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Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
TN govt installed 63 statues, 11 memorial halls in 4 years to honour icons, freedom fighters: CM
Chennai: In a landmark initiative to commemorate national leaders, Tamil scholars, and freedom fighters, the Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has installed 63 statues and established 11 commemorative halls across the state over the past four years, according to an official statement issued on Sunday. Reaffirming its commitment to preserving the legacy of those who fought for India's freedom and championed the Tamil language, the government said the initiative aims to inspire future generations to embrace their values and sacrifice for the nation and culture. 'Among the most iconic achievements is the 133-foot-tall statue of Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari, originally conceptualised by former CM M. Karunanidhi. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated the adjoining 'Wisdom Dome' on December 30, 2024,' the statement noted. The government has also unveiled statues of Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, Tamil poet Subramania Bharathiar, former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar, Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy, renowned singer T.M. Soundararajan, and senior DMK leader K. Anbazhagan, among others. Memorial halls and statues have further been dedicated to freedom fighters such as Veeran Sundaralingam, Kuyili, and V.O. Chidambaram, alongside monuments celebrating literary pioneers including Mayuram Vedanayagam Pillai and Bharathidasan. 'Taking Tamil pride beyond the borders of the state, the government also established a statue of humanitarian and engineer Colonel John Pennycuick in the UK, and constructed a memorial house for poet Bharathiar in Varanasi, further cementing Tamil Nadu's cultural legacy on the global stage,' the statement added. Drawing a comparison with previous administrations, the government pointed out that only 25 statues were erected between 2011 and 2021 under the AIADMK regime. It described that period as one of 'limited vision and neglect' of Tamil cultural icons. In contrast, the present government said its inclusive cultural initiatives, spanning historical, literary, and social reform figures, now serve as a model for the entire nation, celebrating diversity and heritage.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Seeman climbs a tree, and Tamil Nadu starts tapping into the toddy debate again
The head of the Naam Tamizhar Katchi (We Tamils Party) caused a stir recently by climbing a palmyra tree and tapping toddy from its inflorescence. In doing so, he defied Section 4(d) of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, which bans tapping from any toddy-producing tree, and invited prosecution under Section 4(e), which carries a penalty of up to three months in prison and a fine of ₹1,000. Tapping toddy from the palmyra or coconut tree and fermenting it into liquor has been an age-old tradition across South India. Ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, who composed 1,330 couplets on various subjects, even devoted a chapter to verses on "abstinence from toddy". His advice was not just moral but practical, warning of the damage liquor can do to the brain. Yet, despite this counsel tendered 2,000 years ago, toddy consumption continues unchecked in rural areas. Toddy came into the spotlight 90 years ago when the Government of India Act, 1935, came into effect and elections were held. The Congress came to power in eight provincial assemblies. In Madras Presidency, C Rajagopalachari was elected Premier, and one of his first actions was to implement prohibition in the province, in line with the Congress promise. Asked about the loss of revenue, Rajaji responded by introducing India's first sales tax legislation, imposing a 1% tax on all goods sold and purchased to offset the shortfall. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 1 Bite Daily On An Empty Stomach Can Transform Your Health Gundry MD Learn More Undo However, after the Congress resigned from the provincial govts, the British did not waste any time. They lifted prohibition in 1944 and allowed the free sale of liquor to replenish the treasury through abkari contracts. After Independence, prohibition was reintroduced in 1948, driven by Mahatma Gandhi's insistence on promoting total abstinence from alcohol. The Constitution, which came into force in 1950, included Article 47, which stated that "the state shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health". Madras Province remained dry for nearly two decades under Congress rule. When DMK came to power under chief minister C N Annadurai, prohibition continued. After that, TN's liquor policy became a back-and-forth struggle, with each govt deciding whether the state would be dry based on its own stance on the issue. In 1971, when M Karunanidhi became chief minister, prohibition was lifted. Just two years later, it was reintroduced. In 1977, M G Ramachandran (MGR) became chief minister and relaxed prohibition, but liquor consumption was only allowed with a permit. By 1980, liquor was back on the scene, available even in sachets. When J Jayalalithaa assumed office in 1991, she reimposed prohibition. In 2003, the state govt took control of the procurement and retail sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), establishing a monopoly. The Prohibition Act and related rules were amended, giving the govt exclusive rights over liquor sales in TN. It was ironic that the rules allowing the state to monopolise IMFL sales were created under the same Prohibition Act of 1937, effectively mocking the constitutional directive under Article 47. While toddy is a fermented juice tapped from coconut and palmyra trees, its unfermented form is known as padhaneer. The Prohibition Act defines padhaneer as "juice drawn from a coconut, palmyra, date, or any other kind of palm tree into receptacles treated to prevent any fermentation and not fermented". Over time, the argument that toddy is a healthier, more natural alcoholic drink than IMFL began to gain traction. In the 1960s, a political party called the Toddy Seekers Kazhagam contested elections, though unsuccessfully, demanding the right to tap toddy. Since the Tamil Nadu govt established the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) for the retail vending of IMFL, a renewed toddy movement has begun, framing the debate as one between swadeshi (indigenous) and videshi (foreign) alcohol. The head of the movement even threw an open challenge, offering ₹1 crore to anyone who could prove toddy was harmful to health. Tasmac emerged as the state's biggest source of revenue, generating ₹50,000 crore annually. As a result, the govt was unwilling to consider pleas for opening toddy shops or permitting the tapping of toddy from coconut and palmyra trees. In 2007, during Karunanidhi's tenure as chief minister, a public interest litigation was filed, claiming that it was unconstitutional for the state to sell IMFL while prohibiting the tapping and consumption of toddy. A division bench of the Madras High Court dismissed the case and held that "a citizen has no fundamental right to trade or business in liquor as a privilege" (2007). Though petitioners claimed that toddy was a natural drink, the court observed that it could be adulterated with chemicals to increase its potency and rejected the argument. To respond to demands from coconut and palm workers who lost livelihoods, the Karunanidhi govt appointed a committee chaired by Justice K P Sivasubramaniam. It included several govt officials and a police officer. However, the committee's report was not unanimous. Justice Sivasubramaniam said total prohibition was ideal but added that in the absence of such prohibition, there was no harm in allowing the production and consumption of toddy. Govt officials on the committee dissented. Using this dissent, the Karunanidhi govt appointed another official committee to review the report and submit fresh recommendations. In his report, Justice Sivasubramaniam remarked on the irony of his appointment, wondering how a teetotaller like him was chosen to head a committee on toddy tapping. Though he was in the minority, he clearly stated that while total prohibition was not being enforced, the state could permit toddy tapping. However, he remained a staunch supporter of prohibition. He declared that he would never allow toddy tapping in his own coconut grove as he believed the decision to lift prohibition brought ruin to thousands of families. He also noted that the Kongu region of western Tamil Nadu, a stronghold for the prohibition movement during the pre-independence era, was now at the forefront of demands to allow toddy tapping. Today, as most political parties have distanced themselves from the issue, Seeman has reopened the debate. In a dramatic gesture, he climbed a palmyra tree fitted with wooden planks, tapped the juice, and drank it in defiance of the law. Though the BJP's manifesto includes a promise to permit toddy tapping, the party quickly distanced itself from Seeman's actions. A police official said they were examining whether to initiate prosecution against the NTK leader. Several DMK allies questioned how Seeman could campaign for total prohibition while making an exception for toddy and extolling its virtues. (The writer is a retired judge of Madras high court) The head of the Naam Tamizhar Katchi (We Tamils Party) caused a stir recently by climbing a palmyra tree and tapping toddy from its inflorescence. In doing so, he defied Section 4(d) of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, which bans tapping from any toddy-producing tree, and invited prosecution under Section 4(e), which carries a penalty of up to three months in prison and a fine of ₹1,000. Tapping toddy from the palmyra or coconut tree and fermenting it into liquor has been an age-old tradition across South India. Ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, who composed 1,330 couplets on various subjects, even devoted a chapter to verses on "abstinence from toddy". His advice was not just moral but practical, warning of the damage liquor can do to the brain. Yet, despite this counsel tendered 2,000 years ago, toddy consumption continues unchecked in rural areas. Toddy came into the spotlight 90 years ago when the Government of India Act, 1935, came into effect and elections were held. The Congress came to power in eight provincial assemblies. In Madras Presidency, C Rajagopalachari was elected Premier, and one of his first actions was to implement prohibition in the province, in line with the Congress promise. Asked about the loss of revenue, Rajaji responded by introducing India's first sales tax legislation, imposing a 1% tax on all goods sold and purchased to offset the shortfall. However, after the Congress resigned from the provincial govts, the British did not waste any time. They lifted prohibition in 1944 and allowed the free sale of liquor to replenish the treasury through abkari contracts. After Independence, prohibition was reintroduced in 1948, driven by Mahatma Gandhi's insistence on promoting total abstinence from alcohol. The Constitution, which came into force in 1950, included Article 47, which stated that "the state shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health". Madras Province remained dry for nearly two decades under Congress rule. When DMK came to power under chief minister C N Annadurai, prohibition continued. After that, TN's liquor policy became a back-and-forth struggle, with each govt deciding whether the state would be dry based on its own stance on the issue. In 1971, when M Karunanidhi became chief minister, prohibition was lifted. Just two years later, it was reintroduced. In 1977, M G Ramachandran (MGR) became chief minister and relaxed prohibition, but liquor consumption was only allowed with a permit. By 1980, liquor was back on the scene, available even in sachets. When J Jayalalithaa assumed office in 1991, she reimposed prohibition. In 2003, the state govt took control of the procurement and retail sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), establishing a monopoly. The Prohibition Act and related rules were amended, giving the govt exclusive rights over liquor sales in TN. It was ironic that the rules allowing the state to monopolise IMFL sales were created under the same Prohibition Act of 1937, effectively mocking the constitutional directive under Article 47. While toddy is a fermented juice tapped from coconut and palmyra trees, its unfermented form is known as padhaneer. The Prohibition Act defines padhaneer as "juice drawn from a coconut, palmyra, date, or any other kind of palm tree into receptacles treated to prevent any fermentation and not fermented". Over time, the argument that toddy is a healthier, more natural alcoholic drink than IMFL began to gain traction. In the 1960s, a political party called the Toddy Seekers Kazhagam contested elections, though unsuccessfully, demanding the right to tap toddy. Since the Tamil Nadu govt established the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) for the retail vending of IMFL, a renewed toddy movement has begun, framing the debate as one between swadeshi (indigenous) and videshi (foreign) alcohol. The head of the movement even threw an open challenge, offering ₹1 crore to anyone who could prove toddy was harmful to health. Tasmac emerged as the state's biggest source of revenue, generating ₹50,000 crore annually. As a result, the govt was unwilling to consider pleas for opening toddy shops or permitting the tapping of toddy from coconut and palmyra trees. In 2007, during Karunanidhi's tenure as chief minister, a public interest litigation was filed, claiming that it was unconstitutional for the state to sell IMFL while prohibiting the tapping and consumption of toddy. A division bench of the Madras High Court dismissed the case and held that "a citizen has no fundamental right to trade or business in liquor as a privilege" (2007). Though petitioners claimed that toddy was a natural drink, the court observed that it could be adulterated with chemicals to increase its potency and rejected the argument. To respond to demands from coconut and palm workers who lost livelihoods, the Karunanidhi govt appointed a committee chaired by Justice K P Sivasubramaniam. It included several govt officials and a police officer. However, the committee's report was not unanimous. Justice Sivasubramaniam said total prohibition was ideal but added that in the absence of such prohibition, there was no harm in allowing the production and consumption of toddy. Govt officials on the committee dissented. Using this dissent, the Karunanidhi govt appointed another official committee to review the report and submit fresh recommendations. In his report, Justice Sivasubramaniam remarked on the irony of his appointment, wondering how a teetotaller like him was chosen to head a committee on toddy tapping. Though he was in the minority, he clearly stated that while total prohibition was not being enforced, the state could permit toddy tapping. However, he remained a staunch supporter of prohibition. He declared that he would never allow toddy tapping in his own coconut grove as he believed the decision to lift prohibition brought ruin to thousands of families. He also noted that the Kongu region of western Tamil Nadu, a stronghold for the prohibition movement during the pre-independence era, was now at the forefront of demands to allow toddy tapping. Today, as most political parties have distanced themselves from the issue, Seeman has reopened the debate. In a dramatic gesture, he climbed a palmyra tree fitted with wooden planks, tapped the juice, and drank it in defiance of the law. Though the BJP's manifesto includes a promise to permit toddy tapping, the party quickly distanced itself from Seeman's actions. A police official said they were examining whether to initiate prosecution against the NTK leader. Several DMK allies questioned how Seeman could campaign for total prohibition while making an exception for toddy and extolling its virtues. (The writer is a retired judge of Madras high court)
Daily Tribune
22-06-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Bharathi Association Opens New Premises in Um Al Hassam with Grand Ceremony
The Bharathi Association celebrated the grand inauguration of its new premises in Um Al Hassam, marking a memorable milestone for the community. The event was graced by distinguished guests and featured a rich cultural program. His Excellency Vinod K. Jacob, the Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, was the Chief Guest for the evening. The Guest of Honor was Chevalier Dr. V.G. Santhosam, a legendary entrepreneur, Chairman of the VGP Group, and founder of the World Tamil Sangam. Dr. Santhosam, renowned for his philanthropy and dedication to Tamil literature, has famously donated 183 statues of the revered Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar worldwide. Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony The inauguration officially began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Ambassador Jacob. H.E. Indian Ambassador Vinod K. Jacob joined Bharathi Association officials and Guest of Honor Dr. V.G. Santhosam, along with other distinguished guests. Dr. Santhosam eloquently recited several couplets highlighting the wisdom of poet Thiruvalluvar. The program commenced with a Tamil invocation song beautifully rendered by Anees Fathima, with RJ Rathi serving as the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Abdul Qaiyum, General Secretary of Bharathi Association, delivered a poetic and heartfelt welcome address. This was followed by the Presidential Address from Mr. Vallam Basheer, President of the Association, who acknowledged the generous contributions from members that made the new premises a reality and highlighted this significant accomplishment under his leadership. Ambassador Jacob delivered a concise yet impactful speech, emphasizing the richness of the Tamil language and the timely significance of inaugurating the new premises, especially as the Embassy actively fosters community engagement. In his address, Dr. V.G. Santhosam underscored the timeless wisdom of Tamil heritage. Notably, Dr. Santhosam had arrived in Bahrain directly from the United Kingdom, where he had just delivered a lecture on Tamil literature at Oxford University. Lifetime Achievements In recognition of his lifetime achievements in promoting Thiruvalluvar's poetic works globally, he was honored with the prestigious award, 'KURAL NERI CHELVAR.' The evening also showcased the vibrant culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu through a series of classical dance performances, followed by a delightful light music segment presented by association members. Contributors and supporters of the Bharathi Association were duly recognized and honored for their pivotal roles. Goodwill Gesture As a gesture of goodwill, Dr. Santhosam presented a miniature statue of Thiruvalluvar to both the Indian Embassy and the Bharathi Association. He also generously donated a collection of books to the Association's library, which were gratefully received by event coordinator Mr. Muthuvel Murugan. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Ilaiya Raja, Literary Secretary, followed by Mr. Sheik Mansoor, Treasurer of the Association. Snacks and refreshments for the evening were generously catered by Mrs. Sangeetha Babu.
Daily Tribune
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Bharathi Association Inaugurates New Premises in Um Al Hassam with Grand Ceremony
The evening also showcased the vibrant culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu through a series of classical dance performances, followed by a delightful light music segment presented by association members. Contributors and supporters of the Bharathi Association were duly recognized and honored for their pivotal roles. As a gesture of goodwill, Dr. Santhosam presented a miniature statue of Thiruvalluvar to both the Indian Embassy and the Bharathi Association. He also generously donated a collection of books to the Association's library, which were gratefully received by event coordinator Mr. Muthuvel Murugan. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Ilaiya Raja, Literary Secretary, followed by Mr. Sheik Mansoor, Treasurer of the Association. Snacks and refreshments for the evening were generously catered by Mrs. Sangeetha Babu.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Govt. Tamil teacher eases language learning for students
Did you know that when you pronounce 'nandri', your tongue has to sit in between the teeth for 'n' sound? 'It's all in the pronunciation. Children are not taught the right way to pronounce when writing,' said M. Kanagalakshmi, a Tamil teacher in Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School, Shenoy Nagar. She has been teaching Tamil in the simplest form to enhance students' reading ability based on 23 years of research. For her research, the UK-based Croydon Tamil Sangam has decided to honour the teacher in the UK Parliament. She has also been invited to participate in the ceremony to unveil the statue of Thiruvalluvar at Oxford university. When students completing elementary reach her class in Class 6, she says, they really do struggle to read. 'They have trouble identifying the letters. This scenario wasn't so terrible before Covid, but recently, many students suffer. So I inevitably take about 10-15 days teaching the basics. From there it has been smooth sailing to cover the rest of the syllabus,' she said. The teaching method is based on her research, which teaches the students of the many names of the curves in the Tamil letter. Once the names are learnt, it's only a matter of repeating and practicing to understand the writing. 'Once they are familiar with this practice, the reading becomes simple. Students then pick up books from all genres to enjoy reading and further write independently,' she said. Based on her research titled 'Problems and Solutions in Tamil Reading Ability', she has taught many students the Tamil language in under 45 days. A native of Thoothukudi, Kanagalakshmi adds that the child learns four new words when learning to write the letter A. They learn 'slanting' 'line', 'in between' and 'sleeping' when writing the letter 'A'. 'But this is not the case when learning the Tamil letters. They could've learnt it if it was incorporated in teacher training,' she added. The words such as padukkaikeetru (sleeping line), saivukeetru (slanting line), irattaikombu among others which could be used to trace and write letters. Driven by the need to make learning Tamil easier with proper methods, the 52-year-old started making books, workbooks with videos on every Tamil letter and their pronunciation. Entirely self-funded, she came out with QR codes in the books so that first generation learners can access the videos to learn. Tamil and Math have three books each. 'It's not difficult to learn Tamil. However, research on teaching methods for the elementary level is missing which makes children lose the opportunity to learn at a crucial age,' she added.
