiving continuous treatment at the hospital. Rajamoorthy, the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, explained that the registration was withdrawn under Section 5 (2) of the Tamil Nadu Private Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Act. The State Rural Health Department has also filed a police complaint against Niveditha, the gynaecologist at the Chennai private hospital and Irfan. Reports emerged on 5 November 2024 that she’s also been served notice by the Tamil Nadu Medical Council .

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian’s recent statement, dismissing the act as “not a murderous crime,” stands in stark contrast to his earlier comments on 22 October 2024, when he had vowed that severe actions would be taken. This shift in stance suggests that, once again, the DMK government may not pursue serious consequences. As a result, Youtuber Irfan is likely to continue posting vlogs and videos—perhaps even with Dravidian Stocks—on his channel without facing any significant repercussions for his violation of the law.

It is noteworthy that Irfan had previously faced controversy after disclosing the sex of his unborn child, following a prenatal test conducted abroad. Revealing the sex of a fetus is a violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act.

The ruling DMK, known for strictly enforcing laws against its critics, has recently faced backlash over its approach to handling YouTuber and food vlogger Mohamed Irfan. Although the party has previously arrested citizens for legal infractions, it seems to be treating Irfan differently by issuing him a show cause notice, requesting an explanation for a controversial video he posted.

Observers and political analysts suggest that influencers like Mohamed Irfan have previously helped promote DMK’s ideology within the state, particularly during election run-up.

It is noteworthy that Irfan shares a close relationship with the DMK scion. He did a public relations video with DMK scion and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in November 2022. In the video Irfan asks Udhayanidhi Stalin “You’ve become my friend now right? You’re my friend right? Give your hand bro. (shakes hand). From now on, we’re friends. Like in the film OKOK (Oru Kal Oru Kannadi starring Udhayanidhi Stalin), if I get caught by police and call you, will you help me?”

This is seen as the reason why the DMK may be hesitant to take stricter action against him.

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Sir CP Ramaswami Iyer: The Tamil Brahmin Who Shaped Modern South India & Made DMK Drop Secession Dreams

By
Baskar
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Sir CP Ramaswami Iyer: The Tamil Brahmin Who Shaped Modern South India & Made DMK Drop Secession Dreams.

Sir Chetput Pattabhiraman Ramaswami Iyer, KCSI, KCIE (12 November 1879 – 26 September 1966), commonly known as Sir CP, was a prominent Indian lawyer, administrator, and statesman, widely regarded as the most influential figure in the Madras Presidency during the years leading up to Indian Independence. Born in Madras, he attended Wesley College High School and Presidency College, later qualifying as a lawyer from the Madras Law College and joining the Madras Bar in 1903. In 1932, he completed his LLB from the London School of Economics and Political Science, furthering his contributions to India’s legal and administrative fields. He was arguably one of the most powerful Tamil Brahmins in colonial times.

Let us take a look at the multiple facets of this great son of Bharat Mata.

A Trailblazing Reformer

Sir Ramaswami Iyer introduced the Temple Entry Act in Travancore along with Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, combating untouchability and earning praise from Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi said, “The Temple Entry Act is a landmark in the history of social reform.” He is also regarded as an egalitarian and the first caste Hindu lawyer to admit a Dalit, N. Sivaraj as his junior

An Innovative Educator

The prominent lawyer brought in compulsory education. Sir Ramaswami Iyer pioneered India’s first free midday meal scheme, a precursor to later initiatives by Kamaraj & MGR. He used his influence to introduce free and compulsory education. His initiatives led to Kerala’s literacy success and set the stage for national reforms.

A Visionary Administrator

He electrified South India and established monumental projects like the Pallivasal and Pechiparai Hydroelectric Schemes, Mettur and Pykara Dams, and Lower Bhavani and laid the groundwork for Tungabhadra Dam. He was the first in India to start aluminium, fertilizer, ceramic, rayon, and other industries.

Dewan of Travancore

Travancore saw industrial, economic, cultural, and social transformation during his tenure. He abolished capital punishment, introduced an adult franchise, and was the first to appoint a lady advocate as District Judge in Travancore. He founded the University of Travancore. He created and launched the State Bank of Travancore, the Travancore Titanium Company, FACT, Indian Rare Earths, and Travancore Ceramics Ltd.

A Legal Luminary

He started life as an advocate and soon became the leader of the Original Side of Madras High Court. He handled several high-profile cases and won them, including the Ashe murder trial, Besant v. Narayaniah, the imprisonment of poet Mahakavi C. Subramania Bharathiyar, the case involving shipping magnate V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, and Pandit Motilal Nehru’s defamation suit against C.S. Ranga Iyer.

An Infrastructure Pioneer

He initiated the Cochin, Visakhapatnam, and Tuticorin Port Schemes. He was the first to nationalize road transport and built India’s first cement concrete road. He transformed Kanyakumari into the rice bowl of Travancore and championed the Ganga-Cauvery river-linking project. Under his vision, Travancore connected with India by air, making it the first princely state to do so.

A Statesman

He was Secretary of the All India Home Rule League and editor of the “New India”. He served as the General Secretary of the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in 1917-18 alongside Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He was also India’s delegate to the League of Nations in Geneva in 1926-27 and represented the country at the First Indian Round Table Conference in London in 1931. He was also India’s delegate to the 1933 World Economic Conference. He also co-founded Indian Bank and Ramakrishna Students’ Home.

Countering DMK’s Secessionist Demands

In January 1962, in response to the DMK’s growing secessionist demands, Nehru convened the National Integration Council and decided to form a committee to address regionalism. In a surprising move, he appointed Sir C. P. as the head of the committee. Despite his own call for the independence of Travancore just 15 years earlier, CP’s leadership proved effective. He proposed the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which required a mandatory oath of allegiance for election to Parliament. Faced with the possibility of a confrontation, the DMK chose to back down and abandoned its demand for separation, effectively neutralizing the threat and securing CP’s legacy.

Sir CP’s visionary approach and pioneering initiatives laid the foundation for modern India. A descendant of the esteemed Appaya Dikshitar and a Sama Vedi, he brought a forward-thinking outlook that influenced the country’s development across many fields.

Baskar is a finance professional with a keen interest in current affairs and Indian culture.

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‘ISKCON Hindus Attack Muslims’: Video Of Shocking Claims By Bangladesh Police Surfaces Amid Hindu Persecution Under Yunus Regime

By
The Commune
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In a recently surfaced undated video, Bangladeshi police are seen making statements to the press, in which they reportedly labeled the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) a “terrorist organization.” This video, shared by Radharamn Das, Vice President and spokesperson for ISKCON in Kolkata, captures police claiming that ISKCON members chanted the Hindu slogan “Jai Shri Ram,” which they allege is evidence of terrorism. The police officer added, “They chanted the slogan “Jai Shri Ram”. Besides this, we can learn through Facebook and intelligence. ISKCON Hindus are mainly the ones who attack Muslims. We have learned through various Facebook posts that ISKCON Hindus have carried out the attacks.”

This is not the first time that ISKCON has been targeted. This accusation follows remarks made earlier this month by Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh newspaper, who allegedly described ISKCON as a “militant organization” and “an agent of R&AW,” India’s foreign intelligence agency. Rahman also called for banning ISKCON in Bangladesh because they were organizing protests to fight for the rights of Hindus in Bangladesh. Following his comments, ISKCON leaders sought an apology, citing defamation and discrimination.

However, tensions escalated further when two ISKCON members were arrested days later on charges of sedition related to a recent rally in Chittagong on 25 October 2024. The Chittagong rally, held by Hindu communities calling for equal rights, sparked controversy after an image circulated online showing a flag reportedly hoisted above the Bangladeshi national flag—a move deemed seditious under Bangladesh’s laws.

Shortly after, sedition charges were filed against 19 individuals, including ISKCON’s Chittagong division organizing secretary and a coordinator from the Hindu Jagran Manch. The case was filed by a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), an opposition party critical of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration and reportedly seeking to capitalize on the charged political atmosphere.

ISKCON officials have denied any connection to the flag shown in the viral image, stating that the organization does not possess an official flag. They allege that the charges are politically motivated and that ISKCON is being unfairly targeted. Despite the apparent bias, police have proceeded with arrests. This development is part of a wider pattern of escalating scrutiny and hostility toward ISKCON in Bangladesh, evidenced by calls for the organization’s ban, defamatory allegations, and recent arrests of its members.

This surge in allegations, coupled with legal actions and arrests, points to what ISKCON claims is a politically driven campaign against the organization, with authorities allegedly neglecting to provide fair protections.

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AIADMK Gen Sec Edappadi Palaniswani Demands DMK Govt End ‘Cruel’ Use Of Students For Agricultural Survey

By
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AIADMK Gen Sec Edappadi Palaniswani Demands DMK Govt End 'Cruel' Use Of Students For Agricultural Survey. stalin anna university sexual assault case eps delimitation

The MK Stalin-led DMK Government has enlisted agricultural college students to support a large-scale digital crop survey across Tamil Nadu. However, the students report resource constraints, safety issues, and disruptions to their academic schedules. Assigned to implement the Union government’s AGRISTACK initiative, the students face a lack of travel allowances, inadequate sanitation facilities, and extensive late-night travel as they work in remote areas. Initially, the crop survey’s responsibility fell to Village Administrative Officers (VAOs). However, after VAO associations raised concerns about their workload, the task was reassigned to Agriculture Department officials a few months ago. Due to staff shortages, agricultural students from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and affiliated institutions were subsequently drafted for the survey, which was conducted via a mobile app.

As reported in The Hindu, many students cited logistical hurdles, such as the lack of correction mechanisms within the app and restricted permissions, causing issues in accurately recording crop data. “We receive no travel allowance and often reach home late at night after returning to campus for safety,” shared a second-year student. Technical issues with the app have also disrupted survey activities. “The app crashes frequently, which delays the process significantly,” said an Assistant Agricultural Officer from Pudukkottai. With the crucial samba planting season underway, department officials expressed concerns about the impact on their regular duties and the backlog accumulating as they focus on survey work.

The Union government initiated the AGRISTACK project to digitize agricultural data, with an intended budget of ₹2,817 crore, of which ₹1,940 crore is allocated for Tamil Nadu.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palanisami Condemns DMK Govt

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has condemned the DMK government for relying on students for this project, calling it an inappropriate solution that leaves students “under immense stress.” He emphasized that other states have engaged revenue departments or private agencies for similar surveys and criticized Tamil Nadu’s government for not utilizing available funds appropriately. On his official X handle, EPS wrote, “The central government has allocated funds to digitize all the details including the area of ​​agricultural land, its classification and cultivation details across the country and has advised all the states to complete this survey by April next year. While many states have undertaken this work through the revenue department or through private agencies, the incompetent Mr. @mkstalin’s DMK government is carrying out survey work with agricultural college students in Tamil Nadu, and the students’ education is being affected and they are likely to be harmed by poisonous animals like snakes and scorpions, so the parents of the students are very angry with this government; Therefore, immediately release the students of the agricultural college from this work and provide additional remuneration from the funds provided by the central government to the revenue officials to complete this work on time. I had urged Stalin through my report. But the incompetent government has not taken any action so far. In this case, today, a student studying second-year Hons (Agri) at Aravindar Agricultural Technical College/B.Sc of Tiruvannamalai district was bitten by a poisonous snake while walking on the border to carry out land survey work in Sengam Circle, Vaividanthangal village, and is admitted to Thiruvannamalai Government Hospital in critical condition. Another student was stung by a wasp and is receiving treatment, according to reports. It is not acceptable for Stalin’s DMK government to engage agricultural college students across Tamil Nadu in such dangerous work. The safety of students is very important. Instead of playing with the lives of the students, it is very cruel. Therefore, I urge the Chief Minister to immediately intervene in this matter and hand over this work to the revenue department or the private sector from the funds provided by the central government and immediately relieve the students of the agricultural college from this work. Otherwise, I warn this government that there will be a very big protest on behalf of the affected agricultural college students.”

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