Politics, politicization of Governor and VC and related issues affecting the Academics and standards of education – Periyar University VC arrest, bail and thereof.
Governor vs State becoming controversial: Now, the political narrative, discussion and discourses on the post of Governor, duties of Governor, Governor as Chancellor of Universities, appointments of Vice Chancellors for the Universities and connected issues have been important news. Particularly, this has become politicized and controversialized where the opposition parties ruling the States. Thus, in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamilnadu, many such problems reported, where the fight between the CM and Governor has been routine and daily basis also. The CMs want to appropriate the power of the Governors in appointing Vice-Chancellor. There has been a lot of news appearing in the media about the corruption involved in the appointment of VCs for Universities, where, crores are reportedly asked and given for getting such an appointment. It has also been reported that every VC thus appointed would appoint 20-30 Assistant Professors in their respective Universities and get back the amount he paid from them.
VC appointment based on merit or otherwise?: After the NDA / BJP government coming to power at the Centre, it is said that such corruption has come down, as only eligible and highly qualified emeritus Professors and such other experts alone are becoming VCs with merit. Thus, persons with merit are getting the appointment of Assistant Professors. When Prohit was Governor, many controversies were raised by the political parties, but, he withstood such malicious propaganda and now, he has been Governor of Punjab. Though, AAP has been the opposition party there, not much news is appearing as that of Kerala, West Bengal and Tamilnadu. Therefore, definitely, the Citizens of India have to know what has been going on in the Universities and academic institutions, where, politics and political interference and politicization should not be there.
VC appointment in 2021: Jagannathan, who was appointed as VC of the Salem-based university by then Governor Banwarilal Purohit in June 2021, is a known agricultural expert and had served as the dean of the prestigious Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore[1]. The VC has been under the cloud for the better part of his tenure with several political parties and activists levelling allegations of corruption against him and his colleagues at the university established in 1997[2]. Police said R. Jagannathan was arrested from the University premises on 26-12-2023 Tuesday evening under sections 294(b), 120(b), 420, 468, 409 r/w 511 and 506(1) of the IPC and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, following a complaint filed by A. Elangovan, legal advisor of the Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU)[3]. “There are a few other complaints against Jagannathan,” police said[4]. When the VC was produced before the judicial magistrate-II of Salem district court, J Dhinesh Kumaran, he was granted bail for seven days, stating the case prima facie appeared to be made out under mere allegations,” an official source said[5]. Hours after he was arrested under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Periyar University vice-chancellor (VC) R Jagannathan, 63, came out on seven-day conditional bail in the early hours of Wednesday, even as the Salem city police launched searches at eight places, including his official quarters and house in connection with the case of misappropriation of funds[6]. The VC has, however, been directed to appear before the assistant police commissioner of Suramangalam to put his signature on all the seven days.
Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU) – a company or part of University?: The company has four directors, including Jagannathan, and Registrar K Thangavel, the complainant has alleged[7]. On November 6, the Periyar University administration placed a table agenda in the syndicate meeting to undertake educational programmes in collaboration with PUTER Foundation, following which the Association of University Teachers raised concerns alleging financial irregularities in the university[8]. Their specific complaint is that the company was set up using the university’s resources and infrastructure for personal gain, the police said. The state government, too, has formed a committee to look into these complaints.
Complaint given by the University Legal Advisor: The Salem city police on 26-12-2023, Tuesday arrested Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Dr R Jagannathan for allegedly misappropriating public funds and establishing a private company on the campus under his name[9]. An FIR was registered against the vice-chancellor, based on a complaint filed by I Elangovan, legal advisor of Periyar University Employee Union (PUEU), and Salem city police Commissioner B Vijayakumari, said officials[10]. Elangovan has accused the V-C and registrar Thangavel of having a “direct interest” in the private firm — PUTER Foundation, allegedly located within the Periyar University — said police, adding that there were also several other complaints of financial irregularities[11]. The matter came to light when the university administration proposed a collaboration with the PUTER Foundation, with Dr Jagannathan and Thangavel as its directors[12]. The Association of University Teachers had raised concerns about this collaboration, alleging the “company was set up using university resources”.
PMK points out many irregularities: PMK leader and former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had last month demanded that the state government dismiss Jagannathan from his post, after the news of the proposal to tie-up with PUTER Foundation emerged. Ramadoss had said that students who get trained from the foundation will “pay higher fees” despite the firm utilizing the resources of the university which is funded by the taxpayers’ money. Corruption in higher educational institutes in Tamil Nadu is not new as two former vice-chancellors of Anna University and Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University were in 2018 booked for serious graft charges by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The agency also arrested the vice-chancellor of Coimbatore-based Bharathiar University, A Ganapathi, while accepting a bribe of Rs 30 lakh for regularising the job of an assistant professor, in the same year.
The condemnation of BJP: The arrest of Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Jagannathan would create fear among honest Vice-Chancellors. BJP state vice-president Kanakasabhapathy has condemned it and suggested the governor to intervene. Jagannathan, 68, was arrested and released on bail after filing a complaint about starting a business. In this regard, the state vice-president of the BJP, Kanakasabhapathy, issued a statement: “The arrest of the Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University by the police without evidence is strongly condemned. He is respected by many in the state as an honest educationist. But he is suddenly arrested without any notice. It seems that the police have tried not to follow the rules, file a case in the evening and appear in the court at night, and immediately send them to jail. And the next day the Vice Chancellor’s office and house were raided for several hours throughout the night. Hence the name of the Vice-Chancellor has been defamed in public. It is not known how the state higher education department gave permission for this. Educationists are concerned that this move by the state government will create some fear among honest vice-chancellors in Tamil Nadu. The state chief minister should take action on this. The state government should give a detailed explanation. Those involved should be held accountable for these wrongdoings that have tarnished the education sector. The investigating officer and the higher education department officials and the state government should take appropriate action immediately. The state governor who is the chancellor of the university should immediately intervene in this,” the statement said. However, this BJP support has been criticized by the other media, obviously, anti-BJP ideology.
Fastly moving incidences within four days: The Salem Police Station has been directed by the Madras High Court on 29-12-2023 to submit the case documents related to the arrest of R Jagannathan, Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University[13]. The court also adjourned a petition filed by the police that sought to quash the interim bail granted to him for today, December 29, 2023 reports The New Indian Express[14]. During the hearing of the petition before Justice P Dhanabal on Thursday, December 28, the counsel of the police moved to have the bail revoked. The counsel argued that it was granted by the judicial magistrate without giving the police an opportunity to present its case. The judge subsequently directed the police to file the case documents, including the interim bail order and scheduled a hearing for today, December 29. On December 26, the Salem city police arrested R Jagannathan, the Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University, for allegedly founding a private corporation to offer educational programmes in collaboration with the university in violation of norms and he was given bail on 27-12-2023 with hospitalization[15]. Angio was done, as he complained of chest pain and now reported stable[16].
Corruption, corrupt politics and politicked Academics: Corruption in education cannot be accepted on any account, reason or logic. The ideological interference with academics has been giving way the corruption to enter. Thus, some dominant ideologies and ideologists have infiltrated the ademic institutions through power-politics. The Socialism garb and socialist masquerade helped the Communists of all sorts to enter academics. Then, the dominant religious minorities with their “holy” alliances with the Communists made such power-politics and academic-appointment completely idelogized and politicized. Thus, many of the Central and State governmental Ministry of Education, Educational Institutions and governing bodies become manipulators of education. With the privatization of education, the commercialization has also implemented with the education business more profitable than others. Thus, becoming VC, HOD, Professor, Assistant Professor etc., have become coveted ones and the aspiring persons have been ready to go to any extent. As money-making has become the “mantra,” all have become agents in one way or the other, facilitating and taking care of interests mutually.
[1] Deccan Herald, Periyar University V-C arrested on charges of misappropriation of funds, ETB Sivapriyan DHNS Last Updated 26 December 2023, 22:41 IST.
[9] Indian Express, Periyar varsity V-C arrested for floating private firm on campus, By: Express News Service, Chennai | First uploaded on: 27-12-2023 at 02:28 IST; Updated: December 27, 2023 02:33 IST.
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.
What the Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns (CPSC) has done, why it fights through twitter instead of legally?
The 34-pages FIR reveal the murky business of the CPSC: The Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns (CPSC) is a trust founded in 1981 and runs a programme unit called “People’s Watch” founded by well-known human rights advocate and activist Henri Tiphagne[1]. People’s Watch is known for taking up cases of human rights violations such as custodial deaths, caste atrocities and extrajudicial killings, including representing the victims of the massacre in Thoothukudi district in 2018 where Tamil Nadu police have been accused of opening fire and killing 13 environment protesters[2]. Tiphange, the executive director of People’s Watch, said CBI officials came with a search warrant to their organisation on Saturday to collect documents reviewed by their peers in 2012 and 2013. The 34 page FIR gives full details of the violations made by the CPSC. However, the media has printed only the brief of the PTI report, though, they obtained the FIR copy. Perhaps, they do not have time to go through 34 pages to understand the implications or just satisfied not to go further in the context.
What their website claims…
Henri Tiphagne starts fight through Twitter: Though the CPSC has been having the façade of fighting for human rights, women rights and so on, the propagandist activities have been that of rabble-rousing nature with a clear tinge o anti-nationalism. Henri Tiphagne goes on tweeting with the VCK and others supporting[3]. Henri Tiphagne termed the filing of the FIR by CBI as a “witch-hunt”, saying the Delhi High Court had ordered the opening of the FCRA account of People’s Watch in 2014 following three successive suspensions each lasting 180 days. “CPSC received funds in 2015 & 2016 till October. FCRA suspension orders issued by the MHA in 2017 (was) withdrawn. FCRA Account frozen now for more than 2,500 days. If this is not vindictiveness, what is it? We are willing to still cooperate because of our trust in the rule of law. But can anyone explain why an FIR u/s 120B & 420 IPC? What is the conspiracy? Cheating?,” he wrote on Twitter[4]. It is well known that once the case has been booked and the proceedings have been initiated, he has to fight legally and through propaganda through twitter. Moreover, he knows well about legality and therefore, this type of propaganda is not required[5].
“…….for allegedly violating provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act”: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against the Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns (CPSC), an NGO, and its programme unit People’s Watch for allegedly violating provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act[6]. According to the FIR, the CPSC is a trust formed through a trust deed with the objective of all-round welfare of the socially, educationally and economically downtrodden people of the country[7]. The trust was registered under 6(1) of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs conducted two separate inspections in 2012 and 2014 into the records of CPSC from 2005-06 to 2010-11 and 2011-12 to 2012-13, and found that the NGO allegedly violated provisions of the FCRA, 2010[8]. The inquiry also revealed that following the suspension of its FCRA registration, the CPSC withdrew Rs 28 lakh in 2012, and Rs 1.69 crore was withdrawn from 2008-12, which were not tallied[9]. “The People’s Watch functioned like a separate entity and directly dealt with the foreign contribution.
Funds diverted to other purposes for which they were not intended: The association withdrew Rs 44.54 lakh foreign contribution during 2011-13 on 240 occasions[10]. The association used funds for other uses and also the CPSC transferred Rs 10.10 lakh (foreign contribution) to other associations against the claim of transfer of Rs 8.78 lakh, which amounts to a false declaration under FCRA,” the FIR stated[11]. Based on a complaint from Director (MU&I) AK Sinha, MHA, FCRA Wing, New Delhi, the case was registered against the trustees of CPSC, executive director of People’s Watch, and unidentified persons for committing offences under Sections 120 B r/w 420 of the IPC and 33, 35, 39 r/w Sections 7, 8 and 13 of the FCRA Act, 2010. While addressing reporters on Sunday, People’s Watch executive director Henri Tiphagne said both CPSC and People’s Watch have always maintained transparency. “It is surprising to see the CBI registering a case 10 years after the alleged violation happened. We would cooperate with the CBI during the investigation, and no one can silence us,” he added.
CPSC supporting the fringe elements under the guise of human rights: His speech has been very careful, calculative and reasonable, but, the Ad-like materials, appearing in the Social media contain very attacking language, with the speakers mostly from the Dravidian, Communists and other extreme rabble-rousing groups. It is well-known that India with more than 130 crores have been handling different types of people. It is also wellknown that the Kashmir, North-Eastern separatist and Tamil separatist movements and groups have been carrying out activities with violence, killings of people and terrorism. Because of their such terrorist activities, former PMs like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi have been assassinated by such separatist groups. Unfortunately, here only, most of the media has been very critical about the State and Central Government policies, activities and other happenings. Such a critical attitude has been exceeding limits going to the extent of “anti-nationalism.” Generally, it is found that some fringe groups with 10-20-30 people demonstrate, stage dharna and do ruckus, but the media gives a wide coverage and publicity. A pattern can be noted that which political party supports, which leading national daily publishes and how such news is spread create divisions, dissipative tendencies and separative forces.
[1] Hindustan Times, CBI files case against Tamil Nadu rights group for FCRA rules violation, By Divya Chandrababu, Chennai Published on Jan 10, 2022 12:32 AM IST.
[5] I have also listened to his video-explanations given available in his Facebook wall. All can go to his reply to CBI and further proceedings. As a well-learned advocate, he also knows the position.
[6] Indian Express, People’s Watch and its parent NGO booked for alleged violation of foreign funding law, Published: 10th January 2022 04:51 AM | Last Updated: 10th January 2022 04:51 AM.
[8] The Hindu, CBI books Madurai-based NGO for FCRA violations, S. Vijay Kumar, CHENNAI, JANUARY 08, 2022 16:41 IST; UPDATED: JANUARY 08, 2022 17:05 IST
Johnrose Austin Jayalal – IMA President, Doctor, member of IMA, Christian or citizen of India – how he reacted to get into a case and exposed!
Initially, it started as Baba Ramdev vs IMA (Indian Medical Association): Baba Ramdev reportedly commented that the allopathic medicine was not so curative to the Corona conditions and he would rather prescribe Ayurvedic medicine. So the doctors under the banner IMA started attacking him with condemnations, demonstrations, legal notice demanding Rs 1000 croes and even filed many cases from many places in India. At one stage, even the PM asked him to apologize and he did. Yet, the IMA has not been relentless and continued to attack him. Hitherto, none knew of the person of the name and style, “Johnrose Austin Jayalal,” a doctor, president and harbinger of the protests initiated against Baba Ramdev. So, Baba has decided to face the legal battle and requested that all petitions may be tagged to together, so that he could face at the Supreme Court. Under such circumstances only, the background of Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal started revealing. Yes, he was also acting as a Christian, of course, that is not an issue, but as an evangelist responding to specific querries about saving souls, harvesting during the pandemic conditions etc., as the God has shown the wonderful way for their evangelization activities to carry on.
March 2021 – Johnrose Austin Jaylal reacted as a Christian than a doctor or the President of IMA[1]: The Christian doctor has observed churches supporting members suffering from poverty, church hospitals serving the community at large, and fellow Christian physicians volunteering to serve in some of the places hardest hit by the coronavirus[2]. “I am able to see, even amid persecution, even amid difficulties, even amid the control by the government, even among the restrictions we face in openly proclaiming the message of love, by various means and ways, God Almighty is present,” he told CT (Christianity Today). Jayalal recently spoke with Christianity Today about the pandemic’s silver linings for Indian Christians and what Western Christians can learn; tensions with the government over modern and alternative medicine; and how his faith has affected his leadership of one of his nation’s largest professional councils of health care workers. “…. This was during lockdown, so the churches were closed for six or seven months. Church leadership identified the families that needed support and offered financial and material support and counselling to the church members who were below the poverty line…..”
Why the IMA has been defending Prof Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal?: Immediately, on 30-03-2021, the IMA came out with a letter, of coursing adding the copy of the letter of Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal, defending him, “It is unfortunate that some news is being circulated with notorious comments against our respected National President Prof Dr J A Jayalal. I am sharing his response which is self-explanatory and appropriate. Please also note that such false propaganda and wrong interpretations are viewed seriously at IMA HQ and necessary action shall be initiated in due course of time.” Again, three months later, the letter dated 01-06-2021 has been intriguing, as without mentioning anybody’s name, “People creating confusion during an epidemic regarding National Treatment Protocols and National Vaccination Programme are traitors and anti-national. They are anti people and anti humanity. They deserve no mercy.” However, they imitated their tirade only against Baba Ramdev!
March 2021 – Johnrose Austin Jaylal explained his strategy of conducting more services etc: The Christian doctor continued, “…..For instance, instead of one service, now we are having two services…….The congregational churches and independent churches were doing two things: social media and mass media support. Two main groups, Jesus Calls and Jesus Redeems, were systematically conducting services at particular times. In fact, people were able to spend a lot of time on religious activities………….We have seen how much time people will spend in front of the televisions and in front of the computers. But during the pandemic, families have come together, listening to the Word and participating in the prayers. That is a very good thing to happen……..I feel personally it was not a time of real difficulty for the Christians at that moment. We were able to worship and carry on our special assignments and duties. The only thing we were not able to do was meet as a congregation.” A Delhi mega-church pastor predicted in CT last year that the pandemic lockdowns would spur revival because Indian churches were turning unity efforts that started from persecution into service to community that extended beyond their church buildings on Sundays.
Rohit Jha filed a case against him in the Delhi Court – 03-06-2021 passed remarks against Johnrose Austin: When Johnrose Austin Jayalal showed his true colours, Rohit Jha filed a case in the Delhi High Court about his involvement in evangelization and thus strip of his membership to IMA[3]. As he expressed his conversion ideas in the interview, naturally, doubts arose as to how he could serve the patients as Christians and non-Christians[4]. Recently, on 04-06-2021, a trial court had pulled him up and cautioned him to “not use” the organisation as a platform to propagate any religion[5]. Additional District Judge Ajay Goel further asked Dayal to concentrate on the welfare of the medical fraternity[6]. “He shall not use the platform of IMA for propagating any religion and rather shall concentrate for the welfare of medical fraternity and progress in the medical field,” the judge said[7]. According to Jayalal’s appeal, the appellant gave the interview to Christianity Today, which was thereafter published on the website Christianity[8]. Citing the interviews given by the IMA chief, Jha sought the court’s direction to restrain Jayalal from writing, speaking in media, or publishing any content which is defamatory to Hindu religion or Ayurveda[9]. The trial court was hearing a suit filed by Rohit Jha, through advocate Sanjeev Uniyal, against Jayalal for allegedly starting a defamatory campaign against the Hindu religion by promoting Christianity in the grab of proving the superiority of Allopathic medicines over Ayurveda for treating COVID-19.
On 12-06-2021, Monday refused to stay an order of the trial court: The Delhi high court on 12-06-2021, Monday refused to stay an order of the trial court which had asked Indian Medical Association (IMA) president Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal to refrain from using the organisation’s platform “for propagating any religion”[10]. Justice Asha Menon said that she will not pass any ex-parte order as nobody appeared on behalf of the person on whose complaint the trial court had passed the order on June 4, 2021[11]. It said the high court will have to look into the order passed by the trial court and cannot take a superficial view. Challenging the trial court’s order, advocate Tanmaya Mehta, representing Jayalal, claimed that the IMA chief never gave such an assurance to the trial court since he has not done anything wrong. He contended that there was no television debate between Jayalal and yoga guru Ramdev and that he was not propagating any religion, including Christianity. He further said that the suit before the trial court was based on fake news.
20-06-2021 – Court asked to file affidavit: A Delhi Court has asked Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) president, secretary, and others to file a response to a civil suit which sought direction to them to tender a public apology for allegedly making derogatory remarks against ayurvedic medicines and treatment[12]. Civil Judge Deeksha Rao issued notice to IMA, its president Johnrose Austin Jayalal, secretary Jayesh M Lele, National Medical Commission (NMC) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), asking them to file a reply on a suit filed by one Rajender Singh Rajput. The Court has listed the matter for further hearing on July 9, 2021[13]. Now, the vociferous IMA and the Hon’ secretaries and others have not joined the issue, to implead themselves and defending their president, as IMA too, was issued with the Court Notice.
27-07-2021, the appeal filed by Johnrose Austin Jayalal dismissed: The Delhi High Court on 27-07-2021, Tuesday dismissed the appeal filed by Indian Medical Association (IMA) president Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal[14] challenging a trial court order that criticised his remarks on Ayurveda in an interview as allegedly “propagating Christianity”. Justice Asha Menon dismissed his appeal[15]. In his appeal, the IMA chief stated that “trial court without giving any heed to the maintainability of the suit passed an order and held that the appellant, Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal is misusing his position of National President of Indian Medical Association for propagating Christianity over other religion“. After noting down the submission made by Advocate Tanmay Mehta, Justice Asha Menon of the Delhi High Court issued a notice in the appeal and sought the response of the complainant, Rohit Jha. Even his (Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal) casual statement would have a big impact on society, the Delhi High Court told the IMA chief. Recently, a trial court had pulled him up and cautioned him to “not use” the organisation as a platform to propagate any religion. Additional District Judge Ajay Goel further asked Dayal to concentrate on the welfare of the medical fraternity. “He shall not use the platform of IMA for propagating any religion and rather shall concentrate for the welfare of medical fraternity and progress in the medical field,” the judge said.
Would IMA go on appeal in the Supreme Court in this case?: It is not known as to how the IMA deposed before the Delhi High Court or just allowed their president Prof Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal to handle through his advocate. Anyway, now, as the Delhi High Court dismissed his petition, he should go on appeal or file revision petition in the Court. Even the IMA can come out with their statements defending their faithful president. In any case, it is intriguing to note how such highly learned professors, doctors and medical experts of various fields have decided to defend Prof Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal, in spite of his controversial speeches and other activities. Even going by the secular yard stick, at lest some of them must or could have pointed out their biased, subjective and predisposed position and condition to do so, by defending the controversial doctor.
[3] Nation World News Desk, IMA doctor demands resignation of JA Jayalal on Christian conversion, praises Ayurveda, U.S, 03/06/2021; Updated: 03/06/2021.
[7] Brand.Bench, IMA Chief Johnrose Austin Jayalal moves Delhi High Court against trial court order deprecating interview to Christianity Today, Aditi, Published on : 14 Jun, 2021 , 3:30 pm.
[8] The President of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Johnrose Austin Jayalal has moved the Delhi High Court against a trial court order deprecating his interview to Christianity Today as being against secularism (Johnrose Austin Jayalal vs Rohit Jha).
[9] (Ajay Goel) Vacation Judge/ADJ-04/Dwarka Courts/SW New Delhi/03.06.2021….. Ld. Principal District & Session Judge, South West District, Dwarka on 09.06.2021
[10] Hindustan Times, HC refuses to stay order restraining IMA chief from using his post to ‘propagate any religion’, By HT Correspondent, PUBLISHED ON JUN 14, 2021 11:41 PM IST.
[14] ANI, Delhi HC dismisses IMA President’s plea against trial court order criticising his Ayurveda remarks as ‘propagating Christianity’, By Amiya Kumar Kushwaha, Updated: Jul 27, 2021 12:14 IST.
Urban Naxals plotting unrest, supporting elite intellectuals and unconnected emeritus experts petitioning for their release! [1]
Bhima-Koregoan violence and the consequent arrests [December 2017 to June 2018]: The June 2018 incidences, arrests with the Bhima-Koregoan violence have been discussed earlier in June 2018 in the blogs- in two parts, pointing out the role of Congress in it[1]. Everyone knows that the Bhima-Koregoan incidences resulted in violence, spreading to Mumbai incurring loss of life and properties[2]. The anti-Modi lobbyists attended the functions and spoke without mincing words[3]. Incidentally, last July 2017, in the International Ambedkar Conference held in Bangalore, some of them had attended. When they discussed, they delved upon the issue of ousting BJP out of power[4]. Of course, one of them tried to oppose Congress also, for name sake. Consequent to the filing of FIR , police searchers, recovery of incriminating documents, “urban naxals” arrested were – Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawle, Surendra Gadling, Soma Sen and Mahesh Raut. As they have been elite, sophisticated and experts in their ideology, propaganda and perverted intelligence, they have been trying to divide people under the guise of right to think, express, speak, write and so on. In the name of “human rights,” they comfortably forget the rights of the affected.
Plot to kill Modi? [Letter dated 18-04-2017 recovered from Rona Wilson laptop]: The nation wide raids conducted at the homes of prominent activists who allegedly have naxalite links is probably one of the biggest exercises. The raids were conducted at Delhi, Hyderabad, Ranchi, Goa and Mumbai were conducted after the police went through 25,000 GB of data seized from five arrested persons[5]. The police while going through the data stumbled upon the names of several persons, whose homes were raided on 28-06-2018. It was found that these persons living in the cities were either directly or closely associated with the naxalites. Very strong links have emerged, said an official part of the exercise to OneIndia. The data that was analysed in connection with the Elgaar Parishad case revealed that these persons were closely associated with the banned CPI (Maoist)[6]. They were allegedly involved in conspiring and taking part in movements with an intention of creating violence, officials also said. It may be recalled that it was during the same investigation that the police had also found that some persons were conspiring to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The police also raided the residences of left wing activists, Varavara Rao in Hyderabad, Vernon Gonsalves who was arrested under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2007, activist Arun Ferreira in Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj and human rights activist Gautam Navalakha in Delhi. The house of Stan Swamy in Ranchi, Anand Teltumbede in Goa was also searched. Anand Teltumbede attended the Congress conference held at Bangalore in July 2017.
Earlier arrested – Sudhur Dhawle, Rona Wilson, Surendra Gadling etc in June 2018: On June 6, 2018, the police had arrested Sudhir Dhawale, leader of Mumbai-based Republican Panthers Jati Antachi Chalwal, Delhi-based activist Rona Wilson of Committee of Release of Political Prisoners, Nagpur lawyer Surendra Gadling of Indian Association of People’s Lawyers, Nagpur University professor Shoma Sen, and Mahesh Raut. The name of Rao had come up when the Pune police arrested, Surendra Gadling from Nagpur in June in connection with the Elgaar Parishad case. A letter was recovered from Gadling, in which Rao had complimented him for the success of the attack launched by naxalites in Gadchiroli. There were also letters discussing the assassination of Modi which were recovered from Rona Wilson, also an accused in the case. In addition to this the police also raided Fereira’s house in Thane. The police say that he is an alleged sympathiser of naxalites and had been arrested in the past as well. He was however discharged in all the cases.
The Police appraised the position: The moment Uraban naxals were arrested, as expected, their supporters from all intelligent groups stated opposing. Their propaganda has been so offensive, the Pune Deputy Commissioner of Police Shirish Sardeshpande had to arrange a press meet and clarify the position. During the press meet held in the city’s Shanivarwada area, said that the preparations including mobilization of funds and inciting the masses, were on since long before the Elgar Parishad was involved[7]. Elaborating, he pointed out that the alleged plot came to light after the police analysed the electronic devices, documents and other “highly incriminating evidence” seized from the five arrested persons, showing their links with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist)[8]. This is the first official reaction from the Pune police justifying Tuesday’s arrests of –
Sudha Bharadwaj, lawyer-activist,
Gautam Navlakha, civil liberties activists,
Vernon Gonsalves,
Arun Ferreira and
Varavara Rao
from different parts of India, triggering a massive outcry. However, it is ridiculous to think that the police could arrest the “experts” just like that.
Should police reveal all evidences to the media?: The Police commissioner told, “We have scanned computer hard disks, pen drives, memory cards, resolutions of meetings, documents, emails and other elaborate communications between the members of the banned CPI (Maoist) and the five arrested accused,” he said. The CPI (Maoist) had formed the “All India United Front (AIUF)” as per a resolution passed by its Eastern Regional Bureau (ERB) — an underground unit — and had hatched the conspiracy to topple the legally elected government. They analyzed 25,000 GB data to get the details. Efforts were underway to launch a similar front (AIUF) through the Elgar Parishad and included plans to collect funds, assign responsibilities, and acquire arms for the larger conspiracy. Howeve, he cannot reveal all the relied upon documents to the media, as the media people have been aiding and abetting the terrorists by sharing all information. In fact, had the arrested been really, involved, they could easily destroy such evidences incriminating. In fact, already, they started asserting that the “relied upon documents” are fake.
Naxals involved in killing innocent people: Besides, the evidence also reveals plans of the “urban Naxals” to influence and radicalize the youth and students, arms training and other details, he said. He revealed that the Maoists have been involved in many unlawful activities leading to the killings of a large number of security forces and civilians, besides links with other like-minded organisations, which were not named. In Tuesday’s [28-08-2018] operation, he said, a total of nine places were raided and the said five activists were arrested. The intellectuals should respond to their methodology of exploiting violence, killing and sabotaging to solve their problems.
Five eminent experts, but unconnected filed petition to release the arrested: Among those who have moved court include Romila Thapar, Prabhat Patnaik, Satish Deshpande, Maya Darnall[9]. How these came together has been surprising and intriguing. In the petition, which was mentioned by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the historian and other right activists have sought release of all activists who have been arrested during raids in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon case[10]. They have also sought an independent probe into the arrests[11]. The petitioners have also urged the apex court to seek explanation from Maharashtra for ‘sweeping round of arrest’ in the case. The raids were carried out as part of a probe into the violence between Dalits and the upper caste Peshwas at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune after an event called Elgar Parishad, or conclave, on December 31 last year, 2017[12]. However, these were keeping quite for the 31-12-2017 violence and June 2018 arrest of their collegues. Now, it is not known what compelled them to come together and file a petition in Supeme Court.
[5] OneIndia, After analysing 25,000 GB data and raiding urban naxals, police unearth ‘Break India conspiracy’, Written By: Vicky Nanjappa, Updated: Wednesday, August 29, 2018, 9:57 [IST]
[11] Deccan Chronicle, Romila Thapar, 4 others moves SC against arrest of rights activists, PTI, Published Aug 29, 2018, 11:36 am IST; Updated Aug 29, 2018, 11:36 am IST
Congress playing divisive and dangerous politics by exploiting anti-national forces including Maoists! (1)
Why the five “Urban elite Maoists” have been arrested?: Government 2011 itself named Committee for Release of Political Prisoners (CRPP) led by Delhi University teacher S A R Geelani, who was acquitted in the Parliament attack case, as a CPI (Maoist) front organisation[1]. Rona Wilson has been associated with CRPP[2].Cops have claimed that all five are members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and were involved in funding the Elgaar Parishad with money from Maoist organisations[3]. Police also said that they were involved in Maoist activities for the past few years and were especially part of spreading Maoist ideology in the urban area[4]. Considering this, cops have also booked them under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Elaborating on the arrests, joint CP Ravindra Kadam said[5], “We had five teams out — three to Delhi and one each to Mumbai and Nagpur. During the raids that we conducted in April, we found substantial proof to establish Maoist links to the Elgaar Parishad. We found emails and documents through which we traced the money trail. The five people have been arrested based on this proof and will be produced in court on Thursday [07-06-2018].” Cops also claimed that forensic analysis of electronic evidence seized from Wilson in April showed an “incriminating letter”, dated January 2 this year — the day after the violence —from a member of the CPI (Maoist)’s central committee, identified only as ‘Comrade M’. The letter, addressed to ‘Comrade Rona’, lauded the success of Elgaar Parishad. “The letter also called for Dalit agitations to be organised in other BJP-ruled states to dent the party’s prospects in the 2019 general election,” said a source[6].
The details of the five arrested are as follows: Whether these are actually Maoists, Maoist supporters, sympathizers or otherwise, their ideology, principles and expressions have been intriguing. Knowledge should be used for the welfare of the people and not for making groups to clash with each other rousing passion.
Rona Wilson:A native of Kerala, Wilson is currently based in Delhi and is the public relations secretary of the Committee for Release of Political Prisoners (CRPP). He has been active in campaigning against laws like UAPA and Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA). He is supposed to be a close aide of Delhi University professor G N Saibaba, who was arrested in May 2014 and convicted and sentenced him to life imprisonment by a Gadchiroli court in March last year. Police sources said after Saibaba’s conviction, Wilson allegedly took over his task of “co-ordination” between left wing extremist outfits in urban and jungle areas of country and also the international network.
Sudhir Dhawale:A Dalit activist and editor of Marathi magazine ‘Vidrohi’, Dhawale founded the Republican Panthers Jatiantachi Chawal to provide a common political platform for Dalits. He also launched a movement called Radical Ambedkar. He was previously arrested in January 2011 on charges of sedition for his alleged Maoist links. However, he was acquitted of all charges by a Gondia court in May 2014. Dhawale was active in organising the Elgaar Parishad in Pune.
Surendra Gadling:Based in Nagpur, Gadling, a lawyer, is general secretary of Indian Association of People’s Lawyers. Known to be a tribal and Dalit rights activist, he has been providing legal aid to those arrested for Maoist links, including Saibaba and Dhawale. He had provided legal help to Kabir Kala Manch artists who had been questioned by Nagpur police in September 2013 on allegations of carrying banned literature.
Shoma Sena:Nagpur-based activist Shoma Sen is a professor for English subject at the Nagpur University. She has been under the police scanner of investigating agencies for her alleged links with the left wing extremists. She was present for the Elgaar Parishad in Pune. Her husband Tusharkanti Bhattacharya was arrested last in August year by the Gujrat police in connection with a 2010 case related to Maoist activities but was later released on bail.
Mahesh Raut:Mahesh is a former Prime Minister Rural Development (PMRD) Fellow. He is alleged to be the link between jungle operatives and urban outfits of the Maoists. He has been active in the Maoist affected Gadchiroli district for last few years. In April 2013, when Raut was a PMRD fellow, he was detained by the Gadhchiroli police with his aide Harshali Potdar, after two Maoists arrested from Koinvarshi village revealed that the duo was supposed to accompany them to meet senior Maoist leaders in jungles. But Raut and Potdar were not arrested by the police and were released after questioning. Raut had recently shifted to Nagpur.
As they have been elite, sophisticated and experts in their ideology, propaganda and perverted intelligence, they have been trying to divide people under the guise of right to think, express, speak, write and so on. In the name of “human rights,” they comfortably forget the rights of the affected.
Crackdown on the Maoists who are linked together: Police conduct a raid at the residence of Advocate Surendra Gadling in Nagpur on Tuesday, 05-06-2018. They also disclose that a letter retrieved from Rona Wilson’s computer was allegedly written to the activist by top Maoist leader Milind Teltumbde. Naxalite funds were used to sponsor the ‘Elgaar Parishad’ held in Pune’s Shaniwarwada Fort on December 31 last, the Pune police said on Thursday, 07-06-2018[7]. Joint Commissioner of Pune City Police Ravindra Kadam told reporters that the authorities had “concrete proof” that the five activist-intellectuals arrested in Mumbai, Delhi and Nagpur on Wednesday morning had links to the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist). Those arrested include noted Dalit activist-publisher Sudhir Dhawale from Mumbai, prominent human rights lawyer Surendra Gadling, tribal activist Mahesh Raut and Nagpur University English professor Shoma Sen from Nagpur, and activist Rona Wilson from New Delhi. A letter retrieved from Wilson’s computer was allegedly written to the activist by top Maoist leader Milind Teltumbde, police said.
The electronic devices seized from Gadling and Wilson were being forensically examined: In it, Teltumbde is believed to have expressed satisfaction at the successful conduct of the ‘Elgaar Parishad.’ The police said the names of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) president Prakash Ambedkar and some Congress leaders too have allegedly cropped up in the letter[8]. “Our probe has disclosed that all those arrested had definite links with top Naxal leaders. Of the few documents we have scrutinised, there are indications that they had indirect linkages with Naxal incidents that took place in Gadchiroli, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand. However, further investigation will reveal whether or not they had any direct connection with the Bhima-Koregaon riots, which erupted a day after the Parishad,” said Kadam. The electronic devices – Pen drives, hard disks, CDs and other allegedly ‘incriminating’ electronic evidence – seized from Gadling and Wilson were being forensically examined[9]. At the same time, Kadam emphasised that there were several outfits that took part in the Parishad, and that not all of them had Maoist linkages. Activist sent in police custody: Kadam said that of those arrested, Dhawale had been produced before a local court, which sent him in police custody for eight days. Gadling, Raut and Sen are to be produced at the Pune Sessions Court[10].
Educated elites with shocking Maoits links: Raut, an alumnus of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and a former Prime Minister Rural Development Fellow under the United Progressive Alliance government, has worked extensively amongst tribals in strife-torn Gadchiroli district. He was detained by the Gadchiroli police in 2013 on suspicion of being a Naxal sympathiser. Sen’s husband, Tusharkant Bhattacharya, was arrested by the Gujarat anti-terrorism squad (ATS) from the Geetanjali Express in August 2017 on charges of sedition and being an alleged Naxal ideologue. The activists have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). “The sole reason behind the arrests is to crush the Ambedkarite movement and divert attention from the real culprits behind the Bhima-Koregaon riots, Sambhaji Bhide ‘Guruji’ and Milind Ekbote. It has become the State’s modus operandi to stamp those working for the oppressed as ‘Naxalites’,” said Kabir Kala Manch (KKM) activist Harshali Potdar, reacting to the arrests. Dhawale, editor of fortnightly magazine Vidrohi, was taken into custody for his role as a prime organiser of the ‘Elgaar Parishad.’ He is also one of the founders of the Republican Panther Jaatiya Antachi Chalwal (movement for annihilation of caste). In 2011, Dhawale was booked under the UAPA and spent more than 40 months in jail in Nagpur. He was acquitted by the Gondia Sessions Court in 2014 after the police failed to produce ‘significant evidence’ against him.
[7] The Hindu, Pune police say arrested activists were in touch with top Naxalites, Shoumojit Banerjee PUNE, JUNE 07, 2018 15:28 IST; UPDATED: JUNE 07, 2018 16:12 IST.
[9] The Hindu, Bhima-Koregaon clashes: Pune police arrest five activists in Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Shoumojit Banerjee, JUNE 06, 2018 13:04 IST; UPDATED: JUNE 06, 2018 19:06 IST
The “Social Media Conclave” of Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum held on Nomber 18th, 2017 in Chennai (2)!
The second session: The second panel saw Thirunavakarasu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence speaking on how the police use social media to help keep people safe. He also mentioned how the fig leaf of anonymity is not as true as people believe, and that the police can track abusers and anti-social elements in social media within no time at all. Other speakers spoke about how ministers such as Mrs. Sushma Swaraj use social media for responding to crises and suggested that ministers and bureaucrats in Tamil Nadu could adopt such best practices. Panelists on Citizen Participation in Governance and Role of Social Media were :
Sumanth Raman – television anchor and commentator.
Thirunavakarasu – Deputy Commissioner, Intelligence, Chennai City Police.
Kiruba Shankar – Blogger and Social media professional.
Sailesh Davey and Srikanth of Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikalam.
Anand C. P. – Founder of Satya Vijayi
Second session audience-LHS
Second session, audience- RHS
The third and last session: The last panel on enhancing the quality of public discourse in social media in Tamil Nadu articulated the futility of trying to control social media, as the users come from very diverse backgrounds. Some well-thought-through advice also came through in this session. The first was to ignore provocative trolling, as any such response only begets further trolling. One should seek timely police intervention when the line of privacy is crossed and social media abuse spills over to real life. The panelists urged users not to trust everything they see on social media and to use social media constructively as a fact-checking medium. Panelists on Enhancing Quality of Public Discourse in Social Media were :
Dhanya Rajendran – Editor-in-chief, The News Minute;
Anand Ranganathan – Author, Consulting editor, and Columnist, News Laundry;
Chinmayi Sripaada – Singer
Banu Gomes – Political Analyst and Social Activist
Makandeya Kaju discussed some of the issues[1]: He has been participating in the social media and media debates and presenting his views on many issues. Just for convenience, his views are taken here in the context[2]:
Twisting facts: One of the defects is that the media often twist facts. I would like to give an example. One day, a leading English newspaper published on its front page a photograph of Justice Gyan Sudha Misra of the Supreme Court with the caption: “Supreme Court Judge says that her daughters are liabilities.” This was a distorted and fallacious item of news, published on the front page. Supreme Court Judges have to disclose their assets and liabilities. Against the liabilities column, Justice Misra had written: “two daughters to be married.” Strictly speaking, it was not necessary to mention this because liabilities mean legal liabilities, for example, housing loan, car loan, and so on. Justice Misra’s intention was obviously to say that she would have to spend on her daughters’ future marriage. She has three daughters (no son), only one of whom has been married. Justice Misra never said, nor intended to say, that her daughters were liabilities. The news was false and defamatory, with the obvious intention of creating a sensation.
Paid news: A second defect concerns the issue of paid news that has become prominent of late. In the 2009 elections, it was a scandal. How this vicious practice could be stopped needs to be discussed. Incidentally, in compliance with an order of the Chief Information Commissioner dated September 19, 2011, we have placed the 71-page report of the Committee consisting of Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Sreenivas Reddy on our website, http://www.presscouncil.nic.in with the disclaimer that the Press Council had rejected this report at its meeting held on April 26, 2010.
Non-issues as real issues: A third defect is that the media often portray non-issues as real issues, while the real issues are sidelined. The real issues in India are economic, that is, the terrible economic conditions in which 80 per cent of our people are living, the poverty, unemployment, lack of housing and medical care and so on. Instead of addressing these real issues, the media often try to divert the attention of people to non-issues.
Such as that the wife of a film actor has become pregnant, whether she will give birth to a single child or to twins, and so on. Are these the real issues facing the nation?
At a Lakme India Fashion Week event, there were 512 accredited journalists covering the event in which models were displaying cotton garments, while the men and women who grew that cotton were killing themselves at a distance of an hour’s flight from Nagpur, in the Vidharbha region. Nobody told that story, except one or two journalists, locally.
No doubt, sometimes the media mention farmers’ suicides, the rise in the price of essential commodities, and so on, but such coverage is at most 5 per cent to 10 per cent of the total. The bulk of the coverage goes to showing the life of film stars, pop music, fashion parades, cricket and astrology.
Tendency to brand: Here is a fourth defect. Bomb blasts have taken place near the Delhi High Court, in Mumbai, Bangalore and so on. Within a few hours of such a bomb blast, many TV channels started showing news items that said that the Indian Mujahideen or the Jaish-e-Mohammed or the Harkatul-Jihad-e-Islam had sent e-mails or text messages claiming responsibility. The names of such alleged organisations will always be Muslim ones. Now, an e-mail can be sent by any mischievous person, but by showing this on TV channels and the next day in the newspapers, the tendency is to brand all Muslims as terrorists and bomb-throwers.
How “social media” is manipulated by politicians, business men and ideologists: The following attitude is also not discussed for solution.
Ironically, that the fake news are manufactured by the media houses is accepted by the panelists and responsible activists.
As usual, they only explained nicely the sins, but, have not provided any solutions to remove it.
50 to 100 and more persons are paid to sit and manipulate “social media” with fake IDs etc., working under the banner of “IT cell”!
No opposite views are encouraged, accepted and hen such views are suppressed or attacked strategically or hacked as last resort.
“I say, you accept” authoritarian attitude is noted. Those who opposed are blocked, hacked and silenced.
The nexus of the politicians, businessmen, cine-field and ideologists is well established and thus, they control the social media.
Even the schools, colleges and universities are manipulated for their business and profits.
Ideologists turned agents demand ransom for their support and hence they go on attack others with one or the other issue.
The media does not discuss important issues of common men, but, always mislead with manufactured data and information.
After cinema, cricket, now, the “social media” has come and people are compelled to join, waste time and get spoiled.
What is the use of these conclaves for common men?: Ironically, the crimes committed because of the influence of social media, the girls and women raped through “facebook” courtship and related issues are not discussed. Again, to assess the conclave and the result, question arises, what it has achieved or going to achieve. The educated elite of these categories with safe job, position and status, they would be surviving, whether Modi is in power or not, but, there have been real workers and opportunistic “new comers”, they would be disturbed, if change occurs. While the former suffer heavily, the later would disappear finding way for their business. For ordinary people, all these verbose, ideologies, data and information and nothing is useful. They do not use social media and it cannot reduce prices, but, encourage intellectual stupidity and arrogance thriving on likes and following. The prices of essential commodities are not going to get reduced, when they go on discuss GDP and all. The number of phone users may increase with the profits of the companies. As long as phone is linked with Adhar, ration card and other things, it looks nice, but, if they do not get rice, sugar, oil and other things, they have to die. At that time all these experts cannot do anything.
Ezra Sargunam, Church planting, land grabbing, politics and communalization under the guise of secularization!
The controversial Christian priest Ezra Shargunam and his land grabbing activities: In September 2017, when there was rumour about M. Karunanidhi, Ezra Sargunam gave interview to the media and certified that[1], “I met Karunanidhi, he is doing well….He looked at me……” It was surprise for many, as why a Christian priest should have done it, particularly, when Karunanidhi has been an atheist. Of course, Ezra’s role in political circles is considered as “broking”. While Vaiko is criticized recently [this month, November 2017] for his “Christian” leanings and “crypto-Christian” activities, ironically, he himself dubbed Ezra Sargunam as “false-prophet” citing Bible[2]. He warned that people like him are tigers roaming with sheep’s skin. Thus, the role of Ezra has been intriguing on many accounts. Earlier in his book, he has openly recorded that there is nothing wrong in land grabbing[3]. That is whatever is done in the name of Jesus, it is allowed. Again, there have been court cases, involving him with land grabbing. In this context, what had happened 17 years ago in Gujarat, becomes important in the context. Interestingly, the same Ezra Sargunam played a crucial role there. He was reportedly involved in a land grabbing case, where he tried to interfere and created “law and order problem.” As he had gone there as “the chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minority Commission,” the state authoties pointed out that he was out of jurisdiction and hence they could take action to arrest him for violations. Thus, he prepared to move bail to save his honour. The Gujarat Government also complained to the Government of Tamilnadu.
Karunanidhi asked Ezra Sargunam to return, as he exceeded limits: The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, has asked the president of the Evangelical Society of India and chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minority Commission, Bishop Ezra Sargunam, to leave Gujarat and return home immediately, according to the Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Mr. Haren Pandya, here today [06-12-2000][4]. Mr. Pandya showed reporters a copy of the fax message sent by Mr. Karunanidhi to his Gujarat counterpart, Mr. Keshubhai Patel, urging the Bishop in Vyara hospital in Surat district, to return home[5]. The message also assured the Bishop that the issue of alleged attack on a church in Chhindia village of Vyara taluka, against which he launched an indefinite fast, could be taken up with an “appropriate authority” later. The Bishop was forcibly admitted to the Vyara Civil Hospital yesterday [05-12-2000] after his condition deteriorated.
Ezra was trying to instigate local Christians: The message, Mr. Pandya said, was in response to a request sent by the State Government pointing out that the Bishop was “trying to instigate” Christians in Chhindia village and creating a “law and order problem”. The Tamil Nadu Government was also informed that the chairman of its Minority Commission had “no jurisdiction” over Gujarat and had adopted a stance of non- cooperation with the authorities. Virtually blaming the Christians for the dispute over the church in the village, Mr. Pandya said the Government would take “stern action” against anyone found “instigating” people. It was a “deliberate scheme” of the Christians to “defame the BJP government in the State”, he claimed.
Christian plot to grab the land of a tribal: Denying knowledge of the involvement of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the incident of November 26 as alleged by the All-India Christian Council, the Minister said the land on which the “so- called church” was functioning actually belonged to Mr. Puniyabhai Ukadiabhai Kotwalia, a local tribal. Mr. Puniyabhai, who became a Christian some time ago, recently re-converted to Hinduism. On November 29, the Christian Council lodged a complaint with the Vyara police stating that a group of VHP activists “attacked the church” in Chhindia village on November 26 and “desecrated it”. Mr. Puniayabhai, meanwhile, accused Christian leaders of “forcibly entering” the “premises owned by him” and taking away the picture of a Hindu deity.
Conversion trick to create communal tension: While the Council spokesman, Mr. Samson Christian, said the piece of land was jointly owned by seven persons who together handed it over to the local Christian community for building a church in 1996, Mr. Pandya claimed that according to government records, Mr. Puniyabhai was sole owner of the land and inherited it from his father. The “church” was actually a room in his residence which he had “allowed local Christians to use as a prayer hall,” Mr. Pandya said. Mr. Christian had accused the local police of working hand-in- glove with the VHP in attacking the church in the presence of senior government officials including the District Collector and the District Superintendent of Police. Mr. Pandya said the Revenue Department gave Mr. Puniyabhai ownership of the land in June, 1992, as he was cultivating it since 1975. Under the Tenancy Act, he had no authority to sell or re-allocate it to anyone else without the prior permission of the Government and there was no question of his giving the land for construction of a church. But after Mr. Puniyabhai became a Christian in 1995, one of the rooms was used by local Christians as a prayer hall. He re-converted to Hinduism six months ago and since then has refused permission for the room to be used as a church.
Land grabbing Ezra’s style carried on in Gujarat: Contrary to Mr. Samson Christian’s claims, Mr. Pandya said a group of Christians forcibly entered the room on November 26 and removed the picture of a Hindu deity. On a complaint filed by Mr. Puniyabhai, the Vyara civil court issued a stay on December 1 against the use of the land by either sides and fixed the hearing on December 12. The issue could have been resolved earlier but for the adjournment sought twice on November 30 and December 4 by the local Christians on its hearing, Mr. Pandya claimed. He alleged that Bishop Sargunam went on an indefinite fast only after the civil court granted the stay. The Christian Council also filed a petition in the Gujarat High Court against the stay granted by the Vyara civil court. Mr. Pandya also refuted the Council’s claim that 200 Christians had migrated from the village after November 26. The Vyara social justice committee chairman along with some other officials visited the village and found that all the people were staying in their respective houses, he said. No migration had taken place as claimed by Mr. Christian, he stated and pointed out that in the village with a population of 1,500, over 75 per cent were Hindus and the rest Christians.
Local Court granted bail for Ezra, thus escaped from arrest[6]: The Vyara civil court today [14-12-2000] granted anticipatory bail to Bishop Ezra Sargunam, the national president of the Evangelical Church of India, but refused him permission to enter any place within its jurisdiction, which include Chhindia village in south Gujarat, where a church of his denomination was allegedly attacked on November 26, 2000. The Bishop, who is also the chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minority Commission, had filed the anticipatory bail following a criminal complaint filed against him and a few others by the “owner” of the piece of land on which the church stood, Mr. Punyabhai Kotwalia, for allegedly “trespassing” on his property[7]. The Bishop had launched an indefinite fast in front of the church on November 29 demanding restoration of the church, which the Christians claimed was desecrated during the attack and converted into a temple. The Vyara civil court, while granting a stay on December 1 on Mr Punyabhai’s petition that the land was his “personal property,” had also directed the Bishop to stay away from Vyara taluka. The Bishop, who is still here meeting with other Christian leaders, had made it clear that he would take a decision on the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi’s message to return to Chennai only “in consultation with the leaders of the secular forces.”
Ezra indulged in objectionable activities: The Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Mr. Haren Pandya, when asked about the Vyara civil court’s order, said the State Government would ensure that the court order was “strictly implemented” hinting that it would not hesitate to arrest the Bishop if he made any attempt to return to Vyara or Chhindia. The State Home Secretary, Dr V. V. Rama Subba Rao, has written to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, informing him about the “objectionable activities” of the Bishop in the State. Like the Chief Minister, Mr. Keshubhai Patel, who wrote to his Tamil Nadu counterpart twice requesting him to recall the Bishop, Dr. Subba Rao has also requested the Chief Secretary to take immediate steps to ensure that the Bishop stopped “interfering” with the law and order situation in the State[8]. In fact, his refusal to leave, created tension in the area[9]. Meanwhile, the State Government has decided to make elaborate security arrangements in the south Gujarat districts to ensure peace during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. At a meeting of the district collectors and district superintendents of police of Surat, Bulsar, Navsari and Dangs districts convened here today by Mr. Pandya and Dr. Subba Rao, it was decided to deploy adequate number of state reserve police and anti-riot Rapid Action Force personnel in the four districts to assist the local police and home guards to maintain peace during the celebrations.
PTI reports from Surat: The sessions court today banned the entry of Bishops Ezra Sargunam and Fr. Raive Ishudas of Chennai into the Vyara sub- division, without the written permission from the court. According to the conditions imposed by the court on the Bishops, the orders would be applicable till the chargesheet was filed against them. The court allowed anticipatory bail applications by the Bishops and dismissed the criminal application filed by Shankarbhai Gamit of Vyara. The Vyara police was directed to enlarge the two Bishops on bail on their furnishing a solvent surity of Rs. 5000 with a personal bond for the like sum each in the event of their arrest in an offence registered by the Vyara police station. The same news was also reproduced by the Catholic news agency it its own way[10]. “An Indian court has banned a Protestant bishop from entering the area of a disputed chapel in a ruling the bishop says was politically motivated to harass Christians….. Bishop Sargunam, vice chairman of the Minorities Commission of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said he left Gujarat after state authorities refused to meet him…….. The Protestant bishop told UCA News that he had to leave the area because of the state government´s partisan approach toward Christians. Anti-Christian attacks in Gujarat are “State-sponsored vandalism,” he said. More than 100 attacks against Christians have been reported in Gujarat in the last two years.” Thus, the persecution myth went on in their own way[11].
V. Shanmuganathan: Was he a victim, scapegoat sacrificed for wrong calculations ? (3)
Anti-BJP groups not properly identified, negotiated and satisfied: TUR leader Angela Rngad said while adding, “We want to show that the BJP’s anti people policies will not be tolerated.” Stating that the protest is also to show all that the BJP’s hate campaigns will not be accepted in the state, she alleged that the party, through the Ghar Wapsi and policies of grabbing of farmers’ lands, the make in India campaign are all efforts to enslave every citizens of country. Referring to the ban on beef and atrocities against the minority, Rngad accused the BJP of being a party that actually attacks the rights of people like attacking the lifestyle, food culture and habits and way of dressing. KNU general secretary S Diengdoh said that this indifferent attitude of the BJP against the minorities including Christians is totally undemocratic while adding that it is against the Constitution of India. HNPF president R Rani questioned why these issues have cropped up only after the BJP was voted to power. Here only, that the BJP had not properly understood the groups was revealed, to cite an example based on the media reports. He said, “We suspect that this is being instigated and we demand that the BJP central leadership respects all religious communities.” It is a futile exercise to have any negotiation with these separatist groups, as they have been carrying out their activities since independence supported by the US, Chinese and Pakistani forces with all facilities, where the BJP is not a match for them.
Shanmuganathan’s experiments with Christianity, Christians and Christmas (2015-16): His sudden praising of Christianity, Christians, their services were quite amusing, as he hid not have any experience in “inter religious dialogue”. Some of the Tamilnadu ideologists had gone there enjoying time, but, obviously misled them with their half-baked ideas and imagined details. Whenever, he visited Tamilnadu and Chennai, a coterie never allowed other friends known to him to approach him. This was openly revealed during the facilitation programme organized and Chennai. Because of his dual role here and there, he was rather confused with the inputs stuffed by the fellow-ideologists. The Church was so delighted to record that[1], “The Christmas celebration this year has got more meaningful since the head of the state the governor of Meghalaya Mr V. Shanmuganathan himself attended in the Christmas service at Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church, Shillong on 25th December, 2016”. Of course, he had been so considerate with the Christians since 2015. He hosted Christmas at Rajbhawan with all fanfare. He gave discourse from biblical narratives, just like a pastor / priest from the pulpit. One website[2] characteristically as “Meghalaya Governor, V. Shanmuganathan while sharing inspirational stories said that churches have shown compassion and dedication towards the service of mankind”. The Presbyterian Church was so happy, as he participated the services with Bible in his hands[3]. Whether, he was experimenting with the different denominations, or dialoging in theology or otherwise, only God knows, as some of the websites started disappearing[4].
Inaugurated and praised Mother Teresa (September 2016): Meghalaya hosted a 4-day film festival titled ‘Mother Teresa International Film Festival (MTIFF)’ based on the life and teachings of noble laureate – Mother Teresa from September 6 to 9, 2016 in Shillong[5]. Addressing the inaugural function, the Governor stated that Mother Teresa represents the message of love, peace, enduring strength, hope and service to the world at large[6]. Underlining that understanding the pain of others is no easy a task, the Governor stated that Mother Teresa understood the pain of acute poverty. “She served the destitute, lepers, abandoned children, old people, the poorest of the poor and the downtrodden. Because she understood their pain, she was a solace, a helping hand and a source of comfort to them” he further stated. Showing his admiration for Mother Teresa for identifying herself with her love for the Almighty, he said that in a world where people identify themselves by the power they hold, or the money they possess, what truly marks Mother Teresa’s greatness is her identification of herself with her love of God. Applauding the great works and selfless services of Mother Theresa’s followers he further stated that their work must extend to all places. In August, when there was a photo of Teresa was there in the Spiritual Fair pur up by ASI, a huge cry was made and it was removed. However, they might not be knowing abut this!
Opposition to ADSPA, Left mobilization and BJP governor in isolation: In a recent Order of the High Court of Meghalaya[7] dated 2.11.2015 passed in Writ Petition (C) No. 127 of 2015, the High Court of Meghalaya has made a suo motu suggestion to the Central Government for the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in the Garo Hills area of Meghalaya[8]. “It is shocking and deeply disturbing that a draconian law like the AFSPA is being sought to be imposed through a judicial order. There have been protests against this order in the Garo Hills area and in Shillong. What follows is a statement which carries objections to this order endorsed by more than 60 concerned citizens, from various parts of India – some whom are well respected and accomplished individuals in their fields, like law, academia, journalism, films, bureaucracy and activism”[9]. As usual in letter supporting the radicals signed by the eminent, elite and secularists appeared in the media. Thus, when Shanmuganathan came, it was not known as to whether he was understanding the problems and issues involved there in and around Meghalaya.
Tribal youth festivals etc., have been a trap for him?: Of late, he was moving with different tribal groups and participating in their festivals. He participated the Wangala festival. Wangala is the festival of the Achiks (Garos), the post harvest festival where the harvest reaped is celebrated with thanks giving to the Gods ‘Misi Saljong’ and ‘Mima Kiri Rokkime’, the Gods of the fields and the paddy[10]. For the Achiks (Garos) the agrarian activities is not only physical labour but a spiritual journey as well which culminates in joy at the Wangala Festival. Thus, with joy in their hearts and sprint in their feet, they perform the Wangala Dance which is actually a synchronized movement of symbolic nature which co – ordinates with the drum beats. The Wangala dance is therefore a story of the Garos in rhythm. The word ‘wanna’ refers to dance and merry making and ‘gala’ refers to offering in thanksgiving. Thus, the word ‘Wangala’ means the dance of ‘Thanksgiving’[11]. Thus, he went on attending many tribal festivals[12]. He compared Wangala with Pongal. In any case, he could have restricted his program-attending agenda carefully. At every level, the intriguing point is who was the PA or advisor to him, when he was discharging his official duties. Definitely, that person must have been known to him or RSS person. Then, he must have gone into all details in the context of Meghalaya and NE complexities.
Was he a victim, scapegoat sacrificed for wrong calculations?: He has been a genuine worker without any selfishness. As already mentioned with his hard-work he has come up. Now, the media comes out with stories that “Shanmuganathan belongs to Saiva Pillamar community (a forward community)” and thus had / have difference with Brahmin-friends and so on[13]. This is mischievous, as RSSwalas never talked in terms of caste, in any context. Thus, the “Shanmuganathan-Ganesan” variance as raised by “The Wire”can be ignored in the context[14]. Then come the remarks of RSS media incharge – Sadagopan. “But the state unit of the RSS has a different take on this issue”, as noted by the Wire, picking from “The Hindu”, at least judging by their initial reaction to Shanmuganathan’s resignation[15]. “It is an unfortunate incident… A person occupying a high position should be doubly careful to avoid such allegations, as he represents an organisation such as the RSS and the BJP,” said N. Sadagopan, the sangh’s state media coordinator, in an interview to The Hindu[16]. His response has been in fact, unfortunate, intriguing, shocking and irresponsible too, as how he could have come out with such words. Instead of analyzing the issue, one should not try to show off himself indulging in such remarks. As explained above, the different complexities, intricacies and complications involved, Shanmuganathan has done excellent work, in spite of his health. He had an open heart surgery and in soite of such condition, he was performing his duties relentlessly. He has lamented many times that though he had many friends in Chennai, none visited him when he was admitted in the hospital for open-heart surgery. In fact, he pained that nonde came to sign the forms for the conduct of the operation. Of course, it went on well. In fact, he Unfortunately, as pointed out elsewhere, the Tamil and Tamilnadu friends have not analyzed the NE complex issues, Meghalya tribal politics, Congress-anti-national nexus acting against him and informed him. Perhaps, they have not been trained to understand, though, they have been making trips to NE under different banners like ABVP, Vidhya Bharati and so on. Therefore, the Sangh Parivar should assess, reassess and re-examine the involved complicated issues and political gameplans and respond accordingly. They should be trained in the NE affairs with national and international agendas, as they have many ramifications. As for as Shanmuganathan is concerned, his good deeds would liberate from his temporary problem. May God shower his blessings!
V. Shanmuganathan: What went wrong with him and Sangh Parivar – his dialogue with varied groups failed him? (2)
The complaint letter sent to the President of India: The five-page letter signed by 98 workers / nearly 100 employees of the Governor’s House in Shillong[1] – widely circulated on social media – on Wednesday (25-01-2017)[2], lists a series of misdemeanours including sexual misconduct and “torture and humiliation” of officers and staff[3]. “From the time he has taken over, employees are going through severe humiliation, mental stress and torture,” the employees write. The 67-year-old was accused of hiring or posting only women in his staff and turning the Raj Bhavan into a place where “young ladies come and go at will with direct orders from the governor.” The letter said[4]: “His activities hurt the decorum and prestige of the Raj Bhavan as well as the sentiments of the Raj Bhavan employees who are very much attached to the Raj Bhavan, it becomes our concern. From the time he has taken over, the employees are going through severe humiliation, mental stress and torture.” The 11 point-letter stated[5] the Governor has “appointed two public relations officers, a cook and a nurse on night duty, all of whom are women”. The staff alleged that the Governor “selected only girls” to work for him and shifted the male official private secretary to his secretariat[6].
Circumstances forced him to resign on the Republic Day: The Governor has also been accused in recent media reports of sexually harassing a woman who had gone to him for the post of Public Relations Officer. Mr Shanmughanathan was appointed Governor of Meghalaya in 2015 by the central government. He is expected to fly to Delhi 27-01-2017. “Till now there are no statements from any women. Facts should be looked into before commenting,” Nalin Kohli, spokesperson of the ruling BJP, said. Protests by civil society groups erupted on the streets of Shillong yesterday as Republic Day was being celebrated. “The Governor should step down. We want impartial probe into sexual harassment in the governor’s house,” said Tarun Bharatiya, one of the protesters. Three aides of the Meghalaya Raj Bhavan were ssacked on Saturday (28-01-2017), an official said . The three officials — public relation officers Chinmoyee Deka and Emdorini Thangkhiew, and private secretary Saurav Pandey – were appointed during the former governor’s tenure[7]. “They were appointed on contractual basis and their jobs were co-terminus with the governor’s tenure. After his resignation, they were asked to quit,” said HM Sangpliang, the secretary to the governor[8].
Shanmuganathan has denied the allegations: As per the media report, the victim alleged that the Governor had a personal interview with her on the night of December 8, 2016 for the post of public relations officer and made “inappropriate advances” after he personally called her to attend the interview[9]. What irked the victim was the alleged ‘unprofessional and unfriendly’ behaviour of the Governor. She was one of the seven candidates selected for the personal interview. When asked if he met the candidates separately or in a group, the Governor admitted that he met some candidates separately as well as in a group[10]. But he denied calling one of the candidates from a personal number and asking her to come after 6pm. “I wanted to meet them (the job aspirants) before finalising the candidates and they all came. Everyone was there for half an hour. I have got great respect for everyone. I have not done anything wrong,” he said.
Shanmuganathan also rebutted the allegations that he made physical overtures or inappropriately complemented the girl. “No it is not right… all these things are not right… we have selected only one person and some people were not selected and because they were not selected they should not say all these things,” the Governor said.
Though the victim has not filed any FIR, when contacted, DGP SB Singh told the media that the matter was referred to the Government and legal opinion is being sought.
Shanmuganathan was encouraging different women groups: Women activists from nine organizations had sought the State Governor’s intervention to ensure that the KHADC’s Village Administration Bill (VAB) 2015, which is awaiting his assent, is ‘gender-just’ and fulfils the rights of women as guaranteed by the Indian constitution. A delegation of women representatives from the nine organizations met Governor V Shanmuganathan on Tuesday (Jume 24, 2015) and submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention on the issue[11]. “We request the Governor to intervene in this matter so as to ensure that the VAB 2015 does not become a law without ensuring that the Khasi-Jaintia women are considered as full members of the existing institutions of local self government at the village level,” the memorandum said. According to the memorandum, the KHAD (Village Administration) Bill 2015, passed by the KHADC both in its intent and drafting, suffers from a lack of clarity regarding the rights of women. The women groups further said that the VAB must ensure real devolution of power to Ki Khun Ki Hajar or the people at the village level besides a transparent and accountable democratic self-government that is structurally and financially independent. “This is unfortunate because both in the past and in the present day, practices in these traditional institutions have been varied and have evolved over time,” the memorandum said adding “This means that in some areas women attend the dorbar meetings while in others, they are given representation in the executive body.” The women groups also opposed section 2(18), Section 6 and section 8 of the Bill that denies women their rights as full members of the Dorbar and demand that amendments be made before the Bill becomes a law. The Bill is designed without much thought to the governance issues at the village level. It does not clearly lay out the lines of responsibility, institutional structures or for that matter even systems of accountability,” the memorandum said[12]. It is not known as to BJP or the appointed Governor knew the nuances of the demands that were made on the lines of other groups like TUR or RAIOT.
VS’s dialogue with the radical groups failed: Shanmuganathan was having dialogue with different radical, extreme and seperatist groups after resuming office on May 12, 2015. Who advised him to do so was not clear, however, some overenthusiatic Sanghparivar ideologists without any proper understanding of Northeast politics, anti-national activities, seperatist forces operating under different banners etc., had urged him to have dialogue with them. The first visit of BJP national president Amit Shah to Shillong on Wednesday (April 22, 2015) was greeted with a mixed bag of the HNLC sponsored 12-hours bandh and a ‘beef party’ with placards mocking him sprinkled with songs, dance and music organized by Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) to protest against what it has termed as the BJP’s ‘hate campaign’[13]. TUR organized the beef party which was held about 10 meters away from BJP’s office in Lachumiere on Wednesday[14]. The Hynniewtrep National People’s Front (HNPF) and Khasi National Union (KNU) members were also seen taking part in the TUR’s public forum[15]. Heavy security was deployed in the vicinity and policemen had a harrowing time stopping those who attempted to take a protest march to the State’s Conventional Hall, where Shah addressed party members[16]. TUR and the other NGO members intended to throw a beef party in front of the Convention Hall to protest against the BJP promotion of a ban on beef and its alleged atrocities on minorities and Christians. “We are here to protest the coming of Amit Shah as he ‘symbolizes’ the BJP.” Why BJP alone is targeted by the radical groups is intriguing, when Congress has been accepted there.
[5] The First post, Molestation case: President Mukhejee accepts Meghalaya governor V. Shanmuganathan’s resignation, FP Staff, Jan, 27 2017 15:57:09 IST.
Circumstances forced him to resign on the Republic Day: The Governor has also been accused in recent media reports of sexually harassing a woman who had gone to him for the post of Public Relations Officer. Mr Shanmughanathan was appointed Governor of Meghalaya in 2015 by the central government. He is expected to fly to Delhi 27-01-2017. “Till now there are no statements from any women. Facts should be looked into before commenting,” Nalin Kohli, spokesperson of the ruling BJP, said. Protests by civil society groups erupted on the streets of Shillong yesterday as Republic Day was being celebrated. “The Governor should step down. We want impartial probe into sexual harassment in the governor’s house,” said Tarun Bharatiya, one of the protesters. Three aides of the Meghalaya Raj Bhavan were ssacked on Saturday (28-01-2017), an official said . The three officials — public relation officers Chinmoyee Deka and Emdorini Thangkhiew, and private secretary Saurav Pandey – were appointed during the former governor’s tenure
Shanmuganathan has denied the allegations: As per the media report, the victim alleged that the Governor had a personal interview with her on the night of December 8, 2016 for the post of public relations officer and made “inappropriate advances” after he personally called her to attend the interview
Shanmuganathan was encouraging different women groups: Women activists from nine organizations had sought the State Governor’s intervention to ensure that the KHADC’s Village Administration Bill (VAB) 2015, which is awaiting his assent, is ‘gender-just’ and fulfils the rights of women as guaranteed by the Indian constitution. A delegation of women representatives from the nine organizations met Governor V Shanmuganathan on Tuesday (Jume 24, 2015) and submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention on the issue
VS’s dialogue with the radical groups failed: Shanmuganathan was having dialogue with different radical, extreme and seperatist groups after resuming office on May 12, 2015. Who advised him to do so was not clear, however, some overenthusiatic Sanghparivar ideologists without any proper understanding of Northeast politics, anti-national activities, seperatist forces operating under different banners etc., had urged him to have dialogue with them. The first visit of BJP national president Amit Shah to Shillong on Wednesday (April 22, 2015) was greeted with a mixed bag of the HNLC sponsored 12-hours bandh and a ‘beef party’ with placards mocking him sprinkled with songs, dance and music organized by Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) to protest against what it has termed as the BJP’s ‘hate campaign’
Issues concerning Indian society 