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Thirumukkudal Perumal Temple: A 950-Year-Old Chola-Era Temple That Also Functioned As A Hospital

By
The Commune
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In a remarkable discovery, Dr. Vanjiyoor K. Panneerselvam, head of the Tamil Epigraphy Department of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has unveiled detailed information about a 950-year-old temple that also functioned as hospital during the Chola dynasty. According to a report by BBC Tamil, Dr. Panneerselvam shared the historical significance and operational details of the Adular Salai hospital located at Thirumukkudal.

Dr. Panneerselvam explained the etymology of “Adular Salai,” breaking it down into “Adular” meaning one who is ill, and “Salai” meaning a medical institution, effectively making it a medical facility for the sick. He further detailed the land donations made in names such as Vaidya Virupthi, Vaidya Bhagam, Vaidya Bhogam, Vaidya Kani, and Adular Salaipuram, which were used to maintain the hospital and pay the salaries of its medical staff.

Thirumukkudal, situated on the banks of the Palar River at the confluence of the Palar, Cheyyar, and Vegavathi rivers, is where this ancient hospital was located. The Venkatesa Perumal temple here housed the Adular Salai hospital during the Chola rule, around A.D. 1068. An inscription on the eastern wall of the temple’s first prakara features a statue of Rajakesari Virarajendra Chola, detailing the establishment and functioning of the hospital.

Dr. Panneerselvam elaborated on the operations of Adular Salai based on these inscriptions, revealing that it provided medical care to temple workers and students of Vedic studies. The hospital had 15 beds for in-patients and was staffed by a team of seven: a doctor, a surgeon, two pharmacists, two nurses, and a public servant. Surgical treatments, referred to as Salliyakriya, were provided for major injuries, while pharmacists managed and dispensed medicines.

The detailed inscriptions also mention the roles of general physicians and their assistants, including salary details and the types of food served to patients. Notably, the hospital functioned in a part of the temple known as “Janatha Mandapam.”

Dr. Panneerselvam highlighted the names of various medicines used at the hospital, many of which are still in use today. These medicines include 1. Brahmayam Kadumbapuri 2. Vasaritaki 3. Gomutra Karithakai 4. Dasamoola Haritaki 5. Pallathaka Haritaki 6. Kandiram 7. Balageranda Oil 8. Cotton Balm 9. Lasunagayeranda oil 10. Uttama Karinnadi Tailam 11. Sukla Sikritam 12. Bilwadi Giridham 13. Mandukaravadigam 14. Thravathi 15. Vimalai 16. Zunori 17. Tamrathi 18. Vajrakalpa 19. Kalyanalavanam 20. Puranagiritham with descriptions and their corresponding ailments detailed in the Ayurvedic text ‘Sarakar Samhita’.

Additionally, Dr. Panneerselvam pointed out that similar hospitals, referred to as Adular Salai, operated in various locations under the Chola reign, including Chidambaram and Mayiladuthurai. Epigraphic evidence also indicates the existence of Adular Salai hospitals in Koil Devarayanpettai near Nannilam in Thanjavur district and at the Agnipureeswarar temple in Tirupugalur near Nannilam.

Thirumukkoodal Sri Appan Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal

Thirumukkoodal, a name derived from the confluence of the Palar, Vegavathi, and Cheyyar rivers, is revered as a sacred site akin to the Ganges. The confluence, known as Triveni Sangamam, holds the same sanctity as the Prayag, where a dip in the waters is believed to purify the soul. Nestled on the riverbanks, the temple offers a picturesque vista, with its precincts gracing the river’s edge. On one side of the river stands the ancient Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar temple in Pazhaya Seevaram, while the Sri Appan Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple adorns the opposite bank. The latter, boasting a history that stretches back to the 9th century, is a testament to the architectural endeavors of Raja Thondaimaan Chakravarthy, the ruler of Thondai Mandalam with its capital at Kanchipuram.

Legend narrates that King Thondaimaan, en route to Thirupathi for a divine audience with Lord Venkatesa Perumal, was divinely instructed to postpone his pilgrimage to defend his realm against an impending invasion. Following his victorious return, the king was graced by the Lord with His Sanku (Conch) and Chakra (Wheel), symbols that later disappeared only to be reinstated by Sri Ramanujar at the deity’s behest. It was here, at Thirumukkoodal, that the king received the Lord’s blessing in a standing posture, a departure from His usual reclining form. Overwhelmed with joy, the king embraced the deity, exclaiming ‘Appaney Venkatesa’ (Oh My Father Venkatesa!), bestowing upon the Lord the name ‘Appan Venkatesa Perumal’. It is said that this very king constructed the temple, as well as others in Thirupathi and Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor, known as the Southern Thirupathi.

The main idol, Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal, stands regally, receiving adoration from Brigu Maharishi, Sri Markandeyar, and Sri Bhumadevi. The temple is also distinguished by its three sacred trees, Devadhaari, Vanni, and Sandhanam (Sandal). Celebrations like Kanchipuram Sri Varadaraja Perumal’s Parvettai and Vaikunda Ekadasi are observed with great fervor, drawing devotees to witness the deities’ joint appearance on ‘Kaanum Pongal’ Day and to honor the temple’s goddess, Sri Alarmel Mangai Thaayaar, who has her own dedicated shrine.

Guarded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the temple’s walls are adorned with inscriptions from various eras, including those of Raja Raja Chola I and Rajendra Chola. These inscriptions chronicle the temple’s storied past and the generous endowments it received. A medical facility, named after King Veera Chozhan and staffed with a dedicated team including a physician named Kodhandaraman Aswathaaman Bhattan, once served the temple community. The inscriptions provide a detailed account of the hospital’s operations, including the salaries of its staff and the medicines it stocked.

 

(Image Credit: Dharsanam Blog)

The temple also played a role in the spiritual life of the community, with provisions for the recitation of ‘Thiruvaimozhi’ during the Chola period. Historical records place Thirumukkoodal within the subdivision of Madhuranthaka Chathurvedhimangalam, now known as Madhuranthakam, which was part of the Kalathur Kottam district within Jayamkonda Chola Mandalam.

(With inputs from BBC Tamil)

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Chennai Smuggler’s ISIS Connection Revealed In Recent Terror Module Bust In Gujarat

By
The Commune
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Recent inquiries have uncovered connections between a Chennai-based individual, acting as “sparrow,” (clandestine smugglers) and the terrorist group ISIS. On 20 May 2024, the anti-terrorist squad in Gujarat apprehended four individuals linked to ISIS who had traveled from Sri Lanka to Ahmedabad via Chennai.

Subsequent investigations and cybercrime analysis led to the confiscation of firearms from multiple locations. Further probing indicated plans to launch attacks in Gujarat, including suicide bombings. The investigation is now exploring potential links between the Chennai “sparrows” and associates in Ahmedabad.

In this regard, the Tamil Nadu Police’s recently established Anti-Terrorism Unit, is actively investigating the case. The arrest of Mohammad Nasrat, along with Mohammad Nafran, Mohammad Faris, and Mohammad Rashidin, all originating from Sri Lanka, brought to light Nasrat’s role as a “sparrow” in Chennai. Notably, Mohammed Nasarat was found to have worked with ISIS through the banned National Thowheeth Jama’ath a banned Islamic terror outfit that aimed to Convert Sri Lanka into an Islamic caliphate.

The investigation has verified their association with a prohibited organization in Sri Lanka, which has ties to ISIS. Notably, Nasrat is known to frequently visit Chennai for business dealings. It has been revealed that gold smuggling into Chennai has been ongoing for the last three years. Moreover, Nasrat’s recent trips to Mumbai have prompted a thorough investigation to determine if his connections with ISIS in Chennai have expanded.

(With Inputs From ETV Bharat)

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Madurai Bench Of Madras High Court Calls For Equal Treatment Of All Religions, Calls For Bringing Church Properties Under Registration Act

By
The Commune
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The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court recently underscored India’s commitment to secularism, emphasizing the need for the State to treat all religions equally.

Justice GR Swaminathan noted that under Section 22-A of the Registration Act, 1908, which deals with the ‘refusal to register certain documents,’ properties owned by churches do not receive the same legal protection as Wakf properties or those managed under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.

Justice Swaminathan expressed concern over the unlawful alienation of church properties, stating, “I have personally come across quite a few cases wherein church properties have been illegally and unlawfully alienated.” He pointed out the inconsistency in the Registration Act, which protects properties under Hindu and Islamic laws but excludes church properties. He suggested that this disparity exists because specific legislation covers Hindu and Wakf properties, while similar laws for church properties are absent.

Justice Swaminathan proposed that “the time has come to include church properties within the scope of Section 22-A of the Act.” These remarks were made during a writ petition filed by Shalin, who challenged the Sub Registrar of Tiruppathur in Sivagangai District for refusing to register a property he had purchased.

The Sub Registrar argued, citing a 2017 High Court ruling, that properties endowed to the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (TELC) require High Court permission for registration. The Special Government Pleader supported this position, urging the court to dismiss the petition.

However, the single judge bench clarified that the 2017 ruling was an interim order and emphasized that such orders do not extend beyond the conclusion of the main writ petition. The court noted there is no current standing order preventing the registration of TELC properties. The bench considered whether Section 22(A)(1) of the Registration Act, 1908, applied in this case. It observed that Section 22-A covers immovable properties belonging to religious institutions under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, and Wakf properties under the Wakf Board’s jurisdiction.

The court noted that the petitioner had purchased the property from Vijaya, who acquired it through a settlement deed from M Premkumar Prithviraj, who had originally purchased it from TELC. Both the sale deed to Prithviraj and the settlement deed to Vijaya were registered, and the revenue records were updated accordingly.

Given these circumstances, the bench concluded that the impugned order should be set aside. The court allowed the petitioner to re-submit the document to the Sub Registrar, directing the latter to entertain and register it.

(With Inputs From Law Beat)

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“No Quran Was Burnt”: Uttarakhand Police Fact Checks & Busts Fake Information Peddled By Alleged ‘Fact-Checker’ Mohammed Zubair, Warns Of Legal Action

By
The Commune
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The hashtag #ArrestExMuslimSameer was trending across India on the X platform today. This followed the circulation of a video showing a man desecrating the Quran by stepping on it, tearing its pages, and setting it on fire. As the video went viral, there were widespread demands for the perpetrator to be identified and arrested.

Mohammed Zubair, cofounder of Alt News and a self-proclaimed fact-checker, quickly attempted to capitalize on the issue. He posted a tweet tagging the Haridwar and Uttarakhand Police, claiming the incident took place in Roorkee and urging them to investigate. Zubair’s tweet, presumably based on information from his Whatsapp university sources, rapidly gained traction, prompting calls for police action.

Mohammed Zubair stated, “A video doing rounds on social media where a Youtuber from Roorkee has posted a video of him burning and stamping Quran. Request you to kindly look into this ASAP. C’C: @haridwarpolice @uttarakhandcops Not sharing the sensitive video and his personal details here on this platform. Can DM his details if needed.”

However, the Haridwar Police soon refuted Zubair’s claims, stating that the individual in the video had not resided in the mentioned location for the past three years. They confirmed that no such incidents of disrespect towards the Quran had occurred in Haridwar district. The police also warned that legal action would be taken against those spreading unverified claims, recognizing the potential for such misinformation to cause law and order issues.

Haridwar Police responding immediately to the sensitivity of law and order stated, “In the referenced case, Ex-Muslim Sameer is not living in a place called ‘Padli Gurjar’ for the last 3 years nor has any incident of disrespect to the Holy Quran taken place anywhere in Haridwar district. Therefore, do not share the matter without information otherwise legal action can be taken against you.”

Zubair’s previous actions have also drawn criticism. In 2022, he shared an incomplete video of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s comments on Prophet Muhammad, which led to widespread riots and violence. This incident resulted in deaths and threats, including calls for Sharma’s execution and public effigies. People like Kanhaiya Lal and Umesh Kolhe became victims of Islamist violence after supporting Sharma.

This is not the first time Zubair has been accused of spreading falsehoods or posting provocative content. Both he and Alt News, along with cofounder Pratik Sinha, have faced allegations of lying and disseminating misleading information. Critics argue that Alt News often acts as an Islamic propaganda site under the guise of selective fact-checking, shielding Islamists and their actions.

(With Inputs From OpIndia)

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Secret Meetings Held In Chennai, Karur And Kanyakumari By Men Associated With Hizb-ut-Tahrir Reveals NIA Probe

By
The Commune
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Police Arrest Six Men Recruiting For Hizb ut-Tahrir

National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials have initiated a probe into the terror recruitment activities linked to the proscribed extremist group Hizb-ut-Tahrir.

Dr. Hameedu Hussain, a resident of Royapettah, Chennai, and a Petroleum Chemical Engineer who served as an Honorary Professor at Anna University, has been detained under UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act) along with his father, Ahmed Mansoor, and sibling, Abdul Rahman. The trio was apprehended by the Cyber Crime division of the Chennai Central Crime Branch on charges of associating with Hizb-ut-Tahrir, which is outlawed in numerous nations. Subsequently, Mohammad Maurice, a 36-year-old Chennai local, Qader Nawaz Sharif, aged 35, and 46-year-old Ahmed Ali Umari were taken into custody for their connections with the aforementioned individuals.

The scope of the inquiry has since expanded, with NIA officials undertaking a comprehensive investigation under a Deputy Superintendent of Police’s supervision.

NIA representatives have disclosed that the gravity of the offenses has necessitated their involvement. Dr. Hameed Hussain is suspected of actively engaging in the recruitment for terrorist groups and has a history of international travel, which is currently under scrutiny.

It has come to light that four individuals closely associated with Hussain have deactivated their mobile phones and are now fugitives.

Investigations reveal that Hussain has orchestrated training sessions and secret meetings on extremist ideologies not just in Chennai but also in Karur and Kanyakumari. Efforts are underway to gather information about the ‘Modern Essential Educational Trust,’ established for similar purposes, and to track the individuals involved with this entity. They have utilized platforms like YouTube for their recruitment and radicalization of youths in Tamil Nadu.

In February 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a series of raids across 21 sites in Tamil Nadu, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. The operations targeted 11 venues linked to an educational institution implicated in the indoctrination of youth with Islamic State (IS) ideologies under the guise of Arabic language instruction, with the intent of inciting them to commit terrorist acts.

These actions were related to two investigations: one concerning IS cells inspired by Zahran Hashim, the mastermind behind the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings, and the other involving the 2022 Coimbatore car explosion and the broader issue of IS indoctrination and recruitment within Tamil Nadu.

The authorities confiscated a variety of items, including six laptops, 25 mobile phones, 34 SIM cards, six SD cards, three hard drives, and numerous documents and material evidence.

The NIA’s scrutiny extended to eleven sites associated with either Madras Arabic College or Kovai Arabic College, where covert radicalization efforts were underway. These efforts involved the dissemination of extremist ideologies and the promotion of violent jihad to unsuspecting students enrolled in Arabic courses at various local study centers throughout Tamil Nadu.

The radicalization campaign also unfolded online, utilizing social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. IS affiliates exploited these digital channels and the educational classes to deliver extremist lectures aimed at advancing the Khilafat and IS doctrines, which stand in opposition to India’s foundational values of secularism and democracy, as per the NIA’s Sunday announcement.

Simultaneously, NIA units raided an additional ten locations linked to the Coimbatore car bombing incident. These searches encompassed areas associated with suspects who were members of a secure mobile communication group, alongside other detainees. Investigations revealed that these individuals praised Zahran Hashim and utilized the group to deliberate on IS activities and the potential for establishing the group’s presence in India.

The NIA’s findings indicate that susceptible youths were being groomed to execute terrorist deeds and engage in illegal activities, such as the Coimbatore car bombing. It was discovered that ten individuals apprehended in connection with the bombing had ties to Kovai Arabic College in Coimbatore.

Among those arrested following the raids, three were connected to Madras Arabic College. This includes Jameel Basha Umari, the founder of the college, known for advocating fundamentalism, extremism, and radicalization. He openly supported the Khilafat ideology and endorsed the notion of sacrificing oneself for violent jihad. Two other detainees, Maulvi Hussain Faizy and Irshath, both alumni of Jameel and Madras Arabic College, were instrumental in renaming Madras Arabic College to Kovai Arabic College. The fourth individual apprehended, Syed Abdur Rahman Umari, was found in possession of incriminating IS-related materials and was actively involved in disseminating ISIS principles to those implicated in the Coimbatore car bomb case through clandestine gatherings and sermons.

(With Inputs From Dinamalar)

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“Whenever Vijayalakshmi Talks, Seeman Will Attack BJP”: Annamalai Responds To Seeman

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has roasted Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman amidst a debate over which party holds the position of the third largest in Tamil Nadu in terms of vote percentage. Annamalai accused Seeman of involving the BJP in unnecessary controversies to distract from the allegations made by actress Vijayalakshmi against Seeman.

When asked about Annamalai’s comments about BJP’s significant growth in Tamil Nadu, Seeman, the NTK coordinator, responded by challenging the BJP to contest elections independently. He asserted that a party’s strength should be measured by its standalone performance, questioning how many votes the BJP could secure on its own. Seeman declared that if his party failed to prove its strength, he would dissolve it and leave politics.

Speaking to the reporters, NTK chief Seeman stated, “Stand alone in elections and show that you are a man. How many individual votes did you get after the June 4th election? If it is beyond me, I will dissolve my party. You will know who is the biggest party right? You should not join the alliances (votes), standalone face to face like a lion, fight alone, Then he is a man, he is a fighter.”

In a subsequent press conference in Chennai, Annamalai addressing Seeman’s challenge remarked that Seeman tends to target him whenever Vijayalakshmi raises her voice. Annamalai emphasized that Seeman should respond to Vijayalakshmi’s allegations directly, rather than diverting attention to the BJP.

Annamalai highlighted that the BJP contested in 19 constituencies in Tamil Nadu independently, with party-affiliated independents standing in 4 additional seats. He suggested comparing the BJP’s total votes to those of the NTK, subtracting any votes allegedly bought by the NTK, to determine the true standing of each party.

Referring to Seeman’s previous statements about dissolving his party if it did not surpass the votes of the People’s Welfare Alliance, Annamalai noted that Seeman evaded the issue when the results came out. Annamalai expressed respect for Seeman, emphasizing that he did not wish to engage in irrelevant disputes but maintained that the BJP would perform strongly in upcoming elections, both in Tamil Nadu and nationally.

Annamalai stated, “Let go of brother Seeman, whenever sister Vijayalakshmi talks, brother (Seeman) comes on top of me. Sister Vijayalakshmi will attack from there, and Seeman brother will immediately attack me without any connection. Did I make a fuss on Seeman? He should reply to sister Vijayalakshmi, why is he talking to me, did I make a fuss?”

“I am saying this generously and you are going to see the result on 4th June. Today, Bharatiya Janata Party is standing alone without Dravidian parties, we are standing in nineteen places and symbol is standing in four places. You ask brother Seeman to compare BJP’s 23 seats. I didn’t even say closely and would give minus thirty percent. Let them minus thirty percent of the votes we got, let’s see if he comes closely.”, he added.

“Well, you seem like a good person, so I’ll give you another minus 20 percent discount, so I’ll give you a 50 percent discount. He is running a political party, let he be good, I don’t want to tell him to shut the party down. What did he say earlier? I will buy one vote more than the People’s Welfare Alliance (Makkal Nala Kootani)… The editor has caught him right that the party will dissolve the party. Right after the 2016 election someone asked and he said, ‘I told you but …what’.” He further added

“So, I do not want to leave brother Seeman in this embarrassment, let him run the party, Seeman’s voice is an important voice in Tamil Nadu, and it should be there. I don’t want to get into an argument or debate. I am a person who has respect for Seeman. I am saying not to leave it upon us to divert something without connection. If this is done then on 4th of June, I want to see your face and you have to see our face, I don’t know why he is coming to this match without needing Aga. So, I don’t know why he is unnecessarily coming to this competition.” He finally said

Annamalai concluded by expressing confidence that the BJP would secure more than 400 seats in India and return to power for a third term, referencing Prakash Raj’s unsuccessful bid in the Karnataka elections as an example of the BJP’s competitive edge.

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Dravidianist Film Director Vasanthabalan Justifies And Normalizes Corruption

By
The Commune
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Dravidianists in Kollywood using cinema as a tool to vilify Hindus, glorify Dravidian ideologues and propagate Dravidian propaganda of so-called ‘social justice’, ‘rationalism’ and what not, is nothing new. However, this time, a DMK sympathizing filmmaker Vasanthabalan has gone on to justify political corruption.

Vasanthabalan shot to fame with his debut film Veyil, produced by Shankar’s S production. His other film Angadi Theru, based on the lives of people working in textile showrooms in Ranganathan Street too became a hit. His other film Kaaviya Thalaivan, a period drama starring Siddharth and Prithviraj Sukumaran received critical acclaim but didn’t perform well in box office. There after his cinematic graph has been downhil. After a long hiatus, he’s now come with his latest series titled “Thalaimai Seyalagam” on Zee5 which is nothing but a boring Dravidian propaganda with no nuance.

Vasanthabalan’s narrative justifying corruption occurs against the backdrop of the BJP government going after corrupt dynastic parties. In Tamil Nadu prominent DMK politician Senthil Balaji is behind bars for corruption and action is awaited on many other bigwigs.

Now, with a DMK sympathizer like Vasanthabalan attempting to normalize corruption through cinema, it becomes alarming. As these films reach people’s homes, they may spread the notion that political corruption and profiteering shouldn’t be considered a big deal and must be normalized and made acceptable.

In a recent interview to the ‘Take Left’ YouTube channel Vasanthabalan has opened up his views and acknowledged that his ideas emerge from inspiration from communism and related figures. One of the anchors who interviewed him was ‘Minor’ who runs the rabid anti-Hindu YouTube channel U2 Brutus which had abused Lord Nataraja.

The interview began with a question about why the series was named “Thalaimai Seyalagam” (Secretariat). Vasanthabalan explained that the series focuses on the chief minister’s office, depicting the power struggles associated with the position. He described the legislative process of passing bills in parliament and questioned how a councilor, earning a mere 5000 rupees, can fulfill their duties after spending significant amounts of money to win the election.

Most of the interview centered on his reasons for choosing this series and the plot. As usual, he subtly reinforced the Dravidian ideology in Tamil Nadu, highlighting how it provided opportunities for everyone to study, in contrast to North India, where his mindset often revolved around same Dravidianists thought of hardworking but low-skilled labor. However, what was concerning in the interview was that both the YouTube channel and the host appeared to be promoting the idea of ignoring the issue of corruption.

The host praised Vasanthabalan, expressing admiration for a particular line in his series: “In the name of abolishing corruption, they will demolish democracy.” The host noted that even the leftist parties wouldn’t make such a statement and asked how Vasanthabalan arrived at this conclusion, suggesting that he believes corruption isn’t the main issue here.

Vasanthabalan replied, “I pay close attention to politics, not as much as you, and I pay attention to it whenever I get time. The way I see it is,  free rice comes to someone who doesn’t deserve it. They give that rice to their maid, who also sells it outside without using it. An idli vendor buys that rice on the road and sells the idli for 50 paisa. So the fund given by a government gets stolen somewhere, it benefits someone, and finally it reaches me as an idli for 50 paisa. Jeyaranjan (Dravidian Stock economist who is currently Vice-Chairperson of the State Development Policy Council) expressed this view in an interview. I really liked this idea.”

He added, “Let’s take a member from a particular community, he comes to a position, he commits a corruption of five crore rupees. But what he will do with those five crores is that he will marry his daughter, give that money to the ten people in that community, this money will be used for the emergence of that community… This will be a way for that community to study, to raise the standard of living or to improve the community. But he has done corruption, I am not saying no. But how I see is, it will take nearly 50 years for that community to advance. But somehow this money reaches the people.”

Vasanthabalan later remarked that while he was aware of the widespread agreement on the need to eliminate corruption, he went a step further to investigate the “red coin” and uncover its propagators, leading him to some insightful discoveries. He then praised Director Vetrimaaran for positively shaping the perception of the name “Asuran,” Director Ranjith for presenting Ravanan in a favorable light, and Director Maari Selvaraj for depicting a pig beautifully. Inspired by these examples, Vasanthabalan incorporated the concept of the “red coin” into his series to showcase its hidden aspects, he said.

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DMK Forest Minister Stays At Partially-Closed Illegal Resort Located In Elephant Corridor Of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

By
The Commune
-

The vacation of DMK Forest Minister M. Mathiventhan at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has sparked controversy among conservationists. Mr. Mathiventhan was reportedly staying at ‘Jungle Hut’, a resort located within the notified elephant corridor in Sigur, which has been a subject of scrutiny and legal action due to its location and construction.

The ‘Jungle Hut’ is among 12 resorts flagged by the Supreme Court-appointed Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor Inquiry Committee in 2023. The committee highlighted that these resorts, including De Rock, Rolling Stones, Forest Hills Farm and Guest House, Jungle Retreat, and Gordon Jungle Properties, collectively house 74 buildings. These constructions were noted as being large commercial establishments, not small residential buildings, and were built without all the necessary approvals. The committee directed the Nilgiris district administration to take “necessary action” against the owners and called for the demolition or voluntary dismantling of these illegal structures.

Despite these orders, no substantial action has been taken to remove the buildings along the elephant corridor. This inaction has raised suspicions among conservationists that government officials may be colluding with resort owners to maintain the status quo.

K. Mohanraj, a noted conservationist from Tamil Nadu, criticized the Minister’s choice of accommodation. “There are forest department-run guest houses in Mudumalai. There is no need for the Forest Minister to stay in a resort, part of which has been deemed to have been functioning illegally,” he was quoted saying in a report by The Hindu. Mohanraj further suggested that the Minister’s decision to stay at the resort indicates a possible alignment with big businesses, questioning the government’s commitment to protecting the elephant corridor.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Mathiventhan told The Hindu that his stay at the resort was purely for convenience. “I am here on vacation with my family. We found it challenging to manage children while staying in forest guest houses, so we opted for a private property,” he explained.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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“He’s A Test Tube Baby”: Alleged ‘Actor’ Prakashraj Goes On A Tirade Against PM Modi, Annamalai Hits Back

By
The Commune
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Actor Prakash Raj’s recent remarks about Prime Minister Modi, which he made during the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) award ceremony, have stirred up significant controversy. He referred to the Prime Minister as a “test tube baby,” a comment that has been widely viewed as derogatory.

On 25 May 2024, the annual ‘Ambedkar Sudar’ award, instituted by the VCK, was presented to actor Prakash Raj by the party’s chief, Thirumvalavan. The ceremony took place at the Kamarajar Arena in Teynampet, Chennai. Prakash Raj accepted the award, citing ideological alignment with Thirumavalavan.

During his speech at the event, Prakash Raj acknowledged that his political journey and policy struggles were not as extensive as those of Thirumavalavan. He expressed uncertainty about his future after the departure of godson (Modi). He also voiced his fears about the country’s future had Ambedkar not written the constitution, attributing Ambedkar’s thought process to the shame he had experienced.

Prakash Raj recounted his visit to a town called Wadi in Karnataka during the election. He described how Ambedkar had arrived there by train many years ago and how a platform had been set up for him. Prakash Raj shared his experience of walking down the market street in an open jeep, meeting people who wanted to touch and talk to him. He spoke of the different people he met, from the curry shopkeeper to the ironmonger, and the children who watched him with interest.

He then criticized the Prime Minister’s approach, suggesting that he was out of touch with the people’s hunger and pain. He ended his speech by stating that the Prime Minister was not a god’s son, but a “test tube baby.” This comment has since sparked significant controversy.

“Look at him, a fascist, a dictator, He will arrive in a Pushpaka vimana, stand on a chariot, everyone will shower flowers… People will stand on other side of the fence. When will he understand our hunger. He who does not know the touch of people, who does not know that scent, who does not touch that sweat, will he understand anything? He’s not a god’s son, he’s a test tube baby”

“I have no fear of king arrival. I am the one who says ‘no fear, no fear’, there is nothing to be afraid of. Our fear is his strength. And there is a dictator and a giant (Rakshas) right. He who thinks that there is no one to oppose me, there will be a tiny man in him. At that time, when he feels that he is going to lose, he becomes a giant. Now, he is in that situation. So that we should have to prepare for that. It’s not like that we have won, victory is nothing, In these ten years he has sown seeds everywhere right. Today, a Supreme court judge says that he is proud that he have come from RSS on his retirement date, then don’t we understand how his judgments given till now? there is a constant struggle.“, he further said.

Prakash Raj then stated that Modi is a product of Hitler and there is no living history for such people. Humanity or nature will not tolerate such individuals. They will come and go, but the wounds they leave behind will take time to heal. Therefore, we must take steps to ensure he (Modi) does not return.

Prakash Raj then swiftly shifted his focus, first criticizing the Hindus, then advocating for the minorities, “Their education beyond that humiliation, those horizons they have glanced… we have to see that, only then, we can root out this sanathan and fascism. If an individual’s thumb is severed, it is an individual’s pain. If Ekalayvan’s thumb is amputated, it is a pain of the society. They are saying majority, majority right. It is the responsibility of the majority to look after the minority.“,

However, towards the end of his speech, it seemed Prakash Raj criticized his own platform. After narrating a story that elections are not about selecting the PM or the CM but about electing a representative who will speak for the voters, he lamented that politicians and influencers want him to deliver such social messages but never allow him into politics. He then started to promote himself on the stage.

In response to the controversial actor Prakash Raj, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai remarked, “I don’t respect Prakash Raj’s voice in politics. His political experience consists of losing his deposit in the Bengaluru Central constituency.”

At a press conference in Chennai, Annamalai elaborated, “Actor Prakash Raj lost his deposit in the Bengaluru Central constituency. While I respect him as an actor, I don’t respect his political opinions. His political experience is limited to losing his deposit. He has made it his full-time job to insult Modi, so we don’t take him seriously. Some people are twisting PM Modi’s words as divine. If Prime Minister Modi speaks without understanding what he is saying in Hindi, what will be the result?”

Annamalai continued, “Thirumavalavan is an MP and should speak responsibly. I urge Annan Thirumavalavan to remember his position as a Member of Parliament when he speaks. Modi has noted that anti-Modi sentiment has reached new levels. As long as we are in power, there will be no threat to opposition parties. Unlike Stalin, we won’t arrest anyone at two o’clock in the morning. It’s ironic that Thirumavalavan, who is in the DMK alliance, talks about the right of expression.”

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Former Anna University Professor Among Six Arrested In Chennai For Terror Recruitment

By
The Commune
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Six individuals, including a former honorary professor of Anna University, have been arrested in Chennai for allegedly brainwashing youths and recruiting them for terrorist organizations. The arrests have uncovered shocking information during interrogation.

The arrests center around the ‘Modern Essential Education Trust,’ located on Johnny Jahan Khan Street in Royapettah, Chennai. The trust, run by Hamid Hussain, who holds an honorary doctorate, had been under police surveillance following a series of complaints.

The three men were arrested and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Based on information provided by Hamid Hussain, additional arrests were made: Mohammed (35), Nawaz Sharif alias Javed of Kamarajapuram, and Ahmed Ali of Tondiarpet.

Complaints against the trust alleged that it was indoctrinating youths with terrorist ideologies and recruiting them for terrorist organizations. It was also reported that secret meetings were being held under the guise of religious teachings. These allegations led to intensified surveillance of Hamid Hussain and his trust.

During raids in Royapettah, Tondiarpet, and Tambaram, police discovered digital documents linked to the Hamid Hussain Foundation. Intelligence services also gathered significant information. Following this, the Chennai Central Crime Branch’s cybercrime police raided the trust.

Interrogation of Hamid Hussain, his father Ahmed Mansoor, and brother Abdul Rahman revealed their involvement with Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUD), an international organization. The trio were found to be brainwashing and recruiting youths for Hizb-ut-Tahrir. Hamid Hussain, who was an honorary professor at Anna University and had received an honorary doctorate, also runs a YouTube channel where he speaks against Indian elections and promotes Khilafat ideology.

Law enforcement and intelligence sources have disclosed that Abdur Rehman, one of those arrested, used social media to spread videos advocating for Caliphate rule and opposing democratic elections. In one video, he claims, “Allah says you have been created by me and you (Muslims) are the best society in the world. That means you should fight against evil to protect the good. In today’s world, anything other than Islam is considered evil. Islam is the harbinger of goodness.”

Rehman further stressed that Islam should be presented not just as a religion but as a comprehensive ideology and way of life, suggesting that Islam provides solutions to societal issues and is fit to lead the world. He implied that anything outside of Islam is harmful to society.

In another instance, Hamid Hussain’s group shared a Jihadi speech by Hussain Mnbayee, asserting, “Allah will tolerate all sins and atrocities, but anyone who violates the hadith or opposes Islamic tenets will face destruction, whether an individual, family, group, society, nation, or the entire world.”

Intelligence reports also revealed that Ahmed Mansoor, Hamid Hussain’s father, published a Hizb-ut-Tahrir propaganda book compiling sixty hadiths about establishing a Caliphate. The book, promoted by Hizb-ut-Tahrir supporters, was published by Classic Publishers, owned by Mansoor.

Authorities in Chennai arrested three individuals associated with Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) following raids in Tambaram and North Chennai. The arrests targeted Mohammed, Kadar Nawaz Sherif alias Javid, and Ahmed Ali. Mansoor, involved in clandestine meetings across Chennai to promote HuT’s ideology, is believed to have played a key role. The group advocates for an Islamic State Caliphate and Sharia law, aiming to overthrow non-Islamic governments, including in India. This is the first instance of HuT sympathizers being arrested by Indian authorities.

Officials noted that the arrested individuals were part of a covert, intellectually driven team, previously unknown, which propagated against democratic processes, deeming elections and democracy “haram” (forbidden) under Islamic law. Hamid Hussain has also posted YouTube videos promoting these ideologies, while his father organized private meetings to spread the message. Hussain, holding a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and teaching at colleges, initially translated Zakir Naik’s preachings into Tamil, gaining traction in closed meetings.

The police confirmed that the arrests were based on evidence of the group’s anti-democratic propaganda, declaring elections and democracy as forbidden by Islamic law. Hizb ut-Tahrir, banned in 32 countries and founded in 1953, seeks to establish a caliphate under Islamic law and has been accused of promoting terrorism. In January, Britain designated HuT a proscribed terrorist group, likening it to Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

With inputs from Organiser

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