Latest news with #Hindu-centric
New Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Revival of counter-tradition challenges dominant ideas in Tamil theatre
'Sabha plays' have occupied the center stage of mainstream theatre spaces for long, sidelining alternative productions. 'Sabhas' refer to Brahmanical theatre spaces that promote plays portraying stories—sanitised and reduced to stereotypes—to appease a homogenous Brahmanical audience. Though Sabha plays are famously known for their moving depiction of Hindu-centric devotional themes, they sometimes draw upon contemporary life too. However, these slice-of-life productions merely reinforce Brahmanical values for an unquestioning audience, often promoting conservative ideals and patriarchal structures within the household. The one-dimensional approach to theatre comforts the audience; neither the producers nor the audience choose to confront the harsh realities that exist beyond these exclusive and elite Savarna theatre spaces. Such a situation has slowly started to shift, as mainstream theatre spaces have begun shedding their dependency on Sabha plays. This change can be attributed to a recent revival of a counter-tradition that not only challenges dominant ideas but also navigates through physical space in ways unimagined by mainstream theatre. By combining traditional form with modern sensibilities, a new genre of alternative theatre has emerged in Tamil Nadu. However, the existing monopoly of Savarna theatre in the mainstream has significantly shaped the growth of alternative theatre. With wealthy patrons and powerful connections in place, Savarna producers can mobilise resources for high-budget performances at exclusive stages, reinforcing their hold on mainstream theatre. As such, theatrical spaces are difficult to democratise.
United News of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Yatnal lashes out at BJP leadership in Karnataka
Vijayapura, June 23 (UNI) In a blistering attack on the BJP's state leadership, suspended BJP leader and senior MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Monday hinted at launching or joining a new political outfit, citing deepening disillusionment with the party's direction and alleged dynastic politics. Addressing reporters, Yatnal declared, "I am fighting this battle alone. One day, this isolation will become my strength — and I will become the Chief Minister of Karnataka. That could happen with BJP's support or even through a new party." Strongly opposing the elevation of BY Vijayendra, son of veteran leader BS Yediyurappa, Yatnal warned that pushing forward one family would spell doom for the BJP in Karnataka. "If Vijayendra continues to be projected, I will seriously reconsider my position. We will not follow a party that runs on dynasty," he said. Referring to Bihar politics, he said, "Nitish Kumar has just 30 MLAs and BJP has 80 — yet he's CM. I may have only 14, but with the right situation, I too can become CM." In a scathing critique of the Congress leadership, Yatnal alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's caste census politics was hollow and divisive. "Their claim of caste justice is a lie. Real social justice is about giving benefits to poor Hindus, Dalits — not vote-bank appeasement like 15% reservation for Muslims," he said. He also rejected any speculation of warming up to Congress, saying his ideology was firmly rooted in Hindutva. "Our politics must be Hindu-centric. Karnataka needs a system built on Hindutva values — not appeasement, not fake caste narratives," he said. Yatnal further alleged massive corruption among Karnataka's political elite. "Leaders are building assets in Dubai, Muscat, and Singapore while farmers and their children suffer. Go see the 4-star hotels in Shivamogga — who owns them? The people know," he remarked, in a veiled swipe at the Yediyurappa family. He also revealed that several senior leaders from both the BJP and Congress had reached out to him, suggesting the formation of a new party. "People say, forget BJP, forget Congress — let's start something new. But I won't take such a bold decision rashly," he clarified. Reiterating his loyalty to the BJP at the national level, Yatnal said he wants Narendra Modi to return as Prime Minister and Yogi Adityanath to succeed him. However, he asserted that "if Vijayendra remains the face of BJP in Karnataka, we will not be part of it." On not attending Vijayendra's wedding, he said, "I did not attend. That is my principle. I have no contact with them." He warned: "If this continues, BJP's future in Karnataka will be in jeopardy. We will then chart our own course — with a new party, a new vision, and a Hindutva foundation." UNI BDN PRS
Scroll.in
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Row erupts in Kerala about Bharat Mata portrait at Raj Bhavan during official event
A political row has erupted in Kerala after the state government boycotted an event at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday, objecting to a portrait of Bharat Mata on display there, The Indian Express reported. The state government claimed that the Bharat Mata portrait at the central hall of the governor's residence was 'one that is used by RSS [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]'. Bharat Mata is a personification of India as a mother goddess. The iconography is widely used by Hindu nationalists, and is frequently criticised for propagating a Hindu-centric image of nationhood. The incident took place during an event organised by the state agriculture department for World Environment Day at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the chief guest, according to The Indian Express. During a review of the preparations for the event, government officials noticed that a picture of the Bharat Mata displayed at the central hall of the governor's residence was similar to the one used by the RSS. Subsequently, Communist Party of India leader and state Agriculture Minister P Prasad was notified about the image and event was moved to the darbar hall of the state secretariat, The Indian Express reported. The Communist Party of India is part of the state's ruling Left Democratic Front. 'The picture of Bharat Mata displayed at the venue is one that is used by RSS,' the newspaper quoted Prasad as having told reporters. 'A seat of a constitutional body should not use that. Constitutionally, it is not proper to use that picture at a government function.' Prasad claimed that Arlekar insisted on using the image. 'But we could not agree with that decision,' the minister said. 'So the government function was shifted out of Raj Bhavan.' The Communist Party of India leader noted that no image of Bharat Mata had ever been acknowledged as the official or authorised version by the Constitution or any of the governments in power since independence, The Hindu reported. The minister also claimed that the Bharat Mata image in the Raj Bhavan did not carry an Indian flag, but that of a political organisation, and hence could not be honoured during a government event. The governor, addressing another function at the Raj Bhavan later in the day, noted that Prasad wanted the image of the Bharat Mata to be removed from the stage. 'I informed them that we cannot remove Bharat Mata,' The Indian Express quoted him as having said. 'Bharat Mata cannot be kept away…Whatever be the pressure from whichever quarters, there will be no compromise whatsoever on Bharat Mata.' On Saturday, the Communist Party of India hoisted the national flag and planted saplings in protest against the usage of the Bharat Mata image in the Raj Bhavan, PTI reported. Communist Party of India leader Binoy Viswam also asked whether the Constitution or the policies of the RSS was more important for Arelkar. Hoisting the national flag, Viswam said that there was 'no Bharat Mata other than this'. Any other attempt to impose another concept of Bharat Mata was 'unconstitutional' and 'anti-national', he added.
