MGR statue vandalised at Avaniyapuram in Madurai
AIADMK men replaced the broken statue with a similar one
Insider track | BJP goes family-unfriendly
Just as whispers grow louder about Bihar CM Nitish Kumars son, Nishant, making his political debut from a safe seat, the BJP appears to be signalling its had enough of the beta-beti politics which it has often accused others of indulging in. Parivarvaad nahi chalega is baar, is the quiet war cry echoing in BJP corridors. According to party insiders, the high command has all but decided to deny tickets to kith and assorted kin of sitting or former MPs and MLAs a move as symbolic as it is strategic. The message? No ticket by inheritance. And heres the kicker: Kisi neta ke bachche ka ticket is baar pakka nahi hai, bemoaned a leader. Translation: there might be some very disappointed VIP offspring this poll season. The decision, while apparently aimed at sharpening the partys anti-nepotism credentials, may also test the BJPs ability to maintain its internal harmony especially when allies like JD(U) might plan to launch Nishant Kumar into the fray. Desi Comrades in China CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby recently led a delegation to China at the invite of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. In tow were Politburo members Mohammed Salim, Jitendra Chaudhury, and R. Arun Kumar, plus Central Committee comrades K. Hemalata and C.S. Sujathacarefully balanced on regional and ideological lines. The itinerary included a visit to Comrade Mao Zedongs Mausoleum, which remains an essential rite of passage for all leftist teams (some might say, more a photo-op than a pilgrimage). Beijing had sent a goodwill message to CPI(M)s recent Madurai Congress, a standard boilerplate about strong ties and bilateral bonhomie. Curiously, Prakash Karat, the veteran Politburo coordinator, didnt utter the word China in his opening speech. He focused on US imperialism, Trump, and Modi governments foreign policy. However, he remembered to tip his hat to Cuba, seemingly giving the worlds largest Communist Party the silent treatment. Deliberate? No ones saying. Red, aged, and still in command Meanwhile, in Ajoy Bhawan, the CPI headquarters, D. Raja is back as General Secretary for a third term, despite being 76 years old. The Kerala unit made polite noises about wanting fresh leadership, but fell in line. In the grand old communist party scheme of inner democracy, consensus still trumps contest. Raja, with his calm baritone and unflappable demeanour, remains one of the more articulate communist voices in the national media. It also helps that the CPIs numbers are so modest that no ones too eager for the top job. In Bihar, the CPIs strongest unit outside the South, seasoned leader Ram Naresh Pandey heads the state unit. He is comfortably past 75. A CPI member quipped, We dont do youth wings like the others we are the vintage wing. Make of that what you will. Keep your MLAs close, rebels closer Call it the Great Bihar Rebellion Watch and BJP, JD(U), and RJD bosses are glued to it. They are on high alert over a growing fear: MLA mutiny. No party is immune from rebellion this time, admitted a BJP strategist, uneasily. The anxiety is real. All the parties are under pressure to field fresh faces with better winnability; several sitting MLAs may soon find themselves out of the reckoning and possibly in a rivals camp the next morning, or worse, float as independents. Theres ambition everywhere. Deny one ticket, and you might create a mini-party overnight, joked a JDU insider, not entirely in jest. All parties are apparently holding frequent tea-and-trust sessions with sitting MLAs to soften the blow or at least pre-empt an angry press release. Expect a few high-decibel exits and teary-eyed Facebook posts when the candidate lists are out. Grand Alliance: Conditional dosti A Congress leader summed up the mood with Bihari wit: No seat, no mit which loosely translates to No friendship without fair share. Bihars Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) is headed for some good old-fashioned seat-sharing drama. With Congress feeling a bit more confident post-Rahul Gandhis Vote Adhikar Yatra, the party is keen to negotiate from a perceived position of strength or, at least, visible stamina. But RJD leaders, always poetic in rhetoric, arent entirely convinced. Dosti me daga nahi, lekin seats aukat layak, says one loyalist, meaning friendwhip is fine, but lets talk numbers based on muscle. Some also assert crowds at the Yatra showed up for Tejashwi rather than Rahul. Be honest, said one RJD foot soldier, More people came for Tejashwis rally than for Rahuls yatra. Lets not pretend otherwise. Seat-share talks, expected to start soon, will likely echo what Lalu Prasad once reportedly told the Congress: Pehle pehlwan lao, phir seats maango bring heavyweight candidates, then lets talk numbers. Nobodys ready to concede their strongholds without a fight.
Tamil Nadu Infectious Disease Conclave held in Madurai
Aurolabs state-of-the-art eyedrops manufacturing facility inaugurated in Madurai
T.N. government is establishing a home in Chennai and Madurai in the name Aran, which will serve as immediate shelter for transgenders who have left their homes, enabling them to continue their education and work
Five more roads in Kerala soon to be developed into national highways
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In what could boost Kerala's infrastructure development, five more roads in the state will soon be developed into national highways. The National Highways Authority of India has informed the state government that proceedings have begun to develop five more national highway projects in the state. The roads to be upgraded to national highway status include Ramanattukara - Kozhikode Airport road, Kannur Airport Road (Chovva-Mattannur), Kodungallur-Angamaly stretch and Vypeen-Matsyafed Tourist Office Road. In addition to this, a project is being prepared to construct Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha bypasses on the Kochi - Madurai national highway. Welcoming the decision, Public Works Minister Mohamed Riyas said NHAI has informed that steps have already begun to prepare the project plans for the new national highways. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the minister said the development marks a major step forward in strengthening the state's road infrastructure. He added that the NHAI has initiated the tender process to select an agency to prepare the detailed project documents. The minister noted that the proposal for upgrading additional roads to national highway standards was raised during a recent meeting between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in Delhi. Based on this, the state government submitted a detailed proposal, which has now led to the initiation of project documentation for the five new highways. The development of these roads is a long-standing dream of the people, he said. The state government will constantly intervene to ensure that the projects are completed in a time-bound manner, said the minister. The new highways are expected to improve connectivity to airports, ease traffic congestion, and boost regional trade and tourism. According to reports, the 12-km-long stretch from Ramanattukara to Kozhikode airport and the 20 km road from Kodungallur to Angamaly would be developed into four-lane roads.
The Regional Meteorological Centre forecasts very heavy rainfall for northern and interior Tamil Nadu over the next few days due to a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal. Chennai, Vellore, and Ranipet expect intense showers on October 4, with Madurai and Dindigul receiving heavy rain on October 5.
BENGALURU: Veteran journalist, writer and columnist, who was Director of Express Publications (Madurai) Private Limited and Editorial Advisor to The New Indian Express, Thayil Jacob Sony Georgepopularly known as TJS George or TJSpassed away on Friday afternoon at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 97. He is survived by his son Jeet Thayil and daughter Sheba Thayil. His wife Ammu George died in January this year. Family members informed that TJS was ailing from age-related problems for some time, with his condition deteriorating over the last two months. He was admitted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru last week, and had undergone a minor surgery from which he was recovering. However, complications set in on Thursday and Friday, when he suffered two cardiac arrests, respectively, the second from which he did not recover. TJS passed away at 4.30 pm on Friday. TJS, that legend down the corridor TJS was born on May 7, 1928, as the fourth child of Thayil Thomas Jacob, a magistrate, and Chachiamma Jacob, and went on to graduate from the Madras Christian College with an Honours in English Literature before embarking on his journalistic career. TJS began his career in 1950 at The Free Press Journal in Indias Maximum City, then known as Bombay, now Mumbai. He went on to work with The Searchlight, the International Press Institute and the Far Eastern Economic Review before becoming the founding editor of Asiaweek, published from Hong Kong. At Searchlight, TJS became the first Indian editor to be charged with sedition in India. When he was arrested for his columns against then Bihar Chief Minister KB Sahay, the defence minister at that time, VK Krishna Menon, rushed to Patna to defend him. During his long stint with The New Indian Express that spanned over four decades, TJS contributed 1,300 columns in the last 25 years before laying down his pen on June 12, 2022 with Now is the time to say Goodbye. His column Point of View ran for over 25 years and was widely read. TJS never took a backward step during the rest of his career too, never flinching from speaking truth to power. In his final column, TJS explained how he saw it: Some of us feel that we should not criticise our own country. Some feel exactly the other waythat a big country like ours needs to be cautioned all the way about pitfalls. All arguments have their own supporters and their own critics, their own validities and their own drawbacks. But there is something not right if a country and its rulers start feeling that they should not be criticised at alland especially by newspaperwallahs. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2011 for his significant contributions to literature and education, and was given the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2007. Some of the famous books that TJS wrote include: Lee Kuan Yews Singapore (1973), Revolt in Mindanao : the rise of Islam in Philippine Politics (1980), Pothan Josephs India (1992), The Life and Times of Nargis (1994), The First Refuge of Scoundrels (2003), MS, A life In Music (2004), Lessons In Journalism: The Story of Pothan Joseph (2007), M.S. Subbulakshmi: The Definitive Biography (2016), Askew: A Short Biography of Bangalore (2016), Jaya: An Incredible Story (2018), and The Dismantling of India: In 35 Portraits (2022). TJS last rites will be performed in Bengaluru, where he will be cremated at the Hebbal crematorium on Sunday afternoon.
TN stampede: HC forms SIT, denies pre-arrest bail to TVK leaders
Madurai: The Madras High Court on Friday formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the September 27 stampede at the political rally of actor and TVK founder Vijay, on a day when two senior party leaders anticipatory bail petitions were rejected by the HC which also found fault with the party and the police Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
New effort to prevent illegal parking of vehicles on Madurai City Roads
Vijay Rally stampede: Madras High Court directs SIT probe after CBI plea rejected
The Madras High Courts principal bench has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the stampede at actor-politician Vijays rally in Karur, a tragedy that left 41 people dead. The direction came shortly after the courts Madurai bench declined to hand over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation [] The post Vijay Rally stampede: Madras High Court directs SIT probe after CBI plea rejected appeared first on India Legal .
TN stampede: High Court rejects BJP leaders plea for CBI probe, asks her to approach Madurai bench
The Madras High Court rejected a plea for a CBI probe. BJP leader Uma Anandan sought the investigation. This concerned the September 27 Karur stampede. The incident happened at actor-politician Vijay's rally. Forty-one persons died in the tragedy. The court directed the petitioner to approach the Madurai bench. That bench holds proper jurisdiction.
Karur stampede: Madras HC rejects plea for CBI probe, asks petitioner to approach Madurai bench
The Madras High Court rejected BJP leader Uma Anandan's plea for a CBI investigation into the September 27 stampede at actor-politician Vijay's rally, which claimed 41 lives. Anandan alleged official apathy and that the TN DGP had pre-determined the outcome. The court directed her to approach the Madurai bench, citing jurisdictional reasons.
Madras HC Dismisses Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Karur Stampede: 'Petitioner Not Affected Party'
Madurai Bench of Madras High Court dismissed Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi's plea for a CBI probe into the Karur stampede at Vijay's rally, citing ongoing Karur police investigation.
10cr water supply scheme approved for AIIMS Madurai
Special discount sale of Khadi products begins in Madurai
Fire destroys goods in three shops at Meenakshi Bazaar in Madurai
Man found murdered near Elumalai in Madurai district; eight booked
AIADMK MLA and Deputy Leader in the Assembly R.B. Udayakumar said that the villagers had submitted petitions to the Madurai Collector appealing to stop giving licence to the fireworks unit
Allegations False: TVK Leaders Named In Stampede Case Seek Pre-Arrest Bail
Three days after the Karur stampede that killed 41, two senior TVK functionaries General Secretary Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary C.T. Nirmal Kumarhave approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
Madurai BSNL hopes to increase its market share, rolling out 4G services: General Manager
Madurai Corporation offers special incentive for early remittance of taxes
Rahul Gandhi speaks to TN CM Stalin, Vijay after Karur stampede
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached out to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and TVK president Vijay following the tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, which has now claimed 41 lives. Gandhi spoke to Stalin over the phone, enquiring about the incident and the treatment of the injured. Stalin acknowledged the call on X, thanking Gandhi for his heartfelt concern and support. Thank you, my dear brother Thiru. @RahulGandhi , for reaching out to me over phone, conveying your heartfelt concern over the tragic incident in #Karur , and sincerely enquiring about the measures taken to save the precious lives of those under treatment. M.K.Stalin - (@mkstalin) September 28, 2025 Gandhi also called Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay to express condolences over the deaths of his supporters. The stampede occurred during a TVK-led rally on September 27 and left over 60 injured, with at least two in critical condition. Facing growing criticism, Vijay announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh each for the families of the deceased. TVK has also moved the Madras High Courts Madurai Bench, seeking a CBI or independent probe into the incident. Karur police have registered a case citing negligence against TVK office-bearers, while forensic teams have begun investigations, including examining the site where several bodies were reportedly found near a sewer. Karur stampede death toll rises to 41; bomb threat reported at Vijay's residence TVK rally stampede: Survivors recall night when it all went awry
TVK Karur rally stampede: Death toll climbs to 41
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court will hear today a case filed by TVK
Dejected over stranger having felled tree he had planted, driver ends life in Madurai
Following a stampede at actor Vijays TVK rally in Karur that killed 39 people, including 10 children, the party approached the Madras High Court. They sought suo motu cognisance and preservation of CCTV footage, citing inadequate arrangements. A judge consented to hear the case on September 29 at the Madurai bench.
In war or climate crisis, humanity needs cooperation, communion, says Mata Amritanandamayi
KOLLAM: The 72nd birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi was celebrated on the Amritapuri campus in Kollam on Saturday. In her address, Amma stressed the need for love, selflessness and unity, while voicing concern over the negative influences on todays youth. She urged parents to instil strong moral values in their children. During any adverse situation, be it war or climate change, it is important for humankind to foster cooperation, companionship, and communion, she said. When we pursue education, we must realise that it has no value if it cannot instil moral values in our children. Parents must become role models for their children. Only then can we create moral values in them, she said. The celebrations began at 5 am with a Ganapati homam, followed by the Lalita Sahasranama Archana. Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, vice-chairman of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, led a satsang at 7.30 am the ashrams main prayer hall. Amma arrived at 9 am and greeted devotees. Later, Guru Paduka Puja was performed under the guidance of Swami Amritaswarupananda. She also presented the Amritakeerthi Puraskaram to writer P R Nathan. BJP national president and Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who attended the event, praised Ammas unconditional love and service to humanity. Her life is dedicated to society. Her service is not just limited to India but extends worldwide, he said. Governor Rajendra Arlekar garlands Mata Amritanandamayi | pics: b P Deepu I have been associated with her for the past one decade and must appreciate her intuitive contribution and service, which empower the marginalised. The active dedication of her followers during the 2004 tsunami and the 2001 earthquake was commendable. She has also contributed to providing drinking water and promoting skill development. I am glad her work has received United Nations recognition, Nadda said. As part of the celebrations, it was announced that free surgeries would be performed at Amrita hospitals and 6,000 toilets would be built for economically weaker sections. Union minister George Kurian, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, Alappuzha MP K C Venugopal, SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, Karunagappally MLA C R Mahesh, Justice Jayakumar, Justice Nagaresh, Mahamandaleshwar Santoshanand Maharaj, Swami Satswarupananda Saraswati, Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi, Swami Geethanandan, Swami Vishalananda Giri, former union ministers Prakash Javadekar and V Muraleedharan, former governor Kummanam Rajasekharan and several other dignitaries attended the ceremony. Kerala Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, CEO of Express Publications (Madurai) Pvt Ltd Lakshmi Menon along with other dignitaries at the event. Kerala govt honours Mata Amritanandamayi Devi As part of Mata Amritanandamayi Devis 72nd birthday celebrations, the Kerala government paid tribute to her during the silver jubilee of her historic address in Malayalam at the United Nations General Assembly. During the event, which was held at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham campus, Amritapuri, Kerala Culture and Youth Affairs minister Saji Cherian said, Amma has shown the strength of Malayalam language and culture to the entire world. Her use of Malayalam on the global stage was also a powerful message to those who neglect their mother tongue, he said. Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas noted that Ammas words in Malayalam at the UN remain a reminder for all to live with love and brotherhood.
Rotary gets CSR fund of 50 lakh, builds infrastructure for children with autism near Madurai
Meet on opportunities in social works for sustainable future held in Madurai city
Law and order: Tricksters come in many disguises in Madurai
Nagore Nagapattinam rail users association submits its list of long-pending demands to top official
The association says there is no direct train to Madurai, Coimbatore, or Tirunelveli either from Karaikal or Velankanni; the association has requested the authorities to extend the Tiruchi-Tiruvarur-Tiruchi passenger train (56805/56806) up to Karaikal or Thirunallar
4 Tamil Nadu Cops Get 11 Years In Jail For Teen's Custodial Death
In a landmark judgment, the Madurai District and Sessions Court sentenced four policemen to 11 years in prison in connection with the custodial death of a 17-year-old Muthu Karthik in 2019.
Janhvi Kapoor gives classic Madurai bun butter toast unique twist, recipe you can't miss
Janhvi Kapoor's Madurai bun butter toast recipe with a unique twist of cream and fruits turns a classic snack into an indulgent treat.
Madras High Court Evacuated, Searches On After Bomb Threat Email
A bomb threat to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court this morning created panic, leading to the immediate evacuation of court staff and litigants.
The Hindu Group presents The Hindu Kolu Kondattam
Participants invited to create and display their kolu arrangement to reflect culture, essence of Madurai
TN Travel Expo 2025 in Madurai for three days
Udhayanidhi Stalin chairs review meeting with officials in Madurai
Deputy Chief Minister says the review meeting was conducted to examine the progress of various programmes and schemes like Ungaludan Stalin, Makkalaithedi Maruthuvam, and others
Tamil Nadu Student Stripped, Hit With Slippers By Fellow Students
A student was stripped and humiliated by a group of fellow students at a government hostel in Tamil Nadu's Madurai, said the police, adding that three juveniles have been taken into custody for subjecting the student to ragging.
Festival where art meets spirituality
For Dhanya Shyam, a dance teacher in Thiruvananthapuram, Navaratri is a busy time. The nine-day festival, which began on September 22, is an ethereal period for the city a perfect time to soak in the artistic fervour thanks to the performances that will add to the celebrations. She is preparing her students for various performances before the rush begins at Sri Ganesha Vidyapeetam, her dance school. Dhanya is not alone. Preparation is almost over everywhere in the capital from temples, art forums and to the streets, where stages have been set up for bomma golu displays. The Navaratri procession carrying idols of Goddess Saraswathy, Munnootti Manga, and Kumaraswamy arriving in the capital from Tamil Nadu. Rising festival fervour The celebrations have increased manifold now, says Sasikumar K, president of the Janakeeya Samithi of Poojappura Sri Saraswathi Temple. The shrine, at the heart of a ground where people come for tranquil walks and visits, turns into a hub of activity during the Navaratri days. Over 7-8 lakh people come during the festival season. And the dance and music programmes start from 6am, unlike evenings in the past, and go on till late evenings, he says. There are two stages for the programmes here the 200-year-old Kalmandapam (stone-made stage), where traditional rituals will be held, and the Swati Stage, where regular programmes will be staged. But the applications for performances in the last five to six years have increased so much that we are planning another stage, near the park beside the SBI office. This stage is for anyone who wants to perform and requires no registration. It is termed Aarkum Padaam and aims to encourage young talents even as young as five years, he explains. Golu dolls being readied at Karamana Chettiar Street. Fresh talents Fresh talents is being encouraged this year too at the famed Navarathri Sangeetholsavam, says Rama Varma, veteran musician and member of the erstwhile Travancore royal family. The music festival has witnessed several changes since its inception during Swati Thirunals period. Women were not allowed to sing at the festival, a norm that changed just two decades ago when veteran Carnatic vocalist Parassala Ponnammal performed there. In recent times, instrumental music was also introduced. This time, we have a mix of veterans and youngsters, including T V Gopalakrishnan, who arguably might be the oldest to perform here at 94 years, and Charulatha Chandrasekhar, who is just 14. She will perform a veena recital along with her grandmother. Once, this used to be a Vidwat sadas where the audience would also be learned in music like the performer and may join in during renditions. We had a similar spectacle some years ago when my students sang along. Wish this year too, we get to witness such a spectacle, says Rama Varma, one of the regular performers at the festival along with Chennai-based Sanjay Subramanian. The core tradition of the festival will not change. The ragas explored during the festival are as per the schedule drawn up by Swathi Thirunal, and the songs rendered will be Swathi krithis as usual, he says, even while admitting that the festival will continue to encourage a cross-section of talents. One such veteran, Parthivapuram Padmanabha Iyer, is preparing for his debut at Sangeetholsavam. The veteran music teacher was busy with his work, performances, and classes. Post-retirement, he took classes at his home in Karamana and engaged in other art-related activities. That was when the chance came for him to perform at the Sangeetholsavam. It is nothing less than a blessing for me, says the 70-year-old veteran, who is also a member of Mullammoodu Bhagavathars family. A golu shop at Karamana. Another artist looking forward to the festival is G Babu, a Bahrain-based mridangam artist who religiously comes to the city every year for the Sangeetholsavam. I am getting to play mridangam on the ninth day of the festival, dedicated to Arabhi ragam as per schedule, he proudly exclaims. Bomma golu days The performance stage at the Lalithambika Sangeeta Natya Koodam is also gearing up for its Navaratri extravaganza. We have received applications from across the country, and have no slots vacant now, says Unnikrishnan L P, who has turned his house into an art commune. The venue also houses one of Thiruvananthapurams biggest bomma golu displays. We have been doing this for the past five to six years. Our preparations began a month ago. We have been dusting off the dolls we collected from places like Manamadurai, Madurai, Kanchipuram, etc. The display often spills over to the sides of the main hall, he says. Unlike before, when it was just a private Navaratri ritual restricted to certain communities, bomma golus are now on public display in several city junctions and many temples in the capital. You must visit the golu display at Gandhari Amman temple at Thampanoor; it is truly exquisite, says Ramakrishnan V, secretary of the Ayodhya Nagar Seetharama Bhaktha Sabha. The organisation has prepared its golu display for this year. It does require some effort to keep golu at home. But it is the effort that makes it colourful, he observes, adding that the art performances notch up the excitement further. The Sabha is also hosting several performances this year. We are also planning to include a Dandiya night, he says. Time for art and artists. As the number of golus rises, so does the business, says Saju N, who runs Kamakshi Enterprises at Karamana. My family came here over 100 years ago from Thanjavur as artisans and were housed at the Chettiar Theruvu in Karamana. We have been running the golu business for decades. Nowadays, due to added demand, we have to procure dolls in addition to the ones we make, he says. While earlier dolls of mythological figures were the favourites, now, demand is high for figurines that depict everyday life. There are people who come asking for specific images based on what they saw on social media, he says, adding the customer base has also grown from Thiruvananthapuram to the rest of the state. Social media is also behind the splashy displays during the Navaratri, Dhanya says. There are positives to this, especially the renewed interest in learning. However, the intent also matters. It should not be social media popularity or the applause that drives the performances. It should be about understanding the essence of the festival and perfecting their craft, she says. She recalls her performance last year at a temple in East Fort in front of a small crowd. It was my most fulfilling Navaratri experience, she smiles. The stage is set One of the main stages for the festival is the Navaratri Mandapam at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, where the activity expands to dance and music performances throughout the day. Traditionally, it was a venue for an elite evening performance, coordinated by the erstwhile Travancore royal family and their court musicians, the Mullammoodu Bhagavathars. It was these bhagavathars who had the onus to open each days concert. The age-old Mandapam is also the venue where the traditional idol of Goddess Saraswathy, said to be worshipped by Tamil poet Kambar, will be kept. Otherwise, it is kept at the Padmanabhapuram Palace and is annually brought to the capital along with the idols of Kumaraswamy and Munnootti Manga (Kundani Manga), as the Goddesss aides. The Kumaraswamys idol is taken to the Aryasala Temple, and the Munnootti Manga idol to the Sree Chenthitta Devi Temple to be worshipped for the next nine days, when the capital erupts into a festive mood with the colours of Navaratri.
Ragging in Madurai: Teen student stripped, thrashed by batchmates at government ITI hostel
The victim boy, a first year student at the ITI, hails from Varusanadu in Theni district and was staying in the students hostel run by the Tamil Nadu governments Department of Kallar Reclamation
Ragging horror in Tamil Nadu: ITI student forced to undress, beaten in hostel room; 3 minors booked
Tamil Nadu police have filed a case against three minors after a disturbing video surfaced showing an ITI student being stripped and assaulted within a government-run hostel in Madurai district. The victim was forced to undress and subjected to physical abuse, including being struck with a slipper.
Student Stripped, Hit On Private Parts At Madurai ITI College Hostel In Shocking Ragging Case
The incident came to light after the student's parents filed a complaint with the authorities.
Annamalai flays Pinarayi, Stalin; labels them nastik dramacharis
PATHANAMTHITTA: The Sabarimala Samrakshana Sangamam organised by Sangh Parivar groups in Pandalam on Monday, which drew thousands of devotees, turned into a platform for sharp criticism of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Tamil Nadu counterpart M K Stalin. Inaugurating a public meeting in the evening, former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai launched a blistering attack on the two leaders, terming them nastik dramacharis. He accused them of misusing devotees platforms while standing against the Sanatana Dharma. Both atheist friends came together only to perform drama. Even their conferences saw poor turnout, he quipped, beginning his speech by bowing before devotees. The Sabarimala Samrakshana Sangamam was organised in response to the Travancore Devaswom Boards Global Ayyappa Sangamam which was inaugurated by Pinarayi. Speaking in Tamil, Annamalai tore into the LDF governments Ayyappa Sangamam and drew parallels with the DMK governments Global Muruga Conference held in Madurai. It was Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi who spoke about eradicating Sanatana dharma, and it was Pinarayi Vijayan who invited them to Kerala. The Ayyappa Sangamam itself was a replica of the earlier DMK programme, held only for electoral gains, he said. Training his guns on Pinarayi, Annamalai said: Those who deny the existence of God now take Bhagavad Gita classes. If you quote from Chapter 12, at least learn there are chapters before it. The Gita teaches that lust, anger and greed are the gateways to hell Kerala Communist ruler Pinarayi Vijayan has all three. Seventeen hundred years ago, the Pandalam royal family emerged from the Pandya kingdom. There was no division as Tamils and Malayalis then. Everyone followed the same dharma. Today, I am here not as a Tamilian, but as one among thousands of devotees of Sanatana Dharma, Annamalai said. Quoting Tiruvalluvar, Annamalai said a King betraying people and misusing laws is crueller than murder. That is what Pinarayi did at Pandalam in 2018-19. Using his power, he unleashed troubles on lakhs of Ayyappa devotees. A ruler is not supposed to do what Pinarayi has done. Yet, he delivers Gita lectures, he said. Annamalai also alleged large-scale loss of temple land under the DMK regime in Tamil Nadu. In 1985, Tamil Nadus HR&CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department) controlled 5.25 lakh acres. Today, it has only 4 lakh acres. In 40 years, 1.25 lakh acres vanished. Yet, minister Sekar Babu comes here asking for five acres in Pandalam. After looting so much, they are still greedy for land, he said. Touching on Sabarimalas revenue, he said the shrine collected over Rs 1,300 crore in the past three seasons alone. You build bridges or roads worth Rs 100 crore, then take away the entire hundi revenue - just like DMK drains Tamil Nadu temples, he alleged. He also slammed the LDF government over the missing gold from the Sabarimala dwarapalaka idols. You cannot safeguard 4 kg of gold belonging to Ayyappa, yet you preach to us how to be devotees, he remarked. On the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Annamalai demanded that the Kerala government withdraw its earlier stand. If you file an affidavit saying women between 10 and 50 will not be allowed at Sabarimala, we will believe you are true devotees of Ayyappa, he said. He stressed that temple funding is not a government favour but a constitutional obligation. Mr Vijayan must understand this is not alms thrown at Ayyappa. It is the states constitutional duty to fund the Travancore Devaswom Board, he said.
BJP Tamil Nadu Chief meets JP Nadda amid alliance speculations with former AIADMK leaders
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PATHANAMTHITTA: Quoting from Bhagavad Gita to delineate qualities of a true devotee and pitching Sabarimala as a rare shrine that embodies secular spirituality, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday donned an all-new avatar. In an earnest effort to win back the lost mass base among the Hindu community after the Sabarimala women entry fiasco, he rolled out a detailed road map for the future development of the hill shrine. Eyeing a consecutive third term, the Left leader sent out an evident political message ahead of the elections, as he said at the Global Ayyappa Sangamam in Pampa that Sabarimalas uniqueness lay in transcending religious divides and attracting devotees from across faiths. Noticeably, the CM received praise from SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan who termed Pinarayi a true devotee at heart. Vellappally, who arrived at the venue along with Pinarayi in his official vehicle, described Pinarayi as the only leader with the quality to become a CM again. At a time when the UDF and the BJP have been eyeing inroads into the Ezhava community, the Left was able to send out a message through Vellappally. Billed as a mega event by the Travancore Devaswom Board to transform Sabarimala into a global destination, the event had two ministers from Tamil Nadu in attendance, in addition to an array of prominent people from the state. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, who presided over the meet, read out the message from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extending wishes to the meet. In a marked shift from his Marxist vocabulary, Pinarayi dipped into the Bhagavad Gita during his inaugural address. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sharing a light moment with Tamil Nadu Devaswom Minister P K Sekhar Babu after inaugurating the Global Ayyappa Sangamam Pinarayi a devotee at heart: Vellappally The Gita, in its 12th chapter, starts with adveshta sarva-bhutanam maitrah karuna eva cha, clearly defining a devotee as one who harbours no hatred, shows friendship and compassion to all, and remains equanimous in joy and sorrow. That is the kind of devotion reflected here, Pinarayi said. Asserting that the meet aims to showcase the shrines unique ethos to the world, he lashed out at detractors of Sabarimala, without naming anyone. He said Sabarimalas uniqueness lay in its ability to transcend religious divides and attract devotees from across faiths. Referring to the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru and Chattampi Swamikal, the CM said the shrines message was of inclusivity, not exclusion. The temple sings Harivarasanam, composed by an atheist Devarajan Master and rendered by Yesudas, who was born a Christian, he said. He also referred to the traditions of worship along the pilgrimage route, from Vavar to the offerings at Arthunkal church, to reiterate that Sabarimala is a symbol of communal harmony. How many temples in the world can claim this kind of inter-faith connect? he asked. Defending the Sangamam against critics who questioned its timing, Pinarayi accused opponents of indulging in parochial political propaganda. This has nothing to do with appeasing anyone. The aim is to think afresh... to present Sabarimala globally on the lines of Tirupati or Madurai, he said. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Vellappally stressed that in all likelihood, Pinarayi would get a third term. Even though all these people speak of atheism for ideologys sake, 90% of those who come to see Ayyappan are communists, he said. Terming the Sangamam a success, Vellappally termed Pinarayi as a natural leader. He described Pinarayi as both a believer and the only leader with leadership quality to take Kerala forward. Pinarayi may speak of rationalism, but in his heart, he is a devotee. He has even visited Sabarimala twice, he said. The UDF, meanwhile, unleashed a blistering attack on the CM with regard to the Ayyappa Sangamam. Inaugurating the meet, the CM spoke like a fake devotee, alleged Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan. Keeping in mind local body and assembly elections, Pinarayi wore an aura of devotion, which barely suits him. Unmindful of the atrocities carried out at Sabarimala, he chose to embrace the aura of devotion, said Satheesan. Terming the Sangamam a total failure, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the devotees fully rejected the meet. Despite spending crores, the event failed to make any impact, he said. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said Ayyappa devotees stayed away from the event as they have realised the Pinarayi governments politicking in the name of the meet. With inputs from Thiruvananthapuram
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