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RG Kar Protests: Bengal Chief Secy Sends Email To WBJDF Listing Measures Taken By State Govt

By
The Commune
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RG Kar Tragedy: Junior Doctors Stage Protest In Front Of Kolkata Police Station

West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant sent an email to the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) late on Friday, with a status update on the initiatives undertaken by the state Health Department at different medical colleges & hospitals in the state in wake of the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August.

In the email, he also requested the six junior doctors to withdraw their ongoing fast-unto-death agitation which has entered the seventh day on Friday.

As per the status report, extensive infrastructural developments are underway across various medical colleges to enhance the safety and security of medical professionals. The state government is installing 7,051 CCTVs, 893 new duty rooms, and 778 washrooms at different medical colleges and hospitals in the state.

“The state government has allocated over Rs 113 crore for these projects in medical colleges alone. All tasks have been prioritised, and over 90 per cent of the sanctioned projects are nearing completion, except at RG Kar, where the necessary NOC from the investigating authorities was received just two days ago. It is expected all ongoing projects will be completed by October 15, 2024,” read the status report, a copy of which is available with IANS.

The state government claimed that to ensure comprehensive stakeholder involvement, a Stakeholders Committee has been established in every medical college and hospital, comprising Heads of Departments, senior and junior doctors, and nursing staff. At the same time, it added, the state government has constituted a state-level Grievance Redressal Committee. Any grievances, complaints or issues of concern from healthcare stakeholders can be reported to the State Grievance Redressal Committee via email.

Other initiatives taken by the state government in this regard, as claimed in the status report, include a committee for security audit of all medical colleges and the assigning of 1,113 dedicated woman constables for medical colleges and hospitals, among others.

–IANS

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Telangana Issues Orders To Conduct Caste Survey

By
The Commune
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Telangana's Judicial Commission On SC Sub-Categorisation To Submit Report In 60 Days

It was announced on Friday that the Telangana government will undertake a comprehensive door-to-door household survey (socio, educational, economic, employment, political, and caste survey) of the entire state.

A Government Order (GO) issued on Friday says the survey shall be completed within 60 days.

According to the GO issued by Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, the Planning Department has been designated as the nodal department to conduct the survey.

The GO mentioned the resolution passed by the state Assembly to conduct the survey according to the decision taken by the Council of Ministers.

“Government after careful consideration, hereby orders to take up a comprehensive door-to-door household survey (socio, educational, economic, employment, political and caste survey) of entire Telangana so as to plan and implement various socio, economic, educational, employment and political opportunities for the amelioration of Backwards Classes, SC and ST citizens of the state and other weaker sections of the state,” the GO read.

Meanwhile, the state Government has also constituted a one-man Commission of Inquiry to conduct a study on sub-classification within Scheduled Castes reserved categories and to examine various aspects associated with the issue.

The Government has appointed Dr Justice Shameem Akhter, former judge of the Telangana High Court, as a one-man commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act. The Scheduled Castes Development Department on Friday issued a Government Order in this regard.

The Commission has been asked to submit its report within 60 days.

The government constituted the commission on the recommendation of a committee constituted to study the judgement of the seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on the sub-classification within Scheduled Castes reserved categories. Headed by Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the six-member committee on October 9 recommended the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry for sub-classification within Scheduled Castes reserved categories based on the Supreme Court judgment of August 1.

-IANS

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Fugitive Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik Publicly Apologises For PIA Comment, Faces More Backlash In Pakistan

By
The Commune
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Zakir Naik, the fugitive Islamic preacher, on Friday apologised for his recent remarks on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) even as his controversial statements during the ongoing tour of Pakistan continue to draw severe criticism from people all over the country. Earlier this week, a video of Naik went viral on social media, in which he was seen ridiculing PIA for levying excess baggage charges while travelling to Pakistan last month.

“I was coming to Pakistan. Our luggage was 1000kg. I spoke to the PIA CEO. The station manager told me that he would do anything for me. I replied, ‘I have 500 kg to 600 kg extra luggage.’ He offered me a 50 per cent discount. I made it clear to him to give it for free or leave it,” Naik said during one of his lectures in Karachi. “I am let off for free in India as they waive 1000-2000 kg on seeing me. And here, in Pakistan, where I am a guest of the government and ‘state guest’ is stamped on my visa, the CEO is offering me a 50 per cent discount. I felt so disappointed. I told them I do not want your discount… I feel bad but this is the truth, this is the state of affairs in Pakistan,” he had added. Naik’s comments did not go down well with Pakistanis, including his radical followers. “Whoever invited Zakir Naik, please don’t invite him again! PIA should’ve asked for FULL price though. No real Islamic preacher would ever ask for special treatment—or at the very least, they wouldn’t complain about it in public when they don’t get it!” a Pakistani content creator posted on X.

“This man Zakir Naik thinks 13-14 years old orphan girls are ‘khawateen’ (grown- ups) and he can’t share the stage with them. He publicly criticizes national airlines for denying luggage fee waiver, also says that women who choose to remain unmarried instead of becoming a second wife to someone are public property (bazaari). He also snubs a Pukhtun girl for asking a legit question about pedophilia. Despite all this, gained some more followers, and some brain dead people are defending him, clearly we as a nation are MAGNET for arrogant people & women haters. State should invite reasonable people, we already have plenty of these roaming on the streets. Yeh Wrong Number Hai!” wrote Absa Komal, a journalist and a fighter for gender equality in Pakistan.

Realising that his comments have sparked a major backlash, Naik issued a public apology while insisting he had almost forgotten about it as his ultimate goal is to attain a “passport to paradise” instead of focusing on such worldly matters. “If my words have caused discomfort to my Pakistani brothers, I sincerely apologise,” he told the audience during an event. However, Naik – wanted by India on charges for spreading religious hate and extremism along with alleged involvement in money laundering cases – continues to face flak in Pakistan for promoting his jihadist mentality. He has been courting controversy ever since his arrival at the Islamabad International Airport on September 30 along with his son Sheikh Fariq Zakir on a comprehensive tour of Pakistan at the invitation of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“We truly don’t deserve someone like Zakir Naik, an ignorant, outdated, and extremist person who wouldn’t even fit in the Stone Age. If he’s your ideal, lock yourself up, or even a glance at a na-mahram will send you to hell,” a Pakistani social media influencer wrote on X Friday. “I want to apologise that 15-20 years ago, due to my lack of knowledge and immaturity, I was very impressed by him. However, today I feel deeply ashamed, and I declare that Zakir Naik is just as vile and corrupt as other religious clerics,” he added.

–IANS

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Vijay Sethupathi Shares Misattributed Ratan Tata Quote, Gets Fact-Checked By Netizens

By
The Commune
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Vijay Sethupathi Shares Misattributed Ratan Tata Quote

In his attempt to express condolences for the late business tycoon Ratan Tata, Dravidianist actor and Bigg Boss Tamil host Vijay Sethupathi shared a quote attributed to Ratan Tata that was, in fact, never said by him, leading to widespread mockery online. Netizens quickly corrected him, sharing an old video of Tata debunking the quote.

Ratan Tata, the esteemed Indian industrialist and philanthropist, passed away on 9 October 2024, prompting an outpouring of tributes on social media from people across various sectors, accompanied by his photographs and well-known quotes.

In a tribute to Ratan Tata, Vijay Sethupathi posted a quote: “I don’t believe in making right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.” This statement did not resonate well, particularly given the actor’s previous comments aligning with Dravidianist views.

Critics pointed out his mistake by sharing a clip where Tata clarifies that the quote was never his own, stating, “I’m sorry. I am going to upset you. Facebook or Twitter made that statement. I never made the statement. It became a default statement.” Other netizens mocked and ridiculed him, taking the opportunity to highlight his error and question his credibility.

Below are some of the trolls made at Kollywood actor

 

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Karaikal District Deputy Collector Johnson Arrested In Sri Parvatheeswarar Swamy Temple Land Forgery Scandal

By
The Commune
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Karaikal District Deputy Collector Johnson Arrested In Sri Parvatheeswarar Swamy Temple Land Forgery Scandal

The ongoing investigation into the Sri Parvatheeswarar Swamy Devasthanam land forgery case has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest of the District Deputy Collector Johnson, who originally filed the complaint, raising serious concerns about his signature was used to sell temple land.

The renowned Sri Parvatheeswarar Swamy temple is situated in the Kovilpathu revenue village of Karaikal district, Puducherry. A fraudulent order purporting to allocate temple land to the tourism department as part of a smart city initiative and the ONGC has circulated widely on social media.

Deputy Collector (Revenue) Johnson reported that his forged signature and seal were used in documents that misled buyers into acquiring temple property. Additionally, a complaint was lodged on behalf of the Hindu Munnani with District Collector Manikandan and the Puducherry Governor, alleging governmental and political interference in the land scam and demanding the arrest of the actual perpetrators.

In response, special police forces apprehended two brokers, K. Sivaraman and P. Thirumalai Rajan, who deceived victims into paying ₹3 lakh for falsely advertised land sales. The primary suspect, JCP Anand, who allegedly masterminded the fraudulent sales using counterfeit documents, is currently evading arrest, prompting authorities to issue a lookout notice for him. Based on leads provided by Anand, the police have filed cases against B. Anand, land surveyor Renukadevi, and others involved in the scam.

G. Renuka, 41, a Deputy Surveyor with the Karaikal Municipality, has been accused of fabricating official documents, including patta certificates and government orders, to facilitate the illicit sale of temple land near the JIPMER Campus in connection with the Smart City Project. During her interrogation, Renuka claimed that the scheme was orchestrated under Deputy Collector Johnson’s direction. Authorities also seized various documents and mobile devices from him.

Renuka admitted to leveraging her official position to access and forge land records. The police discovered forged patta documents and related materials at her home, along with equipment used for the forgeries. As a result, special police forces arrested Deputy Collector Johnson at his office, and investigators, led by the Senior Superintendent of Police, conducted a lengthy inquiry in a secure location at the women’s police station. They also confiscated Johnson’s mobile devices for cyber analysis.

Senior Superintendent of Police Manish characterized the incident as a “premeditated criminal conspiracy,” indicating that additional suspects may still be involved. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to track down the remaining individuals implicated in the case and to advance the investigation.

(With Inputs From Kumudam)

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“Promoting Secessionism, Seeking Military Assistance From Pak, Overthrow Indian Govt Through Jihad”: NIA Seizes Incriminating Materials From House Of Hizb-Ut-Tahrir Terror Suspect In Chennai As MHA Declares It As A Terrorist Outfit

By
The Commune
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hizb-ut-tahrir nia

On 10 October 2024, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi, officially designated the Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) organization as a terrorist group. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated, “In line with PM Modi’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, the MHA has declared Hizb-Ut-Tahrir as a Terrorist Organization.”

The government highlighted that HuT is involved in numerous terror-related activities, including radicalizing impressionable youths to join extremist groups and fund terror operations, thereby posing a significant threat to India’s national security and sovereignty. Shah emphasized the government’s dedication to combating terrorism decisively.

In its official announcement, the Ministry of Home Affairs explained that HuT seeks to establish a global Islamic state and Caliphate, intending to overthrow democratically elected governments through jihad and terror, which undermines India’s democratic framework and internal security. The MHA also noted that HuT is active in radicalizing vulnerable youth to join groups like ISIS and uses social media and encrypted apps to promote terrorism among young individuals.

This ban comes days after arrest of seven individuals from Tamil Nadu and a move that was considering a ban on HuT earlier in 2023 following a bust of its terror module by the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad and its classification by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

NIA’s Investigation into Tamil Nadu Hizb-ut-Tahrir

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Chennai has arrested recently Faizul Rahman, a key suspect and State Amir of Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, marking the seventh arrest in an ongoing investigation into a conspiracy promoting secessionism and anti-India ideology. This case is centered around a plot led by Hameed Hussain and others, aiming to establish a Khilafat by violently overthrowing the Indian government and seeking military support from Pakistan for the liberation of Kashmir.

Rahman is accused of collaborating with other detainees to propagate secessionist views and solicit external military assistance. The NIA’s investigation revealed that he and his associates used social media to spread their extremist propaganda, labeling voting as ‘un-Islamic/haram’ in accordance with Hizb-ut-Tahrir’s beliefs.

Prior arrests included six individuals detained by the Chennai Cyber Crime Police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for recruiting for HuT in Royapettah. This group included Dr. Hameed Hussain and several family members. Investigations showed they were utilizing YouTube campaigns to further their recruitment efforts.

Following these developments, the NIA took over the case in July 2024 and conducted raids across multiple locations, seizing various electronic devices and documents linked to Hizb-ut-Tahrir and its ideologies. The ongoing inquiry focuses on the financial activities of the arrested individuals, aiming to trace funds and identify additional potential conspirators.

The National Investigation Agency has carried out searches at the Chennai home of Faizul Rahman, a major suspect in the case. These thorough searches led to the recovery of various incriminating items, including electronic devices and documents.

According to the NIA, the arrested accused from Chennai had been actively involved with other accused in promoting secessionism and seeking military assistance from Pakistan to liberate Kashmir. It also added that a conspiracy was hatched to overthrow the Government of India through violent jihad.

The NIA noted that the conspiracy involved secret meetings to spread the divisive ideology of HuT and carry out several campaigns throughout Tamil Nadu to promote their secessionist agenda.

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Fake Claims Of Communists Against Samsung’s Facilities Busted

By
The Commune
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CITU Samsung Protests: A Trojan Horse For China's Manufacturing Dominance?

The recent protests at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur facility near Chennai, spearheaded by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), have sparked controversy. While the CITU claims to be fighting for workers’ rights, critics argue that the protests are more about advancing the union’s agenda than genuinely addressing worker concerns at the Samsung factory.

The labor unrest, which has garnered support from political allies of the ruling DMK, including the VCK and Communist parties, has raised questions about the strike’s real motivations. The CITU is pushing for a union with Muthukumar, a CITU district head for Kanchipuram, as its leader even though Samsung does not employ him. This demand and the creation of unions in 25 other companies highlight the trade union’s aggressive efforts to expand its influence.

Documents reveal that the CITU applied in July 2024 to register a union at the Sriperumbudur facility. However, Samsung raised concerns about using its name in the proposed union’s title. The matter escalated when the CITU took the case to the Madras High Court. Despite the court’s intervention and the government’s promise to abide by the ruling, the CITU resisted Samsung’s objections.

Critics of the CITU argue that such unions have a history of damaging businesses in India. They cite examples like Pricol in Coimbatore, where a similar union-led protest turned violent, leading to the tragic death of a company executive in 2009 and the eventual relocation of half of the company’s operations. In Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself admitted that CITU’s aggressive tactics have deterred industries from investing in the state, urging the union to adopt more modern approaches.

Samsung is determined to avoid the fate of companies like KITEX, Porkkali Steels, and Binny Mills, which have suffered under union pressure in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The company’s refusal to allow the formation of a union is seen as a defense against the kind of disruption that nearly crippled Foxconn in 2010 due to similar protests. Samsung, like many other companies, is exercising its right to protect its business interests in the face of what it views as politically motivated interference.

Allegations

The allegations of poor working conditions at Samsung, including inadequate sanitation and commuting facilities, have also come under scrutiny but they all fell flat. Detractors argue that these claims are exaggerated, pointing out the hypocrisy of communist publications like TheeKathir, which pay meager wages despite advocating for labor rights.

Core Agenda of the Agitation

The protesters’ primary focus is their demand for the official recognition of the newly established Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU), affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), a left-oriented labor organization linked to the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Samsung has opposed this demand, asserting that it does not support unions participating in collective bargaining alongside external leaders. Additionally, the state labor department has not acted on the workers’ request to register their union.

Political Implication and Investor Climate

The Sriperumbudur facility, operational since 2007, has never faced such protests before. Samsung’s current stance appears to be influenced by recent developments in its global operations, they follow a “No Union Policy”. N. Muthukumar, the Kancheepuram district secretary of CITU and leader of the proposed SIWU, oversees several other CITU unions within the Sriperumbudur industrial region leads this protest to have a union in the facility.

Historically, both CITU and the CPI(M) have backed the MK Stalin-led government, but this strike has strained that alliance. CITU has called for a one day token strike on 21 October across the northern industrial area, which comes at a precarious time for the state government. Just last month, CM Stalin was in the United States promoting Tamil Nadu as an investment destination while announcing various investment agreements when news of the unrest surfaced.

Importance of Samsung India

For Samsung, the Sriperumbudur plant is vital, generating approximately one-third of its annual revenue in India. The facility manufactures appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions, making this strike one of the largest labor disruptions the company has faced in the country.

While contract workers, who comprise a significant part of the 5,000-strong workforce, are not participating in the strike, overall production has noticeably decreased, with reports indicating a reduction of at least 50%. Samsung has maintained that the strike is not related to wages or working conditions, which they assert have already been addressed, but rather a bid by CITU to assert control over the workforce.

Samsung India’s Recent Commitments

  • On 8 October 2024, Samsung India signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with a group of workers, addressing various demands and aiming to resolve the ongoing strike that began on 9 September 2024.
  • The company has pledged to enhance the work environment for its employees and will establish a committee to engage with workers on measures to improve wage competitiveness continuously.
  • Additionally, they will introduce a special incentive of ₹5,000 per month from October 2024 to March 2025, with details to be finalized through discussions with the workers’ committee.
  • Samsung also plans to expand its air-conditioned bus service from five routes to all 108 routes by next year and increase the frequency of family invitation events from four to six times annually, offering gifts worth ₹ 2,000 to participating families.
  • In the event of an employee’s death, the company will provide immediate assistance of ₹ 1 lakh to their family.
  • Furthermore, Samsung intends to establish a new medical room in the compressor building, diversify the cafeteria menu, raise meal allowances, upgrade break rooms and restrooms, replace outdated lockers, install canopies between buildings, and increase vacation days for workers.
  • They will also give a ₹2,000 gift card to employees upon the birth of a child.
  • The company announced the introduction of three days of marriage leave and will extend paternity leave from three to five days for the first and second child, with further vacation policy changes to be discussed with the workers’ committee.

Critics contend that the communists are simply flexing their power like thugs against a multinational corporation that has genuinely cared for its employees, even providing support during the difficult COVID period. The company has offered 15 months’ salary, a 15% salary increase, medical insurance of ₹5 lakh, as well as free meals and transportation.

If this approach persists, Tamil Nadu may face significant shift away of companies, leading to a lack of businesses and investments, ultimately resulting in widespread unemployment.

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Congress Blames EVMs For Haryana Setback, Calls For Return To Paper Ballots

By
The Commune
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Congress Blames EVMs For Haryana Setback, Calls For Return To Paper Ballots

Hours after Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury attributed the party’s loss in Haryana elections to ‘internal disputes’ within the Grand Old Party, his senior colleague Rashid Alvi responded that the poll debacle was not just a result of internal sabotage but also due to the unreliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Alvi also advocated reverting to the old system of paper ballots. “Until elections are conducted using ballot papers, free and fair polls are impossible in this country,” said Alvi.

“I acknowledge that during elections, there is often internal sabotage. Those who don’t get tickets tend to oppose the party. This doesn’t happen only in the Congress; it occurs in all political parties. But what happened in Haryana is not just a result of internal sabotage or Independent candidates. I’ve been saying for a long time that EVMs are unreliable,” the Congress leader said.

He further continued, “This happens in all parties, whether it’s the Congress, the BJP, or others. No party is religiously working selflessly without expectations. Political parties have their own agendas. We have witnessed major internal conflicts, just like the great Mahabharata, and power struggles have been a significant cause of it.”

“In Haryana, some Congress members likely engaged in internal sabotage, and I do not doubt that. But the massive victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which hasn’t been seen in years, what extraordinary feat did they accomplish to secure such a huge win? Surely, EVMs played a role in it,” alleged the Congress leader.

Dwelling on the Maharashtra Cabinet’s recent move to increase the salaries of madrasa teachers, Alvi applauded the initiative. He said, “All teachers, whether they teach in schools, madrasas, or colleges, should be paid at least enough to support their families. I would suggest that Yogi Adityanath learn from this.”

Commenting on NCP chief Ajit Pawar leaving the Maharashtra Cabinet meeting after just ten minutes, the Congress leader said, “He must have many unfulfilled desires, which is why he is always frustrated, whether he is with the BJP as an alliance partner or with his uncle Sharad Pawar.” –IANS

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Karnataka Congress Govt DIPR Uses Navratri Festival Social Media Post To Target Opposition Parties, BJP Slams

By
The Commune
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Karnataka Congress Uses Navratri Festival To Target Opposition Parties, BJP Slams

The Karnataka BJP slammed the Congress government in the state on Friday, saying it “misused” the Navratri festival for political gains.

State Department of Information and Broadcasting released a poster with the caption “Victory of truth against evil forces and prayer to protect the government from the forces which are trying to destabilise it.”

In a post on social media platform X, State BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra wrote, “Navaratri, dedicated to worshipping the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga, has been misused by corrupt Chief Minister and Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam prime accused, Siddaramaiah, for his political gains, which is unforgivable.”

“CM Siddaramaiah, by issuing such advertisements, the sins and corrupt acts you have committed will not be forgiven. Lord Rama represents truth, but CM Siddaramaiah embodies cosmic falsehood. Lord Rama distanced himself from Sita to search for truth. If you (Siddaramaiah) wish to walk that path, you should resign from the Chief Minister’s post and allow an investigation for truth-seeking,” Vijayendra said.

The poster said, “Let the goddess Chamundeshwari contain forces that are trying to destabilise the Karnataka government through deceit and wrong path.” It said communal violence, social stigmas, evil deeds, subversiveness, provocation, unrest, propaganda, lies and slander should be eliminated on Navratri.

“Communal clashes will have to be contained through peace and brotherhood, social stigmas through scientific knowledge, and breach of peace through destroying those who disturb the peace and evil deeds by stringent punishment. Subversiveness by courage, unrest through the law-and-order system; provocation through destroying those who provoke; false propaganda by taking out from its roots and slander by initiating action against them,” it said.

The poster contained the photos of goddess Chamundeshwari, CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar.

–IANS

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Brass Buddha, Patan Patola And More: PM Modi’s Gifts For Laos PM, Prez And Their Spouses

By
The Commune
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Brass Buddha, Patan Patola And More: PM Modi’s Gifts For Laos PM, Prez And Their Spouses

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented several gifts, including beautiful Buddha sculptures, handicrafts, and other exquisite items, to his Laos counterpart, the country’s President, and their spouses.

The gifts followed a bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers, underlining the two nations’ resolve to strengthen Indo-Laos civilisational and contemporary ties.

PM Modi gifted Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith a vintage brass Buddha with mina work. Crafted by skilled artisans, the Buddha statue embodies the essence of South Indian craftsmanship and Buddhist philosophy.

The statue is depicted in a seated posture, with one hand raised in a gesture of blessing, commonly referred to as the abhaya mudra, symbolising protection, peace, and fearlessness.

The other hand rests on the lap, denoting deep meditation or serenity. The vintage brass Buddha, with its delicate mina work, is not just a representation of spiritual ideals but also a testament to the rich heritage of South Indian metalwork.

It serves as both a devotional object and an art piece, bridging religious symbolism with fine craftsmanship. PM Modi’s gift to the President’s spouse Naly Sisoulith was a Patan Patola scarf in a sadeli box.

The double Ikat Patan Patola textile, woven by the Salvi family in the Patan area of northern Gujarat is so well crafted that it becomes a feast of colours, with the front and the back being indistinguishable.

The Patan Patola is packed in a ‘Sadeli’ box, which in itself is a decorative piece. The art of Sadeli inlay has a rich history dating back several centuries. It is believed to have originated in Gujarat’s Surat.

A highly skilled woodcraft, Sadeli involves precisely cut geometric patterns on wooden articles. Patola is a term derived from the Tamil word “Pattu” meaning silk fabric and can be traced back to ancient times.

The complex motifs placed in this exquisite fabric are inspired by the ‘Rani ki Vav’, a stepwell in Patan, built in the 11th century AD, which is an architectural marvel known for its precision, details and beautiful sculptural panels.

PM Modi’s gift to Laos counterpart Sonexay Siphandone and his spouse included a Kadamwood colour embossed Buddha Head and an exquisite malachite and camel bone box with Radha-Krishna theme, respectively.

The Kadamwood colour-embossed Buddha’s head is a striking piece of art that beautifully marries traditional craftsmanship with symbolic significance. This exquisite sculpture captures the essence of serenity and enlightenment, making it a perfect addition to any spiritual or decorative space. Crafted from high-quality Kadamwood, known for its durability and rich texture, this Buddha head features intricate colour embossing that brings the figure to life. The craftsmanship is exceptional, with detailed engravings that showcase a harmonious blend of artistry and spirituality. This piece is further enhanced by engravings of lotus flowers and elephants, both of which hold deep symbolic meaning in many cultures.

The lotus flower symbolises purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment. It is often associated with the journey of the soul, rising from muddy waters to blossom into a beautiful flower. The malachite and camel bone box with the Radha-Krishna theme is a stunning piece. Radha and Krishna hold a special place in Hindu mythology, symbolising love, devotion, and the eternal bond between the divine and the devotee.

This box not only serves as a decorative piece but also as a reminder of the spiritual connection and the beauty of divine love. The exquisite piece with the abiding theme is more than just an ornamental object; it is a celebration of art, culture, and spirituality. Its unique design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a timeless piece that will be treasured for generations. –IANS

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