The Twitter hashtag #ஐயோஅம்மா_கொல்றாங்க has been trending all over India since morning taking a dig at late DMK president Karunanidhi, who was snubbed by actor Ajith during a cine event held several years ago.
A video clip featuring Duraimurugan, the DMK minister and general secretary, has gained widespread attention on social media. In the viral video, DMK minister Duraimurugan said that he does not know who actor Ajith is.
The video clip in question was recorded during an interview given by Duraimurugan to the YouTube channel “Tamil Nadu Now” on 12 August 2023. In the interview, the anchor queried the minister on whether he watches movies of popular actors Vijay and Ajith. Duraimurugan, known for his expressive reactions, quipped, “Who is Ajith?” – a statement that has since reverberated widely.
அஜீத்னா யாருனு கேட்கறார் திமுகவின் பொது செயலாளர் துரைமுருகன் !
It is important to note that actor Ajith Kumar holds a prominent position within the realm of Tamil cinema. Given his stature, it is highly unlikely that Duraimurugan was unaware of him. In response to Duraimurugan’s statement of not recognising Ajith, fans of the actor initiated a trend on Twitter by sharing an old video of Ajith Kumar. In this video, Ajith openly spoke on a public platform, in the presence of the former DMK president Karunanidhi, revealing that DMK leaders were compelling him to participate in the event.
The incident happened during a felicitation ceremony on February 2010, organised by Kollywood to thank the late M Karunanidhi for allotting land in Kancheepuram for deserving members of the cine industry, Ajith, in the presence of the then Chief Minister, said, “If we don’t attend the protest, we are portrayed as anti-Tamils. On the one hand, they want us to participate in political events, and on the other hand, they threaten us not to enter politics. What is wrong with our entering politics if we are expected to participate in political and social events? Actors only want to act and are not interested in taking a stand on issues. But they have been lending support to various causes under extreme pressure. I request the Chief Minister to issue a direction that film personalities should not be arm-twisted to attend social and political events,”
This speech of actor Ajith Kumar on an open stage was seen as an insult to Karunanidhi and DMK. Ajith fans trended the video on Twitter along with the hashtag #ஐயோஅம்மா_கொல்றாங்க reminding Duraimurugan and DMK about who Ajith is and what he is capable of.
It’s worth mentioning that the phrase #ஐயோஅம்மா_கொல்றாங்க was the exact expression uttered by the late CM Karunanidhi on 30 June 2001, when he was being arrested under the regime of the then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on charges related to flyover corruption. Ajith’s supporters employed this hashtag to subtly mock the former Chief Minister Karunanidhi, symbolising it as a form of retaliation for the DMK minister’s assertion of being unfamiliar with Ajith.
Memes By Ajith Fans Mocking Karunanidhi – A Glance
Journalist Thinakaran Rajamani, who uncovered the alleged attempts by the DMK administration to shield IPS officer Balveer Singh, implicated in accusations of extracting teeth and crushing the testicles of detainees in Tirunelveli, is now being targeted by the DMK IT wing for raising serious questions about health care in Tamil Nadu. They branded him as ‘Sanghi’ and used abusive words against him like ‘vicious dog’, ‘parasite’, ‘penis’, and others.
An IPS officer named Balveer Singh, stationed in Tirunelveli, faced suspension following allegations of subjecting suspects to custodial torture. The accusations include the alleged acts of crushing the testicles and forcibly removing teeth from the detainees. Amid escalating public sentiment against the DMK’s perceived lack of action and opposition parties highlighting the matter in the state assembly, Chief Minister MK Stalin was compelled to take action, issuing orders for the suspension of Balveer Singh.
Journalist Thinakaran Rajamani played a pivotal part in bringing to light the custodial torture allegations involving Balveer Singh through media channels. Additionally, he played a significant role in uncovering a caste-based assault in Nanguneri, where a 17-year-old boy named Chinnadurai and his sister were attacked with a sickle by their fellow classmates.
Following the assault on Chinnadurai, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanium assured better medical care for the victim. The minister also stated that specialist surgeons from Stanley Hospital in Chennai would be brought in to provide superior treatment for Chinnadurai.
Amidst these circumstances, journalist Thinakaran Rajamani raised several pertinent questions regarding Tamil Nadu’s healthcare system. He questioned the rationale behind the Tamil Nadu government’s move to bring doctors from Chennai, which is situated 620 kilometers away from Tirunelveli, instead of ensuring the availability of specialist doctors in every district.
He said, “Do children from the southern districts not deserve such experts in Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital and the same treatment that Chennai people receive? One vote, same tax, right?”
He added, “Why does the State government not transfer its doctors every three years, like the Central government, so that people from all parts of the State can also benefit from the expertise of doctors from Stanley and other Chennai govt. hospitals? Moreover, other non-Chennai doctors will get an opportunity to work in the capital city.”
The queries posed by the journalist against the DMK government have not been well-received by both DMK leaders and the DMK IT wing. In reaction to Journalist Thinakaran’s inquiries, Sai Lakshmikanth, the son of DMK leader RS Bharathi, responded by subjecting the journalist to verbal abuse, accusing him of lacking common sense. He said, “Departments will be started based on the caseload. This common sense is lacking for most journalists. Starting a department is not having doctors alone. It involves a lot of infrastructure. But first, you need to have a sufficient patient load so that we break even.”
Departments will be started based on the case load. This common sense is lacking for most journalists. Starting a department is not having doctors alone. It involves lot of infrastructure. But first you need to have a sufficient patient load so that we break even. https://t.co/JEiXT4WviO
Responding to his provocation politely, Thinakaran said, “Seems doctors expect journalists to study MBBS before raising concerns about need of infra, private practice during duty hours, non-adherence of biometric attendance system, crore of loss incurred by service bond violation. Whenever I raise such issues, I’m asked to have iota of knowledge, common sense, etc.”
Members of the DMK IT wing initiated a wave of verbal attacks directed at Thinakaran. A DMK supporter, in a display of aggression, commented, “If you are unable to comprehend his explanation, it would be better if you close your ass and listen to him. Su**i (Penis).”
Subsequently, the DMK IT wing delved into journalist Thinakaran Rajamani’s tweets from over a decade ago, wherein he extended a welcome to PM, Narendra Modi, during the swearing-in of then CM Jayalalitha. Quoting these decade-old tweets, the DMK IT wing launched a verbal onslaught against Rajamani, labeling him a ‘Sanghi’ and a supporter of the BJP.
Quoting another old tweet of Thinakaran, where he took a dig at DMK for losing all 10 seats in Madurai, DMK IT wing troll named “Surya Born To Win” said, “This vicious dog has been barking at DMK for a long time with ulterior motives. He is a parasite living in someone’s alms.”
இந்த நாய் இன்றல்ல, அன்றிலிருந்தே திமுக மீது வன்மத்தை கக்கிக் கொண்டிருக்கும் ஒரு ஏவல் நாய்!
The series of tweets from the DMK IT wing, launching a verbal attack on the journalist, garnered significant criticism across social media platforms. Numerous users voiced their opinions, highlighting that the DMK should not anticipate every journalist to mirror the stance of Dravidian Stockist journalists, who sing paeans for the ruling DMK government.
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With the release of Rajnikanth’s latest film, Jailer, the spotlight falls on the temple shown in its opening scene. It is the Sanjeevirayar Hanuman Temple located in Ayyangarkulam, Kanchipuram.
Dear sir, heard this ancient temple 75kms from Chennai doesn't have enough support to manage their daily needs due to being a non-popular one. Said to be several thousand years old, it needs your attention. 🙏🏾
The story of this temple is said to date back to the Ramayana era. According to legend, when Lord Hanuman was bringing the Sanjeevi Hill to Sri Lanka to cure Lakshmana wounded in the battle, some parts of the hill fell at this location. This is why the deity, Hanuman, at this temple is known as Sri Sanjeevi Rayar.
According to another legend, Thatha Desikan and his followers embarked on a journey carrying wealth acquired through earnings and gifts to present to Sri Varadharaja Perumal of Kanchipuram. Upon reaching the temple, they discovered that their riches were being guarded by monkeys, mistakenly believing them to be Anjaneyar or Hanuman. In gratitude for this unexpected safeguard, Thatha Desikan constructed a temple dedicated to Anjaneyar and crafted a Sanskrit composition known as ‘Srimad Hanumath Vimsathi’.
History
The temple is said to have been built in the Vijayanagara period by a scholar and administrator named Kotikanyadanam Sri Lakshmi Kumara Thathachariar roughly around the 15th-16th century.
Sri Lakshmi Kumara Thathachariar is said to have held a prominent position during the Vijayanagara Empire. He was a distinguished vaishnavite scholar who served as Chief Minister and Raja Guru for the Vijayanagara Kings Venkatapathy Rayas I and II. He also oversaw the administration of Divya Desams in Kanchipuram, Sriperumbudur, and Kumbakonam. Over time, the temple and its associated tank gained the names ‘Thatha Samudram’ and ‘Thiruvadi Rayapuram’, ultimately evolving into ‘Ayyangarkulam’. The principal deity of the temple, Sri Sanjeevirayar, holds a significant place as the foremost shrine dedicated to Sri Anjaneyar in this region of the country.
Sri Thatha Desikan displayed his philanthropic spirit by arranging numerous marriages for the underprivileged, leading to his accolade as “Koti Kanniyadhana Lakshmi Kumara Thatha Desikan,” or alternatively known as “Ettur Lakshmi Kumara Thathacharya.”
Two Grantha inscriptions eulogise Sri Sanjeevirayar through poetic compositions. One of these inscriptions extols Thathachariar in poetic form, while the second inscription documents the establishment of the Hanuman Temple and the creation of the ‘Thathasamudram’ reservoir.
An inscription dated 1609 CE, attributed to King Venkatapathirayar of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, documents the grant of the villages Ayyankulathur and Enathiputhur to this revered Hanuman deity.
Current State
Although this temple features in Tamil films routinely, it is in a dilapidated condition. It is worth noting that the Sanjeevirayar temple comes under the ambit of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department of the Tamil Nadu state government. It is truly lamentable that neither the government nor the film fraternity has stepped forward to shoulder the responsibility of preserving a temple of such distinguished ancient heritage and renown.
Organisations such as People For Dharma have been involved in the restoration and renovation works of many temples across the country and the Sanjeevirayar Temple is one among them.
Rajini's Jailer movie starts with a shot of this Ayyangarkulam Sanjeevirayar temple. It's epic to note that this old Vijayanagaran era temple features in almost every other tamil film, but neither HRCE nor the wealthy film makers/artists are interested in restoring it. https://t.co/Az4MOY66Oh
It has now come to people’s attention that the temple currently conducts puja only once a day. This is unusual considering the temple possesses a considerable amount of land. What is even more startling is that the archaka, who conducts the rituals, receives a meagre salary of just ₹1000 per month. It’s quite astonishing that there seems to be little concern for these matters or even the deteriorating state of the temple.
The HR&CE department, however, finds itself in multiple controversies such as the recent Kanakasabai entry at Chidambaram temple or the permission to allow non-Hindus at Pazhani temple despite an existing court ruling against it.
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Ambasamudram in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu is home to a village named Brahmadesam where the 1000-year-old Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple is located. This temple is the first of Navakailasa temples in Tamil Nadu.
The temple was originally built during King Raja Raja Chola’s reign during which, this village was donated to Vedic Scholars for reciting the Four Vedas, which is why it was named Chaturveda Mangalam or Brahmadhayam. Additional parts of the temple were later constructed by Pandya Kings and Hoysala Kings. King Viswanatha Naick, who ruled from Tirunelveli, oversaw the construction of significant features like the tall seven-story front Rajagopuram and the five-story back Gopuram, along with substantial compound walls.
Inside the temple, there are magnificent sculptures and a finely crafted door that displays remarkable artistic skill. In the past, the temple likely had a substantial workforce dedicated to its upkeep. However today, only three individuals, including a priest and two staff members, have been assigned by HR&CE to manage this vast temple whose area spans a few acres. Shockingly, their combined monthly earnings are less than ₹5000. The entirety of the donations in the Hundi is directed to the government. Similar to many ancient temples, this one also emits an aura of neglect. The priest continues his duties out of familial tradition as a fourth-generation priest, driven by a profound attachment to the temple.
Recently Hindu activist Shefali Vaidya visited the temple and she narrated what she encountered at the temple in a tweet.
“Yesterday, while we were exiting the temple, a JCB drove towards the main entrance and dropped heavy steel doors and other material required for the construction of a strong room right at the main entrance of the temple, in such a way, that the entrance was completely blocked. The priest was practically begging the guys delivering the material to help him put the doors away on the side so the devotees could enter the temple. The contractor was flatly refusing, saying, his job was only to unload the cargo at the temple entrance and he had done so! The priest shrugged helplessly and told us that he has no option but to leave the heavy construction material like that, blocking the main entrance. He would have to arrange for local guys at night, after the temple was closed to move the stuff away, on his own time, and possibly money! When we left the temple, the heavy steel doors were still dumped unceremoniously beneath the main entrance of the Rajagopuram, with the priest looking helpless and harassed! This is the state of a government-controlled 1000-year-old Hindu temple in India!”
The way @tnhrcedept under @mkstalin operates in Tamil Nadu, as far as Hindu temples are concerned!
The Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple is a 1000 year old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The present structure dates back to the reign of King Raja Raja Chozha. The great chozha… pic.twitter.com/4RN8wjpOVG
Another temple in Ambasamudram which lies in neglect is the Kasinathar Temple. Shefali Vaidya shared a video of the deplorable condition the temple is in today. This temple is said to be built by Chola kings nearly 900 years ago and it is mentioned in her tweet that locals claim that the construction debris had been lying near the main gopuram (tower) for several months.
Another example of how callously @tnhrcedept under @arivalayam and @mkstalin maintains 1000 year old Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. This is criminal neglect. This is from the Kasipnathar temple in Ambasamudram, again a 900 year plus old built by the Chozhas. These construction… pic.twitter.com/u7NHlM0Jco
Yet another ancient temple that is in a state of neglect as shared by Shefali Vaidya is the Thiru Kutralanathar temple in Courtallam, Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu. The Thiru Kutralanathar is said to be associated with one of the Pancha Sabhais where Lord Shri Nataraja is said to have performed the Cosmic Dance.
Chola King Kochenkannan planted a sacred tree, signifying worship of Kutralanathar. Kabilar’s “Sivaperuman Anthathi” references Courtallam’s beauty and Kutralanathar’s popularity, even in the Pallava Period.
Initially a Vishnu temple per Puranas, Sage Agasthiar transformed it into Kutralanathar temple. The deity’s perpetual headache led to nightly abhishekam with 64 herbs and a herbal Prasadam is disributed to the devotees even today after the abhishekam. The conch-shaped temple points to its Vaishnavite origin.
Thirukutralanathar temple has 89 inscriptions. Some date back to Chola King Parakesari Varman, mentioning Thirukkutrala Perumal, and later as Kutralathevan and Madevan. References to donations and the term “Perumal” suggest shrines of both Lord Perumal and Lord Siva.
The Thevaram Songs by Pallava Kings highlight Courtallam and its deity. Appar, Sundarar, and other Saivite saints have sung in praise of the deity. Texts like Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, and others describe Koothan in Courtallam.
Shefali Vaidya mentioned that the instances of alleged neglect and lack of concern on the part of the HR&CE department under the administration of MK Stalin towards Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu have come to light. She tweeted, “Construction debris are everywhere in the outside mandapa, river is filthy with lots of rubbish dumped there and there are cobwebs everywhere. Original temple walls have been defaced with vanity boards of politicians.”
More examples of the apathy and indifference shown by @tnhrcedept under @mkstalin towards Hindu temples in TN. These are pics from Tirukutralnathar temple, from Coutralam, site of one of the panchsabais where Shri Nataraja is thought to have danced. Construction debris are… pic.twitter.com/G7sQ2sFecs
Ancient temples, some over 1000 years old, come under the control of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department of the state government. The HR&CE website states that “There are 46,090 Hindu and Jain Temples under control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Department.”
Yet, most of the temples under their control are in a state of neglect and disrepair. Recently, a portion of the entry tower on the eastern side of the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple collapsed. It has been alleged that the negligence of the department that this happened.
The Commune had also reported the sad state of affairs at the Sri Sanjeevi Rayar Temple which featured in the opening scene of the Rajnikanth-starrer Jailer. Despite all this, the temples have been left as they are and no effort has been made to restore them to their original splendour.
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Kothandapani, head constable of Otteri police station, staged a dharna with his daughter in front of the DGP office on Kamaraj Road on 15 August 2023. Kothandapani’s daughter had slipped into a coma while being treated for a kidney ailment at Egmore Children’s Hospital in Chennai in April 2023 allegedly due to medical negligence. He staged a protest in front of the Tamil Nadu Secretariat at that time saying that no proper explanation was given by the hospital as to why she went into a coma.
Since she was three years old, Kothandapani’s daughter, who is now 10, has been said to be receiving medications prescribed by government doctors. Kothandapani said that her relapse in 2021 was the result of the side effects of the medicines given. He said that the child’s legs became black and had serious blood clotting due to doctor’s alleged incorrect diagnosis and improper treatment.
He also alleged that the child was given without his consent which led to her suffer from fits due to which she was admitted to the ICU for further treatment. He had demanded that immediate action be taken against the doctors responsible for her daughter’s condition.
He claimed that his daughter was not treated well even after so long and the hospital did not explain or investigate the mistake. He said that the National Children’s Commission looked into it and after four months they offered a certificate for disability, but he wanted to know why his child was mistreated and said he did not want a disability certificate for his child.
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party State Secretary, SG Suryah, took to Twitter to question the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government. He said, “On the one hand, the Chief Minister MK Stalin is hoisting the national flag and ironically, we have a policeman protesting for justice on the same street. This is how the state government is being run, the Chief Minister has all the time and energy to criticise the central government for every single thing, is this the Dravida Model they boast of?”
தமிழகத்தில் ஒரு காவலர், அரசு அலட்சியத்தால் தனது மகளின் கால்கள் பறிபோனதற்கு 4 மாத காலமாக நீதி கேட்டு போராடி வருகிறார்.
கோட்டை கொத்தளத்தில் முதல்வர் திரு.@mkstalin கொடி ஏற்றும் பொழுது, அதே வீதியில் ஒரு காவலரே “எனக்கு நீதி கிடைக்கவில்லை!” என போராடும் நிலையில் ஆட்சியை நடத்திக்… pic.twitter.com/MNQOXeaqe9
The head constable, who was protesting on the road with his daughter for 20 minutes, was pacified by the policemen of the Marina police station and taken to the police station.
Sebastian Simon, known as Seeman and the chief of Naam Tamil Katchi (NTK), has yet again ignited a firestorm of controversy with his recent statements, this time targeting linguistic minorities in Tamil Nadu. This comes on the heels of his previous incendiary remarks about religious minorities who vote en masse for DMK and Congress.
On 1 August 2023, Seeman drew widespread criticism for labeling Christians and Muslims as “children of Satan.” These remarks were made during a protest denouncing violence in Manipur. He singled out Christian and Muslim voters for their electoral choices, particularly their support for the Congress and DMK parties. Predictably, these comments were met with strong backlash from the DMK and its allies, with demands for an apology from Manithaneyam Makkal Katchi Chief M. H. Jawahirullah.
However, instead of offering an apology, Seeman remained defiant, stating that he wouldn’t apologize for his comments. He questioned whether the minorities would vote for him even if he did apologize, claiming that they had not supported him in the past and were unlikely to do so in the future. In an apparent attempt to regain some ground and woo minority communities, Seeman took a defensive stance on 3 August 2023. He asserted that he would use a slipper to hit anyone who referred to Christians and Muslims as minorities. Seeman contended that both communities were integral to Tamil Nadu, hailing them as “sons of the soil” who were true Tamils.
Having shifted his attention from religious minorities, Seeman has now targeted linguistic minorities in Tamil Nadu. During an interview with Puthiyathalaimurai, he remarked, “While the Constitution has granted certain privileges to minorities, how many Muslims or Christians have ascended to the positions of Chief Minister or Prime Minister in India since Independence? Can anyone from a minority religion become PM or CM in the next 100 years? The answer is likely no. Referring to Christians and Muslims as minorities does not translate into government concessions in GST tax. So, why continue to label them as such?”
Seeman continued, “Those who brand Christians and Muslims as recipients of government privileges, are themselves beneficiaries of linguistic minorities’ entitlements. What should I do about this? The same people who classify Christians and Muslims as minorities are from linguistic minority groups. They (religious minorities) are sons of the soil. You can change your religion but not your race.”
He further said, “You linguistic minority lunatics. It is us (Tamils) who have to protect you (linguistic minorities); Do not say that you will protect us. Do not say that you have given reservations to religious minorities. The reservation linguistic minorities enjoy is alms given by Tamils. You do not have the right to speak like that in Tamil Nadu.”
Seeman’s divisive speech targeting linguistic minorities has faced widespread backlash from the general public. His remarks are seen as inflammatory and provocative, further polarizing communities in the state.
Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai hits back sharply at DMK MP Kanimozhi Who attempted to enlighten Prime Minister Modi about Pandian Sengol and Silapathigaram.
During a discussion on a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, DMK MP Kanimozhi said, “You brought the Sengol to the new Parliament with great fanfare, claiming it belongs to the Chola tradition. But your knowledge of Tamil Nadu’s history is inadequate. Have you ever heard of Pandiyan Sengol? The Pandiyan Sengol burned and crumbled when the king failed his people. I urge you to stop imposing Hindi on us and read Sillappadhikaram; it holds valuable lessons for all of you.”
In response, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman countered Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi, pointing out that Silapathigaram mainly pertains to the Tamil culture and does not talk about Dravidam or Draidians, an ideology which Kanimozhi’s party is associated with. Finance Minister said, “They asked us to read Sillapadhikaram. There was an expert by the name Ma. Po. Si (Mayilai Ponnusamy Sivagnanam). He had the title Silambu Selvar. He was an authority of Silappadhikaram. I want to read what he wrote in a magazine, Tamil Murasu in 1951. ”
VIDEO | "You (PM Modi) brought the sengol to the new Parliament, saying it belongs to the Chola tradition. You don't know Tamil Nadu history properly. Have you heard about Pandiyan sengol? Please stop imposing Hindi on us and read Cilappatikaram, it has a lot of lessons to teach… pic.twitter.com/Wz9t5bXudP
Nirmala Sitharam read lines from Silapathigaram which said,
“We are not Dravidians, we are Tamils;
Our motherland is Tamilagam and not Dravidam;
Its northern boundary is Venkatam and not Vindhya;
The Brahmins of Tamil Nadu are not Ariyar, but Tamils.
While the cultural habits and practices of Tamils are different from those who reside outside Venkatam, they are not opposite to each other.”
She further said, “In summary, Silappadhikaram says we are not Dravidians but Tamils.”
For many years, in the name of opposing ‘Hindi imposition’, there is a practice of not allowing the study of Hindi & Sanskrit in Tamil Nadu.
It is to an extent that we cannot learn Hindi or Sanskrit even if we wish to.
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) August 10, 2023
In this context, while responding to a question on Kanimozhi’s attempt to enlighten PM Modi about Sillappadhikaram and Sengol, Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai said, “I do not want to talk about a dynast. All Karyakarthas here are self-made people. I don’t have an identity of being born to Karunanidhi. If you take Karunanidhi out of Kanimozhi, she is a nobody. That is why she does not want Sengol in parliament. A common man in Tamil Nadu appreciates Sengol because Sengol is a reflection of the common man and Kanimozhi is a reflection of a dynasty; an entitled dynast. I don’t have any respect for what Kanimozhi talks in parliament. If you have any questions of a leader from DMK who came up the ladder in a hard way, I will comment on that.”
A video of a rabid Christian missionary, Daniel Stephen Courney, streaming live from Manipur, around the first week of August 2023 has surfaced on social media.
Wrote to the MHA @DGPAssamPolice & @Manipur_Police against Daniel Stephen Courney (US) involving proselytization activities in Assam. Recently he visited Manipur & delivered hate-filled speech against Indian Govt & Hindus.
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) August 14, 2023
Legal Rights activist handle, Legal Rights Protection Forum, tweeted that they had written to the Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the DGP of Assam and Manipur Police about Daniel Stephen Courney (US) involving in proselytization activities in Assam. An earlier complaint by Legal Rights Protection Forum in 2017 ensured that he was deported and blacklisted from India. However, Courney set up a base in Nepal over the years and entered India via Assam and subsequently to Manipur under the pretext of doing social service (distributing blankets and mattresses).
Who Is Daniel Stephen Courney?
Daniel Stephen Courney, originally from New York, USA, has been involved in proselytisation activities for quite some time.
A Reddit thread reveals that he arrived in India on 27 August 2009 and was hosted by his pastor friend in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. He lived with this pastor friend for several months in a remote village and was given the advice that if he wanted to remain in India, he had to marry locally. In this way, he would be able to have dual citizenship in both India and the US. So, his marriage was arranged with the pastor friend’s niece Anusha. This information was obtained in a Reddit thread that was from this website. The blog post has been removed since.
The Reddit thread also says that during his stint in the US Army as a combat medic, he was allegedly put in the psychiatric ward because of his “preaching” activities.
His Facebook page reveals that he is now a father of 6 children. He is said to have arrived in India on a tourist visa and stayed on for over 10 years during which he involved himself in conversion-related activities in the then Andhra Pradesh state.
In 2018, he was convicted on two counts of religious and racially motivated public order offences.
In 2021, he was reported to have stalked an abortion doctor in Englewood with a drone. He was apprehended and found operating the drone which had a speaker and camera outside Metropolitan Medical Associates on Engle Street. Courney and fellow pro-life activists have often protested at this location in the past. He also tried to stop people from entering the reproductive health services clinic. Subsequently, he was barred from coming within 25ft of the Englewood clinic.
He is also reported to have been charged along with two other Christians in 2021 for violating the state’s anti-bias intimidation statute, specifically for “shouting homophobic rhetoric directly in front of Allure Salon,” after the trio preached to the salon owner and an employee who are both openly homosexual.
His Facebook page reveals a lot of information about his move from Nepal where he resided during the pandemic and continued his conversion activities as a missionary.
Mr. Daniel Stephen Courney.. US Evangelist who settled down in AP (for 15 years) & married to local Telugu girl was deported & blacklisted in 2017 with our complaints. Later settled down in Nepal. #Noted: below image circulating is from Nepal, not India.
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) March 27, 2020
@HMOIndia@lawinforce Daniel Stephen Courney once deported from India for rabid evangelist activities is back in India committing the same offence again. He is staying in Nepal and entering India regularly for Christian evangelist activities#noconversionpic.twitter.com/KRwtWLglXN
In the first week of August 2023, his Facebook page reveals that they took a flight to Assam, and allegedly with the help of the West Bengal Joint Secretary, International Human Rights Council, he has been moving around the North-Eastern states.
On 3 August 2023, he posted on his Facebook account that he along with another person named Mr. M.S Kumar from Hyderabad have distributed 50 Assamese New Testaments on the Platform No. 6 of the Guwahati Railway Station, Assam.
On 5 August 2023, he visited Senapati town of the Manipur State and telecasted a live video criticizing the government of India calling it a ‘Radical Hindu Government’ and accused the Indian Government of the ongoing violence against Christians in the state.
On 10 August 2023, he posted on his Facebook account seeking funds from foreigners for the Manipur violence victims by saying that “At least 400 churches were burned to the ground. Hundreds of Christians kills. Countless families had their homes and entire villages razed to the ground.”
Courney’s Video On Manipur
In his 13-minute video, he speaks about the “persecution of Kuki tribals” because they are Christians and that he was reporting from a village called Senapati in Manipur.
Full video here –
He goes on to say that the ruling BJP government is very radically Hindu and was looking to make the entire country “Hindustan”. He claims that about 41 villages have been burned down and churches destroyed. He also claims that the ruling government at the centre felt threatened by the fact that Christianity was metastatizing at an exponential state in the North East and hence these measures were taken. He said, “… they’re attempting to, like I said, to exterminate, to expunge, to curtail the growth of Christianity, the spread of Christianity…”
He also says that he had never seen a more Christian region anywhere in the world and even though the people were converted Christians, they were a force to reckon with. He also mentioned that there are 5 churches in a single village, something he would never see in his country (US).
He then goes on to explain who the Kukis and the Meities are, and how the Kukis remained Christian while the Meiteis were converted to mainstream Hinduism 300 years ago by their king. He claimed that the Kukis lived a very comfortable and prosperous life because they were blessed by God and that the Meities were jealous of their prosperity. – “…I mean they have cars, they have refrigerators, they have washing machines, God has blessed them, God has blessed this region, they’re with wealth and prosperity, don’t you think tribal you think bows and arrows, but these people are living better than some people in in the Appalachian region of America. These people are living well even in the small towns in small villages people are having washing machines and cars, God has blessed the cookie people, and naturally jealousy is growing and the Meitei people are feeling threatened, they’re feeling threatened by the growth and prosperity of the Kukis…”
He also claimed that this is not just a land dispute but also an identity crisis and that Christianity is changing the North East of the country and that he was shocked to see the number of churches in the region.
“… as a result, there’s a lot of threat, there’s a lot of concern among the Meiteis, the Kukis are taking over because they’re buying land and they’re not able to sell it, and yeah just in a nutshell, there’s the conflict comes down to a land dispute, of course, a land dispute but it’s not only a land dispute, it’s an identity crisis because like I said Christianity has rapidly it’s terraforming Northeast India I mean it’s completely radically altering the landscape of this region. It’s amazing, I’m shocked, I’ve never seen so many churches consolidated in such a small geographical region and this is actually a large geographical region. Northeast India is is is a considerable land and so Christianity is a force to be reckoned with in Northeast India. This is not merely an ethnic feud, it’s not merely a family feud, this is not merely anything like that, this is faith-based my dear friends.”
He blames the ruling central government and the Prime Minister for wanting to change this country into a Hindu country and that they have deliberately persecuted Christians and Muslims to make it a homogenous Hindu land. – “… there are the powers that be the current political party of India, the BJP Janata Party wants this country to be a Hindu country, the current prime minister is a radical, they have deliberately persecuted Christians and Muslims, trying to make this uh a homogeneous Hindu land which violates the very spirit of the Indian constitution.”
He claims that at least 400 churches were burned down and that this was documented online.
“… I’ve confirmed this with local sources with local people I’ve spoken to and also it’s documented online, you can Google it because I’ve had some people challenge me, oh no that’s exaggerated, that’s an inflated number. It’s not inflated, I’ve asked the local people, and I’ve we visited at least five or six refugee camps in the past two days. I’ve seen hundreds hundreds of Kuki Christians who have been forcibly displaced, their villages were burned to the ground, razed to the ground. Do you understand what I’m telling you, 400 churches at 41 churches in one District alone the Kangpokpi district alone has had 41 Villages razed, burned to the ground for their faith in Jesus, for their Christian identity because they’re not Hindus.”
He says that although the internet is not to be used in the region, he had to spread the message and hence borrowed internet from someone to share the information about the ground situation. He also laid the accusation that the Manipur violence was a human rights violation, he said, “This is a human rights violation, this is an egregious mass human rights crisis that is being ignored by the mass media because it doesn’t fit the narrative.”
He claims that he is in Manipur to do social service, but the person he is with MS Kumar has been seen involved in proselytisation activities.
It is unclear whether the blacklist on him has been lifted and how he managed to enter the country.
LRPF’s Complaint
LRPF in its complaint to the Commissioner of Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs said that the Christian missionary is in violation of visa rules as it is strictly prohibited for foreigners to be involved in religious activities in India with any visa they hold.
A tourist visa can only be used for non-business purposes, such as tourism or visiting family and friends. Even if one holds a missionary visa, the person cannot use it for proselytizing activities and can only join a missionary organization approved by the Government of India for which the organization must receive a certificate indicating it is compliant with the Foreign Contributions Regulatory Act.
“In this case, Mr Daniel S Courney is a habitual offender, once deported from India but again visited India with the same objective of converting people to Christianity. He is making false accusations against the government of India and provoking the people of Manipur with his hate-filled speech.”, LRPF noted in its complaint.
“Despite being deported in the past, Mr Daniel Stephen Courney has not mended his ways and continues to abuse the visitor visa granted to him. He is lurking on the Indo-Nepal border and sneaking into India regularly. Only permanent blacklisting that a ‘permanent ban’ be imposed on him from entering India by declaring him as ‘Persona non-Grata’ to the government of India.”
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A short video clip of a boy, wherein he reveals that he paid ₹25 lakhs to secure a seat for pursuing an MBBS degree in DMK MP Jagathrakshakan-owned medical college is now going viral on social media. He also added that entire course expenses at the medical college owned by DMK leader would tally up to ₹1.5 crores, which economically poor students cannot afford.
Following the tragic suicide of his 19-year-old son due to his inability to pass the NEET medical entrance exam, the father of the young boy was found dead at their residence in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the very next day.
Jagadeeswaran, who graduated from Class XII in 2022 with 427 marks, was unable to clear the NEET entrance for the medical course in two attempts. It was reported that the boy did not respond to calls from his father on Saturday and was found dead at home. The following morning, Selvasekar, his father, was found dead. Struggling to bear the immense sorrow brought about by his son’s passing, Selvasekar took his own life by hanging at his residence, according to statements from the police.
Amidst these circumstances, a video featuring Fayazdeen, a friend of Jagadheeswaran, speaking to the media, denouncing the NEET exam for its detrimental impact on economically disadvantaged students, has gained significant attention. However, during his interaction with the press, he revealed that his father paid ₹25 lakhs to secure an MBBS seat in a private medical college and that it would cost around ₹1.5 crores as fees to complete the course. This statement has now gone viral on social media.
“I am just pass in NEET. I am telling openly. I was able to get only 160 marks in NEET. Since my father was economically well-to-do, he paid ₹25 lakhs and admitted me in this college… If person who pays money and becomes doctor, what will he do? He will be focused on retrieving the money back instead of doing service to people. If NEET is the only exam that can create good doctors, then are all the doctors who have passed to this date dubakoors (waste in colloquial Tamil)?”, Fayazdeen says.
It is to be noted that until 2006, engineering or medical aspirants had to write the Tamil Nadu Professional Courses Entrance Examination (TNPCEE).
Watch | நீட் – மருத்துவ மாணவரின் உலுக்கும் கேள்விகள்!
“I feel disheartened. Jagadeeswaran who was with me all along, he was not able to pay ₹25 lakhs. In fact, he was better at studies than me. He score better than me both the times… He got 400 marks in this attempt. If he is not able to join, I am not able to understand. What are you going to achieve with this exam? How many students are going to be killed by the rulers in Central Government”, Fayazdeen laments.
“My name is Fayazdeen. I am studying 1st year MBBS at Balaji Medical College. It is a deemed college only. I paid money to join the college. NEET I am just-qualified. I have no shame in saying it. My father got me admitted in this college just because he was able to afford the money. He is someone who studies better than me. I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve this seat. This MBBS seat I don’t want it. I don’t deserve it. Me and Jagadeeswaran feel we want to serve in the public domain. But like the chicken-egg story, I don’t know if people (doctors) earn money because they put money or whether they put money because they want to earn money”, he says.
“I’ve paid money and become a doctor. Now, you, the NMC or the Modi govt is saying NEET. If tomorrow you fall ill, if some unqualified doctor like me treat you and your life is at threat only then will you realize why the hell did we bring NEET exam. ₹25 lakhs is the fees per year. ₹1.5 crores. How will anyone have the thought-process to serve? They will be focused on earning back the money thy paid.”, he says in the video.
This disclosure triggered a contentious debate, primarily due to the fact that the institution is owned by DMK MP Jagathrakshakan.
#DMK MP owned Medical College student’s Anti-#NEET tirade promoted by #DMK family owned news channel to poison young minds & create divide.
When will this utter shamelessness stop CM Mr.@mkstalin ?
First be accountable to your promise of abolishing NEET in your first signature. https://t.co/2JhOxCJ0m2
In 2009, two of the college’s employees were caught red-handed on camera demanding capitation fee.
Netizens and the general public raised pertinent inquiries, questioning how the DMK leader is able to impose such exorbitant admission fees for the MBBS course. Furthermore, doubts were cast on the DMK’s intentions regarding their proposition to ban the NEET exam, as concerns were voiced that eliminating the exam might pave the way for even higher charges.
It is worth noting that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in September 2020 attached properties worth ₹89.19 crores, including agricultural lands, plots, and houses, belonging to DMK MP S Jagathrakshakan and his family members under Foreign Exchange Management Act. Jagathrakshagan and his son Sundeep Aanand are accused of subscribing to 70,00,000 and 20,00,000 shares respectively of Silver Park International Pte. Ltd., Singapore, without obtaining the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
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The ED and the Intelligence Bureau will investigate a controversy that involves Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter Veena Vijayan and the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited.
ED & Intelligence Agencies to probe scam involving @CMOKerala 's daughter & CMRL
1.72 crore were given to Veena Vijayan's company Exalogic without availing any services in which 55 lakh was given to Veena Vijayan's account pic.twitter.com/mI6aiUjisP
Veena Vijayan allegedly received ₹1.72 crores monthly from a private company called Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) over 3 years from 2017-2020. The ED investigation follows the findings released by the Dispute Resolution Committee of the Income Tax Department regarding the money transactions between Veena and CMRL. It is reported that the ED will also investigate the financial transactions of Veena’s company Exalogic.
The controversy was ignited after the Income Tax department found out that Veena Vijayan had received money in monthly installments. The Income Tax Interim Settlement Board had found that CMRL had paid money to Veena in consideration of her relationship with a prominent person.
CMRL had signed an agreement with Veena and her firm Exalogic Solutions in December 2016 for IT and marketing consultancy services and another agreement was signed in March 2017 with Exalogic for software services. Veena and Exalogic received a total of ₹1.72 crore during 2017-20. Of this ₹55 lakh was given by the company only to Veena.
But CMRL’s Chief Financial Officers testified that they were not aware of receiving any contractual services in return for payment of this amount. The company later tried to retract this statement through an affidavit. payment of business expenses is permissible under the Income Tax Act. However, the bench accepted the contention of the Income Tax Department that the payment made on behalf of Veena and the company was illegal.
It is to be noted that P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who holds the position of the Minister of Public Works Department and Tourism in the Pinarayi Vijayan LDF government is Veena’s husband.
After working at Oracle for a while, Veena’s career quickly soared when she became the CEO of RP TechSoft International. This company belonged to a rich businessperson named Ravi Pillai. Subsequently, she took on the role of founder and CEO at Exalogic Solutions in Bangalore, a position she has held for the past seven years.
Veena is currently embroiled in a series of controversies concerning her business transactions.
The Kerala Congress has called for a judicial probe into the allegations.
