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? (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.
The 11th World Tamil Conference started and ended with controversies in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia with lesser Academics!
International Association of Tamil Research (IATR) infected with politics and controversies: The World Tamil Conference has been politicized from the beginning itself, as it is sponsored by the Tamilnadu State government. However, of late, the Dravidian protagonists get divided for several reasons. While the DK-DMK dichotomy had love-hate relationships initially, they get adjusted with ideological orientation. Then came the DMK-AIADMK divide that worked explicitly with levels of Tamil chauvinism, Dravidian separatism and racial bigotry. Nobura Karashima was the President of the International Association of Tamil Research (IATR) from 1989 to 2010. He organized the 8th World Tamil Conference in 1995 at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. However, he and IATR boycotted the 9th World Tamil Conference in 2009 due to political interference. Noboru Karashima was president of the International Association for Tamil Research (IATR), which holds the World Tamil Conference (WTC). In 2010, Karashima refused to give consent to the then DMK Government to hold the WTC forcing the latter to have a jamboree as the ‘World Classical Tamil Conference’. He resigned from the post of president in 2010 because of the same reason.
Sharjah to Singapore to Malaysia to Chennai – the venue of the 11th conference: Coming to the 11th World Tamil Conference, with commercialization, many groups started informing that they were conducting the “World Tamil Conference,” inviting papers and even demanding amounts as processing fees of the papers[1]. Particularly during 2021, 2022 and 2023, such groups exploited many virtually cheating them[2]. The 11th World Tamil Research Conference was affected much, because of the individual aggrandizements, political interference and linguistic bigotry[3]. I have posted a blog about it how the venue was changed from Sharjah to Singapore to Malaysia to Chennai[4]. But, again, the claim has been made that the just concluded “11th International Conference Seminar” at Chennai has nothing to do with the IATR.
Saravanan-Sivakumar wrangle: The preliminary meeting of the organising committee for the 11th World Tamil Research Conference here, which started on 21-07-2023, nearly ended in blows when MIC deputy president M Saravanan was initially not given a slot to speak at the event. The two-hour joint Pakatan Harapan-MIC meeting, which was chaired by human resources minister V Sivakumar, with Saravanan as his co-chair, at first decided that only the minister would address the international conference followed by the keynote speech of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, a source said this was questioned by one of Saravanan’s supporters who asked why Saravanan, who he said was a better-known leader and also co-chairman, was not being given the same treatment as Sivakumar[5].
Is it political rivalry or an academic fight?: “A peeved Saravanan thumped the table and said he would not beg the committee for an opportunity to speak. “He then asked what would happen if people gathered to protest against the decision not to allow him to speak. “Sparks flew when former MIC leader Ohms Thiagarajan, who is with PKR now, said Saravanan’s words could be interpreted as being tantamount to rowdyism[6]. “Saravanan’s supporters rushed up to him, but the situation was defused by others who stopped them in the nick of time,” the source said.
Finally settled down for the conduct of the conference: Following the incident, the source said Sivakumar declared that both leaders would address the 600 delegates at the three-day event, which also sees foreign participation. When contacted, Saravanan said his supporters reacted when the meeting was told that he would not be allowed to speak although he had been appointed co-chairman by Anwar. “I’m not a deputy chairman but a co-chairman, appointed by the prime minister. “I should be treated fairly. Don’t make me an underdog just because I’m not a minister (anymore). “This is a world Tamil conference. Everyone knows where I stand globally when you talk about Tamil language and literature,” he said. A video clip of the incident is making the rounds.
Tamil vs Telugu controversy: Another news informed that the appointment of Human Resources Minister Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu – a Telugu by birth – as its chairman baffled[7]. V. Sivakumar as he is often referred to is not known to Tamil scholars and academicians worldwide. Furthermore, he is not a deeply learned Tamil literature scholar nor passionately interested in Tamil. He is not even familiar with local Tamil writers and poets. Jointly organised by the International Association of Tamil Research (IATR), Universiti Malaya, OMS Foundation and the Malaysian government, the conference is poised to be a gathering of Tamil scholars and researchers from across the globe. MIC played a vital role in organising those international Tamil conferences. Now it is indeed a big honour for Malaysia that the fourth instalment of the international Tamil conference is coming back to Kuala Lumpur during Anwar’s tenure as PM. Therefore, the PM must get it right for the Tamils by appointing a Tamil – not a Telugu – as a chairman for an International Tamil conference[8].
Velmurugan
Thirumavalavan
The Tamilnadu politicians talked politics with divisive ideology: With all the starting problems, it was started on 21st July 2023 at the University campus. Many Tamilnadu politicians had been invited and their heads, representatives and members attended. However, most of them could be easily identified as rabble risers, as they used to talk on controversial, contentious and divisive issues. Of course, some of them have been known for such speeches. Incidentally, the same thing happened with certain speakers. First, Velmurugan started speaking about linguism, linguistic nationality and linguistic exclusivism tantamount to separatism. In Tamailnadu, it is well-known that the moment DMK came to power, they started using different terminology like Union, Dravidian stock, Dravidian model, “I do not know Hindi” and so on. They straight away carried on attacking the Hindu belief system on one or the other pretext in the name of “Sanatanam.” Their discourses and narratives have always been about this subject, whatever the stage might be.
Marimuthu speaks..
With Thirumavalavan, anti-Hindu rants appeared: Then came, Thirumavalavan and his speech slowly turned towards Hinduism, Sanatana belief etc., and started attacking as usual. Starting with nation, country, linguistic nationality etc., he interpreted that religions like Islam and Christianity have been philosophies and their mosques and churches institutions. They follow equality without any differentiation, whereas, the Hindu religion propagates inequality and the Hindus believe Sanatanam. Thus, the caste system cannot be changed and all cannot be equal. Most of the audience was not satisfied with his interpretation and even his way of talking, as it does not suit with the topic and theme of the conference. In fact, some dozen delegates opposed by shouting expressing their concern. Of course, the organizers came in between and tried to calm them. The Minister also requested to proceed with the deliberations, as they were about conclude on that day. Anyway, Thirumavalavan left the venue and reportedly to Singapore to attend another function. Then, Veeramani came with his lengthy talk. He was given half an hour. Of course, he was also delving into the similar issues and claimed that Periyar said so.
audience..
About research papers and paper presentation: About 500 papers were reportedly received for presentation and the topics covered mostly the Tamil literature. Siddha, Siddha medicine, Children’s literature, women’s issues, Saivism, Vaishnavism, and related topics were covered by the papers presented. Generally, most of the papers had been of “rehashed” types and 20-25 papers had been good and excellent. Most of the papers had been of generalized nature giving details that were known to everybody. The local Malaysian Tamil writers and novelists were honoured. Most of the speakers talked like “stage-speech,” as usual, as most of Tamil people do giving flavour to the words, without any subject matter.
Dravidian politicians….
Academic, study-related, research papers missing: The details about the academic sessions, list of research papers, titles, etc., were not known. The presented papers were not academic, study-related, research essays, with few exceptions. People who went to the conference also posted photos on social media saying “I went to the conference,” but it was not like “I read articles, asked questions, and I answered them”, but it was like “I went on a tour”. A website named Bernam has published some videos about the proceedings. Only the readings of some of them are reported (Saivism, Vaishnavism, Siddha Medicine, Pillaith Tamil, Tholseelai etc.). Some of the articles were good. Otherwise, most of the other research articles were in the same style and rehashing type.
PM ..
23-07-2023 (Sunday) – the PM inaugurated the Conference officially: Speaking when officiating the 11th International Tamil Research Conference at Universiti Malaya (UM), Anwar said the current condition requires a minimum of 15 students for a Tamil language class to be held. Anwar also announced an RM2 million allocation each for the conference, Universiti Malaya’s Department of Indian Studies and another RM2 million for the Education Ministry to relook into the conditions for Tamil education in secondary schools. These allocations, he said, were in honour of the 11th International Tamil Research Conference. Referring to Saravanan and Sivakumar working together as co-chairman of the conference, Anwar said he salutes the Indian community and leaders for taking the lead in building a new ‘Perpaduan Malaysia’, adding that this was also a message to Malay and Chinese leaders that the national vision must surpass all other differences and interests[9]. Jointly organised by the International Association of Tamil Research (IATR), Universiti Malaya and the OMS Foundation, the conference gathered more than 3,000 Tamil scholars and researchers from over 50 countries. Also present were co-chairman of the conference V. Sivakumar, who is also the Human Resource Minister and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan[10].
Future conferences should be free of politics and politicians: Conference organizers have struggled and done everything satisfactorily in a short span of time. It would have been better had it proceeded academically with Tamil, Tamil research and research ethics. But due to the political mix, the organizers of the conference, the politicians within them, the politicians who were welcomed, everyone has stirred up problems at every level. While speaking, the Prime Minister pointed out that it is good that all the different parties have come together on the stage for the conference. From the beginning to the end, there were political upheavals, problems, scuffles etc. However, the conference ended with everything under control. Henceforth, if politics, politicians, parties etc. are not given importance at the next conferences, then all would be good.
[1] Vedaprakash, 11th World Tamil Conference changed to 11th International Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies held at Chennai from 7th to 9th July, 2023 (1), June 10, 2023.
[3] Vedaprakash, 11th World Tamil Conference changed to 11th International Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies held at Chennai from 7th to 9th July, 2023 (1), June 10, 2023.
[7] Focus – Malaysia, Tamils disappointed as Sivakumar, a Telugu, is appointed International Tamil Conference chairman, By Contributor – Tamil Vaanan, 13/07/2023
11th World Tamil Conference changed to 11th International Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies held at Chennai from 7th to 9th July, 2023 (2)
1968 and 2023 compared: Recalling the 2nd World Tamil Research Conference, the president of the International Association of Tamil Research (IATR), Ponnavaikko said that the Second World Tamil Research Conference was held with much pomp in Chennai from January 3 to 10 in 1968, when CN Annadurai was the Chief Minister of the state and during that conference statues of Tamil scholars had been established at the Marina beach. “Now the 11th International Conference on Tamil Studies is being held in Chennai after 55 years. This conference’s theme is ‘the New Historicist Study to rewrite the history of the Tamils, Tamil Language, Literature, Culture and Civilization based on Tamil Classics and revaluations of early and recent excavations and finding in Keezhadi and other scientific evidences of the Sangam period’. Earlier, we had planned to conduct the conference inSingapore. But as most of the scholars are from India, the venue was shifted to Chennai,” he added. Though, 1968 was recalled, the 2023 conference has been unnoticed, as it has been full of mess, politicized and unacademic.
Paper selection process biased: Speaking about the three-day conference, IATR general secretary Ulaganayaki Palani said that 200 Tamil scholars from all over the world are presenting their research papers in the conference. “More than 1,050 scholars from 19 countries including US, Russia, Germany, France, Japan have shown interest in submitting research articles in this 11th World Tamil Research Conference and we have received more than 350 articles. But we have shortlisted only 200 articles that to be presented in the three-day conference,” she added. Many papers received and accepted were not allowed to be presented on the plea, there was no time, but the listed papers exposed the quality of the papers. Most of the papers have been of rehashing type, repeating the same stuff again and again[1].
Valluvaism in the Tolkappiyr pperspective
Tirukkural – the practical guide for the current way of life, like this many papers on Tirukkural.
How to learn Tamil quickly and deeply
Thriru.vi.Kalyanasundaranar, Mayilai Sini Venkatasamy (on him many papers) etc.,
About Cilappathikaram – many papers
Sanga Ilakkiyam
Siddha, Siddha medicine
About the Iron Age of Tamilagam – how the experts have been contradicting: On Friday, Scholars K Rajan and R Sivanatham presented their article titled ‘Recent archaeological investigations and its impact on Tamil culture’. An iron age civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu parallel to the Indus Valley civilisation, new evidence shows. Recent dating has established that objects excavated from Sivakalai in Tuticorin district are from 2,500 BCE to 3,000 BCE[2]. Indus Valley civilisation lasted from 3,300 BCE to 1,300 BCE. Previous dating of samples from Mayiladumparai in Krishnagiri district showed them to be from 2,172 BCE[3]. The TN archaeological experts hitherto have been arguing that the Tamils directly passed on to the Megalith period and so on.
Comparison with IVC etc: Rajan said, “We are also trying to find cultural similarities to Indus Valley.” Multiple labs including Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleo Sciences, Lucknow, and Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, have yielded the same dates between 2,500 BCE and 3,000 BCE, which points to a contemporary civilisation of Indus Valley in Tamil Nadu,” said Professor K Rajan, senior academic and research adviser to Tamil Nadu state archaeology department while presenting the paper on recent archaeological investigations and their impact on Tamil culture at the 11th World Tamil Research Conference on Friday. “While people during the Indus Valley civilisation were using copper objects, those here moved to iron objects. Now, the challenge is to find the iron furnaces to prove that iron objects were produced here,” Professor Rajan said. The Tamil Nadu state archaeology department is trying to find the ancient links with Indus Valley civilisation by studying graffiti marks found in Tamil Nadu and undeciphered Indus script. Researchers are comparing graffiti marks found during archaeological excavations with the Indus script.”It would reveal whether these graffiti marks have come from the Indus Valley civilisation or not,” Rajan said, adding that researchers have completed documenting 8,000 graffiti marks out of 10,000 available in the state.”Tamil Nadu alone has unearthed more than 10,000 graffiti marks, while fewer have been found in the rest of the country,” he said. And almost 200 scholars would present their articles relating to the 11th World Tamil Research Conference’s theme before the academic committee of the IATR.
IATR Malaysian wing conducts seminar separately: Meanwhile, T Marimuthu of Malaysia announced that the 11th World Tamil Research Conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur from July 21 to 23. “During the 10th World Tamil Research Conference in Chicago in 2019, I was elected as the president of IATR. But, the previous president Marimuthu is still claiming that he is the president and trying to conduct the conference. It will be an invalid one,” Ponnavaikko added. Explaining this, the IATR general secretary Ulaganayaki Palani said that, “… our IATR’s Malaysian wing is conducting the conference in Malaysia and there are no differences between us”. So the Chennai wing of IATR is conducting this seminar – can it be considered so? Then, each wig may start conducting a seminar. Anyway, the Tamil enthusiasts should wait and see. G John Samuel, Director of the Institute of Asian Studies, and Consulate Generals of Russia and South Korea were present on the occasion.
Cart before the horse – the valedictory function was held before the completion of the academic sessions: The valedictory function was held before the conclusion of academic sessions. On 9th July, there was utter confusion about the academic sessions, as the paper presenters were enquiring about their position, moving from one room to another from 9.00 am onwards, as the rooms were empty and none was responding properly. Then, it was announced that first the valedictory function would be held and then the paper reading sessions would start by 10.30 0r 11 am. But the speakers started speaking taking more time and the paper presenters had become anxious, as the time was ticking away. Then, the sectional heads had gathered the courage to go the rooms and start the sessions. Unfortunately, in spite of all these contradictions, they allowed only 5 to 10 minutes for the paper presenters. Again, there were hardly 10-15 persons and most of them happened to be paper presenters. As usual, the paper presenter wanted to present paper and go away. Of course, there was a delay of two hours on the part of the organizers and sectional presidents to start the sessions. Anyway, the paper reading sessions were over and the delegates started moving away after lunch. Thus, the three-day international Tamil conference was would up by 2 ½ days as explained above.
Today (10-07-2023), the Times of India, reported as follows[4]: The three-day 11th World Tamil Research Conference concluded in Chennai on Sunday. The next conference is likely to be held in any one of the three countries — Singapore, Sri Lanka, or France in 2025. More than 200 Tamil scholars from within the country and other countries including France, Russia, the US and Sri Lanka have presented papers on various topics on Tamil classical literature, ancient Tamil civilization, recent excavations in Tamil Nadu and its impact on Tamil culture among other topics. “The scholars deliberated on many topics including rewriting the history of Tamils, Tamil language and literature based on the latest excavations including Keeladi. Scientific dating of samples collected from Keeladi has pushed the Sangam age back to 800 BCE. The scholars will rewrite history based on the research papers submitted in the conference and scientific evidence,” said Ponnavaikko, the outgoing president of the International Association of Tamil Research (IATR).
Rival claim from Malaysia: The 11th conference was held as an academic event at the Institute of Asian Studies in Semmancheri as compared to the 2nd World Tamil Research Conference held in the city during the tenure of former chief minister C N Annadurai in 1968. The second meet was held with much fanfare and large public participation. Organisers of the event said they did not get any support from the state government for the present conference. IATR members also elected Arasar Arulalar from the US as the president. Meanwhile, another group headed by professor T Marimuthu has announced that the 11th World Tamil Research Conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from July 21 to 23. It will focus on challenges facing the Tamil language in the internet age.
11th World Tamil Conference changed to 11th International Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies held at Chennai from 7th to 9th July, 2023 (1)
The confusion about the Conference continued for two years: For the last two years, there had/ have been many claims about the conduct of the “World Tamil Conference” at different places and countries also. Even who or which group should host, has also been in dispute, as many persons/groups were at stake. When they are going to act, serve and work for Tamail, then, why they should involve in such personal wrangles is not known. Since 2021, such vested groups started spreading news with websites and even invited papers. As usual, many enthusiastic paper presenters, indeed, sent their papers also. Only in 2022, the deceit and bogus announcements involved in such claims slowly got exposed. In fact, one of such groups from T. Nagar, Chennai had not only advertised sending e-mails, but also charging an amount for each paper submitted. Thus, the ultimate sufferers have been the real researchers and paper presenters. Actually, they have to spend time, energy and money to prepare paper, come all along the way to the conference venue, present paper and go away. But, the organizers have never bothered about the difficulties of the paper presenters.
World Tamil Conference, Tamil World Conference, etc.: It has become a fashion, always talking about “Tamil-Tamil”, shouting that we will save Tamil, Tamil is our life, Tamil’s life, breath of life, breath of breath forever and ever, and so on! If there is money, they even put up a stage, bring out a book, hold a ceremony, and spending time forever. All such activities can be learnt better and study from the Dravidian categories of DK-DMK about such rhetoric etc. If there is any criticism against this, the words like “enemy of Tamils, traitor of Tamils etc” with a heap of abuses would be showered on the critics. Many associations, organizations, movements, meetings and groups have started saying that they will hold a World Tamil Conference like this.
World Tamil Conference,
World Tamil Research Conference,
International Tamil Conference,
All World Tamil Conference,
World Tamil Confederation Research Conference,
There are many more…
In the same way, many in Tamilnadu have made money out of Tiruvalluvar and Thirukkural[1]. Most of the foreign conferences have been meant for tour and 90% of these are sightseeing crowds. Tourist plans are made under the guise of having a place to stay for three to five-six days with food, and crowds gathering. In this way, many people are doing business and earning money. Business is going on in many ways like arranging visas, buying air tickets, and local sightseeing. Because they act as agents, they get commissions at all levels. People who conduct conferences like this or get involved become almost travel agents and start business.
2,500 Tamil scholars from 100 countries, lakhs of visitors at the conference costing Rs 25 crore: Thus, claim is made! Under such circumastances, the 11th World Tamil Conference is being held in Malaysia. The World Tamil Conference, which has been organized by the World Tamil Research Council since 1966, held in Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, USA, France and Mauritius. Tamil scholars from more than 100 countries used to participate in this World Tamil Conference with the purpose to unify the Tamils of the world and for the development of the language. Also, about 2,500 Tamil scholars from 100 countries and lakhs of visitors used to participate in the 3-day conference in collaboration with the universities of Tamil Nadu, India and other countries. It is going to be done at a cost of around Rs 25 crore, this time. But for whom, this amount is spent? Now the venue has been shifted from Sharjah to Malaysia to Singapore. Well, spending crores like this, what will happen to Tamil? 200 crores may have been spent as 10 conferences held so far. But would Tamil poets, pundits, poets etc. have served Tamil even 1%? Or will they show something proof for that?
From Sharjah to Malaysia to Singapore: This World Tamil Conference was earlier announced to be held in Sharjah in July 2023[2]. More talk-and-share was going in social networking groups. The invitation containing the details of the conference, the arrangements, the sessions and the related reports were all prepared[3]. All papers are accepted through emails. In Chennai, one group started to notify many people through email and even asked them to pay to accept the research paper (as pointed out above). But the fact that it could not be held in Sharjah or could not or could not state the reason has been silenced[4]. All documents prepared, printed/published were wasted[5]. In this case, due to some administrative reasons, instead of Sharjah, it has been officially announced that it will be held in Malaysia from July 21 – 23, 2023 at the University of Malaya campus[6]. Note here also “Official Notice” about the Three World Tamil Conferences have already been held in Malaysia[7], so the question arises whether they will accept it again.
Why the move to Singapore?: It is noteworthy that News 7 Tamil was the first to report that this World Tamil Conference would be held in 2022[8] (in February 2023), in February 2023. But, this news had already appeared in Dinamalar six months earlier[9] (September 2022). In other words, efforts were being made to create influence and publicity about this. The Chennai-World Tamil Research Conference was scheduled to be held in Singapore from June 16 to 18 next year[10]. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.G. Stalin had been invited[11]. He was personally invited by Tan Sri Marimuthu, President of the World Tamil Research Institute when he met in Chennai and requested him to preside over the 11th World Tamil Research Conference to be held in Malaysia[12]. Accordingly, it was announced that the 11th World Tamil Research Conference of the International Institute of Tamil Research (IATR) would be held in Malaysia in July 2023[13]. However, the conflicting reports appeared as if it would be held in Singapore.
The International Tamil conference-seminar held at Chennai: The International Association of Tamil Research (IATR) organised a three-day World Tamil Research Conference (From July 7 to 9, 2023), which is also called the ’11th International Conference on Tamil Studies’[14]. With the objective to promote multi-disciplinary research on modern scientific lines in all aspects of Dravidian studies in general, and of Tamil studies in particular, and in allied fields with the active collaboration of international organisations and scholars interested in such studies, the World Tamil Research Conference has returned to Chennai after 55 years[15], thus local media reported. On Friday, 07-07-2023, the Tamil Nadu Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Residents Tamils Welfare, Gingee KS Masthan inaugurated the 11th International Conference on Tamil Studies on the campus of the Institute of Asian Studies in Semmencheri, Chennai.
The conference politicized to criticize the PM, TN Governor etc: Addressing in the inaugural ceremony, the state minister Gingee KS Masthan said that the researchers have proved that wherever the Tamils go, they considered the migrating country as their own country and work for its development. “It is my responsibility to bring the views of Tamil scholars to the attention of the Chief Minister M K Stalin. The Tamil Nadu government will consider the views of Tamil scholars and will work to take forward the Tamil language and culture and livelihood of Tamils,” he added. On their part, Chennai (South) MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian and state Minorities’ Commission Chairman S Peter Alphonse discursively slammed PM Modi and Governor R.N. Ravi saying that ‘some people’ are defaming the pride of the Tamil language. “People who have nothing to do with the Tamil language are celebrating the Tamil language as their own and are defaming those who have sacrificed their lives in support of Tamil language by giving ‘alternative views’ and it is imperative that such conferences (World Tamil Research Conference) be held to protect the Tamil language from such conspirators, ” they added.
[1] There have been persons, who floated Fixed Deposit Schemes for printing and selling of Tirukkural cheating the investors in crores. The details have appeared in the newspapers.
[2] தினகரன், 11வதுஉலகத்தமிழ்ஆராய்ச்சிமாநாடுசார்ஜாவில் 2023-ம்ஆண்டுஜூலையில்நடைபெறும், June 7, 2022, 5:25 pm.
The World Tamil Justice Court – From Weapon manufacturing to plotting to attack infrastructures – Is it Tamil or Dravidian way? (1)
Within a short period, how such things could have happened?: It is surprising and shocking to note that within a short period (August to October), many disruptive forces have suddenly shown their tendencies openly or affecting the normal routines of other common people in different parts of Tamilnadu, when, most of the people have just come out of the pandemic conditions and reeling under monsoon rains. Incidentally, the overall prices of essential commodities and taxes have also been affecting them. Thus, these violent and even extremist activities have made the people to think of the ugly past. Of course, the media itself has already pointed out that 1998 should not be repeated. Unfortunately, much politics and politicization of the incidents have made a dangerous position to tread.
The Dravidastan turned “Dravidanadu” ideologies worked and working even today: Since the Justice Party turned Dravidar Kazhagam, the so-called “Dravidian” ideologists had / have been propagating, demanding and fighting for “Dravidastan” or “Dravidanadu,” i.e, a separate “state” out of India since early 20th century[1]. Even after independence, the DK-DMK protagonists had been equivocal in their separatist demands registering them through their speeches, writings and other media[2]. Though, C.N.Annadurai reportedly had thrown the idea of “Dravidanadu” to the dustbin to fight elections and rule, the DK outfits did not abandon the demand. With the rise of LTTE, the extreme Communists fringe groups and Naxalite-type extremists have started various Tamil separatist groups under various banners were fighting for a separate state / nation comprising Tamilnadu, Sri Lanka and parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra[3]. The Christian groups under the guise of “Liberation Theology” have also joined[4]. The Tamilnadu Liberation Army formed, had carried out terror attacks at many places in Tamilnadu. Of course, the Islamic groups have been also fighting in different ways under the banners of Al-Umma, Popular Front of India etc. The investigation agencies have found contacts among these organizations. The Rajiv Gandhi assassination plot exposed the international ramifications, connections and operations. After the killing of Veerappan, Prabhakaran and the ban of LTTE, it is believed that such separate groups have disappeared or subdued their activities. However, they appear to be active, as could be noted from the postings of Social media last 5 to 10 years[5].
DMK and Dravidian model give a fillip to the separatist forces: As most of them (the Dravidian protagonists) have been operating from Canada, France, SEA countries etc., they could not be brought under the Indian law. However, with the DMK coming to power, the “Dravidian” demand has reappeared with vigour and aggression[6]. Significantly, the elected CM himself started proclaiming that he belongs to the “Dravidian stock” and wants to follow the “Dravidian model” of government, administration, law, justice etc., in Tamilnadu. In fact, he has been hobnobbing with such politicians, who have been promoting regionalism and opposing strong centres. Day in and day out the Dravidian model ideologists, propagandists and speakers have been working vigorously on these lines in every media. Of course, the DMK ministers and politicians, particularly, the “Maran” Brothers have been owning and controlling the powerful SUN-group of networks that has been faithfully working for their cause. The 90% of media, as they have been under the mercy of the Dravidian polity, in one way or the other, the media people have also been partial, biased and prejudiced reporting, news coverage and reporting. All these have definitely been encouraging the separatist elements and thus, the sudden surge in such groups can be noted.
Crimes are on the rise after the corona period: While recovering from the coronavirus, there has been a need to restore law and order as extremism, terrorism, murder, robbery and violence have been rampant during the last one and a half year regime. Though, Tamil culture reportedly resects chastity, venerates womanhood and praises Mother-Goddess, the sexual crimes of all sorts have been increasing like anything. The TN cinema depicts vulgar dialogue, double-meaning porn songs, and degraded similar variety of dances – all with extreme violence and debasing family values. The TV-serials have scant regard for such values. Online sex, violence and related crimes have also been increasing. However, law and order do not seem to have been restored. For example, a few months ago it was reported in the press that 2,500 rowdies were caught in the name of “Operation Minnal Rowdi Vettai” by the police department across Tamil Nadu. The new-ganja-drug culture has been alarming and threatening the youth and the unemployed. In Tamil Nadu, the daily average of one or two murders has gradually changed to an average of eight to ten murders per day. And many murders are taking place due to family affairs, i.e. extramarital affairs and other inexplicable relationships. Drug addiction has also led to suicides. In that case, the culture of bomb culture creates panic and insecurity among the common people.
A team of officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) today conducted raids at a house at Kelambakkam on the outskirts of the city. The raids which commenced in the morning are continuing. The raids were a follow-up action to the searches conducted at 22 places across Tamil Nadu, including at the Tiruchy special camp, on July 20, 2022. NIA sources said the house of a conduit of the Sri Lankan drug lords lodged in the camp was being searched after gathering information about him during the earlier search operation. NIA had conducted search operations on July 20 at 22 premises, including the special camp in Tiruchy, where foreign nationals with criminal backgrounds have been lodged, along with eight premises in Chennai and interrogated as many as 14 Sri Lankans for their suspected links with offenders involved in smuggling drugs and heavy arms. During the earlier search, NIA team seized over 60 mobile phones and more than 50 SIM cards along with a laptop and other digital devices. A release from NIA said on July 20 NIA conducted searches at 22 premises of accused and suspects in Chennai, Tiruppur, Chengalpattu and Tiruchy districts in Tamil Nadu in the case of illegal activities of Sri Lankan drug mafia being operated by C Gunashekharan alias Guna and Pushparajah alias Pookutti Kanna in association with Haji Salim, drug and arms supplier based in Pakistan.
August 2022 – the terror-related arrests made in Tamilnadu by NIA: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 5, 2022 conducted a search operation in Tamil Nadu in connection with the illegal drugs and arms trade in India and Sri Lanka case, reports Times Now[7]. The counter-terror agency carried out raids at the residence of one suspect in Chengalpattu District in the case pertaining to the activities of a Sri Lankan drug mafia[8]. NIA said that the mafia is controlled by Gunashekharan and Pushparajah Khann who in association with Haji Salim[9], a drug and arms supplier based in Pakistan, has been operating in India and Sri Lanka in illegal drugs and arms trade for the revival of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in India and Sri Lanka[10]. The NIA registered the case suo-motu on 8 July 2022. The case was registered suo moto by NIA on July 8, 2022 under secs 120-B of IPC, secs 18, 20, 38, 39 and 40 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, besides under sec 8(c) read with secs 21(c), 23(c), 24, 27A, 28 and 29 of NDPS Act. The agency said that it had seized digital devices and incriminating documents during the search[11].
The Tamil-Kerala-LTTE nexus: NIA had registered a fresh case based on information collected during the probe into the case of the seizure of 300 kg heroin, five AK-47 rifles and 1,000 live 9 mm ammunition from a Lankan boat off the coast of Vizhinjam harbour near Thiruvananthapuram in 2021, sources said[12]. Fourteen inmates, including Danuka Roshan, Gunasekaran, Pookutti Kannan, Vikramasingam, Katta Gamini, Suranga Pradeep, Roopan, Mohammed Riyaz, Kennedy and Uma Raman were allegedly in touch with Pakistani smugglers to ferry drugs to India and Lanka. The gang was operating with Haji Salim and were operating in India and Lanka for the revival of LTTE,” NIA had said[13]. The gang was not only operating in India and Sri Lanka in illegal drugs and arms trade for the revival of LTTE, but had been functioning as a crime syndicate[14]. The special camp houses over 140 foreign inmates, including over 100 people from Sri Lanka[15]. Generally, common readers of newspapers or TV news-watchers may not know these happenings.
[1] K. V. Ramakrishna Rao, The Historic Meeting of Ambedkar, Jinnah and Periyar, in “Proceeding volume of the Twenty first Annual session”, of South Indian History Congress-2001, School of Historical Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, January 2002, pp.128-136.
[2] Murasoli Maran, Why we want this Dravidanadu of happiness?,
[3] Parties like PMK was conducting “Self-etermination” conferences,under the influence of Communism, but, later abandoned completely.
[4] Their own documents and of course, TN court documents vouchsafe the happenings occurred at Meensurutti Indian Bank attack etc.
[5] There have been certain groups and individuals coming and going under the guise of Tamil scholars, exprts and researchers, participating in different private and even TN Government functions, but, aiding and abetting such separatist ideology. They come out with a hypothesis or theory to counter every pan-Indian, Indian, North-Indian historical fact with pro-Tamil or Dravidian claim twisting and misinterpreting certain words, and usual verbose.
[6] It is ironical that even though, the racial hypotheses and theries have been declared as myth and unscientific, these Dravidian protagonist continue use, abuse and exploit the separatist tendencies.
[7] Times Now, Tamil Nadu: NIA conducts raids in case related to drugs, arms trafficking to Sri Lanka, TN National Desk, Updated Aug 6, 2022 | 07:13 AM IST
[9] Salim’s name first surfaced during investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in July this year when the agency said that Salim, along with Sri Lankan drug mafia C Gunashekharan alias Guna and Pushparajah alias Pookutti Kanna, were pushing illegal drugs and arms into India using the sea route for the revival of LTTE.
[10] MSN.com, Tamil Nadu: NIA conducts raids in case related to drugs, arms trafficking to Sri Lanka, TN National Desk-Ties Now Digital, Updated Aug 6, 2022
[14] Economic Times, Pakistan-based drug lord under scanner for ‘trying to revive LTTE in Lanka’, By Rahul Tripathi , ET BureauLast Updated: Oct 12, 2022, 12:10 AM IST.
Dismissal of Christian activist case by the Supreme Court – How thoroughly it was misconceived to get it dismissed? At the same time, do the Hindutwavadis worry about it or not?
Dismissal of Christian activist case reported in news: The stuff that appears in the print and electronic media has been used to write this narrative and they have been acknowledged in the footnotes as usual. The narrative as appeared has been taken faithfully and comments are added separately. The Supreme Court has dismissed the Petition filed by Dr. M. Deivanayagam, a Christian activist from Tamil Nadu seeking abolition of the practice of Manu Laws and principles of Varashrama[1] on September 2nd 2022. The Bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli termed the petition as ‘thoroughly misconceived'[2]. The journals dealing with Supre Court cases, cryptly reported about this case in a characteristic way. They may not be knowing much about the petitioner, though he has been mentioned as “a Christian activist” adding that he is “from Tamil Nadu.” Anyway, this man gets exposed for his frivolous attempts of filing petitions on his own apprehensive and imaginary grounds with vested “Christian interests.”
Writ petition filed in 2020 and decided on 02-09-2022: In 2020, the writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India by Dr. M. Deivanayagam sought the following directions from the Apex Court[3]:
1. Abolition of the practice of principles of Laws of Manu / Principles of Varashrama as the same leads to discrimination and diversifying the people of India on the basis of Religion, Language, Caste, Sect and etc.
2. Thus, to form a committee to investigate and identify the practice of law of Manu which are prevalent in various forms across India and declare them as unconstitutional.
Further, M.Deivanayagam had filed a Public Interest Litigation before Madras High Court in 2017 to remove atheistic inscriptions below the statues of Thanthai Periyar in Tamil Nadu. Further, the High Court had in 2019 dismissed the same holding that the followers of Thanthai Periyar, in exercise of the rights under Article 19 of the Constitution of India and the same has a right to disagree with the existence of God[4].
“The petition is thoroughly misconceived. The petition shall stand dismissed”: “The petition is thoroughly misconceived. The petition shall stand dismissed”, the Bench said in its order[5]. The Court quoted the prayers of Deivanayagam in its order while dismissing the petition[6]. Deivanayagam appeared in person n 02-09-2022 and argued his petition of the year 2020[7]. Thus, definitely, he must have been trained or advised on how to depose, what to talk and how to respond to the judges in the court. However, who are the legal advisers, how he filed petitions in the Supre Court etc., are not known. That he appeared in person proves that he has the logistics to come over here either by flight or train with all preparations. Moreover, a few months back, it was informed that he was bedridden and not talking with others and so on. However, he released his book with Tirumavalavan. Deivanayagam had filed the petition, invoking the jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking abolition of the practice of principles of Laws of Manu / Principles of Varashrama on the ground that it led to discrimination and diversification of the people of India on the basis of religion, caste, language, sect etc[8]. The Petitioner also sought directions to the Union of India to form a Committee to investigate and identify the practice of law of Manu which, according to him are prevalent in various forms across India and sought to declare them as unconstitutional[9].
Can Christian activist file a petition against Periyar and hobnob with periyarists?: In 2019, the Madras High Court had dismissed Deivanayagam’s petition seeking the removal of the atheistic inscriptions below the statues of Thanthai Periyar in Tamil Nadu[10]. Incidentally, here, the Periyar had to be defended, as he was unwittingly fighting against Periyarism, analytical wisdom, self-respect and other “Dravidian virtues” reportedly or supposed to be followed by all faithful “Dravidian stock” working and living according to the principles of “Dravidian model.” Here, the moot question arises as to, “Can Christian activist file petition against Periyar and hobnob with periyarists?.” Ironically, he has been moving with such Periyarists and they have been significantly working with each other. More details can be read from here[11].
2017 petition heard and decided in 2019: That the petition W.P. No.28021/2017 was heard two years later and the judges to deliver judgment on 04-09-2019 has been intriguing. None reacted to the judgment or protested to remove any paragraphs from the judgment arguing that they offend their belief or so. Perhaps, most of them are not interested at all. The duo Rajiv Malhothra and Aravinda Neelakantan made much fuss about their favourite duo Deivanayagam and Devakala also keeping quite! Though from 2014 onward, many Hindutwa advocates, lawyers and legal experts have been out, it appears that they do not bother such cases. Of course, they might write in their own websites and journals, read by a hundred or two hundred, applaud and enjoy time otherwise.
“Hindu Religion is the Offshoot of St. Thomas Dravidian Christianity”: Deivanayagam has authored a book titled “Hindu Religion is the Offshoot of St. Thomas Dravidian Christianity” and has made controversial remarks in the past, including that Thiruvalluvar is a baptized Christian of the Church created by St.Thomas. Though, it is mentioned at the tail-end, the learned reporters have not elaborated or got into the facts and details of his bogus attempts with his wonderful and fantastic research on such unhistorical stories and myths. None of these legal forums with all their backing and support have not attempted to take up this issue. The fraudulent research of Acharya Paul, Arulappa connecting Deivanayagam and others has also been linked to a case that was argued in the Madras High Court.
November 2021- Deivanayagam released his book with Thirumavalavan: Viduthalai Chirutaigal Katchi founder and Lok Sabha MP Chidambaram, Thol Thirumavalavan, attended a book-releasing function recently in November 2021 at Chennai. Thirumavalavan spoke, quoting from Deivanayagam’s book. He said he has been researching for several decades, and he concluded that “Thiruvalluvar was a Christian and was baptised, received communion”. He said, “Saivam and Vaisnavism were created by Dravidians, Tamilians. Deivanayagam has written an explanatory note to Thirukural at a new angle”. In that, he said Thiruvalluvar was Christian. Thirumavalavan said Deivanayagam, in his book, claimed that the Kabaleeswar temple was razed to grounds in 1566 by Portuguese forces to build a church which is now called Santhome church. “I fear if the sana tana forces (Sangh Parivar) know this, they will try to pull it down “.
The judgment and its beneficiaries and of course the affected: It is not known as to where the Hindutwa lawyers, advocates and others have gone. Though, they have great lawyers and advocates, forums and legal wings, it is not known whether they are following these cases or not. Thus, in the 2019 case, it is very clear that K. Veeramany and Deivanayagam played dubious play and mischief, just to get publicity through the petition, because, whether it is head or tail, they are the winners and the opponents or the gullible attacked [who always do not know that they are attacked] and the Judges cleverly delivered the judgment giving much publicity to EVR with the English translation that occupies 60% of their judgments. Definitely, both have been the most benefited with the dismissed petition and the judgment. Here, in the 2022 case, now the latter gets the dubious status of appearing in the Supreme Court and fought his case as a great crusader. Gullible Hindus would continue to suffer, but the politicized and political Hindutwavadis enjoy…..
[3] The Daily Guardian, SUPREME COURT: REJECTS PLEA SEEKING ABOLITION OF VARNASHRAMA PRINCIPLES & LAW OF MANU; “MISCONCEIVED., Published 2:28 am IST on September 8, 2022By TDG Network
[7] Indian Law Information, Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking abolition of the practice of Varnashrama principles of Laws of Manu, By Tushar Gulati -September 7, 2022.
The arrest of radical Muslim youth in Tamil Nadu, the attack on Governotr at Mayiladuthurai and the anti-centre attitude of the TN ruling Dravidian party
A. Mohammed Ashiq was arrested on 27-05-2021 at Mayiladuthurai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested an ISIS terror suspect in Mayiladuthurai on 27-05-2021, Thursday night. He was wanted for a criminal conspiracy in 2018 allegedly aimed at a few leaders in Coimbatore[1]. The suspect who was identified as A Mohammed Ashiq, around 25 years, was nabbed in Needur near Mayiladuthurai on Thursday[2]. He allegedly had sworn allegiance to the terror organisation Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2018 and was wanted as a prime suspect for plotting to kill a few leaders in Coimbatore. According to NIA sources, a group of seven people from different parts of Tamil Nadu formed a group in Coimbatore and swore allegiance to the terrorist organisation ‘ISIS’. They conspired to kill leaders based in Coimbatore, thereby threatening the communal harmony and the security and sovereignty of the country.
21-02-2022 – Needur Sadiq Basha alias ICAMA Sadiq Basha arrested at Mayiladuthurai: NIA has taken over the probe of a case in which Needur Sadiq Basha alias ICAMA Sadiq Basha, running an outfit called Khilafah Party of India and his associates, threatened police officers with a gun in Mayiladuthurai in February this year during a vehicle check[3]. NIA suspects the accused has links with the global terror outfit ISIS. Though immediately after the incident in which Sadiq Basha threatened sub-inspector Arivazhagan and his team with an air pistol, the police team overpowered him and his associates Mohamed Ashiq from Coimbatore, Mohamed Ifran from Karaikal, Rahmath of Chennai and Jabahar Ali of Mayiladuthrai[4]. Police had also seized the metal-air gun, one packet of pellets, the vehicle they were travelling, etc. “Needur Basha has been in touch with ISIS and various central agencies were monitoring his activities closely. After collecting all the evidence, the NIA has now taken over the probe,” an official noted.
Delhi arrest led to TN arrest: The NIA arrested the group and booked them at the NIA Police Station in New Delhi in September 2018. Mohammed Ashiq, a native of Marakkadai in Coimbatore, was named the prime suspect in the case. The charges included unlawful assembly (IPC 143), criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B) and several sections under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The trial was initiated in the Special Court for NIA Cases in Poonamallee in Chennai and was underway in 2019. Mohammed Ashiq was allegedly released on bail. However, he failed to appear at the following hearings. The Special Court had, therefore, initiated a nonbailable warrant against him.
Mohammed Ashiq was caught at a broiler shop: According to police sources, Mohammed Ashiq came to Mayiladuthurai months ago. He was working in a broiler shop in Needur. The NIA had received information about Mohammed Ashiq’s whereabouts and approached Mayiladuthurai District Police for assistance. A team of NIA officials, accompanied by the local police personnel, raided the broiler shop and arrested Mohammed Ashiq around 9 pm on Thursday. The NIA investigated Mohammed Ashiq briefly and took him to Chennai. The police said that he is likely to be produced in NIA Special Court again.
NIA fles charge sheet on 14-03-2022: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) 14-03-2022, Monday filed a supplementary charge-sheet in connection with a case that involved the radicalisation and recruitment of gullible youth by members of an extremist outfit to establish an Islamic State[5]. The charge sheet was filed against two members of the Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT), an extremist Islamic outfit that is affiliated with ISIS[6]. As per an official of the NIA, the two operatives who have been named in the charge sheet include Bava Bahrudeen, 41, of Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, and Ziyavudeen Baqavi, 40, of Thanjavur district. The original case was registered in Madurai, Tamil Nadu before it was taken over by the NIA in April last year. As per the case diary, one Mohammed Iqbal had uploaded controversial posts against a community on his Facebook account “Thoonga Vizhigal Rendu is in Kazimar Street”. A charge sheet was filed earlier as well against the two accused in May last year.
Islamic State / Caliphate or Khilafah movement: In the supplementary charge sheet filed by the NIA, it has been stated that the accused persons were engaged in radicalising and recruiting gullible youth to establish an Islamic State / Caliphate or Khilafah and enforce a draft constitution written by the radical Islamic preacher, Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani, the founder of HuT. “Investigation revealed that accused charge-sheeted today, Bava Bahrudeen and Ziyavudeen Baqavi, were organising meetings to recruit members and also conducting secret classes to indoctrinate, radicalise and motivate youth to work towards the establishment of Islamic State Khilafah by overthrowing the Government of India. They had also conspired to establish new cells in various districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala through social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, etc. in order to spread the ideology of HuT. The NIA stated that further probe into the matter is still continuing.
The arrested five persons: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe in a case earlier registered against five persons by the Mayiladuthurai police in Tamil Nadu, alleging that they planned to float anti-national organisations and had associated themselves with the terror outfit, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)[7]. The accused have been identified as –
The local police had registered the case in February and arrested Sathik Batcha and others for their alleged involvement in various offences under the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. They later invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the case.
Many organizations linked together: The Union government referred it to the NIA based on information that “Sathik Batcha, also known as ‘Icama Saddiq’, has been actively indulging in various anti-national activities and is a member of ‘Manitha Neethi Pasaral’ (MNP), now re-designated as Popular Front of India (PFI) and also a covert sympathiser of ISIS ideology”. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the five persons associated themselves with the Islamic State with the intention of furthering its activities in India. “The accused intended to the [se]cession of a part of the territory of India and intended to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India by forming an (sic) anti-national organisation[s] namely ‘Khilafah Party of India’, ‘Khilafa Front of India’ and ‘Intellectual Students of India’ (ISI) and ‘Student Party of India’ etc…,”,” it said.
All have been happening when the TN has taken an atnti-centre stand: The TN Governor who came to Mayiladuthurai was greeted with black flags by the radical DK fringe groups and Communists and there was an incidence of throwing sticks on the convoy of the Governor. It all happened on 19-04-2022, when the arrest of the radical youth was taking place at the same place in 2021 and 2022. Had it happened to the CM of TN, it would have been a serious issue, but, since, the CM himself has been critical about the Governor day in and out, it was not taken so seriously. However, the TN ruling Dravidian party and its allies of all categories have been continuing their attack on Modi personally, passing anti-national remarks. The Centre and Union verblogy, anti-Hindi and other polemics have been the order of the day with the vernacular TV channels carrying out debate almost daily. It is not known where this would lead to.
[1] Indian Express, NIA arrests ISIS terror suspect near Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu , Published: 28th May 2021 12:53 PM | Last Updated: 28th May 2021 07:19 PM
[5] Times of India, ‘Overthrow Govt of India, establish IS Caliphate, enforce draft constitution’: NIA unravels HuT terror plot , TN Digital, Updated Mar 15, 2022 | 11:51 AM IST.
[7] The Hindu, UAPA case | NIA takes over probe against five from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Devesh K. Pandey, NEW DELHI, MAY 06, 2022 04:27 IST; UPDATED: MAY 06, 2022 00:08 IST.
Issues concerning Indian society 