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The Hindu
a day ago
- General
- The Hindu
Madurai Corporation calls for CSR funds for better upkeep of crematorium
'If cleanliness is measured by the upkeep of crematoriums in a city, Madurai probably may stand first from the bottom of the score board,' according to environmental activists. Thathaneri is a classic example of how a crematorium should not be maintained. The entire place is not only unhygienic, but also reflects the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities. 'Should the place not be kept clean for the visitors bidding a farewell to their dear ones,' asks V.P. Manikandan, an activist. Though there is huge space, it is not put to use as it should be, and there are seemai karuvelam trees, which are a breeding ground for all kinds of anti-social activities. During rainy season, the trees are home for pigs and stray dogs. There are also allegations of narcotic substances being sold in the crematorium, he adds. The best (read worst) part is that sewer enters the crematorium, and the air, which is already unhealthy, turns more unhygienic. The pungent smell discourages visitors to stay there for even 30 minutes, while remains a haven for the anti-socials. Drunken brawls are a common affair inside the area and youngsters (children in the vicinity) are exposed to it, Malaisamy, a resident of Aruldosspuram, near here, said. Though the Corporation staff at Thathaneri crematorium say there is an over head tank, which provides water for bathing purposes to people performing the last rites, not many use it. Asked about it, a user shares his experience and says the water was green in colour. There were no mugs and the space was too soiled. As per the suggestion of some workers, a private bathing space opposite the crematorium available on payment was used, he adds. Additional sheds required While there are different sheds to cremate the bodies at Thathaneri, not many of the roofs are in proper shape. A month ago, after heavy rainfall in the evening, the roof almost collapsed giving tense moments to relatives who were waiting for the rituals to get completed, says Kumaran, a tender coconut vendor in Thathaneri. The CSR funds from private industry can be utilised for improving the infrastructure. Through the Tamil Nadu government's Namakku Naame scheme, outfits can contribute and provide facilities. Also, the public-private partnership (PPP model) may be explored by responsible citizens and voluntary organisations. The facility at Keerathurai, which is managed by Rotary Club, has ample space for parking two and four-wheelers. The crematorium is clean and a notice board displays the amount to be remitted for cremation. There is instrumental music, which is comforting to visitors, Rotarians say. Isha Foundation has been helping in a big way in Coimbatore for performing the last rites. The crematorium is well-maintained and does not look like one as there is so much greenary, a Madurai-based activist Ravikumar, who recently visited the facility, says . Similarly, service organisations in Madurai can pitch in to maintain the Thathaneri crematorium in an orderly manner. New crematorium Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported the construction of a new crematorium near Mattuthavani, which is now the most sought after to conduct the last rites. The facility is clean in many aspects. Donors have raised a small and beautiful green patch inside. Apart from five workers employed in the crematorium on a contract basis, there is an administrator responsible for overall upkeep of the facility, according to Chamber president N. Jagatheesan. Expressing satisfaction, a worker, however, says they would be happy if they are insured by the sponsors. 'We handle different types of bodies, including infected ones, being brought here for performing the last rites and we run a health risk,' he points out. With ₹13,500 as salary, paying premium for health cover would not be possible, he adds. There are a few more crematoriums functioning in Keerathurai and Thiruparankundram, but the city should have one or two on the outskirts as it can be used by the public living on the peripheries of Madurai city. When contacted, Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan said the civic body would welcome an active role from private players in the upkeep of the crematoriums. With funds under corporate social responsibility (CSR), much more could be done for the crematoriums and efficient management by both the civic authorities and the private institutions would benefit the public. Inspection Recently, the Commissioner inspected the Thathaneri crematorium and took stock of the requirements. According to officials, the Commissioner instructed the Health department to visit all crematoriums at periodic intervals. From the Sanitary Inspector (SI) to the City Health Officer (CHO), they should conduct inspections and present reports about the requirements. Instead of visiting them only when there were issues raised by the public, the officials should maintain surveillance and keep the place clean. CCTV cameras Installing CCTV cameras and more lights would discourage the anti-socials from assembling in the crematorium at odd hours. Though there is police patrolling, an outpost at Thathaneri crematorium would help prevent crimes. A fortnight ago, a clash erupted between locals and a group of people, who had come there to perform last rites. Uneasy moments prevailed inside for a long time. The presence of police personnel would instantly silence the noise makers and also prevent untoward incidents, locals said. During rainy days, the number of bodies cremated are on the higher side at Thathaneri alone. On an average, 20 to 25 bodies are brought here and around 500 to 1,000 people stayed from morning till late evening. Theft of vehicles (two-wheelers) are also reported, but due to the absence of CCTV cameras, there is delay in tracing the bike lifters. Madurai City Police have said that all police stations that have crematoriums falling under their jurisidiction have been instructed to patrol them every two hours daily to ensure that there are no untoward incidents. Bodies, especially that are accompanied by huge crowds are watched. However, there seems to be a lot of grievances against the authorities. Recently, a police officer said he caught a habitual offender hiding in Thathaneri crematorium in a special operation as he was wanted in several crimes including a NBW (non bailable warrant) case. The activists also want the custodians of law to book cases against people bursting crackers and hurling garlands en route to the crematoriums.
News18
a day ago
- News18
‘No Case Here': Cops File Closure Report On Sexual Abuse Complaint At Isha Foundation School
Acting on the complaint, the investigating team had questioned 61 students at the Isha Home School, Isha Samskriti The Perur police station in Coimbatore has filed a closure report into a complaint filed last year alleging sexual abuse of minor girls at a school of Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation. Acting on the complaint, the investigating team questioned 61 students at the Isha Home School, Isha Samskriti. Further, 13 people working at the centre since 2017, including staff, visitors and volunteers, were also questioned. None of them corroborated the allegations, according to police. The statements of Social Welfare officer and CWC member who were part of the probe team were also recorded. The emails used for alleging sexual abuse in Isha schools, too, remain unproven, according to police . Hence, no prima facie case can be made out, according to police. The petitioner had lodged the complaint based on a video by Youtuber Shyam Meera Singh. Singh had made a serious allegation that instances of sexual harassment were reportedly seen among young girls at the Coimbatore school, raising significant concerns for the community. The Delhi High Court ordered Singh to take down the YouTube video on Sadhguru and Isha Foundation, after a defamation suit was filed by Isha Foundation. The Isha Foundation had also filed a defamation suit against the Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran accusing them of publishing allegedly defamatory videos. Vasudev had sought the removal of the videos and demanded Rs 3 crore in damages. First Published:
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
Isha Yoga cheated of Rs 24 lakh by former employee
HYDERABAD: The Isha Life Yoga Studio in Hyderabad was allegedly cheated of Rs 24,83,342 by a former employee, Sai Srinath, who worked at the centre between August 2020 and May 2022. The misappropriation came to light during an internal audit, after which the foundation confronted him. Srinath reportedly admitted to the wrongdoing and promised to repay the amount. He initially issued three post-dated cheques, all of which bounced due to insufficient funds and signature mismatch. Isha Foundation then filed a petition in the Nampally court. Following this, Srinath's father, T Venkata Surya Prakash, issued two more post-dated cheques, which also bounced. The foundation subsequently filed a complaint with the Jubilee Hills police. According to the complaint, Srinath was responsible for collecting cash from the boutique and showroom counters and depositing it into the organisation's bank account. Instead, he allegedly misappropriated the funds.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Hans India
‘Bengaluru Divya Darshan' gets overwhelming public response
Bengaluru: The 'Bengaluru Divya Darshan' tour package, launched by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), is receiving an enthusiastic response from the public. The new route of the tour, aimed at showcasing prominent tourist and heritage destinations within the city, was flagged off on May 28 by Karnataka's Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. Official operations began on May 31, and by June 10, the initiative had already served 921 passengers and generated over Rs 4.21 lakh in revenue, setting a strong benchmark for city-based tourism efforts. A Volvo AC bus departs daily at 9 am from Kempegowda Bus Terminal and returns by 6 pm. The tour covers major attractions including ISKCON Temple, Vidhana Soudha, Sankey Tank, Chowdiah Memorial Hall, VIP Road stretches, Tipu Sultan's Palace, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Karnataka Silk Emporium, National Gallery of Modern Art, Chinnaswamy Stadium, Visvesvaraya Museum, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Cubbon Park. The ticket cost is Rs 400 for adults and Rs 300 for children aged 5–10, plus a nominal service tax (Rs 20 for adults and Rs 15 for children). Following the success of its earlier Isha Foundation Special Package Tour, BMTC has now introduced a new 'Ghati Isha Foundation Package' on weekends and public holidays. This one-day trip includes air-conditioned bus service to nearby spiritual and tourist destinations such as Nelamangala Hanuman Temple, Ghati Subramanya, Jnanateertha Lingam (Muddenahalli), Skandagiri Panchanandi Kshetra, and Kalyani, alongside the Isha Foundation campus. These buses depart at 9 am and return by 7 pm from Kempegowda Terminal, Banashankari TTMC, and Central Silk Board stops. The fare for this tour is Rs 600 per person. With its growing popularity, BMTC's tourism initiatives are making city and weekend travel more accessible and enriching for residents and visitors alike.
News18
6 days ago
- General
- News18
Dhyanalinga Temple At Sadhguru's Coimbatore Ashram: Top 10 Unique Facts
Last Updated: The Dhyanalinga was consecrated by Sadhguru after an intense process of Prana Pratistha, lasting over three years, according to Isha Foundation While Adiyogi draws the biggest crowd to Isha Yoga Centre, it is the Dhyanalinga, housed within an elliptical dome at the foot of the Velliangiri Mountains, which is its main feature. Sadhguru offered the 'meditation machine" to the world 26 years ago. With its consecration anniversary on June 24, here are the 10 facts on what makes the Dhyanalinga a unique mystical possibility, according to the Isha Foundation. Consecrated through Prana Pratishtha: The Dhyanalinga was consecrated by Sadhguru after an intense process of Prana Pratistha, lasting over three years. All seven chakras (energy centres in the human body) have been energised to their peaks in the Dhyanalinga, creating a magnificent energy form that allows even a casual visitor to experience deep states of silence and stillness without prior meditation training. The dream of many enlightened beings: According to a legend, thousands of years ago, a yogi called Sunira had a glorious and impossible dream — to create a perfect being who could help in the evolution of human consciousness. His dream remained unfulfilled in his lifetime but as prophesied by himself, it was brought to life 15,000 years later at the foothills of the Velliangiri mountains, in the form of the Dhyanalinga – a perfect energetic being, a live guru, capable of self-sustaining its energies for over 5,000 years or more. Largest mercury linga in the world: It is a one-of-its kind linga in the world. Its core is made of alchemically solidified mercury called rasalinga. At 13 feet 9 inches high, it is the tallest such linga in the world. Nada aradhana: A daily offering of sound takes place inside the Dhyanalinga dome twice a day between 11:50 am and 12:10 pm and from 5:50-6:10 pm to enhance one's receptivity to the energies of the Dhyanalinga. Pancha bhuta kriya: It is a powerful process offered on every Shivratri (14th day of every lunar month) to purify the five elements of earth, air, space, fire and water within the human system. It is particularly beneficial for those suffering from physical ailments or psychological imbalances. Complete silence maintained at all times: To create a conducive atmosphere wherein meditation happens automatically with little to no effort, the lights within the Dhyanalinga are usually kept quite dim and it is mandatory to maintain silence at all times inside the sanctum sanctorum, with phones not being allowed inside. There are also 'meditation caves" (enclosures in the wall) where meditators can meditate undisturbed for longer periods. Sarva dharma stambha: Just before devotees enter the Dhyanalinga temple, they go around a pillar inscribed with symbols of all major faiths of the world. This pillar, known as the Sarva Dharma Stambha stands as testament to the fact that the grace of Dhyanalinga is available to all who seek, beyond religious affiliation or barriers of caste and creed. No rituals: The vibrant energies of the Dhyanalinga are complete and self-sustaining, requiring no rituals to maintain their sanctity. Small droplets of water are made to fall on the linga to maintain its wetness and enhance receptivity for seekers. Every Amavasya (new moon) and Purnima (full moon), one can personally making an offering of ksheera (milk) or jala (water) to Dhyanalinga. The physical basis of the Dhyanalinga — granite stone can dry up, so it needs periodic hydration. Milk and water, combined with the cleaning process known as Linga Snanam, ensure a long lifespan for the stone without any discolorings. So, in fact, Dhyanalinga does 'drink" the milk offered, as pure granite is porous and capable of absorbing liquids. And the milk gets boiled, filtered, and used in the preparation of food for children. The Dhyanalinga dome: It is built of unique 1,008 brick shapes that form the elliptical structure of the dome. Its construction was done without any paid labour by willing devotees and has no steel, cement or nails in it. The structure of the dome is sustained by a unique physical phenomenon wherein the geometry of the placed bricks is such that they are all trying to fall down at once and failing to do so and are held firmly in place. Linga seva: Devotees who have undergone Inner Engineering have the opportunity to offer themselves in seva to the Dhyanalinga. It is a 10-day seva with one day of silence and one day of orientation. Alternately, five days of seva at the Dhyanalinga premises without any period of orientation or silence is also offered for devotees to immerse themselves in the grace of Dhyanalinga. First Published:
