At the centre of discourse in Tamil Nadu is the word “Self-respect.” This word is a moving target with various definitions. Let us explore what genuine self-respect means in the Chenbagaraman way.
Venkittan – The Policeman’s Son
Sri Chinnaswami Pillai was a police head constable in Trivandrum married to Smt. Nagammal, the daughter of the personal doctor of the ruler of Travancore, Dr. Padmanabha Pillai. These two Tamil-speaking families were from Nanjil Nadu, which included the present-day Kanyakumari district. On 15 September 1891, their eldest son, fondly called Venkittan, was born.
An intelligent boy, he was formally named Chenbagaraman and started his education at a primary school in Trivandrum. He often embarrassed his policeman father by publicly chanting Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai. He formed the Sri Bharata Mata Youth Association with the local youth and even coined the slogan “Jai Hind.”
Then came a moment when his father had to take him into custody. Being underage, the authorities decided to leave the youth away from Trivandrum and let them walk back as a punishment. The smart and quick-thinking Venkittan tricked a police vehicle into taking his group back to the town.
Meeting Sir Walter Williams Strickland, the Anarchist Baronet
Sir Strickland inherited the title 9th Baronet but formally renounced it and his British citizenship. He was multi-faceted – an anarchist according to the Imperialists, a gypsy, a bohemian, a social thinker, a botanist, and a great friend of the cause of free Bharat. He often wrote in The Indian Sociologist, the newspaper edited by Shyamji Krishnavarma.
Strickland met Chenbagaraman and his friend Padmanabha Pillai in Trivandrum. Chenbagaraman was seventeen when he, Strickland, and Padmanabhan took the German liner NGL York to Italy. In Italy, Strickland put him in Berlitz Language School in Naples to learn European languages.
Chenbagaraman moved to Zurich and joined an engineering college. He formed a group, the Pro-India Committee, and came in contact with Shyamji Krishnavarma. Later, he joined Berlin University and met staunch Indian nationalists such as Madam Cama, Lala Hardayal, and Raja Mahendra Pratap. On 31 July 1914, he created the Indian National Voluntary Corps, the predecessor of Netaji’s INA.
“Emden” Chembagaraman Pillai
Chenbagaraman Pillai joined the German Navy and served the light cruiser ship (it was not a submarine as many think), SMS Emden, as its Second Officer. This fast-moving Dresden class light cruiser mainly operated along the Indian Ocean during the First World War. Emden bombed Madras and set the oil tankers in the harbour ablaze on the evening of 22 September 1914. On the waters of Kerala, it sank five British vessels in fifteen days. Chenbagaraman Pillai and a few other sailors alighted in Kochi and dined at a Jew’s house.
Foreign Minister, Provincial Indian Government
Chenbagaraman Pillai met Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Vienna in 1919, inspiring him to form INA. He became the Foreign Minister of the Provisional Indian Government, formed in Kabul, Afghanistan, with Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh as President and Maulana Barakatullah as Prime Minister.
Friendship With Hitler And Making Enemies Of Nazis
Chenbagaraman Pillai was the only person of colour in the National People’s Party, an ally of the Nazis. He enjoyed a close friendship with Hitler. Hitler met the press on 10 August 1931. When asked about India and British rule, he responded that it was the non-Aryan Indian’s fate to be ruled over by the British. Again, on 4 December 1931, he said, “Britain losing India would not augur well for any nation, including Germany.”
An enraged Chenbagaraman Pillai sent Hitler a letter with an ultimatum to withdraw his remarks. He said, “You seem to attribute more importance to the colour of the skin than blood. Our skins may be dark, not our hearts.” Hitler apologised to the people of India. The people around Hitler didn’t take this incident kindly.
Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany in 1933. His people seized the opportunity to raid Chenbagaraman’s house, manhandle, and poison him. He took ill and moved to Italy to treat a clot in his brain. On 28 May 1934, Chenbagaraman Pillai left his mortal coil and passed away.
Karamana, Where I Shall Dissolve
As per his final wishes, his ashes were immersed in the Karamana River in Trivandrum on 17 September 1966, thirty-two years after his death. His ashes came from Bombay aboard INS Delhi, a light cruiser ship. Rear Admiral SM Nanda (Later, CNS and Admiral), the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, commanded the vessel to Cochin.
Thiruvalluvar’s following words fit the man who gave us the slogan “Jai Hind,” an epitome of self-respect who lived only forty-two short years.
“நிலவரை நீள்புகழ் ஆற்றின் புலவரைப்
போற்றாது புத்தே ளுலகு”
Tirukkural, Fame, 234
Behold the man that hath won a lasting, worldwide fame: the Gods on high prefer him even before Saints – The Kural or The Maxims of Thiruvalluvar by VVS Aiyar.
Jai Hind
Raja Baradwaj is a marketing communications professional who works with a leading technology multinational company. He is an avid reader, history buff, cricket player, writer, and student of Sanskrit and Dharma Sastra.
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Fifty-eight-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh has been identified in US media reports as the man alleged to have tried to kill former US President Donald Trump as he played golf at his Golf Course in Florida on Sunday.
Routh is said to be a resident of Hawaii, worked as a construction worker in North Carolina and has tried to recruit fighters in support of Ukraine in its defence against Russian invasions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it was investigating the incident as an “attempted assassination”.
“The FBI has responded to West Palm Beach, Florida, and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump,” the agency said in a statement.
Investigators found an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks filled with ceramic tile and a GoPro camera that Routh had abandoned. This was the second assassination attempt on Trump in just more than two months.
The first was in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 when he was hit in the right ear. The shooter, who was operating by himself, was killed by a law enforcement sniper.
The Sunday incident occurred at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach around 1:30 p.m. Investigators said a US Secret Service agent moving ahead of the former President to secure the area noticed a gun sticking out from a portion of the thick foliage around the periphery of the Golf Course.
The agent went in that direction and it was not clear yet if the suspect had opened fire. But he was about 350 to 500 yard behind — between the fifth and sixth holes — which was not out range for the scape on the rifle — between.
A witness saw the suspect, investigators said, took a picture of the car and the registration plate and he was pulled over shortly and taken into custody. “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” Trump said in a statement.
“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” The White House said in a separate statement that US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, who are both in Washington D.C., had been briefed.
“The President and Vice-President have been briefed about the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was golfing. They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team.” Harris said in a post on X she is “glad” the former President is safe. “I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
The shooting is reported to have taken place near his Palm Beach golf course. President Trump was on course and shots were fired from the trees on the periphery, CNN said. The US Secret Service personnel returned fire in that direction.
–IANS
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The Tamil Nadu government is scouting for property near the Kottapattu Sri Lankan Tamil refugee camp in Tiruchi district to build new homes for the refugees living there.
There are 107 rehabilitation camps for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in the state. Most of these camps came into existence in 1987.
The rehabilitation camps at Kottapattu in Tiruchi district and Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district are among the biggest refugee camps in the state.
The camp at Kottapattu has 470 houses and about 1,200 Sri Lankan refugees. The refugees have filed several petitions and appeals regarding the deteriorating conditions of the houses and the need to construct new ones.
After detailed studies and based on field reports of the condition of the camps, it was found that many houses in the refugee camps were unsuitable for living.
Based on this study and the inmates’ demands, the Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and the Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils has decided to build new houses at Kottapattu.
A recent high-level meeting at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat has given the go-ahead for constructing new houses. According to the information available, the state government has sanctioned Rs 30 crore for the construction of the new houses and land is being identified for this project.
Sources in the Tamil Nadu government told IANS that construction would soon commence and that the Commissionerate has already shortlisted a few lands near the present Kottapattu refugee camp. The official sources also said that the camp inmates would not be disturbed until the completion of new houses and would continue to live in the existing ones.
The officials said they would move to the new campus after allocating new houses only. It may be recalled that after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), some of the Sri Lankan Tamil refugee camps were moved away from the coastal regions to the interiors of Tamil Nadu. According to the Union Home Department, this movement prevented contact among the refugees from different camps. There were also strict restrictions imposed on these refugees on their freedom of movement.
–IANS
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Social media is outraged by videos displaying abusive and objectifying comments from Dravidian sex doctor Kantharaj. Although he portrays himself as a political analyst, his commentaries have been peddling hate against Brahmins and Hinds while attacking opposition parties like the BJP and AIADMK. His recent statements have crossed the Lakshmana Rekha, as he defends the sexual harassment faced by women in the film industry, claiming they willingly participated in the ‘casting couch’ and are now exaggerating claims.
Controversial journalist turned YouTuber Mukthar Ahmed, previously known for his role at Sathiyam News, introduced Dravidian ideologue Sex Doctor Kantharaj on his program as the brother of former Tamil Nadu Speaker Rajaram Mohan. Without any delay, the interview quickly turned towards inappropriate and double-entendre remarks.
Mukthar Ahmed started by asking, “Have you heard of ‘Adjustment’?” Dr. Kantharaj responded that he was indeed familiar with the term. Mukthar then asked if he had been approached for an adjustment, to which Kantharaj replied that it wasn’t necessary as the matter was settled by mutual consent; thus, no adjustment was needed. Mukthar countered, questioning whether this was not wrong, and Kantharaj suggested that Mukthar’s criticism stemmed from his lack of opportunity.
Dr. Kantharaj said, “It’s all part of life; is this an issue? It’s like the saying, ‘The stork that waits patiently at the sluice head leaves the small sprats alone and waits for the larger fish.’ We weren’t like that stork; we pursued the small sprats until the larger fish arrived.” When the anchor responded, noting that Dr. Kantharaj’s public statements would likely attract criticism from virtual commentators, Dr. Kantharaj drew parallels to the recent allegations made by actresses in the Tamil film industry about sexual harassment. He questioned whether he should withhold sharing his own experiences of physical enjoyment.
Dr Kantharaj ridiculed the allegations made by Tamil actresses with a lack of respect, stating, “They are claiming after 30 years that they have been ruined (sexually abused).” Mukthar added fuel to the discussion, saying, “Yes, look at that.” Dr. Kantharaj responded, “So, shall I not claim that 30 years ago, I also ruined some?” Mukthar interjected, “All are filled out.” Dr. Kantharaj replied, “Yes, all are expired.” Mukthar continued, “Now they are speaking up.” To which Dr Kantharaj retorted, “All these rusty goods are now sitting and claiming they have been abused. Is this even a topic? I find it laughable.”
Kantharaj then challenged the media, questioning why they had branded all the male actors as lustful animals and passed judgment on them for posting their pictures but had not shown the actresses who claimed in a similar light. Shamelessly, he remarked that the medical profession also has its own “adjustments,” comparable to those in the film industry, suggesting that the nature of adjustments in both fields is similar.
Dr. Kantharaj also mocked the film actresses who had voiced their experiences of sexual harassment. He claimed that their allegations of being asked to “adjust” were not instances of sexual harassment but rather reinterpreted the abuse in a more favourable light.
Shamelessly, Dr. Kantharaj made two statements that demeaned the victims who came forward. He said, “You share bed and get paid for it, only to don a chastity mask later. What’s fair in that?” He further suggested that actresses who now complain of sexual harassment are merely trying to regain their market value.
Targeting women in the film industry, he added, “She will act in films, become famous, and once her market value diminishes, she sits at home and claims she was sexually harassed.” Dr. Kantharaj continued to belittle the actresses, suggesting that if their names were not on the list of those who had been abused, they would feel less validated and claim that they, too, had been abused.
Throughout these comments, Mukthar Ahmed, the anchor, also equally provoked Kantharaj with his inflammatory remarks, expressing personal satisfaction as he shared his unfiltered views. One of his statements reduced women to mere objects of desire, “If you like a woman, only if you ask for it, you will get it, right,” He continued by suggesting that women should not question a man if he objectifies them or views them negatively, asking, “If it is wrong to ask means?” and He later added, “In such a vast cinema industry, only four have approached, while the others were virtuous.”
They both fabricated conspiracy theories, like erotic tales, suggesting that foreign shoots were also for “adjustments” and that hotel rooms used by them had hidden doors. Dr. Kantharaj claimed that actresses entering the film industry must comply with various “adjustments” related to the “casting couch.” It’s important to highlight that the term “casting couch” refers to the practice of soliciting sexual favours from job applicants in exchange for employment, particularly in the entertainment industry, specifically for acting roles.
They both implied to the audience that after actresses had performed glamorous roles and exposed their bodies, it was unjust for them to claim sexual harassment now. They questioned the fairness of this situation. Dr Kantharaj asked, “Why are you shooting a rain-drenching scene in a white dress? Only to show the body, right? In a bathing scene in the river, when she comes out of the river the body will be transparent.”
They also targeted actress Shakeela, pointing out that she had acted in adult films in the past and was now complaining about sexual harassment in the industry, which they deemed unfair. Additionally, they criticized MGR and Shivaji, with Dr. Kantharaj specifically targeting MGR. He claimed that MGR had included the most explicit content in his films, yet all the women voted for him and actresses performed glamorous roles in his movies, surpassing Shivaji’s fame in acting.
Dr Kantharaj claimed that men go to the cinema to satisfy themselves by watching the actresses on screen, whom they view as more attractive than their spouses. He argued that the difference between a sex worker and an actress is that while sex workers are considered inferior, actresses are seen as superior and are treated as leaders. Using the term “leader,” Mukthar targeted former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, demeaning her by referencing her glamorous roles.
At the end of the video, it became apparent that their previous statements had crossed the line. They then subtly recounted various Hindu myths and interpretations, attempting to simp backup from Periyarists and Dravidianists for their earlier derogatory remarks, which objectified women and indulged in satisfying themselves.
Then, Dr. Kantharaj presents Vishwamitra’s story, highlighting how, despite his rigorous penance, he fell in love with Menaka and fathered a child with her. This union is depicted in the world-famous painting by Raja Ravi Varma. Additionally, the story of Sabarimala Ayyappan is mentioned, with the claim that he was born from a homosexual union. The Tamil New Year, celebrated in April, is framed as a celebration of homosexuality, allegedly initiated by Vishnu and Naratha, who are said to have given birth to 60 babies.
Regarding Diwali, the tale of Satyabhama killing Narakasura is cited as its origin. Narakasura, according to this account, was the son of Satyabhama and Lord Krishna. However, since Satyabhama and Krishna had no children, the question arises, Who was Narakasura’s true father? Then peddled the narrative Dravidianist perspective, that the symbolism associated with Vinayakar (Ganesha) has roots in Buddhism.
One notable aspect common to both the host, Mukthar Ahmed, and the guest, Dr. Kantharaj, was their subtle criticism of actresses with opposing viewpoints. For instance, they specifically targets former chief ministers MGR and J. Jayalalitha from the AIADMK in this video, as well as actresses Kasthuri and Radhika Sarath Kumar, who support the BJP. In the video, actress Kasthuri wasn’t actually mentioned, but her glamorous image was later deliberately added to the YouTube banner to target and demean her.
He also spread gossip about DMK loyalists, including actor Suriya’s wife, Jyothika. It seems that Dr. Kantharaj is more busy on spreading abusive gossip about women rather than political analysis.
On 13 September 2024, Actress Rohini Molleti has filed a criminal complaint with the City Police Commissioner’s office against Dr. Kantharaj, accusing him of making inappropriate and insulting remarks about actresses, suggesting that they had to “adjust” to obtain roles in the Tamil film industry during a recent YouTube interview.
Dr. Kantharaj’s comments, which appeared on the YouTube channel MyIndia 24×7, have sparked significant outrage on social media. In the interview hosted by controversial anchor Mukthar Ahmed, Kantharaj allegedly made vulgar statements suggesting that actresses in the Tamil film industry had to “adjust” to secure roles, which Rohini Molleti condemns as demoralizing to women in the industry.
In her complaint, Rohini has requested legal action against Dr. Kantharaj and the removal of the video from YouTube. She argues that his remarks, made in an interview about the casting couch issue in Kollywood, are offensive and unfounded. Rohini pointed out that Kantharaj disparaged living and deceased actresses, including Manju and Shakila, without providing any evidence. She accuses Kantharaj of using sensationalist tactics to gain social media attention while disparaging the entire film industry.
Meanwhile, social media users pointed out that if YouTuber Savukku Shankar was arrested for his provocative speech and YouTuber Felix Gerald was held accountable for facilitating his remarks, both involving demeaning comments about women police personnel, then similar action should be taken against the abusive Dr. Kantharaj and the false journalist Mukthar Ahmed for their obscene comments about women.
It is noteworthy that Mukthar Ahmed is a Dravidian ‘journalist’ with ties to the DMK’s top leadership.
In a 2022 interview, the same Kantharaj made genocidal comments on Tamil Brahmins. He had said, “Youbetter go to your own country. Go there. Only you (Tamil Brahmins) were thrashed there by Chengiz Khan and Taimur. You came here whimpering.”
In another interview, Kantharaj discusses India’s 1983 World Cup win and, desperate to insert the Brahmin connection, erroneously states that Tendulkar is an Iyengar.
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Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy exuded confidence on Sunday that the Congress party would win another term in power in the state. Asserting that the 2029 elections would be “final”, he said the Congress party would win this final after making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister. Revanth Reddy was speaking after handing over the charge as the president of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) to Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud.
At a programme held at the Telangana Congress headquarters Gandhi Bhavan, Mahesh Goud took charge from Revanth Reddy, who had been holding the post of TPCC president for last three years. Stating that as the president he fought on behalf of the people for 38 months, Revanth Reddy said the central leadership entrusted the responsibility to Mahesh Goud with many hopes.
The Chief Minister said elections held so far, and the success achieved in them, was the semi-final. The party would win the final in 2029 after making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister. He mentioned that since 1994, every party won two successive elections in the state and exuded confidence that Congress would come to power for second term. Revanth Reddy said the performance of Congress government during last nine months shows that Congress delivers whatever it promises. He recalled that Rahul Gandhi had promised waiver of crops loans of up to Rs 2 lakh in Warangal declaration and within six months after coming to power the promise was fulfilled.
The Chief Minister said farmers with more than Rs 2 lakh loans should not worry. He also said that 85 crore women have availed the free bus travel scheme in the state so far. Revanth Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had imposed a burden on women by increasing the price of cooking gas cylinders, but the Congress government in the state is supplying cylinders for only Rs 500. Mahesh Kumar Goud suggested that at least two ministers visit Gandhi Bhavan every week. He said justice should be done to workers who come to Gandhi Bhavan with hopes and expectations. Stating that even small regional parties have offices in districts, the new TPCC president called for building Congress party offices in districts.
Before taking charge, Mahesh Goud reached Gandhi Bhavan in a rally from Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial at Gun Park. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers and senior leaders Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, AICC in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi, government advisor and former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir congratulated Goud on being appointed as TPCC president. All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge on September 6 appointed Mahesh Goud as the new president. Before being appointed TPCC president, Mahesh Goud was the working president. Mahesh Goud succeeded Revanth Reddy, who has been holding the dual posts since being sworn in as the Chief Minister on December 7, 2023.
Deepa Dasmunshi called for effective coordination between the government and the party. She said the party should take to people the work done by the Congress government during the last nine months. The AICC in-charge said coming elections to local bodies were a big challenge for the party and asked party leaders and workers to gear up for this. Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the Congress leaders, despite facing harassment and false cases during the 10 years of BRS rule, worked hard to bring Congress to power. He said the Congress government was committed to fulfilling all the guarantees. He listed out the guarantees already implemented by the government.
He mentioned that the government is giving Rs 400 crore to the State Road Transport Corporation to implement the scheme for free bus travel by women. He claimed that the government creates and distributes wealth among people. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Congress came to power due to hard work and sacrifices by the party workers. He claimed that Mahesh Goud’s appointment shows the party’s priority for social justice.
–IANS
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Amid allegations of anti-party activities during Lok Sabha polls by some Congress leaders, the Assam Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur on Sunday questioned how an election candidate can be involved in such things. Borthakur is one of the five leaders who were summoned by the state leadership for their involvement in anti-party activities in the Lok Sabha polls.
However, the Congress leader asked, “I was a candidate in the Lok Sabha polls and how can a candidate be involved in opposing the party?” Borthakur, who was the party’s candidate for the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat, asserted: “I have always been a dedicated worker of the Congress party. I will continue to do so in the coming days.” Borthakur also said that she has not received any show-cause notice and she got to know about this from the media. The Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) of Congress in Assam has issued show-cause notices to five senior party leaders, including three current MLAs, for alleged involvement in “anti-party activities” during this year’s Lok Sabha polls.
The five leaders were given seven days to respond to the show cause notice. Three legislators – Abdur Rashid Mondol, Rekibuddin Ahmed, Bharat Chandra Narah, Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress President Mira Barthakur, and Hailakandi District Congress Committee President Samsuddin Barlaskar were issued show-cause notices. The accusations include utilising social media platforms improperly to harm the party’s reputation and making public remarks that went against party doctrine and leadership.
Before sending out the notices, the DAC, presided over by the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Nripendra Thakuria, held lengthy discussions with party members and officials. The committee examined 56 complaints from members and candidates who ran in the elections, as well as from committees inside the party’s Block Congress and District Congress. Meanwhile, Bhupen Borah, the state Congress chief said, “This is purely an internal matter of the party. I am very much disappointed that this surfaced before the public. It must not have happened in this way. I have spoken to the other leaders of the party and everybody accepted that it should have remained within the party only.”
–IANS
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A professor at a private college in Tirunelveli was arrested for harassing a female student by contacting her late at night and inviting her to drink alcohol. The police are currently searching for another professor implicated in this incident.
The incident took place at the recently established government-aided Saint Xavier College in Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli. This college, which enrolls over 4,000 students, is known for its long-standing reputation and attracts students from various districts. The Palayamkottai campus, often called the Oxford of the South, is the main campus of this historic institution.
On the night of September 4, professors Jebastin (40) from Tiruchendur and Paulraj (40) from Thoothukudi, both from the Department of Sociology, were drinking alcohol at a hotel in Tirunelveli. In a drunken state, they called a student from their department late at night. Initially, Paulraj spoke obscenely to the student, and when Jebastin took over the call, the conversation continued in a similarly inappropriate manner. They also invited the student to join them for drinks. Disturbed, the student reported the incident to her parents, who promptly filed a complaint at the Palayamkottai Police Station on 5 September 2024.
In a surprising twist, the student’s parents requested the police to drop the case, citing concerns that pursuing the matter might negatively impact their daughter’s studies. Consequently, the police initially set the complaint aside.
However, after this information became public and organizations like Hindu Munnani threatened legal action if the professors were not arrested, top police officials took notice. Nellai City Commissioner Rupesh Meena personally oversaw the investigation, which confirmed that both professors had indeed made inappropriate calls to the student. Special Forces police arrested Jebastin the previous night, but Paulraj went into hiding upon learning of the impending police action. A manhunt is currently underway for him.
The Palayamkottai police have charged the two professors under sections 74, 75, and 79(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for their obscene behavior towards the student. The scandal has shocked both the academic community and students, given the college’s esteemed reputation. Additionally, there have been reports of previous complaints against some professors at Saint Xavier College, raising concerns that further revelations may emerge as the investigation continues.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Sunday that reservation is the conscience of the Constitution and also questioned the mindset of people who denied Babasaheb Ambedkar the conferment of Bharat Ratna and the implementation of the Mandal Commission.
Criticising those who talk of ending reservation and think that it is against meritocracy, Vice President Dhankhar underlined: “Let me assure you, reservation is the conscience of the Constitution, reservation is in our Constitution with positivity, with great meaning to bring about social equality and to cut inequities. Reservation is affirmative action. It is not negative. Reservation is not depriving someone of opportunity. Reservation is hand holding those who are pillars and strength of society.”
Dhankhar said that a pattern of prejudice against reservation has been handed over and a person holding a constitutional position who is making serialised periodic ‘anti-India rants’ on foreign soil is talking about ending reservations. “The frontal attack on the democratic constitutional values must be rebuffed,” the Vice President said while speaking at the inauguration of Samvidhan Mandir (Constitution Temple) at Elphinstone Technical High School &Junior College in Mumbai.
Criticising the flaunting of the Constitution by some, Dhankhar said that: “Constitution is not to be flaunted like a book. The Constitution has to be respected. The Constitution has to be read. The Constitution has to be understood. Merely presenting the Constitution as a book, showcasing it – at least any civilised, knowledgeable person, someone with a devoted spirit towards the Constitution, and one who reveres the essence of the Constitution – will not accept it.”
Dhankhar stated: “It is a matter of concern, a subject for reflection, and a topic for deep contemplation! The same mindset that was anti-reservation, the pattern of prejudice against reservation that has been handed over. Today, a person sitting in a constitutional position says in abroad that reservations should be abolished.” “Why the true gem (Babasaheb Ambedkar) was not awarded Bharat Ratna. It was awarded on March 31, 1990. Why was this honour not given earlier? Baba Saheb was very well-known as the architect of the Constitution. Another significant issue related to Babasaheb’s mindset is the Mandal Commission report. After this report was presented, for the next ten years, and during that decade when the country had two Prime Ministers – Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi – not a single move was made regarding this report,” he added.
Dhankar said India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru, had an anti-reservation mindset. He quoted Nehru: “I do not like reservations in any form. Especially reservations about jobs. I am against any step that promotes inefficiency and takes us towards mediocrity.”
Asking the young generation to be mindful and aware of the 21 months of Emergency, the darkest period in the history of post-independent India, he remarked, “Never forget a particular day; always remember it. It is a black day, a stain on our history. June 25, 1975, is the darkest chapter of our journey post-independence, the darkest period of our democracy.” “We celebrate Constitution Day to remind ourselves how our Constitution was created, how it establishes our rights, how it empowers us, and how it creates a system where a person from an ordinary background can become Prime Minister, a farmer’s son can become Vice President, and a tribal woman of great calibre and elegance, who has seen all the shortcomings and ground realities, can become President,” he said.
Reflecting on the need for separation of power among different organs of the state and need for all the organs to work within their limitations thus avoid becoming trigger point of political inflammatory debate, Dhankhar stated: “All organs of the state – judiciary, legislature, and executive – have a single purpose: to ensure the success of the fundamental spirit of the Constitution, to guarantee all rights to the common people, and to help India prosper and flourish.”
–IANS
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that he would resign from the post within two days. Addressing a gathering here, CM Kejriwal said he is seeking early elections, in November. He also announced that another AAP leader will be the Chief Minister till the elections conclude.
Kejriwal said the decision about the new CM would be made in a few days. “I am ready for Agni Pariksha“, said Kejriwal, adding, “Two days later, I will resign as Chief Minister. I will not sit on that chair till the people announce their verdict. Elections in Delhi are months away.”
“After 2-3 days there will be a meeting to decide the CM. Manish Sisodia and I are going to ‘Janta ki adalat’, and our future is in your hands. I urge you all to vote for me if I am honest, if not then please don’t. If the Centre questions why a government cannot function from prison, I have proven it can. I now appeal to all non-BJP Chief Ministers to not resign if falsely imprisoned by the PM. We must not resign under any circumstances. Running a government from jail is possible if we all work together. It’s not about our greed for power or the importance of the CM’s position to us. What matters is our Constitution, our country, and preserving democracy,” said Kejriwal.
Two days after he was granted bail and walked out of prison after six months, Kejriwal launched an all-out attack against the Narendra Modi government, saying it “was more dictatorial than the British.”
Earlier, AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said, “The BJP drafted a fantasy story named the ‘liquor scam’. The Supreme Court gave bail to Arvind Kejriwal and ended that story… It is a happy ending for us and a sad ending for the BJP. They thought they would keep Arvind Kejriwal jailed till the Delhi elections, but their stories were proven wrong in the court, and today, Arvind Kejriwal and I are out of jail…”
–IANS
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The Centre has no plans to impose President’s rule in West Bengal, which was hit by political violence in the run-up and the wake of the Lok Sabha elections this year, sensational crimes like the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder, and a slew of corruption allegations against senior figures of the ruling Trinamool Congress. There is no move to impose President’s rule in West Bengal, a top government source said, as the state continues to grapple with the ongoing protests by junior doctors against the ghastly crime and the latest proposed talks with the agitators and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee failing on Saturday evening.
The source also defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit last week to the residence of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud for Ganesh Puja celebrations, which had evoked criticism by some opposition parties. “Better to go openly than to go secretly,” the source said, asking if India’s judiciary “is so weak that judges will get influenced by a meeting”. “Such thinking is reflective of a weak mindset,” the source added. As Prime Minister Modi, who had donned a traditional Maharashtrian cap, reached the CJI’s residence, CJI Chandarchud and his wife welcomed him with folded hands, and all three were seen offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and performing aarti.
Opposition parties, including Congress, the NCP-SP, and the SS-UBT, had raised questions over PM Modi’s visit. Some called it “uncomforting,” and others went on to doubt the CJI’s ‘ability’ to conclude future hearings after this meeting.
The BJP quickly dismissed the baseless allegations by the INDIA bloc and cited earlier instances of meetings of the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India at various forums. Meanwhile, top sources privy to the details said that CJI Chandrachud has been sending invitations to several dignitaries as part of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, and top dignitaries from the government and judiciary are among daily visitors at his residence, especially for the evening Aarti. The government source said there had been no challenge to the Uniform Civil Code, set to be implemented in Uttarakhand in November after the hill state’s Assembly passed it in February of this year.
–IANS
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