Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son and DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has landed in soup for his objectionable remarks about Sanatana Dharma aka Hinduism.
The DMK dynast had said that Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated like mosquitoes, dengue, flu, corona.
Speaking at the event, Udhayanidhi Stalin said “The title of this conference has been excellently coined. You’ve named it as ‘Abolish Sanatanam Conference’ and not ‘Oppose Sanatanam Conference’, so my best wishes to that.”
He further said “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to abolish/eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it. So, my appreciations to you all for giving an apt title to the meeting.”
These remarks coming from a sitting Minister of the DMK, which is a major partner of the I.N.D.I Alliance has set off a political storm with many lashing out at the DMK Minister for his hate speech.
In light of this, senior Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal on Sunday (3 September 2023) filed a complaint against DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin with the Delhi Police for his comments about Sanatana Dhrama (Hinduism).
Vineet Jindal took to his social media and said that he filed a complaint against Udhayanidhi Stalin under sections 120B (punishment for criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 295 (destruction, damage, or defilement of a place of worship or an object held sacred, with intent to insult the religion of a class of persons), and 504 (Insult intended to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
उदयनिधि स्टैलिन ने देश में सनातन को मिटाने की बात कि है सनातन के लिए अपशब्द बोले है ये हेट स्पीच है और इस पर SC के निर्देश अनुसार FIR होनी चाहिए थी पर नहीं हुई तो मैंने आज एक शिकायत @DelhiPolice के पास दायर की है:- विनीत जिंदल , अधिवक्ता व सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता pic.twitter.com/RyU9ss02xz
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son and DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has courted controversy for saying that Sanatana Dharma also known as Hinduism should be eradicated like mosquitoes, dengue, flu, corona.
The DMK Minister made these remarks while speaking at an anti-Hindu conclave titled “Eradicate Sanatana Conference”. Peter Alphonse from Congress party who is also the head of Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission was also part of the speakers list.
Speaking at the event, Udhayanidhi Stalin said “The title of this conference has been excellently coined. You’ve named it as ‘Abolish Sanatanam Conference’ and not ‘Oppose Sanatanam Conference’, so my best wishes to that.”
He further said “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to abolish/eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it. So, my appreciations to you all for giving an apt title to the meeting.”
After a legal activism outfit named Legal Rights Observatory (LRO) said that they would be taking legal action against Udhayanidhi Stalin, the DMK Minister further added fuel to the raging fire saying “Bring it on. I am ready to face any legal challenge. We will not be cowed down by such usual saffron threats. We, the followers of Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar, would fight forever to uphold social justice and establish an egalitarian society under the able guidance of our Hon’ble CM @mkstalin. I will say it today, tomorrow, and forever: Our resolve to stop Sanathana Dharma from the Dravidian land would not reduce even a bit.”
Bring it on. I am ready to face any legal challenge. We will not be cowed down by such usual saffron threats. We, the followers of Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar, would fight forever to uphold social justice and establish an egalitarian society under the able guidance of our… https://t.co/nSkevWgCdW
Responding to Amit Malviya who accused him of giving a clarion call for genocide of Hindus, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that he didn’t call for genocide of Hindus but added “Sanatan Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion. Uprooting Sanatan Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality. I stand firmly by every word I have spoken. I spoke on behalf of the oppressed & marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatan Dharma. I am ready to present the extensive writings of Periyar and Ambedkar, who conducted in-depth research on Sanatan Dharma and its negative impact on society in any forum. Let me reiterate the crucial aspect of my speech: I believe, like the spread of diseases like COVID-19, Dengue, and Malaria by mosquitoes, that Sanatan Dharma is responsible for many social evils.”
I never called for the genocide of people who are following Sanatan Dharma. Sanatan Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion. Uprooting Sanatan Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality.
These remarks coming from a sitting Minister of the DMK, which is a major partner of the I.N.D.I Alliance has set off a political storm.
The Congress in Tamil Nadu have come to the defense of DMK Minister trying to buttress his arguments against Sanatana Dharma.
Son of Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram and Sivagangai MP, Karti Chidambaram said that in the common parlance of Tamil Nadu, Sanathana Dharma means “Caste Hierarchical Society”.
He further went on to indirectly insinuate the Brahmin community saying “Why is that everyone who is batting for “SD” comes from the privileged segment who are beneficiaries of the “Hierarchy” There was no call for “Genocide” against anyone, this is a mischievous spin.“.
In the common parlance of TN “ Sanathana Dharma” means Caste Hierarchical Society. Why is that everyone who is batting for “SD” comes from the privileged segment who are beneficiaries of the “Hierarchy” There was no call for “Genocide” against anyone, this is a mischievous spin.
Lakshmi Ramachandran, the General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee claimed that Sanathanam is another name for the hate-mongering, casteist Hindutva which has its origins in the North.
Sanathanam is another name for the hate-mongering, casteist Hindutva which has its origins in the North. In the south, our Hinduism is peace-loving and striving to be inclusive. Ramanujar, Vallalar and Narayana Guru kind of Hinduism is our Hinduism.
Mohan Kumaramangalam, Working President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee went on to elaborate how Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism professed by Mahatma Gandhi was different from the Hindutva of Nathuram Godse.
“There were two practitioners of Hinduism during Mahatma Gandhi’s time – one was Mohandas Gandhi who practised Sanatan Hindu Dharma comprising of truth, love and compassion. The other was Nathuram Godse who proclaimed himself to be a Sanatani Hindu and practised a brutal, vengeful and murderous corruption which is today called Hindutva. There is a vast difference between the two that we should never forget.”
Standing in support of Udhayanidhi Stalin, Kumaramangalam said “The weaponisation of the term Sanatana Dharma by the far right to codify regression, perpetuate orthodoxy and promote caste based hegemony and inequality in our society is what @Udhaystalin spoke against. Those ideas are what we must always stand against. Those ideas are what we must stand against regardless of which institutionalised version of religion they emanate from.“.
In his book Caste Has to Go (1935), Gandhi stated that the classic scriptures must be interpreted as per the needs of the society. Even the accepted shastras of the past cannot be accepted, if it contradicts the present. Thus, one should be a part of the changing society and…
It should be noted that Udhayanidhi Stalin did not make any distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva neither in his speech nor tweets, and outright called for eradicating “Sanatana Dharma” or Hinduism repeatedly.
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The Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association organized the “Eradicate Sanatanam Conclave” at Kamarajar Chennai on 2 September 2023, akin to the anti-Hindu Dismantling Global Hindutva conference that was held in 2021. This conference, which openly discusses the destruction of Hindu Dharma, has raised serious questions about the political climate in the state.
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), often claiming a secular image, has found itself under scrutiny for permitting such an event. What is even more disconcerting is that two members of the DMK cabinet including the Chief Minister MK Stalin’s Minister son Udhayanidhi Stalin are actively participating in a conference that appears to aim at undermining the very fabric of Hindu Dharma.
The conference’s agenda is a cause for concern, as it clearly reflects the intentions behind this controversial gathering. Some of the topics lined up for discussion include
– Deadly History of Sanatana Dharma
– Sanatanam And Women
– Caste Theory & Conspiracy Theory
– Weapon To Destroy Sanatana Dharma
– Tamil Norms And Sanatanam
– Tamil Music & Sanatanam
– Sanatana Imposition & Opposition In Media
– The Way To Oppose Sanatana Dharma: Politics Or Spirituality?
I.N.D.I Alliance Parties At Anti-Hindu Conclave
The list of speakers at the Eradicate Sanatanam Conclave further intensifies the controversy. Among the notable figures slated to address the conference are K. Veeramani of the Dravidar Kazhagam, a rabid anti-Hindu outfit founded by E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers).
DMK
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin who addressed the event said that like mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria and corona, Sanatana Dharma should also be eradicated. Ironically, the meeting was also attended by Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister PK Sekarbabu. DMK Minister K. Ponmudi, have also been included in the guest list.
DMK MLA Ezhilan Naganathan has also been mentioned as one of the speakers. Ezhil Naganathan is the son of Naganathan who was a the Deputy Chief of the State Planning Commission and a close associate of DMK patriarch Karunanidhi.
Ezhilan had earlier spewed venom against Hindu Gods much like what was done by the rabid YouTube channel Karuppar Koottam. In a video, Naganathan can be heard saying, “Narada is a known face in Hindu mythology. But, did you know that all he wanted was to be sexually involved with a lot of women?” He then went on to say how Lord Vishnu had acted like a ‘pimp’ and had asked Narada to go around to the houses on Earth and take every beautiful girl who was present there for himself. “When Narada had entered any house on Earth, Lord Vishnu was found to be sprawling on the laps of these women. When Narada had questioned this, Lord Vishnu had merely laughed. This caused Narada to proceed to transform himself into a woman, just so he could sleep with Lord Vishnu”, Naganathan can be heard saying in the video.
Communists
Su. Venkatesan, a Member of Parliament representing CPI(M) from Madurai, has been actively disseminating details about the event across his social media platforms. Additionally, he holds the esteemed position of State Honorary President within the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association. Venkatesan posted a message with the caption, “The Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers & Artists Association is enthusiastically coordinating the Sanatana Abolition Conference in Chennai. We extend an invitation to all progressive entities in Tamil Nadu to join us in ensuring the success of this conference.”
Thirumavalavan, the leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), is among the participants at the conclave. He has a history of making inflammatory remarks concerning the Hindu religion and Sanatana Dharma. The VCK MP along with Communist MP from Madurai Su. Venkatesan and Tamil Nadu Congress leader Peter Alphonse (who is also the State Minorities Commission head) will address on the topic – “How to defeat Satanam in politics”.
Thirumavalavan speaking at Eradicate Sanatanam Conclave
On numerous past occasions, Thirumavalavan has made derogatory comments about Hinduism and drawn comparisons between it and Christianity and Islam.
On August 7, 2023, a complaint was lodged against Viduthalai Siruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan with the Malaysian authorities by temple activist Rangarajan Narasimhan, Malaysian Tamils, and several Malays for his controversial remarks during the 11th World Tamil Research Conference at the University of Malaya. During his address, Thirumavalavan made remarks that denigrated Sanatana Dharma (Hindu religion) while expressing admiration for other Abrahamic religions. He stated, “Philosophy is different and the institutions that implement the philosophy are different, Islam is philosophy. The Muslim religion is an institution that builds mosques, creates imams and ulema, and provides training to recite Quran – that is the institutional process but Islam is a philosophy, Christianity is philosophy, Buddhism is a philosophy – these philosophies speak about brotherhood. What is the philosophy of the Hindu religion? What is the philosophy of Vaishnavism? What is the philosophy of Saivism? Or what is the philosophy of Hindutva? Sanatan Dharma is said to be its philosophy, they claim it is Sanatan Dharma. That Sanatan Dharma rejects brotherhood. This is the problem. It also attacks the Tamil community, it destroys the unity of Tamils. We cannot do anything that can destroy Tamil unity as a Tamil nationalism.”
On November 18, 2022, at the launch of a book store by ‘May 17 Movement’ Thirumurugan Gandhi’, VCK Chief Thirumavalavan said that unlike Islam and Christianity, Hinduism is the only religion that is against brotherhood and has the worst social structure in the world. Hinduism is the only worst religion in the world which forbids calling everyone as brothers and sisters. He said,”It is because of vote politics, they (upper caste) enter slums. No one will enter the slums if there is no vote politics. They are doing it out of compulsion.”
On October 22, 2023, Thirumavalavan speaking at an online seminar organized by Periyarist groups called Hindu women as prostitutes citing Manusmriti.
On October 5, 2022, during a book launch event, Thirumavalavan called Tamil Nadu BJP president Shudra. He said, “Those who assassinated Gandhi, attempted to assassinate Kamaraj, demolished the Babri Masjid, massacred 3000 Muslims in Gujarat, were engaged in the Malegaon blast, and assassinated Gauri Lankesh are now attempting to enter Tamil Nadu by shouting the Jai Sri Ram slogan. It’s a pity Sudhira Annamalai is unaware of this.”
Other Anti-Hindu Elements In Abolish Sanatanam Conclave
Vile anti-Hindu abusive speaker U2Brutus ‘Minor’ Veeramani, who is known for his disgusting words and actions while speaking on his YouTube channel which makes people frown, along with Dravidian Stockist pro-DMK YouTuber Senthilvel and Aran Sei’s Magizhnan will be speaking on the topic Sanatana Imposition & Opposition In Media.
From left: U2 Brutus Minor Veeramani, Tamil Kelvi Senthilvel and Aran Sei MagizhnanU2 Brutus Minor Veeramani at the Eradicate Sanatanam Conclave. In the picture above, the sacred Hindu symbol of Swastika and Hindus have been vilified with the Hindu-style Tamil text reading “RSS’ contribution in India’s freedom struggle”
In the video, Minor says “This guy Paramasivan.. what he did was.. Only on going further we come to know the nefarious activities of his.. He keeps lifting his leg up and up and finally lifted it fully and straight… If you think stretching the leg was a good movement… I too thought so on reading about it but that is where the trick was.. The thing is ‘Thalaivan’ (referring to Lord Siva) did not wear underwear that day. Don’t laugh.. Seriously, that is what is written.. Thalaivan had gone without wearing underwear voluntarily. What will happen if someone lifts the leg up? ‘It’ (referring to penis) will fall out right? I’m not joking. That is how it is written. Once you lift your leg, it will be visible right? On seeing that the people were shocked. Thillai Kaali who was dancing got shocked after seeing it. How can she dance after that? After seeing it, she didn’t know what to do and forgot all her dance movements.”
This ‘Minor’ was felicitated and given an idol of E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (known as Periyar by his followers) by Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian at an event held in April 2022. U2 Brutus has put several videos slandering Hindus and the Hindu faith. Earlier in November 2021, the channel released a video titled “Pornography in Vedas” in which ‘Minor’ and an alleged Saivite scholar named Prakash derogate the Vedas, the holy scripture of the Hindus. No action has been taken against ‘Minor’ till date despite multiple complaints registered against him by Hindu outfits like Indu Makkal Katchi, Hindu Munnani and Sivachariyars.
Another prominent personality at the conference is actress Rohini who is know for her Communist affiliation.
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced that the party supports the idea of simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and Assembly under the proposal of ‘One-Nation, One- Election’.
The former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, strongly endorsed the proposal, asserting that it would expedite the nation’s development and reduce political instability. In a statement on X, the AIADMK leader emphasized that simultaneous elections would save time and significant expenses while allowing for an extended period of uninterrupted governance to effectively implement policies at both the federal and state levels. This approach is believed to reinforce federalism and potentially enhance voter turnout and democratic engagement.
Palaniswami emphasized that if the One Nation One Election electoral process were adopted, the primary focus of governance would shift toward development rather than the introduction of populist schemes midway through election cycles solely for electoral gain. He expressed hope that the committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind would swiftly make a strong decision in favor of the country’s development.
Chaired by Kovind, the committee is tasked with exploring the practicality of simultaneous elections, potentially resulting in the advancement of Lok Sabha elections to align with numerous state assembly contests.
AIADMK supports One Nation One Election policy ,
AIADMK strongly advocates Elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies be held simultaneously As it will escalate the speed of our country’s development and avoid political instability.
Simultaneous elections will save the…
— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) September 1, 2023
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“We have built Adiyogi Shiva after obtaining necessary permission from the District Collector of Coimbatore” said Thiru Dinesh Raja, Spokesperson, Isha Yoga Center, while presenting all the relevant documentary evidence at a press conference on the 2nd of September 2023, Thiru Raja gave a point-by-point rebuttal of the false allegations, elaborating that an organisation with the ulterior motive of somehow stopping the unveiling of the Adiyogi, filed a case against Isha in High Court in Jan 2017. It may be noted that the case was disposed, was brought to a closure last month by Hon’ble High Court.
“The Adiyogi Shiva, which has become symbol of pride and spiritual icon of Coimbatore, was installed in 2017. Generally, approval from the District Collector is necessary for installing any statues. Accordingly, in 2016, we had applied for permission from District Collector to erect Adiyogi,” he said. “The District Collector, based on inspection reports and recommendations of concerned departments, honoured our application and gave permission in September 2016 to erect Adiyogi. Therefore, it is baseless to say that Adiyogi was built without any permission. As per High Court order, we have submitted documents available with us to Department of Town Planning.”
Nullifying the false allegation that Isha has encroached on 44 acres of land belonging to tribal people, Thiru Raja said, “Isha has not encroached on anyone’s land. If they prove that “44 acres of land” is taken by Isha, we will immediately return it. Further in response to an RTI query in this regard, the RTI report clearly states that Isha did not encroach the 44 acres.”
Responding to the allegation that Isha’s buildings were built on elephant corridor and elephant habitat, Thiru Dinesh Raja presented 5 different sets of documentary evidence from various authorized organisations and Government departments – proof that Isha Yoga Centre was not on the elephant corridor.
“Reference RTI Information from Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Report from Expert Committee constituted by Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Central Environment and Forest Department Report, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Report and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) Research report, 2005 & 2017 respectively. in any of the above researched reports on notified and to-be-notified elephant corridors areas, nowhere is location of Isha Yoga Center mentioned,” said Thiru Raja, while presenting the quoted documents.
RTI response stating that Isha has not encroached tribal landPermission given by District Collector to build Adiyogi idol
During this Press Conference, Thiru Raja also presented relevant documents and evidences to reporters, proving all allegations of Adiyogi statue being built after destroying the forest as false, baseless and slanderous. This included the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permission.
“The most important point we need to understand is that Adiyogi is an idol; It is not a building. The District Collector has the authority to grant permission to install the idol. It does not fall within the permissible range of DTCP. Therefore, DTCP has mentioned in the court that they do not have any documents.”, representatives from Isha said.
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The Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association organized the “Eradicate Sanatana Conference” on 2 September 2023 at Kamarajar Arangam, Teynampet, Chennai.
Santana or Sanatana Dharma is the original name of what we know and call as the Hindu religion today.
DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is also a Minister in his father’s cabinet attended the event. Ironically, the meeting was also attended by Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister PK Sekarbabu.
தமிழ்நாடு முற்போக்கு எழுத்தாளர் கலைஞர்கள் சங்கம் சார்பில் சமத்துவத்தையும் – சமூகநீதியையும் நிலைநாட்டும் வகையில் நடைபெற்ற சனாதன ஒழிப்பு மாநாட்டில் இன்று (02.09.2023) மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர் திரு.@Udhaystalin , திராவிடர் கழகத் தலைவர் ஆசிரியர் திரு.@AsiriyarKV ஆகியோருடன் பங்கேற்றோம். pic.twitter.com/TcC2TVh4HQ
K. Veeramani, the head of the rabid anti-Hindu outfit Dravidar Kazhagam was also in attendance. Other prominent guests and speakers in the event include DMK MLA Ezhilan Naganathan, VCK MP Thol. Thirumavalavan, K. Balakrishnan of CPI-M, Peter Alphonse from Congress party, CPI-M MP from Madurai Su. Venkatesan, Radhika Vemula (mother of late Rohith Vemula).
Speaking at the event, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said “The title of this conference has been excellently coined. You’ve named it as ‘Abolish Sanatanam Conference’ and not ‘Oppose Sanatanam Conference’, so my best wishes to that.”
Udhayanidhi Stalin also said that some things need to eradicated and not opposed.
“Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to abolish/eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it. So, my appreciations to you all for giving an apt title to the meeting.“, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said.
He also further went on to say “What is Sanatanam? The name Sanatanam itself comes from Sanskrit. Sanatanam is opposed to equality and social justice. What is the meaning of Sanatanam? Eternal or something that can’t be changed. Something that can’t be questioned. That is the meaning of Sanatanam.”
It is worth noting that Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had identified himself to be a Christian recently and an atheist earlier, has once again made vitriolic speech against Hinduism and followers of the Hindu faith.
Many on social media questioned whether it is right for a Minister who has taken oath of office under the Constitution to speak like this.
Udhayanidhi Stalin also referred to the Dinamalar headline fiasco on the Tamil Nadu government’s breakfast scheme and took pride in CM Stalin’s targeted attack of a community.
Quoting from his grandfather’s autobiography ‘Nenjukku Needhi’, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that as a five-year-old boy ‘Kalaignar’ refused to go to music classes since it did not allow him to wear shirt or slippers adding that he fought against Santanam till 95 years of age.
“Earlier only Ramayana and Mahabharatam were considered as art and literary works of people. Only after the Dravidian Movement and Communist movement, people were told about Thirukkural, Silappadhikaram, Manimekalai, etc.“, he said.
“Sanatanam said to divide people by caste and segregate them. But Our Kalaignar brought every community in one village and gave the name ‘Samathuvapuram’ giving a whip to Sanatanam“, Udhayanidhi Stalin said.
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The human memory is pretty standard for all. There are some things you remember – important occasions, birthdays of loved ones, embarrassing moments – and some things you forget – chores given to you by your mother before she goes out, the entire syllabus before your exam, etc. However, there is one day in life that only girls will have the opportunity to remember, something that is ingrained into their memory so thoroughly that, if asked, they could spout out the most mundane details about that day without hesitation.
The day a girl first gets her period.
I can still remember the day as if it were yesterday, down to the weather, my mood, and what I was about to do when the moment struck.
It was summer. The day was hellishly hot, the type of weather that requires all the fans to be turned on, much to the parents’ chagrin, whose primary concern always tends to be on the electricity bill. It also happened to be final exam season, adding to the misery. Even as a sixth grader, my ability to stress out until I sweat through my clothes knew no bounds. The hot weather did not help the situation.
My mother, seeing that my sister – who had her ninth-grade exams going on – and I were stressed, told us to take a break and go swimming for an hour to cool ourselves off. That’s when the irreversible moment took place. The moment that would define the next forty or so years of my life.
I was about to change into my bathing suit when I saw it. Blood on my underwear. I froze, my vision tunneling onto the spot of blood that felt like a blessing as well as eternal doom.
I had gotten my period. The visit from Aunt Flo, the crimson tide, the devil’s volcano. I’m not going to lie, when my mother and sister first explained the concept of periods to me, I was excited at the prospect of getting mine. To me, getting my periods meant that I was finally a woman, that I was finally mature. At that moment, however, all I felt was fear. It was like, suddenly, I had forgotten everything my mother had ever told me about periods. A myriad of questions assaulted my head at that moment: Am I sick, do I have some grave illness, do I have to be hospitalized, does this mean I won’t have to write my Hindi exam?
After the initial stage of utter panic, I finally came to my senses. I called out for my mother and sister (screamed more like) and showed them the evidence of my screeched words. My mother immediately went into action. She told my sister to get me a pad and make me a milkshake. She instructed me on how to put the pad on. Thus, started the second-worst part about one’s first period.
Pads. The devil’s advocate and the source of ridiculous discomfort for a girl during her first period. I’m not sure if it was just me or a universal Girl Thing, but all through my first period, whenever I changed my pad, I had to walk like a penguin for a few minutes due to my irrational fear that I would somehow crease the pad if I walked normally, which would cause it to move and result in me leaking through my pants. It brought me an innumerable amount of fresh insults from my sister.
Then there is that aspect of periods that all girls loathe with a burning passion. Cramps. Surprisingly, I felt no pain during my first period. This was surprising because I had seen my sister actually curl into the fetal position during her periods, cursing our entire bloodline for being born a girl. Due to my lack of pain during my first period, I foolishly assumed that I would be one of those girls who did not experience cramps. Alas, my second period came around the corner and nearly reduced me to tears.
A girl’s first period marks an important day. No matter how much pain it might bring you over the next forty years, it is something to be grateful for. It means that your body is healthy and in sync with your brain. It is definitely a moment I revisit over and over again considering it was the one time I was allowed to be dramatic and no one could say anything about it. Who knows, someday, I could even look upon it fondly.
Avani Krishnan is a student in the 11th grade, studying history, economics, political science and maths. She enjoys writing and volunteering at NGOs and animal shelters.
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It is not without basis that makers of Family Man in Season 2 of the series, had shown a Tamil Tiger-type leader in exile siding with the Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) to reignite the flames of Tamil separatism.
After years of dormancy, there are alarming signs that the LTTE, a once-infamous terror group, is making a resurgence in Tamil Nadu. Recent developments suggest a potential revival with growing support from sympathizers across the globe. Notably, Tamil politician Pazha Nedumaran had asserted that the group’s iconic figure, Viduthalai Puligal Prabhakaran, may still be alive. Furthermore, security agencies have uncovered troubling evidence linking sympathizers to illicit activities such as drug and arms trafficking in South India, believed to be in collaboration with Pakistan’s ISI, as disclosed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
On Friday (1 September 2023), social media was flooded with criticism directed at both the state and central governments over alleged intelligence failures. This criticism stemmed from an incident in which a former LTTE operative, now a leader of the Crusaders for Democracy Party (Jananayaga Poraligal Katchi) in Sri Lanka, visited the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial in Sriperumbudur. His purpose was to “pay respect to Dhanu,” the suicide bomber responsible for assassinating the former Prime Minister.
Tulasi Amaran, the individual in question, shared photographs of this visit on his social media page on Wednesday (30 August 2023). In his posts, he claimed to have paid tribute to “Dhanu Akka,” noting that she also lost her life on May 21, 1991, in Sriperumbudur. The caption accompanying the images read, “Dhanu Akka died in Sriperumbudur. Paid floral tribute by Crusaders after 32 years.” It is said that Tulasi Amaran could have visited the memorial on August 20, Rajiv’s birth anniversary.
This incident isn’t the sole recent occurrence where LTTE sympathizers have displayed their activities. On 14 February 2023, Pazha Nedumaran, an 89-year-old supporter of the LTTE, held a press conference in Thanjavur. During the conference, he made a significant assertion, stating, “I wish to convey that Prabhakaran is still alive and in good health. I am pleased to inform the Tamil diaspora of this fact. This could potentially address all the speculations and queries surrounding him. Prabhakaran will soon personally announce his next plan for the liberation of Tamil Eelam.” Additionally, Nedumaran encouraged Tamils worldwide to “come forward to welcome” Prabhakaran.
LTTE sympathizers are not confined to verbal expressions of support; they are actively engaged in attempts to financially rejuvenate the terror organization. They are seeking to generate funds by channeling the proceeds from illicit activities such as drug and arms trafficking in Tamil Nadu. These operations are reportedly emanating from the Trichy Special Camp, where individuals accused under the Passport Act are detained.
The Nation Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested nine Sri Lankans on 20 December 2022, from a special camp for refugees in Tamil Nadu for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs and arms trade to revive the LTTE terror group.
The accused were identified as C. Gunashekharan alias Guna alias Prem Kumar, Pushparajah alias Pookutti Kanna, Mohammad Asmin, Alahapperumaga Sunil Ghamini Fonseca, Stanly Kennady Fernando, Ladiya, Dhanukka Roshan, Vella Suranka alias Gamage Suranga Pradeep, and Thilipan alias Dileepan.
A team led by SP Dharmaraj of the NIA, Kochi arrested the accused for drug trafficking and arms trafficking in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka in an attempt to revive the LTTE. They had been lodged at the special camp for their involvement in some other crimes.
In July 2022, the NIA filed a case in connection with the smuggling of drugs, arms, and ammunition from Pakistan to India and Sri Lanka in order to resurrect the LTTE.
Subsequently, an NIA team led by DIG Kaliraj Maheshkumar conducted a search on the premises of the Trichy special camp for foreign nationals on July 20. The NIA seized mobile phones, SIM cards, pen drives, hard drives, laptops, WiFi, and other electronic devices during the massive raid. The NIA found inmates with ties to the smuggling case.
The accused were arrested in connection with the seizure of narcotics and illegal arms on a boat intercepted near Vizhinjam Port. In 2021, defense forces intercepted a boat in the Arabian Sea near Kerala’s Vizhinjam Port. The boat contained 300 kg of heroin, five AK-47 machine guns, and 1000 rounds of 9 mm bullets, according to authorities.
In its investigative findings, the NIA disclosed that the case revolves around the operations of a Sri Lankan drug cartel overseen by individuals known as C Gunashekharan (alias Guna) and Pushparajah (alias Pookutti Kanna), both Sri Lankan nationals residing in Chennai. However, they are detained in Trichy special camp. They are reportedly collaborating with Haji Salim, a supplier of narcotics and arms based in Pakistan. According to the NIA’s allegations, Haji Salim has been actively involved in illegal drug and arms trade in India and Sri Lanka with the intent of supporting the resurgence of the LTTE in both countries. It is reported that there is a known agenda within Pakistan’s ISI to bolster terrorism activities in South India through LTTE sympathizers, mainly from rural Tamil Nadu.
Reports indicate that a variety of narcotics, including heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, opium, Norco, Contin, Percocet, Codeine, and more, were transported from Sri Lanka to the Tamil Nadu coastline. Given the vigilant monitoring of borders in Gujarat, Kashmir, and Punjab by defense forces, the Tamil Nadu coast has emerged as a prime location for the smuggling of drugs from Sri Lanka.
Of particular interest is the fact that one of the accused individuals hails from Bengaluru, prompting the NIA to launch a nationwide investigation into his connections. The NIA has also raised concerns about potential links between the arrested suspects and sympathizers of the LTTE who may be associated with the drug traffickers crossing borders.
These apprehended individuals had established residences in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Sri Lanka as part of their involvement in the illicit drug and arms trade. During the course of their interrogation, it came to light that the ISI organization is exploiting Tamil nationalism as a means to reactivate the LTTE and is striving to strengthen the organization’s presence in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
The seven convicts recently released in the case of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi have garnered substantial support among LTTE sympathizers. The NIA is currently investigating any potential connections between the accused individuals and those who have been released.
It is noteworthy that DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin embraced Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict Perarivalan, known as Arivu, following his release by the Supreme Court, which cited delayed action on his mercy petition.
These developments in Tamil Nadu go beyond mere indications and strongly suggest a resurgence of the LTTE terrorist group. It is imperative that both the State and Central governments intensify their efforts to counteract the revival of this banned terror organization.
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Mohammed Azarudeen alias Azar, another accused in the 2022 Coimbatore car IED bomb blast case has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the agency revealed on 1 September 2023.
This is the 13th person to be arrested in the case.
Azarudeen reportedly was already lodged at Viyyur high security prison in Thrissur, Kerala in relation to another case. According to the NIA press release, he was arrested and chargesheeted in another Tamil Nadu ISIS module case and was subsequently sent to judicial custody.
Investigation by security agencies revealed that Azarudeen had previously taken secret ‘bayan’ classes along with Jamesha Mubeen who was killed in the explosion. The NIA has stated that it was at these classes that Mubin, Azarudeen and others got indoctrinated and radicalized to commit violent terror attacks. Mubin was earlier investigated by the NIA in 2019 as he had been attending Bayan classes at a Coimbatore mosque of the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath.
The NIA during its investigation also found that Jamesha Mubeen along with 2 other accused met Azarudeen in prison.
“They had then hatched the Sathyamangalam conspiracy (the car bomb blast plan was concretized in the Sathyamangalam forests) to plan and prepare a terror attack to revenge Azar’s arrest and to get him released from jail through a jail-attack.”, the NIA stated in its press release.
It is noteworthy to mention that while the DMK leaders and the Dravidianist media have been downplaying and trivializing the incident as a “cylinder blast”, the NIA has once again asserted it to be a terror attack.
The 2022 Coimbatore Bomb Blast Terror Attack
The 2022 Coimbatore Bomb Blast is a terrorist attack where an LPG cylinder burst inside a Maruti 800 car at around 4.30 am on 23 October 2022, causing the vehicle to explode. The vehicle carrying the improvised explosive device was driven by Jamesha Mubeen. The blast happened outside the famous Kottai Eshwaran Temple. The explosion was initially believed to be an accident but a thorough investigation into the incident, revealed that the cylinder explosion was a terrorist attack committed by Islamic terrorists during the Diwali festival. Nails and ball bearings supposedly meant for inflicting maximum casualties were also recovered from the spot. Investigtors had recovered handwritten paper documents recovered from the house of Jamesha Mubeen listing the popular spots in Coimbatore that they had plans to recce or were already done. Chemicals used for making crude bombs were also found at his house.
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In a surprising turn of events, 13 councillors belonging to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the Tindivanam Municipality walked out of a municipal meeting held on 1 September 2023, expressing their deep dissatisfaction and embarrassment over their inability to address the basic needs of their Wards. The councillors announced their intention to resign from their positions, highlighting a lack of support and unresolved issues plaguing their responsibilities.
The meeting, convened under the leadership of City Council Head, Nirmala Ravichandran, took an unexpected turn as the DMK councillors began questioning Municipal Commissioner Tamizhchelvi about their inability to provide essential amenities to their constituents.
One councillor articulated their collective frustration, stating, “The City Council appears to be operating under external pressures, limiting our ability to fulfill our duties. We have lost confidence in the Council, and it has become increasingly challenging for us to carry out our responsibilities.”
During the meeting, one councillor emphasised that issues such as garbage collection, inadequate lighting, and water-related problems remained unresolved, leading to a sense of shame when facing their constituents.
“We have garnered significant respect from our constituents, which is why we were elected in the first place. However, the City Council’s inaction has left us feeling ashamed, ineffective, and distressed,” one councillor remarked.
Expressing their intention to meet with the Chief Minister and tender their resignations, the disillusioned councillors subsequently left the meeting.
Speaking to the press later, the councillors revealed that they had repeatedly raised these issues with the City Council through various channels but had received no satisfactory response or resolution. They noted that the Municipal Commissioner had been changed four times, and despite presenting their concerns during meetings, no concrete actions or follow-ups had occurred. The absence of permanent solutions and ineffective implementation of schemes further added to their discontent.
The councillors informed reporters that they had submitted their resignation letters to the Council and were prepared to meet with the Chief Minister, should he call for such a meeting.
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