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Paramporul ‘Mahavishnu’ Met DMK Min Anbil Mahesh, Mano Thangaraj, Ma Subramaniam, TN Textbook Corp Head Dindigul Leoni Much Before Giving ‘Motivational Speech’ At Govt School

By
The Commune
-

There is a lot of noise in Tamil Nadu social media circles regarding a recent controversy involving motivational speaker Mahavishnu from the Paramporul Foundation. 

What’s The Controversy?

During his speech, Mahavishnu stated that ancient Indian education systems, like Gurukulams, were destroyed by British rule, leading to the loss of powerful knowledge once written on palm leaves (olaichuvadu). He asserted that reciting certain mantras could heal bodies, cause “rain of fire,” or enable one to fly, alluding to mystical powers lost over time. He then stated that social inequalities, and people’s circumstances—whether rich, poor, criminal, or heroic—were the result of actions in their previous lives.

A school staff member objected to the content of Mahavishnu’s speech, pointing out that the speaker was invited for a motivational talk, not a spiritual discourse. This led to a heated argument, with Mahavishnu questioning the teacher how a child will live a proper life without knowledge about past life karma. A video of the incident, later uploaded to Mahavishnu’s YouTube channel, went viral, triggering widespread criticism among Dravidianists.

Who Is ‘Mahavishnu’?

Mahavishnu of the Paramporul Foundation is said to have received ‘Deeksha’ from his guru, Tat Sat Bramma Gnani Sri Sri Sri Kanchi Viswanatha Swamigal. Previously known as a standup comedian, Mahavishnu even won the title “Asathal Mannan” in Sun TV’s stand-up comedy show in 2010, as mentioned on his LinkedIn profile. Following his deeksha, he transitioned into a motivational speaker, Reiki healer, and mental care counsellor. He has since delivered numerous talks and conducted spiritual programs both in India and internationally, according to his website. At a recent school event, Mahavishnu discussed topics such as past-life sins, karma, and rebirth, explaining to the children how one’s current life struggles are linked to their actions in previous lives.

Karma & Rebirth – Anti-Abrahamic Ideas

Mahavishnu, in his videos, extensively discusses topics such as God (Iraivan), karma, and rebirth. He advises people to live kindly and diligently, encouraging them to emulate the Siddhars, who, according to tradition, transcend the cycle of rebirth. He also speaks about Mukti, the ultimate liberation, and attaining the Lotus Feet of the Supreme. In his recent ‘controversial‘ speech, Mahavishnu emphasized living a virtuous and principled life, which he believes will lead to a better existence in the next birth.

His videos on karma, a core concept in Hindu Dharma, are aimed particularly at young people who might be at risk of straying from the right path, helping them avoid mistakes that could ruin their youth. Mahavishnu also integrates teachings from the Thirukkural, the writings of Saint Vallalar in the Thiruvarutpa, and wisdom from Tamil saints like Agastyar and others into his speeches, making his message deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of the Tamil region.

Meeting With DMK Members

In 2023, Mahavishnu met with members of the DMK government, especially the education department—Minister Anbil Mahesh and the head of the Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation, Dindigul Leoni—to submit a petition on behalf of the Paramporul Foundation and all well-wishers requesting to incorporate Vallalar’s Thiruchitrambala Kalvi Thiruvarutpa in school textbooks. He stated that this literature would benefit students immensely. In his video, he states that the leaders promised to look into it and recommend it as necessary.

A Facebook post of the Paramporul Foundation also shows that Mahavishnu met with HR&CE minister Sekar Babu and also presented a similar petition.

The Facebook page also has posts of Mahavishnu meeting DMK ministers – Mano Thangaraj and Ma Subramaniam.

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19-Year-Old Scheduled Caste Girl Raped And Murdered In Karnataka, 3 Arrested

By
The Commune
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19-Year-Old Scheduled Caste Girl Raped And Murdered In Karnataka, 3 Arrested College Student Allegedly Gang-Raped Near Coimbatore Intl Airport; Three Men on the Run

Three persons were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the rape and murder of a 19-year-old girl belonging to the Scheduled Caste community in Karnataka’s Bidar district, an official said.

Bidar Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti said that a case under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been filed along with rape and murder charges.

“Of the three accused, one hails from the same village (as that of the girl). The other two are from a neighbouring village. All the three are arrested, and legal action is initiated against them,” the police officer said, adding the incident in the Basavakalyan taluk. According to police, the girl had been missing since August 29.

The girl’s parents tried to trace her for two days. On August 31, they filed a complaint with the police. The body was eventually found in a bush on September 1. A deep head injury mark was spotted on her head.

Following the recovery of the body, the police registered a murder case. Rape charges were added to the case after the postmortem and forensic tests.

The police had then launched a hunt for the accused and managed to apprehend them. On Thursday, several groups, organisations and the opposition BJP in Karnataka condemned the incident and staged a protest demanding justice for the victim and her family.

The police learned during the probe that the victim knew the prime accused, and both were friends. The investigation revealed that the main accused had come in a car to pick up the victim and two other accused individuals.

Since then, she has never returned home, which worried her parents and caused them to begin looking for her. After they failed to learn about her whereabouts, they approached the police. A police officer said further investigation into the case is underway.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. 

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Ashok Nagar Govt Girls School HM Transferred Amid “Motivational Speaker” ‘Paramporul’ Mahavishnu’s Speech Controversy

By
The Commune
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Ashok Nagar Govt Girls School HM Transferred Amid "Motivational Speaker" 'Paramporul' Mahavishnu's Speech Controversy

Amid the controversy surrounding a government girls’ school in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, where a motivational speaker gave speech on rebirth, karma, and philosophy, the School Education Ministry has ordered the transfer of the Headmistress. This decision has sparked protests from teachers in response to the transfer.

The incident unfolded during the Teacher’s Day celebration on 5 September 2024, when motivational speaker Mahavishnu was invited as the chief guest and delivered a speech covering rebirth, karma, and philosophy. His remarks reportedly offended Dravidianists and Periyarists, leading to widespread outrage and criticism directed at Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh.

In response, Minister Anbil Mahesh visited the school to investigate the matter. After reviewing the situation, he addressed the press, warning that severe action would be taken against the speaker involved. The DMK minister announced that an investigation is underway to determine whether the fault lies with the school headmistress or the departmental officials and emphasized that appropriate action will be taken within two to three days.

On the same day, Tamilarasi, the Headmistress of Ashok Nagar Government Girls Higher Secondary School, received an order to transfer her to Kolvil Padhagai Government School in Tiruvallur District.

Background

Mahavishnu, a motivational speaker from the Paramporul Foundation, was invited to talk in the Ashok Nagar and Saidapet area government schools. During his speech, Mahavishnu stated that ancient Indian education systems, like Gurukulams, were destroyed by British rule, leading to the loss of powerful knowledge once written on palm leaves (olaichuvadu). He asserted that reciting specific mantras could heal bodies, cause “rain of fire,” or enable one to fly, alluding to mystical powers lost over time. He then stated that social inequalities and people’s circumstances—whether rich, poor, criminal, or heroic—were the result of actions in their previous lives.

A school staff member objected to the content of Mahavishnu’s speech, pointing out that the speaker was invited for a motivational talk, not a spiritual discourse. This led to a heated argument, with Mahavishnu questioning the teacher how a child will live a proper life without knowledge about past life karma. A video of the incident, later uploaded to Mahavishnu’s YouTube channel, went viral, triggering widespread criticism among Dravidianists.

Students’ reactions to the speech also raised alarms. Some reportedly broke down in tears, with one student stating, “We were thinking that there is someone above us. But now I understand that God is within us.” Another student commented, “I realized that beyond basic education, there is something beyond the reach of knowledge.” These statements have heightened concerns over the speaker’s influence on impressionable young minds.

Critics argue that while motivational speeches in schools are meant to inspire students, they should promote a scientific outlook and not delve into religious or spiritual doctrines. Social activists and education advocates have called for stricter oversight in government schools to ensure such events do not compromise the core values of the educational system.

Politicians and Dravidianists condemned the school administration for allowing such sensitive topics to be addressed before children.

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“I Will Not Let You Off Lightly”, DMK Min Anbil Mahesh Threatens “Controversial” Motivational Speaker Paramporul Mahavishnu

By
The Commune
-

The government girls’ school in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, has become the center of controversy following its Teacher’s Day celebration on 5 September 2024. During the event, a spiritual speaker was invited as the chief guest and delivered a talk on rebirth, karma, and philosophy. The speaker’s remarks reportedly offended Dravidianists and Periyarists, leading to widespread outrage and criticism directed at Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh.

In response to the incident, DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh visited the school to investigate the matter. After reviewing the situation, he addressed the press and issued a warning, announcing that severe action would be taken against the speaker involved. Speaking to the press, the DMK minister stated that an investigation into the matter is underway. He emphasized that within two to three days, appropriate action will be taken. Currently, the inquiry is focused on determining whether the fault lies with the school headmistress or the departmental officials.

When reporters asked how the minister planned to address the motivational speaker Mahavishnu’s claim that no laws prohibit him from delivering spiritual talks in schools, the minister did not respond directly. Instead, he shifted the focus and began praising the teacher who had halted the speaker’s discourse during Teacher’s Day. The minister stated that, regardless of whether the teacher files a complaint or not, action will be taken based on the video of the confrontation between the speaker and the schoolteacher.

Anbil Mahesh took the issue personally and remarked, “You came to my area, spoke, and left, you have insulted my teachers. So, I’m stressing at this point that I will not let you off lightly.” 

The incident occurred at government schools in both the Ashok Nagar and Saidapet areas, where Mahavishnu, a motivational speaker from the Paramporul Foundation, was invited to give a talk. During his speech, Mahavishnu stated that ancient Indian education systems, like Gurukulams, were destroyed by British rule, leading to the loss of powerful knowledge once written on palm leaves (olaichuvadu). He asserted that reciting certain mantras could heal bodies, cause “rain of fire,” or enable one to fly, alluding to mystical powers lost over time. He then stated that social inequalities, and people’s circumstances—whether rich, poor, criminal, or heroic—were the result of actions in their previous lives.

A school staff member objected to the content of Mahavishnu’s speech, pointing out that the speaker was invited for a motivational talk, not a spiritual discourse. This led to a heated argument, with Mahavishnu, questioning the teacher how a child will live a proper life without knowledge about past life karma. A video of the incident, which was later uploaded to Mahavishnu’s YouTube channel, went viral, triggering widespread criticism among Dravidianists.

Students’ reactions to the speech also raised alarms. Some reportedly broke down in tears, with one student stating, “We were thinking that there is someone above us. But now I understand that God is within us.” Another student commented, “I realized that beyond basic education, there is something beyond the reach of knowledge.” These statements have heightened concerns over the speaker’s influence on impressionable young minds.

Critics argue that while motivational speeches in schools are meant to inspire students, they should adhere to promoting a scientific outlook and not delve into religious or spiritual doctrines. Social activists and education advocates have called for stricter oversight in government schools to ensure such events do not compromise the core values of the educational system.

Politicians and Dravidianists condemned the school administration for allowing such sensitive topics to be addressed before children.

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Dravidian Stock Backlash To Mahavishnu’s Speech Is Because He Touched Their Raw Nerve Of Abrahamism

By
The Commune
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Dravidian Stock Backlash To Paramporul Foundation Mahavishnu's Speech Is Because He Touched Their Raw Nerve Of Abrahamism
Image Source: Paramporul Foundation

Motivational speaker Mahavishnu of Paramporul Foundation has been in the news over the past few days owing to his talk on rebirth and karma to students of government schools in Chennai recently.

Videos of his talk and the subsequent altercation with a teacher at the school went viral and Dravidianists started breaking bangles over his words.

Many even called for the resignation of education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

Who Is ‘Mahavishnu’?

Mahavishnu of Paramporul Foundation is said to have ‘received deeksha’ from his Guru Tat Sat Bramma Gnani Sri Sri Sri Kanchi Viswanatha Swamigal. Mahavishnu was earlier a standup comic who even won the title “Asathal Mannan” in Sun TV’s stand-up comedy show in 2010 as per his LinkedIn profile.

He allegedly ‘transitioned’ into becoming a motivational speaker, a Reiki healer, and a mental care Counsellor following the deeksha and has given several talks and conducted several spiritual programmes in India and abroad, according to the website.

At the school event, he spoke about topics such as past-life sins, karma, and rebirth, and educated the children about how one’s current life struggles had a link to their actions in previous lives.

What’s The Controversy?

During his speech, Mahavishnu stated that ancient Indian education systems, like Gurukulams, were destroyed by British rule, leading to the loss of powerful knowledge once written on palm leaves (olaichuvadu). He asserted that reciting certain mantras could heal bodies, cause “rain of fire,” or enable one to fly, alluding to mystical powers lost over time. He then stated that social inequalities, and people’s circumstances—whether rich, poor, criminal, or heroic—were the result of actions in their previous lives.

A school staff member objected to the content of Mahavishnu’s speech, pointing out that the Paramporul Foundation speaker was invited for a motivational talk, not a spiritual discourse. This led to a heated argument, with Mahavishnu, questioning the teacher how a child will live a proper life without knowledge about past life karma. A video of the incident, which was later uploaded to Mahavishnu’s YouTube channel, went viral, triggering widespread criticism among Dravidianists

Karma & Rebirth – Anti-Abrahamic Ideas

Mahavishnu talks about god (Iraivan), karma, and rebirth elaborately in his videos and advises people to be kind, and to live life diligently and encourages them to follow how Siddhars do not have a rebirth. He also talks about Mukti and attaining the Lotus feet of the Supreme.

In his recent ‘controversial’ speech also, Mahavishnu talks about living a good life, a principled life that will help people to live better lives in their next birth.

His videos about Karma – a concept associated with Hindu Dharma also are elaborate and are aimed at youngsters who tend to go down the wrong path and ruin their youth.

Mahavishnu infuses his talks with teachings from Thirukkural, the teachings of Saint Vallalar – Thiruvarutpa, teachings of saints from the Tamil region such as Agastyar, and a few others.

This perspective raises questions about the randomness and inequality of birth conditions, undermining the notion that all are created equally by a compassionate God, weakening faith in the Abrahamic worldview. The example of a child born into the privileged family (of the DMK leaders) versus one born into poverty exposes the partial truth of “equal birth.”

The Dravidian ideology, which dominates government schools and their teachers, is being challenged at an impressionable age. The fact that this occurred within a government school—typically seen as a stronghold for Dravidian ideology—has only fueled the outrage further.

Dravidianists Go Bonkers

Dravidianists went crazy condemning the Paramporul Foundation speaker as well as the education minister after the video of the motivational talk went viral. Is it because Mahavishnu touched a raw nerve by speaking about anti-Abrahamic concepts like karma and rebirth? How would they have reacted had he spoken Abrahamic concepts? It is no secret that Dravidoids always double down upon any Hindu concept. They even criticized the Murugan conference held by the HR&CE department! In the video, a teacher is seen confronting Mahavishnu over the concept he talks about. Several Dravidianists are seen praising the teacher.

Some called it the “saffronisation of education” and that “RSS concepts” were infiltrating education in the state.

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Trump Doubles Down On ‘America First’ Agenda Of High Tariffs, Onshoring That Could Impact India

By
The Commune
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Trump Doubles Down On 'America First' Agenda Of High Tariffs, Onshoring That Could Impact India

Doubling down on the ‘America First’ agenda of his first term, former US President Donald Trump threatened if he is elected again to enforce a policy of high tariffs and bringing back manufacturing that could impact India.

In particular, it would strike at collaborative defence manufacturing that is beginning to take off in India. “We want an industrial base that can take care of our defence needs 100 per cent” to safeguard national security, he said on Thursday at the Economic Club of New York before an audience of business leaders.

“You can call it what you want. Some might say it’s economic nationalism. I call it common sense. I call it America first,” he said in a speech loaded with hyperbole. He cited the distributive manufacturing of F-35 stealth fighter jets, the parts for which are made in different countries, calling it a risk to US defence.

If Trump were elected and introduced the policy of 100 per cent defence manufacture in the US, it could affect, for example, the project to co-produce F-414 jet engines that envisages technology transfer of up to 80 per cent, as well as other joint manufacturing plans. But implementing it would face several hurdles.

His threat of high tariffs would also affect the manufacturing — like Apple phones — that is sprouting in India because of the China factor. Trump made no mention of India or software or back office jobs, concentrating on China and manufacturing. At the meeting, Trump outlined his economic policy if he were to return to the White House.

To applause from the audience, he announced he would bring in Elon Musk, the Tesla and Space X boss, to head a government efficiency commission to run a financial and performance audit of the entire federal government and recommend drastic reforms to save “trillions”.

At the same time, he said that he would end the mandates for electric vehicles, an industry Musk, who has endorsed him, is heavily invested in.

Deregulating government to free business activity, as he put it, is a key plank of his economic plan. He said he would turn the US into a “manufacturing superpower” and make “America the world capital for crypto and Bitcoin”.

Most of his economic policy outline was about undoing the policies of the current administration, which he pointedly said was that of Vice-President Kamal Harris, his Democratic Party rival. Not a believer in the impact of climate change, Trump said that he would end the green energy mandates and the restrictions on fossil fuels.

“Energy is going to bring us back,” Trump said, and increasing the production of fossil fuels would fight inflation, bringing down the cost of everything from groceries to electricity.

He said that he would enact an energy emergency to achieve the goal. He made out his tariffs plan — which many economists have said would add to the inflation and set back the economy — to be the panacea for the deficit, the reduced revenues from tax cuts and higher spending for some of his plans.

From the higher tariffs, Trump said he would create a sovereign wealth fund like that of countries like Singapore that would “invest wisely” in infrastructure and in industries with the advice of private sector investors and its “gigantic returns” would rundown the national debt. While he hit at China at several points, there was a measure of ambiguity. Trump called President Xi Jinping a “dear, dear friend” and a very “fierce” and “smart” person.

“We had a very good relationship with China until Covid” epidemic undid it, he said.

“I believe we will have a very good relationship with China and with a lot of other countries that we’re not getting along with too well today,” he said, adding that it was “very important that we get along with the rest of the world” because of the nuclear threat. As he always does at his meetings, he launched scathing attack on Harris, calling her a “Communist” and a “Marxist”, who was trying to adopt some of his policies. Some of his plan like threats to end defence manufacturing abroad and across-the-board tariff hikes are unlikely to work the way he claims because of underlying alliances, the web of geostrategic interests, reciprocal trade, and immediate supply chain issues.

While in office Trump tangled with India over tariffs, making the duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles a cause celebre.

He hiked duties on steel and aluminum imports and eliminated the Generalised Scheme of Preferences for some Indian exports and New Delhi retaliated by raising tariffs mostly on agricultural exports like apples and almonds.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. 

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This Tribal Village In Madhya Pradesh Boasts Of More Than 100 Administrative Officers Including IAS, IPS

By
The Commune
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Tucked in the remote area of Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, tribal-dominated Padiyaal village is popularly known as “adhikariyon ka gaon”– or village of administrators -– where every child wants to become a civil servant, an engineer or a doctor. With a little over 5,000 population, this tribal-dominated village in Malwa region has more than 100 people serving as administrative officers in different parts of India.

Nearly 90 per cent of the village’s population belongs to the Bhil tribes. Bhils are an ethnic community that lives in central India, including the Dhar, Jhabua, and West Nimar districts of Madhya Pradesh and Dhulia and Jalgaon in Maharashtra.

They are also found in Rajasthan. According to the Madhya Pradesh government’s claims, the literacy rate of Padiyaal village is more than 90 per cent. Until, two years back, the number of administrative officers from this village were 70, which crossed 100 in 2024, according to the Madhya Pradesh government.

This includes lower court judges, Indian Police Service officers, Indian Administrative Service officers Indian Engineering Service officers, doctors, prosecution officers, forest officers, etc.

However, the quality of education or literacy rate of this Bhil tribe-dominated village could be judged when out of seven school children, four were selected for successfully qualifying the NEET examination and three others cleared the Joint Entrance Examination Mains this year only.

There is also an average of one government employee from every house in this village that is a total of 300, the state government said in a statement.

It is said that youth here started to compete since the time of Independence to appear in competitive examinations. Manoj Dubey, who has been working as Block Resources Centre official in this area for a long time, and witnessed the success stories of youths of this particular village, said the village has laid greater emphasis on imparting education.

He added that school children would start their preparations for administrative services, technical or other fields, including medicine and engineering.

Smart classes run by retired persons from different administrative services have played a crucial role, he said. “Over a dozen officers, who are the residents of Padiyaal village, have retired and are engaged in public service, like education and medicine. The youth currently studying are pursuing higher education inspired by elders,” Dubey told IANS.

The youth from here have become engineers and businessmen and are well settled in countries like the US and Malaysia. There is a higher secondary school in the village, in which 702 students are taught by 23 teachers. Until, two years back, the number of administrative officeers from this village were 70, which crossed 100 in 2024, according to the MP government.

This includes lower court judges, Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Indian Engineering Services officers, medical officers, prosecution officers, forest officer doctors, etc.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. Only the headline has been changed.

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DMK Orders Cadres To Avoid Using Party Clout For Watching Vijay’s Film ‘The G.O.A.T’

By
The Commune
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DMK Orders Cadres To Avoid Using Party Clout For Watching Vijay's Film 'The G.O.A.T'

Tensions between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) have been escalating since the beginning of the year, largely due to Kollywood actor Vijay. The DMK, keen on maintaining its political standing, has displayed dissatisfaction with Vijay’s influence and extended party base via film career. Recent DMK general membership meetings across the state have seen top leaders indirectly criticizing the actor.

According to Dinamalar, DMK members have been instructed not to use party letterheads or visiting cards to procure tickets for Vijay’s new film, “The GOAT”. It is noteworthy that the film was released globally on 5 September 2024, against the backdrop of Vijay’s launch of his own political party, TVK. In Tamil Nadu, the film was given a special screening. The producer of the film Venkat Prabhu extended thanks to Udayanidhi Stalin, the DMK scion and Sports Minister, for his support.

Although there is no direct government pressure on the movie “The GOAT”, there are reports indicating that the DMK is exerting pressure on the TVK party concerning the organization of their state-level conference.

TVK officials commented that the film showcases actor Sivakarthikeyan’s rise in cinema while Vijay gracefully steps aside. They also noted that scenes honoring historical figures like Gandhi, Nehru, and Subhash Chandra Bose, as well as references to Vijayakanth, Rajinikanth, cricketer Dhoni, and Vijay himself, were included.

In response, DMK executives have stated that ticket bookings for the film across Tamil Nadu have been filled for up to five days in advance, with DMK members and their families frequently attending. To prevent misuse of party resources, members have been allegedly directed not to use party letterheads or visiting cards for ticket purchases. Additionally, DMK members have been advised against posting any criticism of Vijay’s film on social media.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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J&K Polls: Fight From Ganderbal Is No Cakewalk For Omar Abdullah

By
The Commune
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omar abdullah article 370

Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah may not have an easy time winning the Ganderbal Assembly seat in J&K.

A total of 24 candidates have filed their nominations for the seat out of which around four are real challengers for him.

Fiery cleric Sarjan Barkati also filed his nomination papers from this Assembly constituency. Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Sarjan Barkati alias Azadi Chacha shot into the limelight in 2016 when the Hizbul poster boy, Burhan Wani was killed by the security forces in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district on July 8, 2016.

Barkati’s vitriolic speeches against India incited youth to join the militant ranks. In addition, those speeches are believed to have motivated many to join the militant ranks. Barkati is presently lodged in jail.

He was first arrested in 2016 and after his release was again arrested last year under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). He is considered to be an ideologue, promoter and supporter of terrorist-secessionist nexus.

His wife was also later arrested in a money laundering case. Barkati’s nomination papers were earlier rejected in the Zainpora constituency of the Shopian district because his mandatory oath attested by the jail superintendent was not attached to the nomination papers. His papers will now be scrutinised in Ganderbal and Beerwah.

His relatives and supporters said this time the cleric’s papers are complete in all respects. Barkati joining the electoral fray against Omar Abdullah apparently seems to be less challenging for the NC leader because the Abdullahs, as a political family, are well entrenched in Ganderbal.

While Barkati marginally increases the challenge against Omar Abdullah, NC’s real worry in Ganderbal comes from the other two potentially strong candidates. Bashir Ahmad Mir of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Ishfaq Jabbar, an Independent from the J&K United Movement (JKUM).

Mir belongs to the neighbouring Kangan Assembly constituency. He had been challenging the otherwise unassailable senior Gujjar leader of the NC, Mian Altaf Ahmad in the past. In the 2014 elections, Mian defeated Mir by less than 2,000 votes and this came as a rude shock to those who believed that Mir would finish a far distant second against the religious-political might of the Mian family in Kangan constituency.

After delimitation, Kangan is now an ST seat and that is the main reason for Bashir Mir to have moved to the neighbouring Ganderbal Assembly seat.

Mir shifting to Ganderbal is no flight of the fugitive. PDP as a political party has a standing in Ganderbal and it was in this constituency that Omar Abdullah lost to Qazi Afzal of the PDP in the 2002 elections. Omar later avenged his defeat by winning from here in 2008, but 2024 is neither 2002 nor 2008.

Youth have rallied for Bashir Mir and this has heightened the odds against Omar Abdullah. The NC’s worries are multiplied by the presence of Ishfaq Jabbar also.

He won from this constituency as an NC candidate in 2014, but was later expelled from the party for ‘anti-NC activities’. Ishfaq belongs to Lar village of Ganderbal and is the son of the late Sheikh Jabbar, a senior NC leader who played the pivotal role in toppling Dr Farooq Abdullah-led NC government in 1984 when 17 NC MLAs defected and Farooq’s brother-in-law, G.M.Shah led the defectors to form the government with Congress support.

Ishfaq has all along maintained his presence among the people of Ganderbal during the last 10 years. It was during this period that he formed the JKUM. His presence against Omar Abdullah is not something the NC can afford to take lightly. Marginal problems for Abdullah in Ganderbal also come from Sahil Farooq.

Sahil defied the Congress as its district president to file papers as an independent candidate in Ganderbal. As Omar Abdullah himself said after being defeated by Engineer Rashid in the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat he knows better that no election can be taken lightly.

It was this worry and concern that made the otherwise stiff upper-lipped Omar Abdullah remove his cap and extend it before the voters of Ganderbal for support.

In Kashmir, removing your cap and extending it hand folded before anybody is proverbially considered to be the ultimate act of supplication. Omar has exhibited this great gesture of humility before the voters of Ganderbal.

He is still the favourite candidate in this constituency. But, all said and done, the throwing of the hat into the electoral ring by cleric Barkati, the presence of Bashir Mir of the PDP and Ishfaq Jabbar as strong opponents, clearly indicates that victory for Omar Abdullah is no longer a foregone conclusion in this constituency. As Abdullah himself often says, “Picture Abhi Baki Hai Mere Dost (The Movie is still not over yet)’.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. 

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HR&CE Disrupts Longstanding Annadhanam Service At Pamban Kumara Gurudasar Temple

By
The Commune
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In a controversial move that has drawn significant criticism, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, aided by police, disrupted the ‘Annadhanam’ (food offering) service at the Sri Pamban Kumara Gurudasar Temple in Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai. This disruption occurred as numerous devotees were queued to receive their meals. The incident was captured on video, which quickly spread across social media and incited a strong reaction from the Hindu community.

Annadhanam, a practice where food is provided to devotees and the less fortunate as part of temple rituals, has been a daily tradition at this temple, which is dedicated to the Tamil saint Pamban Swamigal, who is enshrined in Jeeva Samadhi. For over three decades, the temple has maintained this practice as a crucial part of its spiritual offerings.

On 2 September 2024, HR&CE officials with law enforcement support, abruptly halted the food distribution. The viral footage depicts frustrated devotees protesting against the officials’ actions, accusing them of disrupting a long-held tradition. The footage also shows workers removing food vessels and carts under the officials’ orders.

The sudden halt to the Annadhanam distribution has faced intense backlash. Many devotees voiced their frustration, pointing out that Annadhanam had been a longstanding practice at the temple without any prior issues. The incident, captured on video, shows devotees confronting HR&CE officials, accusing them of showing disrespect and acting unethically by disrupting a charitable activity while hundreds waited for their food.

The HR&CE department defended their decision by citing concerns about food safety and the need for certification from food security authorities for food distribution in temples and public spaces. Critics, however, argue that similar regulations were not enforced during Ramzan or Christmas events, leading to claims of discrimination against Hindu temple practices.

The controversy has ignited outrage on social media, with many users criticizing the HR&CE department’s actions and accusing the ruling Dravidian party, DMK, of being anti-Hindu. Numerous Hindu activists and devotees have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction.

Critics on social media questioned why Tamil Nadu voters continue to support the DMK government, while others accused the administration of attempting to “destroy Sanatana Dharma” in the state.  Some commented, “On one side, they host a Lord Murugan conference to deceive Hindus, and on the other, they undermine Sanatan Dharma.” Another user, labeled the incident as a deliberate effort to dismantle Hindu traditions in Tamil Nadu.

Many users highlighted instances where the DMK government had imposed restrictions on religious activities at Hindu temples, such as denying special poojas and Prasad distribution despite court orders. They also pointed out that similar restrictions were not applied to non-Hindu activities, such as namaz and Bible readings in Hindu temples, which were overlooked by authorities.

The DMK government, under which the HR&CE department operates, has faced criticism for its stringent regulations on temple practices, especially concerning food distribution. Officials have defended these measures as necessary to prevent food contamination and protect devotees’ safety. However, many Hindus perceive these actions as a deliberate attempt to limit temple traditions.

The suspension of Annadhanam at the Sri Pamban Kumara Gurudasar Temple has left many devotees frustrated and disappointed, with those who had waited for hours ending up empty-handed. The incident has sparked broader concerns about religious freedom and the extent of government intervention in temple affairs in Tamil Nadu.

As the video of the incident continues to spread, there is increasing pressure on the HR&CE department to clarify its actions. Hindu activists and devotees are likely to intensify their protests, demanding that traditional practices, including Annadhanam, be allowed to proceed without disruption.

About Pamban Swamigal 

Pamban Swamigal, a revered 19th-century Tamil Hindu saint, is celebrated for his devotional hymns and poetry dedicated to Lord Muruga. His extensive following, numbering in the lakhs both within India and internationally, frequently visits his Jeeva Samadhi at the Sri Pamban Kumara Gurudasar Temple. The practice of Annadhanam at the temple, a key aspect of its activities, serves both devotees and the less fortunate.

Recently, the HR&CE department, responsible for managing the temple, has faced backlash from Pamban Swamigal’s followers due to a contentious Kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) held on 12 July 2024. Despite objections from groups such as the Saiva Siddhanta Perumandram, which argued that the ceremony conflicted with Pamban Swamigal’s wishes, the HR&CE department proceeded with the event in accordance with traditional Agama rituals. The temple’s Annadhanam practice continued until it was abruptly halted on 2 September 2024.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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