Politics, politicization of Governor and VC and related issues affecting the Academics and standards of education – Periyar University VC arrest, bail and thereof.
Governor vs State becoming controversial: Now, the political narrative, discussion and discourses on the post of Governor, duties of Governor, Governor as Chancellor of Universities, appointments of Vice Chancellors for the Universities and connected issues have been important news. Particularly, this has become politicized and controversialized where the opposition parties ruling the States. Thus, in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamilnadu, many such problems reported, where the fight between the CM and Governor has been routine and daily basis also. The CMs want to appropriate the power of the Governors in appointing Vice-Chancellor. There has been a lot of news appearing in the media about the corruption involved in the appointment of VCs for Universities, where, crores are reportedly asked and given for getting such an appointment. It has also been reported that every VC thus appointed would appoint 20-30 Assistant Professors in their respective Universities and get back the amount he paid from them.
VC appointment based on merit or otherwise?: After the NDA / BJP government coming to power at the Centre, it is said that such corruption has come down, as only eligible and highly qualified emeritus Professors and such other experts alone are becoming VCs with merit. Thus, persons with merit are getting the appointment of Assistant Professors. When Prohit was Governor, many controversies were raised by the political parties, but, he withstood such malicious propaganda and now, he has been Governor of Punjab. Though, AAP has been the opposition party there, not much news is appearing as that of Kerala, West Bengal and Tamilnadu. Therefore, definitely, the Citizens of India have to know what has been going on in the Universities and academic institutions, where, politics and political interference and politicization should not be there.
VC appointment in 2021: Jagannathan, who was appointed as VC of the Salem-based university by then Governor Banwarilal Purohit in June 2021, is a known agricultural expert and had served as the dean of the prestigious Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore[1]. The VC has been under the cloud for the better part of his tenure with several political parties and activists levelling allegations of corruption against him and his colleagues at the university established in 1997[2]. Police said R. Jagannathan was arrested from the University premises on 26-12-2023 Tuesday evening under sections 294(b), 120(b), 420, 468, 409 r/w 511 and 506(1) of the IPC and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, following a complaint filed by A. Elangovan, legal advisor of the Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU)[3]. “There are a few other complaints against Jagannathan,” police said[4]. When the VC was produced before the judicial magistrate-II of Salem district court, J Dhinesh Kumaran, he was granted bail for seven days, stating the case prima facie appeared to be made out under mere allegations,” an official source said[5]. Hours after he was arrested under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Periyar University vice-chancellor (VC) R Jagannathan, 63, came out on seven-day conditional bail in the early hours of Wednesday, even as the Salem city police launched searches at eight places, including his official quarters and house in connection with the case of misappropriation of funds[6]. The VC has, however, been directed to appear before the assistant police commissioner of Suramangalam to put his signature on all the seven days.
Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU) – a company or part of University?: The company has four directors, including Jagannathan, and Registrar K Thangavel, the complainant has alleged[7]. On November 6, the Periyar University administration placed a table agenda in the syndicate meeting to undertake educational programmes in collaboration with PUTER Foundation, following which the Association of University Teachers raised concerns alleging financial irregularities in the university[8]. Their specific complaint is that the company was set up using the university’s resources and infrastructure for personal gain, the police said. The state government, too, has formed a committee to look into these complaints.
Complaint given by the University Legal Advisor: The Salem city police on 26-12-2023, Tuesday arrested Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Dr R Jagannathan for allegedly misappropriating public funds and establishing a private company on the campus under his name[9]. An FIR was registered against the vice-chancellor, based on a complaint filed by I Elangovan, legal advisor of Periyar University Employee Union (PUEU), and Salem city police Commissioner B Vijayakumari, said officials[10]. Elangovan has accused the V-C and registrar Thangavel of having a “direct interest” in the private firm — PUTER Foundation, allegedly located within the Periyar University — said police, adding that there were also several other complaints of financial irregularities[11]. The matter came to light when the university administration proposed a collaboration with the PUTER Foundation, with Dr Jagannathan and Thangavel as its directors[12]. The Association of University Teachers had raised concerns about this collaboration, alleging the “company was set up using university resources”.
PMK points out many irregularities: PMK leader and former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had last month demanded that the state government dismiss Jagannathan from his post, after the news of the proposal to tie-up with PUTER Foundation emerged. Ramadoss had said that students who get trained from the foundation will “pay higher fees” despite the firm utilizing the resources of the university which is funded by the taxpayers’ money. Corruption in higher educational institutes in Tamil Nadu is not new as two former vice-chancellors of Anna University and Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University were in 2018 booked for serious graft charges by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The agency also arrested the vice-chancellor of Coimbatore-based Bharathiar University, A Ganapathi, while accepting a bribe of Rs 30 lakh for regularising the job of an assistant professor, in the same year.
The condemnation of BJP: The arrest of Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Jagannathan would create fear among honest Vice-Chancellors. BJP state vice-president Kanakasabhapathy has condemned it and suggested the governor to intervene. Jagannathan, 68, was arrested and released on bail after filing a complaint about starting a business. In this regard, the state vice-president of the BJP, Kanakasabhapathy, issued a statement: “The arrest of the Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University by the police without evidence is strongly condemned. He is respected by many in the state as an honest educationist. But he is suddenly arrested without any notice. It seems that the police have tried not to follow the rules, file a case in the evening and appear in the court at night, and immediately send them to jail. And the next day the Vice Chancellor’s office and house were raided for several hours throughout the night. Hence the name of the Vice-Chancellor has been defamed in public. It is not known how the state higher education department gave permission for this. Educationists are concerned that this move by the state government will create some fear among honest vice-chancellors in Tamil Nadu. The state chief minister should take action on this. The state government should give a detailed explanation. Those involved should be held accountable for these wrongdoings that have tarnished the education sector. The investigating officer and the higher education department officials and the state government should take appropriate action immediately. The state governor who is the chancellor of the university should immediately intervene in this,” the statement said. However, this BJP support has been criticized by the other media, obviously, anti-BJP ideology.
Fastly moving incidences within four days: The Salem Police Station has been directed by the Madras High Court on 29-12-2023 to submit the case documents related to the arrest of R Jagannathan, Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University[13]. The court also adjourned a petition filed by the police that sought to quash the interim bail granted to him for today, December 29, 2023 reports The New Indian Express[14]. During the hearing of the petition before Justice P Dhanabal on Thursday, December 28, the counsel of the police moved to have the bail revoked. The counsel argued that it was granted by the judicial magistrate without giving the police an opportunity to present its case. The judge subsequently directed the police to file the case documents, including the interim bail order and scheduled a hearing for today, December 29. On December 26, the Salem city police arrested R Jagannathan, the Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University, for allegedly founding a private corporation to offer educational programmes in collaboration with the university in violation of norms and he was given bail on 27-12-2023 with hospitalization[15]. Angio was done, as he complained of chest pain and now reported stable[16].
Corruption, corrupt politics and politicked Academics: Corruption in education cannot be accepted on any account, reason or logic. The ideological interference with academics has been giving way the corruption to enter. Thus, some dominant ideologies and ideologists have infiltrated the ademic institutions through power-politics. The Socialism garb and socialist masquerade helped the Communists of all sorts to enter academics. Then, the dominant religious minorities with their “holy” alliances with the Communists made such power-politics and academic-appointment completely idelogized and politicized. Thus, many of the Central and State governmental Ministry of Education, Educational Institutions and governing bodies become manipulators of education. With the privatization of education, the commercialization has also implemented with the education business more profitable than others. Thus, becoming VC, HOD, Professor, Assistant Professor etc., have become coveted ones and the aspiring persons have been ready to go to any extent. As money-making has become the “mantra,” all have become agents in one way or the other, facilitating and taking care of interests mutually.
[1] Deccan Herald, Periyar University V-C arrested on charges of misappropriation of funds, ETB Sivapriyan DHNS Last Updated 26 December 2023, 22:41 IST.
[9] Indian Express, Periyar varsity V-C arrested for floating private firm on campus, By: Express News Service, Chennai | First uploaded on: 27-12-2023 at 02:28 IST; Updated: December 27, 2023 02:33 IST.
Annamalai University – 56 Assistant Professors were dismissed, as they did not have the required educational qualifications!
The craze to become or for becoming an “Assistant Professor”: Nowadays, becoming an “Assistant Professor” has become a fashion, as any candidate that could get a postgraduate degree, PhD and get through some qualifying examination, immediately, he or she aims for it. Perhaps, almost all categories of the candidates, well-read or mediocre, with the recommendation or not, rich or poor, follow some formula to to get it. Unfortunately, 50 to 70% follow the pattern at every level from getting postgraduate, M.Phil, PhD etc., that is intriguing and alarming. Nearly 50% of them are less efficient in English, as could be found from their speech, writing and other working practices. Thus, they have to depend upon others for writing papers, theses, dissertations etc., and this leads to academic manipulation. Plagiarism, paid writers, ghost writers and all other practices are freely adopted and adapted. In fact, every seminar, conference, congress, DTP centres, Xerox shops and related groups aid and abet such activities in different levels. Those who have been associated with the proceedings and activities of them, could easily come to know one day or the other about such manipulative and corrupt practices.
The nexus of academician and politics: The appointment of Vice Cancellors has become highly fluid, intriguing and shocking also, as could be noted by anybody who was carefully watching the last 70 years. Many times, the alliance of the regional State political parties and the National political parties is reflected in their appointment. Many times, the affair goes without notice, sometimes gets publicity, because of the grumblings of the persons who lost their choice. “Invest and harvest” type of formula is reportedly followed in such practices. Thus, if a person gets VC of any university, he can get back the expenses incurred through his appointment of assistant professors. Thus, for such payments, there have been groups and associations helping in finance, those who cannot offer to pay. Then, the financiers, selecting academic gropus, politicians and others form the larger domain controlling all such appointment processes. The financiers become “usury” type in financing and fleecing. That is, the moment, the financed gt jobs, the financiars start collecting money immediately. Though, such issues have been simmering in many universities, ain, it has come out recently in the case of Annamalai University.
Financial problems of Annamalai University: Due to financial problems in Chidambaram Annamalai University, when Jayalalithaa was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu 10 years ago, the government took full control of the university. At that time, the Principal Secretary Sivadas Meena was appointed on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government for the task of renovating the university. When he studied the professors and staff in the departments of the university and their education, he was shocked to find that the professors appointed did not have the required educational qualifications. Later, he sent a letter to the Tamil Nadu government to take action against them.
What is the real problem? Did it start from 1999?: Annamalai University, situated in Chidambaram, is facing a very serious existential crisis for the first time in its life. The University, which has its roots in the pre-independent India, has told its staff members that they should be ready to accept a 50% salary cut and be prepared for a retrenchment. The reason for this move is that the University is over staffed and hence it cannot afford to run the show in its present form. When the announcement was made by the University’s Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Ramanathan to the representatives of a group of union leaders representing both the teaching and the non-teaching staff on November 7, a bedlam broke out in the meeting. Immediately the VC rushed out of his chambers and was safely escorted to his bungalow. The next day unrest started and the University on November 10 suspended classes, postponed the exams and shut down the hostels and asked its students to vacate. This Diwali, gift by the University to its 13,000 plus staff – both teaching and non-teaching – came as a rude shock not only to those directly connected with the University but also to the general public.
Many paid bribes and got job: The present mess is due, if not solely at least, to a great extent to the massive recruitment which went on since 1996. In fact the unions smelt the rot in 1999 Budget itself that had a deficit of Rs.48 crore.. But the University went on an appointment spree and in the next 13 years it recruited over 6,000 teaching and non-teaching staff. The vested people had sold their lands, and belongings to pay bribe amounts to brokers for appointments in the University[1]. The sanctioned strength of the University is 860 teaching and 1,820 non-teaching[2]. But today it has 3,896 teaching staff and 9,434 non-teaching staff[3]. There is a strong feeling prevailing among academicians, trade unions and legal experts that the governments in Tamil Nadu over the period of time have failed miserably to regulate the governance in the University.
On 16-11-2023, 56 professors were dismissed: In this situation, the university administration was brought under the control of the Vice-Chancellor and did not take any action in this regard. In this situation, the audit committee of the university came to know about the unqualified assistant professors. They didn’t have the minimum qualifications prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) at the time of their appointment. After the probe, the decision was taken to sack them[4]. It is intriguing then, how they got an appointment in university rsity and how they had been managing in taking classes etc. Therefore, 56 ineligible professors have reportedly been dismissed on 16-11-2023 on the orders of the Higher Education Department[5].
With PhD and with a degree obtained through Open University, they got the appointment of Assistant Professors: It is said that most of the assistant professors working in the management department have completed 10th and 12th standard and studied through Open University and are working as assistant professors without Ph.D. The audit revealed that there are more than 80 affected assistant professors in this regard. Some of them have given us a letter saying that we don’t want any promotion, so they are continuing to work even though they are not qualified. It’s sad that everyone is doing this without taking the same course of action. Also what action has been taken against those who hired us who are not qualified for an assistant professorship. This will seriously affect our livelihood. So they say they will go to the court and appeal and win.
Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers’ Association TNGCTA welcomed the move: The former president T Veeramani of TNGCTA welcomed the move, emphasizing the need for the higher education department to verify certificates and qualifications of approximately 500 teaching staff transferred from Annamalai University to government arts and science colleges[6]. He stressed that proper scrutiny during recruitment could lead to the removal of teaching staff with inadequate qualifications[7]. Veeramani stated, “Like this, the higher education department also should verify the genuineness of certificates and qualifications.” Veeramani also mentioned that during 2017-18, 58 teaching staff members at Annamalai University were terminated. This action was taken following certificate verification, which revealed that they had obtained postgraduate degrees through open and distance education, without adhering to the 10+2+3+3 educational pattern. The certificate verification process was initiated in response to complaints filed by the TNGCTA.
2013 – the TN Governor appointed audit committee: The state government appointed two more officers, Thanjavur Cooperative sugar mill chief executive officer Dinesh Ponraj Oliver and Karur district revenue officer Christhuraj, to assist the newly appointed administrator, Shiv Das Meena, in academic and administrative affairs of the university. The joint action council of the university’s teaching and non-teaching staff welcomed the governor’s decision. It urged the government to initiate stringent action against all those involved in corrupt practices. The special audit found that the university has not adhered to UGC/government norms and statutory provisions in appointment, promotion and fixing of salaries. It revealed that in many cases higher pay scales had been fixed in total violation of the norms, leading to a financial burden to the tune of Rs 22.69 crore in two financial years — 2009-10 and 2010-11 — alone. Similarly, the total excess expenditure due to excess appointment of staff stood at Rs 299.25 crore for the period between 1998-99 and 2010-11. The university did not deposit Rs 50.56 crore of provident fund contribution collected from employees in the personal deposit account maintained in the government treasury, it found. The university did not remit a total of Rs 178.14 crore in the PF, CPF and pension funds, thereby committing a serious lapse and breach of trust. The university, with about 39,000 students on its campus and another 4.5 lakh enrolled in various distance education programmes, has been embroiled in a series of controversies in the recent past.
April 2013 – The VC found guilty and suspended: It closed indefinitely in November last year after the employees threatened to go on a strike in protest against the management’s decision to cut jobs and salaries citing a severe financial crisis. They charged that gross mismanagement, poor administrative policies and large-scale corruption in recruitment of staff and admission of students led to the financial crisis. The university has about 3,600 teaching and 9,400 non-teaching staff, far exceeding the sanctioned strength[8]. The university reopened on November 21 after the management gave an assurance that it will not retrench staff members and cut their salaries. following complaints of financial irregularities, and the audit findings, its vice-chancellor M Ramanathan was suspended[9].
In 2014, an assistant Professor found becoming professor by a fake certificate: The Annamalai University’s registrar on November 19, 2014 passed an order cancelling the appointment of B Subramanian as assistant professor of History in the directorate of distance education of the university after the varsity came to know that he obtained employment by forging and fabricating his SSLC certificate. Challenging it, he filed a writ petition seeking direction to the university to reinstate him into service with back wages by stating that it did not afford him due opportunity to put forth his case. Based on it, the court passed interim order on December 19 saying that the petitioner should be allowed to continue until further orders. But, the university did not reinstate him. Thus, he filed a contempt petition seeking action against the university administrator Shiv Das Meena and the registrar N Panchanathan.
In 2015, a fraudulent Assistant Professor fired by the High Court: Justice S Vaidyanathan heard the both the petitions and passed orders dismissing the writ petition and closing the contempt petition. In his order, the judge said the university syndicate had not taken the decision cancelling the appointment of the petitioner on one fine morning or in a hasty manner. Rather reports were called for from the officials of the directorate of government examinations with regard to genuineness of the petitioner’s SSLC certificate who in turn confirmed that it does not belong to him at all, but to one T Senthilkumar, a regular student. Looking at any angle, it has been proved beyond doubt that the petitioner obtained employment by forging and fabricating the SSLC certificate, the judge said[10]. “If a teacher like the petitioner is allowed to continue in the job it will definitely be a threat to the whole society and the students who are taught by him, will be misguided and influenced by his attitude. The continuation of the fraud in the renowned teaching profession will result in devil to pay and also pouring a drop of venom into the pot of milk. Such awkward position should not be allowed and encouraged. Therefore, he is not entitled to any relief much less reinstatement in service,” the judge said[11].
In 2016, 40 teachers / assistant Professors found inauequae qualification: As per 2010 UGC regulations, candidates who apply to the post of assistant professor must have NET, SLET or Ph.D. qualification. The inconsistencies in recruitment by different boards are partly to blame. The Teachers Recruitment Board recruit the college teachers as per the UGC norms, but the university acts as a quasi-government body and recruits teachers as per their own procedure. Following a reshuffle and transfer of 369 lecturers and assistant professors from Annamalai University to government colleges on three-year contract basis, over 40 assistant professors from Annamalai University have come under the scanner of the Directorate of Collegiate Education for being allegedly under-qualified for their posts[12]. Many principals from government colleges did not allow the assistant professors to join duty as they were grossly under-qualified or held only postgraduate degrees[13].
[1] When India Today was speaking to Mathialagan, two persons in the meeting hall on their own came and said they paid amount to brokers to get employment. K. Kanagasidhan, says he paid Rs. 6 lakhs for getting a special grade instructor post in the engineering department. See India Today, as mentioned below for full report.
[2] India Today, Financial crisis cripples functioning of prestigious Annamalai University, R Ramasubramanian, Chennai, UPDATED: Nov 21, 2012 20:21 IST, Published By: At Migration; Published On: Nov 21, 2012.
[6] Indian Express, Annamalai University dismisses 56 assistant professors after probe, Published: 17th November 2023 09:03 AM | Last Updated: 17th November 2023 09:03 AM
[10] Times of India, Assistant professor fined Rs 25,000 who obtained job by forging SSLC certificate, L Saravanan / TNN / Updated: Apr 19, 2015, 03:37 IST.
After Vinod who targeted the Governor, Muralikrishnan hurled petrol bomb at the God, as He did not respond to his prayers!
The dangerous increasing “Petrol bomb” culture in Tamilnadu: Throwing “Petrol bomb” has become order of the day in Tamilnadu for various reasons, but, it has been a very dangerous sign of violence taking roots. Just few days back, a charge-sheeter hurled several petrol bombs towards the Governor’s House in Chennai in front of police as appeared in the media with photographs and videos. Ironically, he has given a statement to the police that he decided to throw bobs towards the Governor’s House, as he refused to stop NEET and so on. Really, it is intriguing as to how the rowdies could settle score with the authorities through such violent and extreme methods just like terrorists. Now, news come that a devotee hurled petrol bomb on the deity, as his prayers were not answered. So petrol bombs have become so easy for people to manufacture, handle, hurl and produce the desired result.
During the Deepavali times, the threat of “Petrol bomb” at crowded streets is unimaginable: As it has been Deepavali time, hundreds and thousands of people have been crowding the streets, particularly, where shops are there. The “Town,” Parrys corner and Flower Bazar area has been so popular for shopping by the middle, lower-middle and monthly income people to buy their requirement, as they believe the goods are sold cheaply there. Thus, this type of shopping has been going on for many decades. However, now, they face a dangerous trend of “petrol bomb” thrown, that too, inside a temple. Indian Today noted that A 39-year-old man has been arrested for hurling a Molotov cocktail / petrol bomb at a temple in Chennai allegedly under the influence of alcohol[1]. DtNext mentioned it as “Molotov cocktail,” perhaps fitting to the nature of the bomb thrower, who was reportedly under the drunken condition. The petrol bomb had landed in front of the idol at the temple[2]. Thus, his offer has reached the idol correctly by falling before.
10-11-2023 Friday a devotee throwing petrol bomb inside Santum Sanctorum: morning Police said the incident took place at the Sri Veerabadraswami temple located near Parrys in Chennai[3] at the junction of Audiappan Naicken Street and Govindappa Naicken Street. Police said the priests were performing puja around 8.45 AM on Friday 10-11-2023, when the accused, Murali Krishnan, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, came there with the beer bottle containing petrol. The priest realizing his drunked status asked not to come inside. However, he hurled the petrol bomb[4] towards the deity inside the sanctum sanctorum. Even as the temple priest told him not to enter, he took out a bottle filled with petrol and hurled the bomb[5]. The priest rushed out in panic. In the impact, the garland of the deity was burnt[6]. Other devotees who were inside the premises fled the scene[7]. Traffic police personnel who were on duty nearby rushed to the temple on hearing the commotion[8]. They overpowered the man when he tried to escape. Later, he was handed over to the Law and Order police personnel. In fact, the entire event was recorded in the CCTV.
The petrol bomb thrown when several people watching: No one was injured in the incident. Police told India Today TV that Murali Krishnan had several other cases registered against him and that he had come out on bail just a few days ago[9]. Murali Krishnan was also a regular visitor to the temple, officials added. According to the surveillance footage, Krishnan was sitting inside a shop and filling up petrol in an alcohol bottle[10]. Several people of the te-shop were watching what he was doing, but, did not question him. He was arrested by Greater Chennai Police (GCP) for throwing a petrol bomb at a temple located near Parrys corner in the northern part of the city[11].
Intoxicated devotee did: According to the police, at 8:45 am., the accused, identified as J Murali Krishanan, had entered the Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple at the Athiyappa street-Govindappa Naicken Street Junction and hurled the bottle filled with petrol at the deity inside the temple[12]. Umachandran, a priest at the temple, said that the man had entered with a bottle-like object, lit it with a lighter and hurled it towards the deity. “We were sitting outside when a man entered the temple wearing slippers and went near the garbhagriha and was shouting that God did not answer his prayers. He then threw the bottle. We were not near the deity, so none of us got injured. The flowers offered to God were burnt. Four of us were present there. After hearing the sound, everyone rushed inside and poured water to douse the flame,” he added.
The petrol bomber has been a charge-sheeter – according to the Police: After being alerted by the public, the police reached the spot and arrested the accused. The temple was locked following the incident. According to sources, the accused, who was running a wholesale and retail dry fruit business, suffered a setback and was dejected over not being able to come over it. The CCTV visual of the accused, wearing a face mask and pouring the petrol into a beer bottle sitting inside a tea shop, has gone viral on social media. In a statement, the police said that the accused, who has previous cases against him, had been a regular visitor to the temple. He reportedly confessed that he was running his business “G.K. Traders” dealing with dry fruits, mainly cashew nuts, but incurred heavy losses. So he took loans and was harassed by the lenders. He claimed that he was praying to God, but He did not answer to solve his financial problem. Therefore, he decided to attack. This reported confession appears to be illogical, unreasonable and meaningless, as he was involved in many crimes, for which, he cannot claim that God helped him to commit suh crimes and sins.
Violence has to be treated seriously: As this temple comes under the administration of TN Government District Revenue Officer, Judge Niranjan visited the spot and inspected it. Thus, it is evident that the authorities have taken serious note about the incident. Other reports say that the accused was wearing certain religious chains around his neck pointing to a religion, but, after arrest, they were removed or not appearing and therefore, such suspicion also noted in the attack. Initially, the Coimbatore cooker blast incidence was dubbed as an ordinary accident, but, it turned out to be a well-planned attack and perhaps stopped, as it exploded early. Therefore, the “petrol bomb” violent culture cannot be brushed aside as lunatic act and so on, as the bomb is bomb and it is dangerous.
Case registered under the Explosive Substances Act and arrested: The police added that initial investigation has revealed that the accused had indulged in the offence due to his incoherent state of mind following heavy intoxication. The city police also confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. A case has been registered against Muralikrishnan under the Explosive Substances Act and the police are carrying out further probe. He has already been involved in many cases including attempt to murder, murder, theft, violence, and other cases amounting to nine. Therefore, it is intriguing why such a person has chosen the temple for hurling the petrol bomb.
AIADMK, BJP leaders condemn the incident: Condemning the incident, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai took to X and wrote, “A petrol bomb was hurled at the party office of BJP; then at the Raj Bhavan and now a petrol bomb has been hurled inside a temple. The incident is shocking. Law-and-order has hit rock bottom in Tamil Nadu. The DMK’s failure to control separatist organisations that talk about pseudo-secularism and half-baked atheism has resulted in petrol bombs being hurled inside temples.” The AIADMK leaders including the former CM have expressed their concern over the bombing.
[1] India Today, Drunk Chennai man hurls petrol bomb at temple, arrested, Shilpa Nair Chennai, Published By: Poulami Kundu; Published On:Nov 10, 2023; UPDATED: Nov 10, 2023 21:45 IST.
[9] MSN, Drunk Chennai man hurls petrol bomb at temple, arrested, Shilpa Nair Chennai, India Today-Published By: Poulami Kundu; Published On:Nov 10, 2023; UPDATED: Nov 10, 2023 21:45 IST.
Sanatan eradication case – How hate-speakers defend themselves – if everybody could speak according to their ideology, why arrest some and leave others?
Why all coloured brigades have been anti-Hindu?: The “Black Parivar,” comprising, DK, DMK, MDMK, communist categories, Tamil separatist groups and a host of other gangs working with “Tamil, Dravidian, Tamil nationalist” banners have been targeting Hindus by all means. Thus, the “Red Parivar” (Communists of all varieties), “Green Parivar” (Islamic, Mohammedan and other Jihadi groups), Christian Parivar (of all denominations) etc., have also joined such bandwagon of heinous attacks. Why they should do that? Under the secularism, scientific temper and so many other technicalities, even in the cyber age, how it is possible to target Hindus on every pretext? The European Indological research turned Christian propaganda and Mohammedan aggression have also been iding and abetting such anti-Hindu propaganda and psychological warfare. Earlier, they used dub “Sangh Parivar,” “Kavi / Saffron brigade” to target their Hindu ideologists, but, now, their attack has been straight against the BJP, but hitting the Hindus only. Ever since, the BJP came to power at the centre and continued to rule for the second term, the anti-BJP aggression invariably started attaching Hindu religion, faith and believers at national and international forums and organizations.
Dravidian atheism has been anti-Hindu: Now, in Tamilnadu, after the coming back to power by the DMK, definitely, their anti-Hindu activities have been increasing day by day within two years. From verbal to physical their attacks have been systematic, well-planned and targeted. The anti-Hindu attitude continued through EVR, Annadurai, Karunanidhi, Stalin and now Udhyanidhi. Ironically and incidentally, they take pride in having such an anti-Hindu legacy attacking Hindus. Very often, they come out with illogical arguments like that they have been only against Parppaniyam and not against Parppans (the expressions themselves used with poisonous hatred and venomous vengeance). “Kill Brahmin first, leaving the snake, if you find both of them,” has been an axiom of their leaders. So now, Udhyanidhi has started throwing venom with his “eradication hate-speeach” and his father Stalin duly supporting.
Madras High Court opined that the police must have taken action against the hate-speech ministers: The Madras High Court has criticized the Tamil Nadu Police for failing to take action against DMK ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin and PK Sekar Babu over their comments about “eradicating Sanatana Dharma”[1]. The court noted that no individual has the right to promote divisive ideas or the abolition of any ideology[2]. Madras High Court Justice G Jayachandran noted that the police’s failure to act against the ministers amounts to dereliction of duty[3]. The judge also emphasised that the courts cannot be expected to endorse ideas that promote hostility among the people[4]. The judge also stressed that it is the responsibility of those in power to realise the potential dangers of making divisive speeches and to behave responsibly by refraining from promoting views that could divide people based on ideology, caste, and religion[5]. “This Court is of the view that a person in power should realise the danger of speech unflaring fissiparous tendencies and behave responsibly and restrain themselves from propagating views which will divide people in the name of ideology, caste and religion[6]. Instead, they may concentrate on eradicating intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injuries to health, corruption, untouchability and other social evil,” said Justice Jayachandran, while hearing a petition[7].
There was a “dereliction of duty” on the part of the police: There was a “dereliction of duty” on the part of the police as they did not act against Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his “inflammatory speech to eradicate Sanatana Dharma” and his cabinet colleague Sekar Babu who was also present at the event where the remarks were made on September 2, 2023 the Madras high court has observed[8]. As a consequence, a petitioner now wants permission to counter it by conducting a conference to “eradicate Dravidian ideology”, justice G Jayachandran said in an order passed on October 31, 2023[9].
Hate-speakers claims “I have only spoken my ideology”: Udhayanidhi, however, on Monday 06-11-2023 defended his Sanatana Dharma remark, which had sparked a nationwide uproar[10]. “I didn’t say anything wrong. We will face the case legally,” he told reporters when asked about the high court’s observation. “I have only spoken about my ideology.” The minister for youth welfare and chief minister MK Stalin’s son further said that his remark on Sanatana Dharma was not something that was not spoken before by leaders like BR Ambedkar and ‘Periyar’ E V Ramasamy. Earlier, the high court bench of Justice Jayachandran made the observations while dismissing a petition seeking permission to conduct a conference to “eradicate Dravidian ideology”. The petitioner, Magesh Karthikeyan, a resident of Chennai, had claimed it is the fundamental right to conduct such a meeting. As has been noted by the general public of Tamilnadu, only the atheist, Periyarist, Analytical wisdom propagators and Dravidologists could speak and write their ideology and not others. Even the victims, the Hindus cannot defend themselves against these hate-speakers, as they have been at the receiving end for all these years.
However, the speaker defends himself: Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday defended his stance on ‘Sanatana Dharma’ after the Madras High Court criticised the police for failing to take action against him and PK Sekar Babu over their comments[11]. The High Court noted that no individual has the right to promote divisive ideas or the abolition of any ideology. Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had earlier compared ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to “dengue” and “malaria”, said that he hadn’t said anything wrong, adding that he was ready to face legal consequences regarding his statement. Only the general public and Hindus should wait and see whether the hate-speakers would be punished or not.
Claims that he has not spoken more than what Ambedkar and EVR spoke: He said[12], “I haven’t said anything wrong. What I said was right and I’ll face it legally.. I will not change my statement. I have spoken my ideology. I’ve not spoken more than what Ambedkar, Periyar or Thirumavalavan had said. I can be an MLA, a Minister or a Youth Wing Secretary and tomorrow I maybe not. But being a human is more important.”It (Sanatana) is a several hundred years old issue, we shall oppose it forever.”[13] In September, Udhayanidhi Stalin called for the eradication of ‘Sanatana Dharma’, as he said, it was “against social justice and equality”. “Few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can’t oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria or coronavirus. We have to eradicate this. That’s how we have to eradicate Sanatana,” he had said.”Rather than opposing Sanatana, it should be eradicated. The name Sanatana is from Sanskrit. It is against social justice and equality,” Stalin said, who is a minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development in the ruling DMK government[14]. His remarks drew sharp criticism from the ruling BJP, with the party’s IT cell head Amit Malviya saying that Stalin’s statement was “eerily similar” to Hitler’s views about Jews[15].
[1] India Today, Sanatana Dharma row: Court pulls up cops for not acting against Udhayanidhi Stalin, Pramod Madhav, Edited By: Vadapalli Nithin Kumar, Chennai,UPDATED: Nov 6, 2023 13:41 IST.
[3] Live Law, Coexistence Of Multiple Ideologies Identity Of Country, No One Has Right To Hold Meeting To Eradicate Any Ideology: Madras High Court, Upasana Sajeev, 5 Nov 2023 1:35 PM.
[8] Hindustan Times, Madras high court slams cops’ inaction against ministers over Sanatana remark, By Divya Chandrababu, Chennai, Nov 07, 2023 07:28 AM IST.
[10] India Today, ‘Will oppose Sanatana forever’: Udhayanidhi Stalin after High Court’s criticism, Pramod Madhav, Chennai, Edited By: Aditi Sharma, UPDATED: Nov 6, 2023 16:55 IST.
[12] India TV news, Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterates his stand amid legal proceeding in Madras HC, Edited By: Raju Kumar @rajudelhi123, Chennai, Updated on: November 06, 2023 21:15 IST
[14] India Today, Udhayanidhi’s remark on ‘Sanatana Dharma’ similar to Hitler’s views on Jews: BJP, India Today News Desk, New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 5, 2023 15:49 IST
Hindu solidarity and unity exhibited in the massive rally supporting the cause for the Chennimalai hill and temple!
The Christian announcement about the change of name of Chennimalai: The Chennimalai Murugan Temple, situated in Erode district and boasting a history of over 3000 years, is in news due to a recent contentious speech by the local Christian Munnani group proposing to rename it as “Kalvaari Malai” or “Yesu Malai”[1]. This proposition has stirred controversy among the local Hindus, who have been venerating Chennimalai Murugan for generations[2]. Chennimalai is situated between Erode and Coimbatore. It is known as Siragiri and Chenniyangiri in Devanagiri, and Chennimalai in Tamil, the hill lends its name to the city at its base. The hill is also referred to as Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri, and Siragiri. Notably, the revered hymn ‘Kanda Sashti Kavacham,’ praising Lord Murugan, was first staged by Sri Bala Devaraya Swamigal at this temple. Therefore, evidently, the attempts of the Christians have been atrocious, heinous and irreligious too.
Modus operandi of the Christian encroachment: Erecting a cross, encroaching the place, regularly conducting prayers, putting up temporary shed, converting it into brick structure with doors and windows, getting electricity and regularizing encroachment by getting patta, registration etc., and thus, the illegally encroached area getting legal status, that too, as a church – have been going on. Then, the structure is converted into igger one, with houses coming up surrounding it. Slowly, then it is converted into a township. This happened at many places in Tamilnadu. The Tamilnadu Government officials of different departments – Forest, Revenue, Electricity, Police and others not only aid and abet them, but a;so help them in many ways, obviously with mutual benefits.
Brief of what happened: One John Peter has started conducting prayers reportedly at his house, but, converting into fulfledged church with all their paraphernalia with crowd gathering on Suday and creating sound and noise. Obviously that have been disturbing the neighbours, but authorities keeping quite. Besides, the Christians have started their pla by constructing a small Church on the Chennimalai and declaring that it would named after their religion. Hindu Munnani state president Kadeswara Subramaniam has sought criminal action against Christian missionaries for alleging trying to convert Chennimalai Murugan temple hillock as theirs[3]. He also led a protest in the town against the missionaries on 13-10-2023 Friday[4]. Addressing the protesters, Subramaniam alleged that Arjunan alias John Peter from Pasuvapatty had bought a piece of land at Murungathozhuvu, where the Chennimalai Murugan temple hillock is located. He had conducted prayer meetings on the land without obtaining any permission, Subramaniam alleged.
What Actually Conspired: Unauthorised Christian prayer meetings took place in the predominantly Hindu community of Chennimalai, Erode District, causing local tensions[5]. It is quite common that the Christians on Sundays gather, putting up speakers and start shouting and singing and this would continue, even, if none is there in the church, i.e, these noise and shouting would be played through music system. These meetings aimed to promote the Christian faith and attracted attendees from outside the town[6]. Offensive remarks about Hindu deities were made during these gatherings through loudspeakers, deeply offending Hindu residents[7]. Despite causing issues, the unauthorised meetings continued[8]. The law enforcing authorities did not take the conginance of these violations. On 17 September, a confrontation occurred when members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) objected to the meetings and insisted on proper permissions[9]. The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation between the BJP members and the Hindu Munnani, resulting in a police case with charges, including attempted murder[10].
25-09-2023 Christian meeting – the support of political parties: The Christians organized a meeting and demanded that action should be taken and all arrested by the police. Christian organisations and political groups like the Revolutionary Youth Front, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and MDMK demanded action against those opposing the prayer meetings. Two individuals, Chinnaswamy and Tamilarasan, were arrested by the police, which shocked BJP and Hindu Munnani members who felt the police acted unilaterally. A Christian demonstration on 26 September 2023 raised concerns as some speakers expressed intent to transform the Chennimalai Murugan temple hill into a “Kalvari Hill”. Hindu organisations mobilized support for protests, and the issue transformed into a religious matter, distressing Muruga devotees and prompting further demonstrations and tensions in the area.
Concern and alarm over the Chistian announcement over name change and abuses: The Hindu Munnani has accused the Christian Munnani, along with certain local Christian missionaries instigated by certain political parties, of publicly giving a controversial speech saying that the sacred Hindu worship site of Chennimalai will be renamed. The Hindu Munnani has strongly condemned this act, stating that it hurt the sentiments of Hindus. They have announced plans to stage a protest on 13 October 2023. Furthermore, they alleged that the Christian Munnani is undertaking these actions with the support of certain local politicians. The 13th Friday meeting has been a grand success, as nearly 25,000 devotees participated volunterrly to register their support and strength and cause. Significantly, many women participated singing slokas and devitional songs.
The support of the Hindu Makkal Katchi: In a recently released video by Indu Makkal Katchi head Arjun Sampath, a Tamil public speaker named Manjunathan expressed strong disapproval for the proposition to rename the sacred Hindu place of worship. He emphasised that Chennimalai holds immense historical and cultural significance in the Erode district, revered by their ancestors for generations. He said that the Christian Munnani’s suggestion to rename the temple has caused distress among Hindus, who have always been supportive of other communities without animosity. This effort to rename the temple is influenced by political motives and stated firmly that such actions will not succeed. He encouraged support for the protest against Christian Munnani’s divisive proposal on 13 October 2023. It is noteworthy to mention here that an entire hill of in Tamil Nadu was encroached by Christian missionaries for years. The Vajragiri hill located about 95 km from Chennai along the Chennai-Trichy highway, atop which exists the Pasupathiswarar temple was encroached and there were allegations of local Hindus being denied access to the temple.
Similar Incidents in Tamil Nadu: Legal Proceedings and Court Rulings: The Chennimalai controversy is not an isolated incident in Tamil Nadu. There have been ongoing disputes related to religious sites, encroachments, and attempts to rename sacred places, particularly involving Hindu temples and hills. These incidents have led to longstanding tensions and demands for government intervention. In a series of contentious incidents affecting Tamil Nadu’s heritage and religious sites, allegations of land encroachments and disputes have captured the public’s attention. These ongoing disputes have caused unrest among the local communities, sparking legal battles and debates. Located approximately 95 kilometers from Chennai along the Chennai-Trichy highway, the Vajragiri hill is home to the sacred Pasupathiswarar temple. Local Hindus have alleged that they have been denied access to the temple due to encroachments on the hill. Efforts to reclaim the area from the encroachers have been ongoing for several years, drawing attention to the issue’s complexity and sensitivity.
Jesus Redeems- Lazarus case: The religious organisation, Jesus Redeems, has acquired 108 acres of land in the mountainous region of Thoranamalai, near Kadayam in the Tenkasi district. They have plans to establish a modern city with comprehensive amenities on this land. According to the Jesus Redeems website, the founder, Brother Mohan C Lazarus, claimed to have received divine guidance to acquire this mountainous area. The land was donated by a devotee, raising questions about the nature of the acquisition.
Tiruparangundram- Sikandar Dargah: In a highly contentious case, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court recently refused to halt Islamic activities, including namaz, on the Thiruparankundram hill, which is also home to the Sri Subramanya Swamy temple. This dispute has intensified as some groups seek to rename the hill as ‘Sikkandar hill,’ alleging a saint by that name passed away on the hill. The court’s decision to permit namaz activities for 30 minutes, particularly during Bakrid, has ignited tensions in the region. Thiruparankundram is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, making this a matter of significant religious importance.
Tiruprangundram encroachment, a blot on the Muslims: Local Hindu organizations have long been opposing such encroachments and are urging the government to take action in removing the encroachers. They contend that such incidents are part of a larger pattern and are jeopardizing Tamil Nadu’s heritage and religious sites. These disputes continue to simmer and have become emblematic of the broader challenges faced by religious and heritage sites in the region. Legal proceedings and court rulings have played a role in shaping these disputes. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court refused to stay namaz and other Islamic activities on Thiruparankundram hill, where the Sri Subramanya Swamy temple is located. This emboldened certain groups to carry out activities on the hill, leading to allegations of encroachment and opposition from Hindu outfits.
The Christian encroachment of Chennimalai illegal: The attempt to rename the Chennimalai Murugan Temple, the unauthorised Christian prayer meetings, and the ensuing tensions have created a complex and sensitive situation in Tamil Nadu. As devotees march to Chennimalai in protest and various political and religious groups become involved, the issue continues to evolve. The broader context of similar incidents in the state and legal challenges underscores the complexity of religious matters in the region, demanding attention and resolution from all stakeholders. The unfortunate, but, naked truth have been the total silence of the authorities in the encroachment. That is why the Christians have been emboldened and continue to encroach and occupy lands
[1] The Commune, “Christian Munnani” Calls For Renaming Murugan Temple Site Chennimalai As “Kalvaari/Yesu Malai”, Hindu Orgs Announce Protest, October 11, 2023
[5] The Organizer, Tamil Nadu: Religious tension mounts as Hindu devotees protest attempt to rename Chennimalai Murugan temple, T S Venkatesan Oct 11, 2023, 02:45 pm IST.
[7] Swarajya, TN: Hindu Orgs Announce Protest Against Christian Munnani Proposal To Rename Chennimalai Murugan Temple Hill As ‘Yesu/ Kalvaari Malai’, Swarajya staff, Friday, October 13, 2023 12:08 pm IST
[9] NewsBharati, Christian missionaries eye another Hindu temple! Rename Murugan Temple Site Chennimalai As “Kalvaari/Yesu Malai’?, 11-Oct-2023 17:00:10 PM.
The hate speech, anti-Hindu rant or Sanatan eradication campaign – why and how such violations have been taking place continuously in Tamilnadu? (4)
1938 to 1944 to 2022 nothing changed with the DK-DMK: In 1938, the Justice Party (which Periyar was a member of) and the Self-Respect Movement came together. In 1944, the new outfit was named Dravidar Kazhagam. DK was anti-Brahmin, anti-Congress, and anti-Aryan (read North Indian), and launched a movement for an independent Dravida nation. However, this particular demand would gradually peter out due to a lack of popular support. In reality, they had suppressed their separatism to capture power and carry out such separatism stealthily. Post-independence, Periyar refused to contest elections. In 1949, one of Periyar’s closest aides, CN Annadurai, split from him due to ideological differences. Annadurai’s DMK joined the electoral process. The party’s platforms were social democracy and Tamil cultural nationalism. In 1969, following the death of Annadurai, M Karunanidhi took control of DMK. In fact, the leaders outbursts, low-level attacks and verbose expose their mentality and the composture. Had any one knows or reads such vulgar, filthy and loutish speech, he would change his mind about the leaders. Yet, they have been projected as “great leaders,” white washing all their sins.
1972 to 1987 – AIADMK diluted the Tamil separatism and tried to join mainstream politics: In 1972, differences between him and actor-politician M G Ramachandran led to a split in the party. MGR formed the AIADMK, with associations of his fans as the organisation’s bedrock. During the period how and what Karunanidhi abused MGR has been well known. In 1977, MGR came to power and remained undefeated until his death in 1987. He somewhat diluted the rationalist and anti-Brahmin agenda that was core to the DK, opting for welfarism as party ideology. Historian Ramachandra Guha wrote in his book ‘Makers of Modern India’, that in states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, “it was Brahmins who took early advantage of British rule, learning English in order to serve the new rulers as teachers, lawyers, doctors, clerks and civil servants”. They were also well-represented in the emerging Congress party and had enjoyed a high social status in society, traditionally. “Whether by accident or design, the policies of the Raj made them dominant in an economic and political sense as well. It was the danger of Brahmin hegemony in all spheres of life that lay behind the activism of Jotirao Phule and B R Ambedkar.
Biased historians, columinists and writers do not give the other side of the events: Their analogue in south India was an equally remarkable thinker organiser named E V Ramaswami,” Guha wrote. Even today, the Karunanidhi corporate thrives extracting work from the Brahmins only, as could be noted from their business ho.uses, factories and other establishments. Through his writings and speeches, Periyar propagated his core beliefs, which were fiercely critical of Hindu religious practices that marginalised some sections of society. According to the article ‘Freedom from God: Periyar and Religion’, by Dr Karthick Ram Manoharan, early on, Periyar published translations of prominent works advocating atheism and socialism, like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’s ‘The Communist Manifesto’, Bhagat Singh’s ‘Why I am an Atheist’, Bertrand Russell’s ‘Why I am not a Christian’. But, these biased historians forget how the Chettiyars, Mudalirs and others worked as agents to the British collected revenue sucking the poor. Working as agents and dubhshis, they earned millions to become very rich and thus gave some money for charity to become philantrophists!
Interpretation on the secondary source materials instead of referring to original sources: Unfortunately, still columnists ans writers including the so-called historians (most f them do not and cannot read Tamil, Tamil sources) continue to interpret based on what is available in English or learned through their friends and try to write as if they write 100% truth or facts, but, in fct, what they write in the public domain and printed books have been not even 50% truth or facts. Yest such popular scholarship has been going on and flourishing. It is not known how many off them have read the sources completely and understood their rabid anti-nationalism, separatism and anti-Hindu ourpour etc. Here, also the columnist claimes that, “Guha’s book also contains some of Periyar’s writings and speeches,” yet he decided to publish his stuff in Indian express, as he has influence. In a 1927 speech, he said, “No other religion spends as much as we do. Within a short time of their coming Christians have rallied our people, given them education, and have made themselves our masters… But our religion, said to be made by god and millions and millions of years old, says that a majority of the people should not read its scriptures; and if one violates it, there are punishments such as cutting off the tongue that studies, pouring molten lead into ears that hear, and gouging out of the heart that learns.”
Brahmin and non-Brahmin movements misunderstood: Periyar also questioned the dominance of a few caste groups in society, linking them to the existence of religion itself. “Periyar wrote in his party paper Kudiarasu on 7 June 1931 that the non-Brahmins and the untouchable castes, the poor and the working classes, if they desired equality and socialism, needed to destroy Hinduism first,” according to Dr Manoharan. Periyar also wrote critical accounts of Hindu epics like the Ramayana. He said in 1969, describing his mission: “I am a reformer of the human society. I do not care about country, god, religion, language, or the state. I am only concerned about the welfare and growth of the human society”. But, in reality, his contribution has been negative and not positive like other reform leaders like Ishwara Chandra Vidhyasagar, Bharathiyar, Sathyamurthy Iyer etc. Of course, immediately, they jump, because, these personalities happen to be Brahmins.
Cinema dialogues get votes and not real social reformation: Manoharan wrote, “Periyar saw religion as an institution of social power that privileged the Brahmins as an elite caste group to the detriment of equality and liberty of women and lower castes in the Hindu hierarchy.” He did not expect reform to happen within this, and suggested eradicating the religion altogether. One of Periyar’s most famous quotes says, “There is no god. He who created god is a fool. He who propagates god is a scoundrel. He who worships god is a barbarian.” CN Annadurai, meanwhile, would go on to have a moderate stance on the matter of religion. He said later, “I would neither break the Ganesha idol nor the coconut (make a religious offering).” His protege and later Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was also an atheist. As a poet and scriptwriter, he further criticised Brahmins and religion through popular plays and films that reached large audiences and spoke to them in their native language.
Politicization cannot remove the sin of anti-Hindu stand: In his speech on Saturday 02-09-2023, at a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association, Udhayanidhi also spoke of points that were made earlier by Periyar and connected them to the DMK’s political platform. “What did Sanatan do to women? It pushed women, who lost their husbands, into fire (the erstwhile practice of Sati), it tonsured the heads of widows and made them wear white saris… What did the Dravidam (the Dravidian ideology followed by DMK regime) do? It gave fare-free travel for women in buses, gave Rs 1,000 monthly assistance to girl students for their college education,” he said. “Let us take a vow to win in all the 39 Parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu and the one segment in Puducherry (in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls). Let Sanatan fall, Dravidam win,” Udhayanidhi said. The BJP has alleged that “a complete eradication” of Hindu dharma is the “primary agenda” of the opposition alliance INDIA, which includes the DMK.
How the anti-Hindu attitude is paraded under neo-commercial activities exploiting the temples and devotees: However, common people of Tamilndu have been watching what has been going on for the last two years. Hundreds of temples have been desecrated, demolished and encroached on one or oter pretext. Temple related issues have been politicized and the devotees have been disturbed with many inconveniences. Many rites, rituals and festivals hitherto going on are now controlled by the DMK politicians. And the same Minister has been attending all these anti-Hindu functions and shouting “alleluaya” also. Daily more and more crimes, killing, drug peddling and such other news have been dominating the media. Even the TV channels have started exclusive programmes on “Crimes, how they have been happening” and so on. The films have more and more violence and depictions of social degradation. And the movie-makers, financiers, actors and many associates have been Darvidian ideologists and they continue to make money out of their sinful activities. At any cost, they want to make money, thus, now the film actors started visiting temples, mosques etc., before the launch of their movies for business. They do not bother about the viewers who pay in hundreds and thousands nowadays.
Continued violations, but, no action taken: As for as the Tamilnadu is concerned, the rabid Dravidian ideologists, Periyarists and the followers of “analytical wisdom” have been consistently anti-Hindu. They have been blaspheming Hindu religion, society and believers on the one or the other pretext. They have the tactics of making claim that –
we are against “Brahmanism,” and not Brahmins;
we are against Hindi and not Hindi-speaking people;
we are against the hegemony of North India and not North Indians;
and so on.
However, their targets have been Hindus only, who have been mild, meek and mild and also afraid of these aggressive gangs. Many times, Hindu Gods and Goddesses have been attacked, garlanded with chappals, and blasphemed by all means. However, no action has been taken. The culprits are reportedly arrested, but, thereafter, everything would be forgotten. Thus, the incidences have been taking place for the last more than 100 years. That is why such violations are taking place again and again and this has been a peculiar condition, where the attacked victims have to be silent fearing further attacks.
The hate speech, anti-Hindu rant or Sanatan eradication campaign – why and how such violations have been taking place continuously in Tamilnadu? (3)
06-09-2023 FIR filed on Congress Minister, Karanataka: In Rampur, an FIR has been registered at the Civil Lines police station against Udhayanidhi and Priyank Kharge for allegedly hurting religious sentiments based on a complaint by an advocate, Ram Singh Lodhi, police said on Wednesday. Both leaders have been booked under sections 295A (insults to the religious beliefs of a class) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) of IPC. “A case has been registered against Udhayanidhi for his statement calling for eradication of Sanatana Dharma and against Kharge for supporting the statement,” a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity. Though other Congress spokespersons and leaders had been cautious, he came out openly to support the DMK minister.
FIR registered with different sections of IPC: In his complaint, Lodhi has alleged: “Udhayanidhi compared Sanatana Dharma with diseases like dengue and malaria, and said it should be eradicated… This remark hurt the religious feelings of Sanatanis like me and should be seen as an act of creating hatred among people.” In Madurai, police have registered a case against Paramhans Acharya, a seer from Ayodhya, for allegedly issuing death threat by putting bounty on Udhayanidhi over his remark. The cyber crime police have registered a case under various IPC sections, including 153 (provocation to cause riot), 153A (promoting enmity between different sections of people) and 506 (criminal intimidation) based on a complaint by J Devasenan, a DMK functionary. The also named an Uttar Pradesh-based journalist Piyush Rai for recording and posting on social media the seer’s video which, Devasenan alleged has “caused panic and fear among the people of Tamil Nadu and may lead to communal riots and disturb public peace.” In the purported video, released on Tuesday, the seer is heard saying: “…if required, I myself will behead MK Stalin’s son, and I will also increase the bounty of ₹10 crore if that is not enough for beheading him.”
2022-23 how the Dravidian model with Dravidian stock work to blaspheme Hindu religion: After the DMK coming to power, the Dravidian ideologists have been trying to divide the mutts based on parochial issues like caste, liturgy, Vaishnava-Siva polemics etc. They also try to exploit the inter and intra differences among the various believing systems of Hindu faith by raking up settled issues. As the mutts have been the owners of billions of rupees worth of properties and temples, the atheist and Dravidian politicians have been trying to threaten the Mutt heats with different non-issues. The “Pattina-pravesam” was opposed by the DK and the DMK gave a tacit support. Then with the scheme of “any caste person can become an archaka,” they even divided the same mutt or the believing muts of a particular denomination. With “Saivism,” they also try to makem themdeclare that they are Savites and not Hindus. However, all have to come under “Hindu” only as per the Art.25 of the Indian Constitution.
BJP writes to the TN Governor requesting permission to proceed legally: Just after DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin came out with a statement hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Sanatan Dharma row, the BJP leaders approached Tamil Nadu governor T N Ravi seeking action against the minister[1]. State BJP chief K Annamalai took to social media platform X to report about the meeting[2]. He said the senior leaders of the party met T N governor R N Ravi to submit memorandums against the DMK Minister. They sought the Governor’s intervention in filing cases in line with the Supreme Court’s guidelines against Udhayanidhi Stalin for his alleged “hate speech” at the Sanatana Eradication conference. The leaders have also asked for the dismissal of Minister P K Sekar Babu for attending the conference, where Udhayanidhi made the remark, which they allege was “a violation of his oath to office.” This comes a day after an FIR has been registered against Amit Malviya, in charge of BJP’s IT department, for “distorting Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare Minister Udhaynidhi Stalin’s remark on Sanatan Dharma.” According to local police, a case was registered against Malviya on Wednesday under IPC sections for deliberately misrepresenting Udhayanidhi’s remark to cause disharmony and create enmity among different sections of people. Malviya had posted on X that the DMK leader had called for “genocide” of 80 per cent population who follow Sanatan Dharma. The FIR was registered following a complaint, they said and did not elaborate.
07-09-2023 – A Raja too blasphemed through his hate speech: An application has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking registration of an FIR against Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for his recent statements made against ‘Sanatana Dharma’[3]. The plea also seeks contempt action against the Delhi Police and Chennai Police for not complying with the Supreme Court’s direction to register suo motu FIR in hate speech cases[4]. The plea seeks for registration of an FIR against Stalin for the act of ‘outraging religious feelings, insult of the followers of Hindu religion and instigating enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion’[5]. It is contended that the statements amount to offences punishable under Sections 153A, 153B, 295A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code[6]. The plea has also sought for registration of an FIR against A Raja, MP from Tamil Nadu and former Cabinet Minister, for his remarks against Sanatana Dharma[7]. Raja on Thursday (07.09.2023) compared Sanatana Dharma to diseases such as HIV and leprosy[8]. This Raja has been notorious for making such hate speech continuously, but no action has been taken. Many videos have been available as evidence for his speech.
How A. Raja MP could make hate speech continuoysly?: As these Dravidian ideologists continue to blaspheme, but the local police takes no action, because, they cannot take action against their own ministers, this type of hate speech has been continuing without check. The plea has been filed by Advocate Vineet Jindal, who said that, being a Hindu and a follower of Sanatana dharma, his religious sentiments have been hurt by the statements made by Udhayanidhi Stalin. The applicant alleges that Udhayanidhi Stalin calling for eradication of Sanatana Dharma and comparing Sanatana tp mosquitoes, dengue, corona, and malaria amounts to hate speech[9]. The applications have been filed by Jindal in the case of Shaheen Abdullah v. Union of India which seeks action against hate speeches[10]. Jindal has filed one application to get himself impleaded as a party in the case and another application seeking directions for FIR against the DMK leaders. The TN CM, Stalin happens to be the Minister for Police, Law and order etc., and instead of controlling the situation, he has issued a statement supporting Udhyanidhi’s speech. This is how such hatredness has been promoted, nurtured and encouraged in the state for the last 70 years.
The DK and DMK have been anti-caste and anti-religion, as some try to interpret: The general narratives of the Dravidian ideology by non-Tamilians woukd be of this stereo-typed nature without going into the details. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, has its roots in the Self-Respect Movement begun by EV Ramaswamy ‘Periyar’[11]. The early 20th-century movement championed opposition to caste and religion and positioned itself as a rationalist movement against social evils[12]. But, most of their attacks had been against Hindu religion only. Through the years, these ideals have influenced the state’s politics, including the parties DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which emerged out of the movement. Periyar, the founder of the Self-Respect Movement (1925), was strongly anti-caste and anti-religion in his outlook, but they have been in reality anti-Hindu and castesist. He advocated major social reforms related to caste and gender, and opposed the domination of Hindi, emphasising the distinct cultural identity of the Tamil nation. Here, it has to be identified with the Tamil separatism.
[1] The week, TN BJP leaders meet Governor Ravi against Udayanidhi Stalin as police file case against Amit Malviya, Updated: September 07, 2023 13:30 IST.
[3] LiveLaw, Plea In Supreme Court Seeks FIR Against DMK Leaders Udhayanidhi Stalin and A Raja For Remarks Against ‘Sanatana Dharma‘, Sheryl Sebastian 7 Sept 2023 7:13 PM.
[5] ZeeNews, Sanatan Dharma Remark Row: Plea Seeking FIR Against Udhayanidhi Stalin Filed In Supreme Court, Last Updated: Sep 07, 2023, 10:33 PM IST|Source: IANS
[11] Indian Express, Row over Sanatan Dharma: The history of DMK’s anti-religion, anti-caste origins, Written by Rishika Singh, New Delhi | First published on: 04-09-2023 at 15:54 IST; Updated: September 6, 2023 16:39 IST.
The hate speech, anti-Hindu rant or Sanatan eradication campaign – why and how such violations have been taking place continuously in Tamilnadu? (2)
Congress divided in opposing and supporting Sanatan and DMK: While Venugopal harped on freedom of expression Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s son and Karnataka MLA Priyank Kharge supported Stalin’s claims. Kharge said any religion that does not give equal rights is not a religion and “is as good as a disease”. “Any religion that does not promote equality, any religion that doesn’t ensure that you have the dignity of being a human being is not a religion, according to me. So it is as good as a disease,” Priyank Kharge said. Congress leader and former Union minister Karan Singh, however, termed the DMK leader’s statement as “preposterous” and “most unfortunate”. He has been a very matured and respectable leader and his response in this context has to be noted. “Thiru Udhayanidhi’s preposterous statement that Sanatan Dharma should be eradicated is most unfortunate. Crores of people in this country follow, to a lesser or greater extent the tenets of Sanatan Dharma. “Besides, the greatest Sanatan Dharma temples in the world are in Tamil Nadu – in Thanjavur, in Srirangam, in Thiruvannamalai, in Chidambaram, in Madurai, in Suchindram, in Rameshwaram and many more,” Singh said in a statement. “It is shocking that a responsible politician should make this kind of a totally unacceptable statement. I have the highest regard for the magnificent Tamil culture but I take strong objection to the statement made by Thiru Udhayanidhi,” he said.
Udhyanidhi has been adamant to repeat to say what he has said: Udhayanidhi is unrelenting, because, it is evident that the party has decided to support him. “Sanatanam enslaved women and it was Dravidianism which broke those shackles[1]……. I am ready to present the extensive writings of Periyar and Ambedkar, who conducted in-depth research on Sanatana Dharma and its negative impact on society in any forum….Day before Saturday I spoke at a function about it (Sanatana Dharma). Whatever I said, I’ll repeat the same thing again and again…I included all the religions and not just Hindus…I spoke condemning the caste differences that’s all…”, the DMK leader was quoted by ANI as saying in Thoothukudi[2]. Stalin has also issued a statement supporting his speech and clarifying the position. Arguing that merely opposing an ideology doesn’t mean seeking the killing of those subscribing to it, the DMK leader sought to know[3] whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi means he wants to kill Congressmen when he proclaims that he wants India to be “Congress-mufth.” Udhayanidhi also accused the BJP of “twisting” his statement and spreading lies that he called for “genocide of Hindus”, saying he only batted for an equitable society where people from all walks of life enjoy equal rights[4]. It is evident that he has been exposing himself by giving more such explanation, as he has not understood the words properly. The word “ozhippu = destruction, elimination” is different from “muft = free, making free of”
Non-Congress leaders have also been divided: Amit Malviya hit out at him on social media. He alleged that Udayanidhi was calling for genocide of 80% population of Bharat. Home Minister Amit Shah said Udayanidhi had insulted the country’s “culture, history and Sanatana Dharma,” and in Delhi an advocate filed a complaint with the police commissioner, saying that the comments presented a clear case of hate speech. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned against making remarks which could hurt the sentiments of other people. “Every religion has separate sentiments. India is about ‘Unity in Diversity’ which is our origin. We should not be involved in any matter which might hurt a section of people”, she told news agency PTI. The left media (like The Wire etc) continues to support such propaganda[5]. “The controversy also reveals that at this moment, when the dominant political project of our times is concerned with crafting an idea of Hinduism as a monolith and as a sanatana dharma, the significance of the ideas of towering figures like Periyar and Ambedkar is increasing”[6].
Without caste and casteism, there is no electoral battle in Tamilnadu: In any case, the Indians other the Tamilnadu state, generally know the anti-Hindu stance of the Dravidian parties and therefore, they do not believe or rely upon the political parties like DK, DMK etc. Moreover, their “anti-Hindi,” anti-north attitudes have been noticeable and hurting them for the last 75 years and more. Perhaps, the only state in India that has been thriving with separatist ideology has been Tamilndu and its Dravidian ideologists. As for as the Tamilndu is concerned, the DMK and the AIADMK have been ruling alternativesly, as without them, there has not been any alternative choice for voting. Therefore, there is no question of “Hindu vote bank” in Tamilnadu and casteism only fetches votes. Thus, even the promoters of caste, casteism and caste differences have been the Dravidian politicians, ideologists and other supporting groups. From the 1950-70s onwards how casteism controlled the Dravidian polity, politics and votebank has been an open secret. Without politics, there is no electoral battle in Tamilnadu and however, they only very often cry that caste should be abolished and so on.
262 signed a petition to SC to take suo moto action: In a letter to the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, more than 260 eminent citizens, including former judges and officials, urged him to take note of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘Sanatan Dharma’ remark[7]. Former Delhi HC judge S N Dhingra who is one of the signatories of the letter said that not only did Stalin make a hate speech but he refused to apologise for his remarks[8]. The letter by 262 people said the undersigned are deeply concerned over the remarks made by Stalin and that these remarks undeniably amount to “hate speech” against a large population of India and strike at the very core of the Constitution of India which envisages Bharat as a secular nation[9]. The letter said that action needs to be taken in order to preserve the secular character of the country[10]. Any delay on the part of the administration in taking action on “very serious issues” will invite the court’s contempt, it said[11]. The letter said the state government has refused to take action and allegedly acted in contempt of the Court’s orders and “gravely undermined or rather made a mockery of the rule of law”. “We urge the Supreme Court to take the suo moto notice of contempt, ensuring accountability for the inaction of the State Government of Tamil Nadu, and take decisive steps to prevent the inducement of hate speech, preserving public order and peace and we request you to take immediate appropriate actions. “We sincerely hope for the thoughtful consideration of our plea and implore immediate measures to ensure justice and rule of law to prevail,” it said[12].
FIRs have been filed for hate speech: Multiple cases have been registered in various parts of the country in connection with Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial remark on Sanatana Dharma and reactions against it[13]. An FIR has been registered against Udhayanidi and Priyank Kharge — Karnataka minister and Congress leader who backed the Tamil Nadu minister’s remark — at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, while cases were also registered against BJP IT department in-charge Amit Malviya for distorting the DMK leader’s remark and against an Ayodhya-based seer for putting a bounty on Udhayanidhi[14]. On September 2, Udhayanidhi, son of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, alleged that Sanatana Dharma is “against social justice and equality” and it should hence be “eradicated”, triggering nationwide uproar. Days later, Malviya posted on X (formerly twitter) that the DMK leader had called for “genocide” of 80% population who follow Sanatana Dharma. An FIR has been registered against him at Tiruchirappalli for deliberately misrepresenting Udhayanidhi’s remark to “cause disharmony” and “create enmity among different sections of people” under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), police said on Wednesday, 06-09-2023.
[1] Hindustan Times, ‘Will repeat the same thing again & again’: Udhayanidhi on his ‘Sanatana’ remark, By HT News Desk | Written by Aryan Prakash, Sep 04, 2023 08:14 PM IST.
[7] Outlook, Sanatan Dharma Remark: Over 260 Eminent Citizens Write To CJI DY Chandrachud To Take Taken Against Udhayanidhi Stalin, Outlook Web Deskdown, UPDATED: 05 SEP 2023 3:08 PM.
[9] Bench and Bar, These judges have signed statement urging CJI to act against Udhayanidhi Stalin for remarks on Sanatan Dharma, Debayan Roy, Published on: 05 Sep 2023, 2:50 pm.
[11] The Hindu, 262 citizens write to CJI to take suo motu contempt against T.N. for failing to act against Udhayanidhi ‘hate speech’, THE HINDU BUREAU September 05, 2023 02:03 pm | Updated 02:03 pm IST – NEW DELHI,
The hate speech, anti-Hindu rant or Sanatan eradication campaign – why and how such violations have been taking place continuously in Tamilnadu? (1)
02-09-2023 – Sanatana Eradication conference held: A Sanatanam (Sanatana Dharma) Abolition / Eradication Conclave [hereinafter mentioned as SEC] was held in Chennai on 02-09-2023 with the known group of ideologists, who have been against Hindu religion, as proven by their past speeches and writings. The so-called Progressive Writers Association, Dravidar Kazhagam, Viduthalai Siruthaikal, Vaikundar group, CPI, CPI(M), and other splinter groups joined together and organized the one-day conclave. Here, two DMK ministers, ironically, including the Minister for Hindu Religious Endowment participated sitting with other rabble-rousers of the day. These groups have been notorious for their misinterpreting the past, concocting events and carrying on propaganda with such tactics. It has been a noticeable trend that whenever, DMK comes to power, these groups would be emboldened to gather together and organize such meetings, seminars, workshops and demonstrations at different places of Tamilnadu. Whenever, they raise the pitch of separatism, they get some publicity and then disappear. Therefore, it is evident that the ruling DMK and DK give support to these groups. Just in July 2023, the same groups participated in the “World Tamil Conference,” and spoke in the same tone and tenor at Kula Lumpur, Malaysia, but the local minister condemned the speeches, particularly that of Thirumavalavan. Yet, they have tried to repeat here for the reasons known to them[1].
Udhyanidhi’s discourse on the eradication of Sanatana Dharma: Invited as a special speaker, Tamil Nadu Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs and son of Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, Udayanidhi Stalin said that Sanatana Dharma is like mosquitoes, dengue and malaria, and “it has to be eradicated”[2]. The Tamilnadu audience knows very well that he has not been any orator of the Dravidian nature, not-so-good speaker or competent to speak about such political ideologies. Yet, as he has been made a minister, the other ministers and DMK functionaries have started expressing their sycophancy right inside the TN Assembly and also outside. Thus, perhaps, he has been emboldened to talk about anything and get away. He was speaking at organised by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Forum. Udayanidhi in his speech said[3]: “I thank the organisers for giving me the opportunity to speak at this conference to eradicate Sanatana Dharma. I congratulate the organisers for calling the conference as ‘eradication of Santana Dharma’ instead of ‘opposing Sanatana Dharma’….. “[4] There are certain things which we have to eradicate and we cannot merely oppose. Mosquitoes, dengue, corona and malaria are things which we cannot oppose, we have to eradicate them. Sanatanam is also like this. Eradication and not opposing Sanatanam has to be our first task,” he added[5].
Sanatanam – he gave his explanation, condemned and recommended for eradication: The Sports Minister who is also the state secretary of DMK youth wing said that Sanatana Dharma was opposed to both equality and social justice[6]. He further added[7]: “What is the meaning of Sanatanam? Eternal or something that cannot be changed, something that cannot be questioned and that is the meaning of Sanatanam.” The young leader, who is also a movie actor and producer[8], said that “Sanatanam used to divide people by caste and segregate them. He said[9]: “However, our Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) brought every community into one village and gave it the name Samathuvapuram (equality village).” Thus, he himself expounded the concept of Sanatanam, condemned and recommended for eradication. As their speeches have been clearly against Hindu religion, Hindus and faith, no explanation is required for the listeners what is targeted and attacked. The way of Drvidian ideologists talk against the Hindu religion, blaspheming etc., are also been well-known. As none of them has been prosecuted, as they themselves ruling and all the persons of various departments have been loyal to them, all FIRs and proceedings are kept in cold storage or forgotten forever.
Blasphemical propaganda converted into political campaign: Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP is to campaign extensively against the statement of Stalin against the Sanatana Dharma[10]. “Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is a part of the INDIA bloc, was calling for genocide of the majority population in the country that believes in Sanatana Dharma. The BJP leader said that this would amount to “genocide of 80 per cent of the population”. In a post on X, the BJP state president said[11], “The only resolve of the Gopalapuram family is to accumulate wealth beyond state’s GDP. Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, you and your father, or his or your ideologue have a bought out idea from Christian missionaries and the idea of those missionaries was to cultivate dimwits like you to parrot their malicious ideology.” Of late, because of the elections coming nearer, the BJP cadres and associated groups have been diluting their ideology. Thus, here also, instead of dealing the blasphemy issue directly and legally, the BJP has already diverted the issue. Under the guise of “Hindutwa,” they have been doing antics and they are not all match for the Dravidian political tactics.
Understanding the stand, the DMK has become adamant: The BJP is also planning to make this a major campaign across the country over Udhayanidhi’s statement. In fact, they have started already. The BJP has already asked questions as to whether the INDIA front agreed upon this in their meeting in Mumbai. ‘Won’t be cowed down,’ Udhayanidhi. Udhayanidhi Stalin has defended himself on his comments on Sanatana Dharma, and said he won’t be cowed down by saffron threats and was ready to face any legal challenge. The DMK leader posted on X: “Bring it on, I am ready to face any legal challenge . We will not be cowed down by such usual saffron threats. We the followers of Periyar, Anna and Kalaignar, would fight forever to uphold social justice and establish an egalitarian society under the able guidance of our honourable CM.” Thus, compounding rhetoric would lose its legality. Then, as the Defense Minister himself suggested to apologize, once that is done, the entire chapter would be closed and against the Dravidian groups start another anti-Hindu propaganda. During the last two years, many cases have been filed against such anti-Hindu rants, but, nothing happened. The rabble-rousers have come out on bail and indulging in the same campaign.
04-09-2023 – Congress has been in a dilemma for this anti-Hindu rants: The anti-Modi, BJP opposing parties have just been coming together with their inherent contradictions. Thus, Congress has been uncomfortable with the speech of DMK, as it cannot win elections with such anti-Hindu stance in north India. While Tamil Nadu Congress leader Nana Patole had distanced the party from Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks saying that the Congress party respects all religions and does not want to make any comments that could hurt anyone’s sentiments, the principal opposition party on Monday 04-09-2023 stressed that others also have the freedom to express their views[12]. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said while the Congress’ stand is clear, every other political party has the freedom to express its own view[13]. “Actually, our view is very clear – ‘Sarvadharma Sambhav’ (equal respect to all religions) is the Congress ideology. But, you have to understand that every political party has its own freedom to tell their views,” he said. “We are respecting everybody’s beliefs,” the Congress leader said.
[1] Even for this issue, the Malaysian Hindu Associations have condemned the speech of Udhayanidhi and gave their protest letter to the Indian High Commission office.
[2] The Tribune, ‘Sanatana Dharma like dengue and malaria, needs to be eradicated’: MK Stalin’s son rakes controversy- BJP to campaign extensively, Udhayanidhi says ‘won’t be cowed down‘, Updated At: Sep 03, 2023 03:32 PM (IST).
[4] Deccan Herald, Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated: M K Stalin son’s statement stokes controversy, ETB Sivapriyan, DHNS, Published 03 September 2023, 10:25 IST; Last Updated 03 September 2023, 10:25 IST.
[8] Siasat, Udayanidhi Stalin’s ‘Sanathana Dharma is like dengue’ remark creates stir, Indo-Asian News Service Follow on Twitter| Posted by Sameer Khan | Updated: 3rd September 2023 9:33 am IST.
Why the DK-DMK cadres have been criticizing and attacking Indian space missions directly and indirectly?
Modi came to ISRO and congratulated the scientists: In a groundbreaking achievement, India has solidified its place in space history by successfully landing on the lunar South Pole. Now, it is India that has first to land on the lunar surface, particularly on the southern pole. Generally, common people say that they could not see the other side of the Moon. Even now, some media mentioned that Indian lunar vehicle landed on the dark side of the Moon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Indian scientists and citizens, heralding the event as an unforgettable day for the nation. The culmination of the mission, however, lay in the final moments of landing, as ISRO’s Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS) took over, guiding Vikram LM to a gentle touchdown on the lunar surface. For this also, the TN communists and others criticized that Modi could go to ISRO immediately, but not to Manipur.
DMK started criticizing the Chandraayan programme: As the nation revelled in the triumph of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3, a sour note emerged from the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) party, drawing criticism for attempting to attribute the success to their political legacy. “Rajiv Gandhi”, the DMK Student Wing President, and Spokesperson, took to Twitter to assert that the accomplishments of Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3, along with the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyan), owed their success to Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy championed by the late DMK leader, Annadurai. That is, just because, they opposed Hindi and struck to Tamil and English, they could learn English and excel in the space science and lunar technology to become experts. Thus, he claims that all credit goes to Annadurai! A fantastic and fabulous claim to be made, but, the Dravidian stock has been capable of making such claims without any basis. Suddenly, they also started claiming that Tamil scientists only helped for the success of the space programme and so on. In fact, in ISRO projects many Indians have been involved since the early days and they do not claim that they are Malayalis, Telugus, Kannadigas, Maharastrian, Biharis, Bengalis and so on.
EVR’s criticism condemned now: Much like in the past, Dravidian Stockists attempted to associate any positive developments in Tamil Nadu or achievements by Tamils with the legacy of Dravidian leaders like Periyar, Karunanidhi, and Annadurai. When the Chandrayaan 3 mission successfully landed, an old statement attributed to Dravidian leader E. V. Ramasamy Naicker gained traction on social media. Many used this statement to ridicule him for making a disparaging comment about India. Reportedly, during the time of Independence, Ramasamy Naicker remarked that India wouldn’t even be capable of producing a safety pin if the British were to leave the country. Following the triumphant achievement of Chandrayaan-3, this particular statement made by Periyar started trending, and users on social media engaged in mockery directed at him. It is well known that EVR was deposed before the Cripp’s Mission and sought for a separate state and urged, otherwise, India should not be given freedom. How he differed with Jinnah and Ambedkar and vice versa are also well known. Thus, these types of bemused and confused claims are forgotten.
DK-DMK cadres still supporting foreign rule in India: Earlier, the present leader of Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) Veeramani criticized the ISRO scientists going to Tirumla and praying for the success of the Chandraayan. Thus, the criticism of the Dravidologists works in different ways, just to attack, whenever, India achieves something. From the days of EVR, they have had such coolie mentality of criticizing our own people and leaders, appreciating the British and British rule. There are many in the DK-DMK cadres that just because of the British, Indians get schools, colleges, universities and thus education. It is well-known that these parties were opposing Indian freedom, the continuation of the British rule and demanding a separate state “Dravidstan.”
Suppressing the facts and past – the DMK’s policy: In yet another occurrence of a DMK leader allegedly showing disrespect towards an ISRO scientist, which has been detailed in the book authored by former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, is currently gaining attention across social media platforms. An excerpt from Nambi Narayanan’s book, titled “Ready to Fire,” recounts an incident where the coasts of Kanyakumari location were initially selected as the primary choice for constructing the ISRO launch pad. However, due to the alleged actions of an intoxicated DMK Minister, the location was changed to Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The book also highlights how the DMK minister insulted Vikram Sarabhai, the trailblazer behind India’s space research efforts.
How the Launching station location changed from Tamilnadu to Andhrapradesh: The excerpt from the book reads: “Not many know that Sriharikota itself was not ISRO’s first choice for a launch pad. It was one of the few sites identified by senior ISRO scientist R M Vasagam, another being a place south of Nagapattinam. Both were in Tamil Nadu. For launching polar satellites, it was clear to us, our launch pad has to be on the eastern coast. Launching the rocket along the spin of the earth, it gave a huge advantage of cost; also by manouevring the rocket to the south after its initial eastward journey, we avoided flying over any landmass. The coastline of Kanyakumari was considered in the late 1960s, but a terrible mishandling by the government of Tamil Nadu, and a timely pitch by Andhra Pradesh, made Sriharikota happen.
Vikram Sarabhai insulted by the DMK Minister: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C N Annadurai was to participate in a discussion with Sarabhai and a few scientists and officials over the identification of a site from a shortlist proposed by Vikram Sarabhai. Annadurai could not attend the meeting because of severe shoulder pain, and he deputed Mathiyazhagan, one of his ministers, for the meeting. Sarabhai was kept waiting, and after sometime, the minister was ‘brought’ to the meeting—with a few holding him from falling. The politician irritated Sarabhai no end with his impossible demands and incoherence[1]. Much before the meeting got over, Sarabhai had decided Tamil Nadu is not the place to be.Just then Andhra Pradesh made an offer virtually nobody could refuse. Take the 26,000 acre Sriharikota island, he told Sarabhai. With India’s rocket launch pad coming up there, the Andhra Pradesh government must have realised that the sparsely inhabited place may see some development.”
EVR sources unverifiable: As I pointed out many times, there is no authentic book of EVR and day by day more myths are created and they cannot be verified with the sources. In fact, the DK headquarter at Egmore do not allow researcher to verify with the manuscripts of EVR, his tapped speech and other secondary sources. The researchers go on quote from Anaimuthu and the compiled one of DK published selectively picking lines from here and there from the printed veson of Kudi Arasu, Viduthalai and other issues. “Viduthalai” Rajendran, S.V. Rajadrai and others also followed the same methodology. But for these documents, no other documents are produced. The old copies of “The Mail” and other dailies of 1940s can be referred to, where, there had been bits of news about the activities of EVR. Even the dairies of EVR, S. Ramanthan, Erode Ramu etc., are also not made available to researchers.
Better join mainstream: This type of parochial, close-minded and insular attitude and ideology would not bring people together. Continuously doing such propaganda also amounts to telling lies and misleading the public. The moment, they come to know, the propagandists would lose their credit and people would not support them, but forget. As the world becomes near and near with people coming together and started knowing each other and also the facts, it is better that biased, prejudiced and narrow-minded politicians, ideologists and theoreticians stop their propaganda. Better they join the mainstream and work for the benefit of people and humanity.
Issues concerning Indian society 