Tamil Nadu Industries Minister and DMK leader TRB Rajaa has sparked a political storm with remarks comparing the status of women in Tamil Nadu to those in other Indian states, particularly in North India.

Addressing an event at Ethiraj College for Women, Rajaa stated, “Don’t think that today, just because your parents are educating you, you are easily able to access education. In India, women did not get opportunities for education so easily. 100 years ago, there were unimaginable situations where women were not even considered equal human beings. This kind of situation exists in many parts of North India even now. You should be socially aware. Especially if you are a woman in India. There is a difference between being a woman in Tamil Nadu and in any other state in India. I will very very proudly say this. No other state is on par with Tamil Nadu in this regard. The situation remains unchanged in North India. Very simple question. In North India, when we meet a woman, the first question is, where does your husband work? In Tamil Nadu, the question asked of a woman is, where do you work? This change doesn’t happen overnight. It took a century of work, at least in Tamil Nadu.”

He argued that in Tamil Nadu, women are recognized and respected for their careers, whereas in many North Indian states, societal attitudes still focus primarily on a woman’s marital status.

Dear @PriyankaGandhi, @MamataOfficial, @supriya_sule, @RahulGandhi, @yadavakhilesh, @yadavtejashwi, @HemantSorenJMM, @ArvindKejriwal, Sonia Gandhi, Brinda Karat,

Do you endorse the statement made by DMK Minister @trbrajaa that women in North India are not considered as humans?… pic.twitter.com/iynvDEWJhM

— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) September 26, 2025

TRB Rajaa’s comments were backed by DMK senior leader TKS Elangovan, who said, “Women in North India are often confined to being housewives because of religious practices. They follow Manusmriti, which we don’t. The DMK government has always worked to empower women.”

TRB Rajaa has a history of derogating and abusing North Indians. He has used the slur “Vadakkan”, called them “undemocratic” and has frequently made disparaging remarks about North Indians in speeches and social media posts, contrasting them unfavorably with Tamil Nadu and Tamil culture.

(With inputs from India Today)

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The post “Women In North India Not Considered Equal Human Beings”: Says Congress Ally DMK’s Minister TRB Rajaa appeared first on The Commune.

The Bengal Files film has brought to focus some of the dark chapters of Indian history, especially the circumstances around the Direct Action Day. Videos/clippings of the interaction between Gopal Patha and Mahatma Gandhi regarding the 1946 Noakhali genocide of Hindus, women especially, in the film have gone viral. This brings us to the topic of how the attitude of the so-called “father of the nation” was towards Hindu women amid a genocide.

The non-violent formula of the great soul to avoid brutal r@pes, ‘take poison before submitting’.

Yes, that’s right. He doesn’t tell Hindu women to fight, resist, speak up. Just take poison ‘before submitting’!

What a father for a nation to have! pic.twitter.com/3Eclew2zMn

— Shefali Vaidya. (@ShefVaidya) September 8, 2025

In the scene, Gandhi is shown telling women to embrace death rather than resist sexual assault, advice that is now being widely circulated in the form of archival newspaper clippings and references from Gandhi’s own collected works.

Gandhi was a bigger enemy of Hindus than Muslims. Gandhi weakened the Hindu psyche.

The coward was not a Mahatma.#TheBengalFiles pic.twitter.com/473XL2TThx

— Kashmiri Hindu (@BattaKashmiri) September 6, 2025

The controversy stems from Gandhi’s statements made during the October 1946 communal violence in Noakhali and Tipperah districts of Bengal, where large-scale killings, forced conversions, rapes, and abductions of Hindus were carried out by Muslim League mobs demanding the creation of Pakistan. According to contemporary records, over one lakh Hindus were affected, with confirmed casualties crossing 285, though some estimates put the number in the thousands.

Faced with reports of women being abducted, raped, and forcibly converted, Gandhi did not call upon Hindu women to resist with arms or to organize for self-defense. Instead, he advised them to consider suicide as a way of preserving their “honour.”

In his collected writings, later published under the title My Non-Violence, Gandhi is quoted as saying: “They ought to learn to die before a hair of their head could be injured… It was possible for a woman to put an end to herself by choking or biting the tongue. The only way known to medicine for instant self-immolation was a strong poisonous dose. If this was so, I would advise every one running the risk of dishonour to take poison before submission to dishonour.”

He added that he “meant all he had said” and that “the very fact of steeling oneself for death before dishonour braced one for the struggle.” Gandhi also declared that when it came to choosing between killing oneself or the assailant, he had “no doubt in [his] mind that the first should be the choice.”

International press at the time captured this extraordinary advice. A New York Times report from late October 1946 ran with the headline: “Gandhi Urges Women To Take Poison”, noting that he was counseling Hindu women “running the risk of dishonor” during the Noakhali carnage to kill themselves rather than be violated.

Bengali historian Dinesh Chandra Singha, in his book 1946: The Great Calcutta Killings and Noakhali Genocide, corroborates this, recording Gandhi’s remarks delivered in his evening prayer meetings in Delhi before he set out for Noakhali. Gandhi reportedly told the gathering: “Self-immolation by taking poison was a better way out than surrender to dishonour.”

The book further notes that in some affected villages, Hindu women did in fact commit suicide by poison, fire, or hanging to avoid abduction and forced conversion. The Hindustan Standard at the time compared the tragedy to the Rajput tradition of jauhar — mass self-immolation by women in the face of invading armies.

Critics argue that Gandhi’s stance, while framed in the language of “bravery” and “non-violence,” effectively denied Hindu women the right to resist, fight back, or demand protection. Instead, it reduced them to passive victims whose only “non-violent” option was death.

The resurfacing of these writings has shocked many modern readers, especially given Gandhi’s global reputation as an apostle of peace and justice. Social media commentary in the wake of The Bengal Files has been scathing, with users questioning how the “Father of the Nation” could advocate poison and suicide as a response to systematic sexual violence.

This episode adds to the long list of Gandhi’s controversial positions including his advice to Jews under Hitler to embrace suffering rather than resist, his experiments with chastity, and his appeasement of communal forces in the name of non-violence.

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The post MK Gandhi’s Advice To Hindu Women During 1946 Noakhali Carnage: “They Ought To Learn To Die” appeared first on The Commune.

More than 1 crore people globally live with a mental health disorder, and women account for over 53 per cent, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday.

The WHO reports World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 stated that conditions such as anxiety and depression inflict immense human and economic tolls and called for greater investment and action to scale up services to protect and promote people’s mental health.

“Transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Investing in mental health means investing in people, communities, and economies — an investment no country can afford to neglect. Every government and every leader has a responsibility to act with urgency and to ensure that mental health care is treated not as a privilege, but as a basic right for all,” he added.

The reports showed that anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common types of mental health disorders among both men and women. However, women are disproportionately impacted overall. Overall, more females (581.5 million) than males (513.9 million) live with a mental disorder.

“Mental disorders were found common among pregnant women and women in the year after birth, often with severe impacts for both mothers and babies. Worldwide, more than 10 per cent of pregnant women and women in the year after birth experience depression. In low- and medium-income countries (LMICs), this figure is estimated to be substantially higher,” the reports said.

Further, the report showed that suicide remains a devastating outcome, claiming an estimated 7,27,000 lives in 2021 alone. It is a leading cause of death among young people across all countries and socioeconomic contexts, and progress in reducing suicide mortality is too low.

Of the targeted one-third reduction in suicide rates by 2030, only a 12 per cent reduction will be achieved. Further, the economic impact of mental health disorders due to loss of productivity is also staggering. Depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy an estimated $ 1 trillion each year, the WHO report said.

The 2024 Mental Health Atlas showed that fewer countries have adopted or enforced rights-based mental health legislation, and only 45 per cent of countries evaluated laws in full compliance with international human rights standards. The report also revealed a concerning stagnation in mental health investment.

Median government spending on mental health remains at just 2 per cent of total health budgets — unchanged since 2017, with low-income countries spending as little as $ 0.04. The WHO stressed to governments to urgently intensify efforts toward systemic transformation of mental health systems worldwide.

This includes equitable financing of mental health services; legal and policy reform to uphold human rights; sustained investment in the mental health workforce; and expansion of community-based, person-centered care.

-IANS

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The post Over 1 Billion People Globally Live With Mental Health Disorders, Women Account For Over 53%: WHO Report appeared first on The Commune.

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan stirred a controversy at the Kerala government’s Film Policy Conclave with comments perceived as dismissive towards women and Scheduled Caste (SC) filmmakers who receive financial support from the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).

During his speech, Adoor expressed concern that the Rs 1.5 crore allocated for SC and ST filmmakers could be misused.

“I had earlier pointed out to the Chief Minister that this amount could lead to corruption. But no corrective action has been taken,” he said. He suggested that instead of awarding Rs 1.5 crore to a single filmmaker, it would be more effective to support three filmmakers with Rs 50 lakh each. He further said that structured training was essential before providing such financial aid.

“Those selected from the SC community should undergo at least three months of intensive training by experts to learn budgeting and basic film production skills,” he said.

In a remark that drew strong reactions, Adoor said, “Don’t give funds just because someone is a woman,” though he added that several talented women filmmakers are now emerging. He criticised the current approach of allocating funds, arguing that public money collected through taxes should not be distributed arbitrarily.

“Many people believe that just by applying, they are entitled to receive money to make a film. That’s a wrong notion,” he said. Several filmmakers, including Dr Biju, objected to his remarks during the session and attempted to respond, but Adoor continued his address uninterrupted. He also took a swipe at the recent protests at the K.R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, claiming that the agitation was aimed at undermining attempts to restore discipline at the institute.

According to him, the protests ultimately contributed to the institution’s decline. Adoor concluded by reiterating that government funding should not be directed towards commercial ventures but should promote quality cinema.

His remarks have sparked backlash from sections of the film industry and civil society, with many criticising the tone and timing of his statements at a conclave aimed at shaping inclusive film policy.

-IANS

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The post “Don’t Give Funds Just Because Someone Is A Woman”, Says Veteran Kerala Filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan appeared first on The Commune.

The Chinmaya Heritage Centre in Chetpet hosted a compelling discussion on 2 March 2025 under the banner of VIGIL, a public forum known for fostering informed dialogues on national and cultural issues. The event, titled “Women & Civilization: Western Perspectives, Indian Truth”, featured BJP leader Kompella Madhavi Latha as the keynote speaker.

Madhavi Latha delivered a powerful address challenging global narratives that misrepresent the status of women in Indian civilization. She asserted that Bharatiya culture has always revered women, with deities such as Gayatri Devi and Saraswati embodying supreme knowledge and power. She refuted claims of systemic gender discrimination, arguing that women have historically demonstrated exceptional intellectual grasp, even as men engaged in oral recitations. She criticized modern portrayals of India as unsafe for women, stating that Bharat was once “Sone Ki Chidiya”—a land of wealth and harmony, where gender balance was intrinsic to societal prosperity.

Addressing contemporary challenges, she claimed that efforts to weaken Bharat are directly linked to efforts to suppress women. “To curb a rising Bharat, they must curb its women,” she declared, pointing to global media bias and incidents such as the UK grooming scandal, which she framed as a case of femalephobia rather than Islamophobia. She urged Indian society to reclaim its legacy of respect for women, emphasizing that Sanatana Dharma is not a rigid set of rules but a way of thinking that has always placed women in positions of strength.

The event also featured insights from other speakers, including Kalaiyarasi Ramachandran, founder of Raattai, who highlighted handloom weaving as a means of empowerment, and Aparna Krishnan, who shared her experiences working with self-help groups in Paalaguttapalle to address water scarcity, education, and malnutrition through community-driven initiatives like Ashwagandhadi milk distribution.

With a strong call for restoring traditional values, Madhavi Latha urged grandparents to play a guiding role in shaping the next generation. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where attendees reflected on the need to counter negative stereotypes and reaffirm India’s civilizational ethos.

VIGIL, which had been a key intellectual platform from the 1990s to 2010, continues to serve as a crucial space for discussions that challenge mainstream narratives and reinforce India’s cultural identity.

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The post BJP Leader Madhavi Latha Calls For Revival Of Traditional Values To Empower Women In Modern India appeared first on The Commune.

VIGIL – A public forum for discussions and public dialogue is set to host a thought-provoking discourse on Sunday, 2 March 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Chinmaya Heritage Centre, 13th Avenue, Chetpet, Chennai.

The event, featuring BJP leader Kompella Madhavi Latha, will focus on the topic “Women & Civilization: Western Perspectives, Indian Truth.” It aims to challenge misconceptions about the status of women in Bharatiya culture, which are often perpetuated by global media and biased surveys.

was an initiative of various public-spirited citizens of Chennai and was active during the 1990s until 2010. Various intellectuals and luminaries like Swami Dayananda Saraswati have graced occasions of VIGIL. The forum has played a crucial role in fostering informed discussions on matters of national and cultural significance.

This upcoming discourse will highlight how Sanatana Dharma has upheld women’s dignity and status throughout history. Organizers emphasize that while ill-conceived narratives seek to portray India negatively, women have held prominent roles in religion, politics, society, academics, and sports since ancient times. Unlike in many other civilizations, women in Bharat are revered and worshipped as embodiments of divine power.

With efforts to undermine Indian traditions increasing, the session aims to provide clarity and counter misrepresentations. Interested individuals can register for the event here or using the QR code provided in the invitation below.

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The post VIGIL To Host BJP Leader Kompella Madhavi Latha For A Deep Dive Into Women & Civilization appeared first on The Commune.

Dravidianists often talk about how their ideologue EV Ramasamy Naicker (EVR), hailed as Periyar among his followers, fought for women’s empowerment, among many other claims. But did he really do that? Let’s take a look at some of the ’empowering gems’ of this so-called ‘great man’ on women  – Brahmin or otherwise.

On How Women Must Dress Up

On 28 March 1971, during a wedding ceremony in Vadipatti, Madurai, EVR made a statement, “From now on our women should cut their hair short up to their shoulders. Should wear a shirt. Should wear Lungi. Our women are spending half of their time in make-up. Why do they wear make-up? Besides, the only reason is to make others (men) take a look at them, the makeup worn by our women arouses desires in others. They are dressing up provocatively such that their body parts are visible. How does this not arouse others?”

The text further reads, “No one realizes how much the country’s economy is crippled because of the jewelry worn by women for adornment. Dress should be in such a way that there is no difference between men and women.”

Challenge Accepted. Thread (1/5)

Instances of EVR profanity against women

1: 1971 EVR (age 92) speech at a wedding at Madurai:

“Why do women spend so much time in makeup?

The only reason is to make others (men) take a look at them.

They dress provocatively such that their… https://t.co/Bg3OXoXzHn pic.twitter.com/FCo9Wm6Gwv

— Tamil Labs 2.0 (@labstamil) March 21, 2024

How Periyar Ensured His Wife Did Not Go To Temple

His wife, Nagammaiyar, was a devout woman who occasionally visited temples during festivals. However, EVR was determined to put an end to this practice, and he employed a rather unconventional—and controversial—method to achieve this. An account of this in a book under the chapter “Thoughts On Society”, it reads, “(2) Abolition of temple visitation: Nagammaiyar visits the temple every now and then during festivals. EV Rao’s plan is to stop this case. The prank he did for this was very funny. One day Nagammaiyar went to the temple with some women on the occasion of some festival. E.V.Ra. He went to the temple with some of his companions. He stood in a secluded place so that the minor Kolumbundu Ammaiyar could not see him well. Showing Nagammaiyar to his associates, ‘She is someone new. She has come to our town. We must conquer her; Make the effort you need to know her intentions.’ They also went to where Avvammaiyar was standing and started mocking him. Nagammaiyar saw the proceedings of this meeting. He had no idea what to do. Feet were hot. The body trembled. The heart was pounding with unbearable fear. She was drenched in sweat. However, she somehow managed to escape from the men and returned home. After knowing the situation of the temples, the next day she realized that the event held in the temple was a trick of her husband.”

His extreme and manipulative approach succeeded in instilling fear in her, effectively putting an end to her temple visits.

When Periyar's wife went to a temple, he told his friends that's a new prostitute is in town. His friends went and misbehaved. Wife got scared and ran away. But then what do you expect from someone named after a mass murdering dictator but to glorify such a horrible man? pic.twitter.com/czeYKQ3Mpj

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) February 20, 2023

Encouraged Groping Of Women

In another instance, during a widely celebrated speech revered by followers of Periyarists and D-Stocks, EVR crudely asserted that women visit temples to be groped, “Husbands usually don’t go to the temple, but at least to have fun they go. The women who are tied (Married) can go only during festival season. Only by going there, she can rub with four men; If she stays at home ‘Her husband will threaten asking ‘what work; If she goes there… ‘Come’ will say the husband; She will say ‘Can’t come they are crushing’; He will say ‘Come, come through them’, She gets all that pleasure only when she is taken to the temple; He is habituated to this because everyone else’s wife is also subject to the same, hence no one will ridicule it. Only because of this, she is holding her life. If we make different arrangements for this, women would not go to temples.”

2. EVR, of age 94 says in his Irudhi Perurai (Final Great Speech) in 1973:
"Why are temples still alive?

Because only in a temple's festive crowd, will a husband get the pleasure of seeing his wife being groped.

He is habituated to this because everyone else's wife is also… pic.twitter.com/CUwFJoAk5X

— Tamil Labs 2.0 (@labstamil) March 21, 2024

Had Romantic Escapades With Prostitutes

A documentary inspired by Samy Chidambaranar’s 1939 book “Tamizhar Thalaivar” delves into several controversial claims, including allegations about E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar). The book narrates accounts of his nocturnal activities with women by riverbanks while having his wife prepare meals for such outings. Titled, “Family Mischief” (Kudumba Kurumbugal), Samy Chidambaranar narrates, “Ramasamy was a great “Minor” (flirt) before he ventured into public life. His friends will joke about his ‘minor’ exploits quite quirkily. Sometimes he (EVR) would also talk about it. In those days, EVR was mostly in the houses of prostitutes – entering and departing. There were many partners for this. Ramasamy and his associates would go to the banks of River Cauvery with a group of prostitutes during the lunar nights. They would spend the whole night in the river ‘having fun’ and return home only early in the morning. The food for these meetings should come from EVR’s house only. Parents should not know about food delivery. For this, EVR will seek the help of Nagammai. She will, too, unbeknownst to the family, would cook the food that her husband wanted, and the food would be sent through the backdoor and taken to the Cauvery by a cart.”

Tamil Brahmins “Prostituted” Their Women To Other Castes

On Page 168 of the book “Collected Works of EVR Periyar“, it talks about how he said Tamil Brahmins “prostituted” their women to other castes.

“I asked him to tell me where he stands in the society. I asked him to tell me the rank he holds under the caste hierarchy. He told me his status in life is that of a minister. He replied that he is a Reddiar by caste. Stating the caste as Reddy, Gounder, Naidu, and Naicker are all names we have created. But according to shastras, religion, and tradition, we are all “Shudras” the fourth caste. This continues to exist for a long time. We have started the movement to crusade against this long-lasting disgraceful status. After that, I asked him what was meant by “Shudra”. I myself explained to him that “shudra” means the son of a prostitute.

Then I continued to speak to him. I said, “You have high degree of education. You have passed B.A., B.L., You were a minister for three years. Again you are a now a minister. You are still a “Shudra” the son of a prostitute. You are not ashamed of your low social status. A fellow who begs at you, a fellow who is willing to prostitute his womenfolk for you, calls himself as a high born. You accept him as superior in caste. You prostrate at his feet”. I finally put the question, ” Now you tell me whether you want the Self-Respect Movement or not?” He simply replied that all these have existed for a very long period.”

For example: Official source material publicly available. Collected Works of EVR Periyar P. 168- hence this is the established community level of obscenity in Tamil discourse.

Says TB "prostituted" (notice verbal noun) their women folk to yal? @amarprasadreddy #Obscenity pic.twitter.com/9q6Gk3ecCt

— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) November 5, 2024

Hindu Women Go To Crowded Temples To Rub Their Bodies Against Strange Men

In what is said to be one of his speeches and later published in the Dravidianist mouthpiece Viduthalai in 1973, EVR says, “Young women who are tied up at home can be seen outside only during temple festivals. Only if they go there will they be able to rub their bodies against young men. If they are at home, the husband threatens her with work. If she goes there, he will ask her to come. “I am not able to come, he is crushing me, he is crushing me“, she would say, “Come without a word“, he would say.

He receives that pleasure only when he takes his wife to the temple. That became a habit since this is the state of all wives, no one makes fun of it. Because of such things, life goes on. If we make other arrangements as appropriate, the women will return.”

Mr E.V Ramasamy Periyar about women in temples, early 70s near Madurai pic.twitter.com/DNl29Sjen6

— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) October 29, 2020

On Kerala Royal Women

An undated speech where within just five minutes into it, EVR dives into deeply contentious territory, making shocking claims such as “Shudra women are prostitutes for Tamil Brahmin men.“ The statement met with cheers from the Dravidian crowd, highlights the provocative and divisive nature of his rhetoric. EVR’s approach often leans heavily on sexualized narratives to drive his points home. He says, “You may think that what I am saying is funny (that Shudra women are tamil-brahmin men keeps)

Would our womenfolk really have been like this (as mistresses of Tamil Brahmins)? I also hope that was not the case, okay fine let us assume that was not the case. But look at Malayalam (Kerala) right across the border. There, wives of Kings, wives, .. queens, and princesses… They even today give money and go to Tamil Brahmin men.. (for sexual purposes). For this purpose alone they have given salaries and kept Tamil Brahmin employees. Two queens in Kerala – one elder queen and one younger.

When I was there in Malayalam (Kerala) for one, the going rate was Rs 100 Rs and for the other, it was Rs 80 – to be the “husband” of these queens.

If you are not born of these Paapaans (Tamil Brahmins) — then you will not get a share of the ruling class. You can’t be king. I am saying what is happening even today. Over there — all the Zameendar’s wives are also Paapaan mistresses. Slightly inferior —- (caste men  – audio not clear here) these women will go to, that too they won’t go after getting married.

Come-means Come,  Go-means Go — (basically easy sex – no strings..)

It is happening … in the house of Zameendars, Mirasudars, big and reputable Nair families. Even today, it is happening. Kerala is not far from us – after all, they are separated from here.

Feminist Mr E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) on Kerala royal women pic.twitter.com/KRW88kMBWV

— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) September 17, 2020

Alleged Brahmins Planned A Legislation To Make Non-Brahmin Women Their Mistresses

In a 1926 public meeting in Madras, EVR warned the crowd that, after Independence, Tamil Brahmins would push for legislation requiring non-Brahmin women to become mistresses or concubines of Tamil Brahmin men. This idea about the exploitation of women, specifically Malayalee women, can be traced to KV Reddi (also known as Rao Bahadur Sir Kurma Venkatareddy Naidu), a leader of the Justice Party and the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency. Reddi, during a discussion on the inheritance act, reportedly informed the Madras Assembly that in Kerala, a law existed stating that non-Brahmin girls, upon reaching puberty, must be deflowered by a Brahmin. He said, “During a discussion of inheritance act .. in Kerala there exists a law that non-brahmin girls upon puberty have to deflowered by a Brahmin.”

Reddi’s speech included a dramatic and highly controversial tale:

“In Kerala, if a Brahmin hears about the beauty of a Nair’s wife, he will summon the husband and say, ‘Madhavan, I hear your wife is very beautiful, is it true?‘ To which the husband replies, ‘Yes, sir, all your grace.‘ The Brahmin then says, ‘Send her to me for one week.‘”

Reddi, a leader of the Justice Party and a key figure in the Dravidian movement, appears to have shared deeply problematic views. His approach in the legislative debate was provocative, asking:

“Mr. C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, there is an atrocity in Malayalam land where a girl, upon reaching puberty, must be deflowered by a Brahmin. Are you afraid of losing that privilege?”

In a public meeting in Madras in 1926, Mr E.V.Ramaswamy (Periyar) told the crowd

"After Independence is achieved, the TamizhBrahmins are planning to pass legislation that makes it compulsory for NonBrahmin women to be mistresses/concubines of TB Men"#Dravidian #MEMRI pic.twitter.com/xmZNKGwEtW

— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) July 25, 2022

“Had British Continued, Brahmin Women Would Have Been Ours”

Published in Dravidianist mouthpiece, Viduthalai in 1956, EVR allegedly said, “Had the British continued for another ten years, more than half of the Brahmin women would have been ours and Tamils would have been their husbands and the dominating caste would have been destroyed [by] more than half. Only after Brahmin women had started chasing our boys did the Brahmin men become very angry with the British.”

The Wire reports that in an editorial published in Viduthalai on 4 March 1969, he controversially described Brahmin priests as exploiting their wives in specific religious locations, likening their actions to that of pimps.

In his book Vanavasam, the Tamil poet Kannadasan recounts a typical speech by Periyar, in which Periyar derogatorily refers to Brahmin women as ‘prostitutes‘ and accuses Brahmin men of exploiting their women to secure their influence in the Dravidian region.

A Hypocrite In Its Truest Sense

EVR stands exposed as a hypocrite whose rhetoric and actions reveal a deeply misogynistic and divisive worldview. Far from being a liberator of women, EVR’s statements and ideologies perpetuated harmful stereotypes, reduced women to objects of male desire, and reinforced regressive attitudes under the guise of reform.

His views on women were not only demeaning but also blatantly contradictory to the principles of equality and dignity he supposedly championed. His crude sexualized narratives about Brahmin and non-Brahmin women reveal a man obsessed with caste-based vendettas rather than genuine social reform.

His rhetoric often targeted Brahmin women, reducing them to derogatory labels and accusing Brahmin men of exploiting them, all while ignoring the systemic issues faced by women across all castes.

While his brainwashed followers celebrate him as a progressive icon, the reality is that his ideologies were steeped in misogyny, casteism, and sensationalism.

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The post EV Ramasamy Naicker’s Gems On Women Empowerment appeared first on The Commune.

On 30 December 2024, the Taliban imposed a sweeping ban prohibiting all national and foreign NGOs from employing women in Afghanistan, warning that noncompliance could result in the revocation of operating licenses. This report highlights ten compelling cases from 2024 that illustrate the Taliban’s ongoing crackdown on women employees, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors. These cases underscore a troubling pattern of erasing women’s rights and dismantling opportunities for their professional growth.

#1 Taliban Bans NGOs From Employing Women In Afghanistan

In December 2024, the Taliban announced a ban on national and foreign NGOs employing women in Afghanistan, warning that noncompliance would lead to license revocation. This came two years after a similar directive citing non-adherence to their interpretation of Islamic dress codes. Despite UN criticism of “gender apartheid” and reports of increasing obstruction of female humanitarian workers, the Taliban denies interference, claiming 9,000 work permits have been issued to women and justifying restrictions as necessary for upholding Afghan laws and norms.

#2 Taliban Enforces Ban On Windows Overlooking Women’s Spaces

In December 2024, the Taliban banned residential windows that overlooked areas where women worked, such as kitchens and courtyards, claiming such views could provoke “obscene acts.” Existing windows in these areas were asked to be blocked, and authorities were tasked with enforcing the rule, encouraging residents to build walls to obstruct views. This is part of the Taliban’s broader crackdown on women’s rights since taking power in 2021, which includes bans on girls’ education, female employment, and public presence.

#3 Taliban Bans Private Education for Girls in Herat

In December 2024, the Taliban banned girls above sixth grade from attending private education centers in Herat, further tightening restrictions on female education. This directive followed previous bans on secondary and university education, leaving girls with no learning opportunities. Many girls turned to language and art programs as alternatives, but these too are now prohibited. The Taliban’s education director confirmed the ban, citing orders from their supreme leader.

#4 Taliban Prohibited Women From Singing or Reciting Poetry Publicly

In August 2024, the Taliban enacted a law banning women from singing or reciting poetry in public as part of its strict enforcement of Islamic law. The regulation also urged women to conceal their voices and bodies when outside their homes. Additionally, some local radio and TV stations have ceased airing female voices, further limiting women’s participation in public life.

#5 Ban On Shab-e-Yalda Celebrations

Since seizing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban implemented broad bans on cultural and traditional activities. Among these, they prohibited the celebration of Yalda Night, labeling it “forbidden” under their interpretation of Islamic law, which they claim does not permit such festivities.

Despite the Taliban banning Shab-e Yalda celebrations as “sinful,” Afghan women, in December 2024, marked the occasion as a symbol of resistance against oppression. Women’s movements and cultural groups organized private events, lighting candles and setting up traditional Yalda tables to honor the triumph of light over darkness. Protesters highlighted the Taliban’s suppression of cultural traditions and women’s rights, emphasizing Shab-e Yalda as a beacon of hope.

#6 Taliban Orders Female University Staff to Step Down

In December 2024, the Taliban mandated that female administrative staff at universities in Afghanistan step down within three days and nominate male replacements or face dismissal. The directive, issued on 8 December 2024 led to emotional scenes, particularly at Herat University, where female staff were seen crying after being pressured into signing documents agreeing to their removal.

#7 Taliban Bans Women from Medical Institutes, Closing Education Pathways

Earlier in December 2024, the Taliban issued a directive banning women from attending medical and semi-professional institutes, effectively closing one of the last options for higher education available to Afghan women. The ban follows the closure of universities to women in December 2022 and further restricts their access to professional training in healthcare. Afghanistan already faces a critical shortage of female medical professionals, and this policy is expected to worsen the country’s healthcare crisis.

#8 Taliban Shuts Down Women-Only Cafes In Herat

In November 2024, the Taliban began shutting down women-only cafes in Herat, Western Afghanistan, closing at least three such businesses in the past week. These cafes, which provided Afghan women with rare spaces to socialize, work, and regain financial independence, were shut down by the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The closures are part of the Taliban’s broader campaign to erase women from public life, following over 100 decrees that restrict women’s education, employment, and freedoms.

#9 Women in Public Offices Face Increased Restrictions Under Taliban Rule

In November 2024, women employed in public offices in Kabul began facing growing restrictions, including strict dress codes and lower salaries than their male counterparts. Many women who once worked under the former government lost their jobs entirely, while those still employed reported challenging conditions. In some sectors like security, education, and healthcare, women remained employed but had to deal with increasing pressure and economic hardship.

#10 Taliban Suspends Salaries of Female Teachers Amid Economic Strain

In July 2024, the Taliban suspended the salaries of female teachers, following a previous decree that capped their pay at 5,000 Afghanis ($70). This reduction, coupled with the salary suspension, left many teachers facing severe financial hardship. Teachers expressed concerns that this pay cut, which is insufficient to cover basic expenses such as transportation, rent, and family needs, would force them to leave their jobs.

#11 Herat Educational Centers Enforce Hijab Requirement for Girls

In July 2024, educational and health centers in Herat began enforcing a strict dress code, prohibiting girls from entering without a “prayer shawl” or a “chadur namaz“. Notices were posted at the entrances, warning girls that they would be denied entry unless they complied with the hijab requirement. Some students expressed frustration, seeing it as an infringement on personal choice.

#12 Taliban Leader Defends Public Floggings and Stonings of Women

In May 2024, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada defended the public flogging and stoning of women, including for adultery, in a recent audio message. He asserted that these punishments, which conflict with Western democratic values, are carried out under Sharia law, which he claims to represent. The Taliban’s judicial system has already implemented such punishments, including stoning, and Akhundzada’s statement suggests that this practice will continue.

#13 Taliban Deploys Dress Code Covering Face For Media Workers

In February 2024, the Taliban threatened to ban women media workers in Kabul who do not comply with a strict “modest dress code,” which includes wearing face veils that cover most of the face, leaving only the eyes visible. The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice suggested that Afghan women appearing on media should adhere to this guideline. Failure to comply could lead to a ban on women working in the media.  

#14 Taliban Bans Educational Programs for Girls Above Grade Six on Local Media

In August 2024, the Taliban imposed a ban on educational programs for girls above grade six that were broadcast on local radio and television stations in Khost province, following orders from the Ministry of Education. This decision, which likely originated from Kabul, further restricted girls’ education after the Taliban suspended it in schools. Local media outlets, that relied on these educational broadcasts, faced financial challenges. The ban also prevents media from offering online courses and educational resources, significantly impacting both the education of girls and the media’s income sources.

#15 Taliban Separates Healthcare Hours For Men And Women In Badakhshan

In October 2024, in Badakhshan, the Taliban implemented a policy requiring men and women to visit the central hospital at different times. Women could only access healthcare during designated morning and afternoon hours, while men had to visit at separate times. The decision, enforced under pressure from local Taliban authorities, created difficulties for patients, especially those unable to attend during specific hours due to work or living conditions.

#16 Taliban Restricts Education for Girls Above Age 10 In Kandahar

In February 2024, in Kandahar, the Taliban imposed a directive preventing girls aged 10 and older from attending classes below the sixth grade. School principals were instructed to enforce this policy, which is part of the broader restrictions on girls’ education since the Taliban’s return to power. In addition to the school closures beyond the sixth grade, students in grades four to six are required to wear face coverings while commuting. This policy, which followed previous education bans for taller girls in various provinces, further limited educational opportunities for young girls in Afghanistan.

#17 Taliban Shuts Schools And Art Workshop In Kabul Over Girls’ Attendance

In March 2024, in Kabul, the Taliban closed several schools and an art workshop due to the enrollment of girls above the sixth grade. The “Fiqran Bartar” art workshop and three other educational centers in the Chahar Qala area were sealed by the Taliban’s Prohibition of Evil agents. They cited the reason as the presence of girls beyond the sixth grade.

#18 Taliban Closes Education Classes In Bamyan

In November 2024, the Taliban shut down all local education classes in Bamyan province, which UNICEF operated in collaboration with Watan Social and Technical Services (WSTA). These classes, located in remote areas, had provided education to hundreds of girls and boys previously unable to attend school. The closure deprived thousands of children of their education. Local families and teachers expressed concern, with some calling on UNICEF to pressure the Taliban to reopen the classes. The closure follows similar actions in southern provinces, further limiting access to education across Afghanistan.

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The post 16 Key Cases Of Taliban Crackdown On Women Rights And Education In 2024 appeared first on The Commune.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that the “state-sponsored” infiltration and crime against women in West Bengal will be stopped only if the BJP comes to power in the state in the 2026 Assembly elections. Speaking at the party’s organisational meeting to launch a membership drive in West Bengal, the Home Minister said that he wonders what Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will do once the BJP’s total membership in West Bengal crosses one crore.

“We have already won in Haryana. We will also be winning in Maharashtra. Our next major target will be to win in West Bengal in the 2026 Assembly elections… Incidents like Sandeshkhali and R.G Kar Medical College & Hospital have proved how insecure our mothers and sisters are now in West Bengal. All these will be stopped if BJP comes to power in West Bengal in 2026,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, megastar and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty also emphasised the need to increase the active party members in the state. “We need such members to lead the party and be at the forefront. They will not be scared to tell the rulers on their faces that they are not afraid to face anything. I also want to assure the Union Home Minister that we are ready to face anything,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media persons before the organisational meeting, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari said that the protest movements by junior doctors in the state have died down because of the “influence of left and ultra-left forces” in the movement. “Junior doctors started the movement in an excellent manner. But the finishing was not that good. However, the BJP will not remain silent and a full-fledged movement on this issue will start after Diwali,” Adhikari said.

–IANS

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The post Only BJP Can Stop ‘State-Sponsored’ Infiltration, Crime Against Women In Bengal: HM Amit Shah appeared first on The Commune.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) conducted a women’s conference on alcohol and drug addiction on 2 October 2024 in Ulundurpettai, Kallakurichi, on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. Party leader Thol Thirumavalavan inaugurated the conference by giving a speech on the importance of alcohol prohibition.

However, the event soon became a political battleground after senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan criticized Thirumavalavan’s participation in the conference. Soundararajan, a former Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, questioned the sincerity of the event, claiming there was no real support for the anti-liquor movement even within VCK.

Soundararajan also pointed out that Thirumavalavan had paid tribute to Kamaraj at a memorial instead of Mahatma Gandhi on the latter’s birth anniversary. She remarked, “Thirumavalavan went to pay tribute to Kamaraj instead of Gandhi. Perhaps he avoided it due to a guilty conscience that his party’s policies don’t align with Gandhi’s principles.”

In response, Thirumavalavan fired back during his speech at the conference, explaining that he had intended to pay tribute to Gandhi but could not due to the Governor’s visit. “The police informed me that I could only pay my respects to Gandhi after the Governor had done so. Since the conference was about to start, I placed the garland meant for Gandhi on Kamaraj’s statue and left,” Thirumavalavan clarified.

However, he didn’t stop there, accusing Soundararajan of insinuating about his habits. “What Tamilisai is trying to say is that Thirumavalavan is a man who can open a bottle every day. Sister Tamilisai, I hope you don’t drink. I hope you don’t have a drinking habit. Like you, I don’t have that habit,” he added pointedly.

Thirumavalavan has a history of speaking derogatorily about women. Here are a few examples.

Hindu Women Are Prostitutes

Speaking at an online seminar on 27 September 2020 organized by Periyarist groups ( European Periyar Ambedkar Comrades’ Federation), Thirumavalavan called Hindu women prostitutes citing Manusmriti.

“If one were to look at how women are valued in Sanatana Dharma… how they are treated… how they are being suppressed for time immemorial… how they are being exploited… what does Sanatana Dharma say about women? Women are basically created as prostitutes by God. All women are prostitutes as per Hindu Dharma… Manu Dharma. All women are prostitutes. That is how they have been created by God. They are of lower status than men. This applies to Brahmin women as well as women of other castes. This is what the Sanatana Dharma says,” he said.

This person who is a MP from the temple town of Chidambaram is pure evil he must be wiped out from the public life and anybody who is associating with him be it DMK or ADMK must also be wiped out from the public life. pic.twitter.com/rOwPszxPUo

— Vishwatma ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) October 21, 2020

Their Women Go Behind Our Men Because Their Men Don’t Have Stuff

A few years ago, he made crass comments on the women of a community. In the video, he is seen saying that ‘their’ women go behind ‘our’ men because ‘their’ men do have have any ‘stuff’.

“For these people, what has been taught as honor is only ‘women matter’… Not any other darn (mairu) thing… They are jealous that their women are not ‘looking’ at them… Those guys are fair, have a moustache, wear ironed clothes, wear shoes worth thousands of rupees, spray scent worth thousands of rupees… Despite all this, they [referring to women of that caste] are not looking at them… But if she is looking at a man belonging to a poor household, born to oppressed class people like Chakliyan, Pallan, Paraiyan, then understand what your [referring to men of those castes] worth is… Women from your community show what you [referring to men of those castes] are worth… ‘Despite having everything, there is no use in you. There is no stuff in you [referring to men of those castes]. Even if he is poor, he has stuff and strength (sarakku midukku)… That is why I go behind him… If you have an iota of honor, hang yourself to death’ is what their women say,“ Thirumavalavan says in that speech.

He further adds “Their men… They don’t care even if their women have slept with our men for 10 months. They will say ‘It is okay… I will wash it off…You come and live with me…’ This is the disgusting politics these disgraceful beings do.”

He also said that when the women of his village or family ran away with another man, the parents would try to persuade the girl to come with them, but if the girl stood her ground, the parents would just go take a dip in the river and sever ties with the girl. Thirumavalavan made this speech when the Paatali Makkal Katchi had accused the VCK and its men of luring the young girls in their community into marriage.

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The post Thirumavalavan’s Anti-Women Comments Made In The Past appeared first on The Commune.