logo
Velumani says he didn't attend RSS event in Coimbatore

Velumani says he didn't attend RSS event in Coimbatore

Time of Indiaa day ago

S P Velumani
COIMBATORE: Former
AIADMK
minister S P Velumani said he participated in the centenary celebration of Perur Aatheenam Shanthalinga Ramaswamy Adikalar here on Monday and did not attend the RSS function as he had not been invited to that.
He added that false information was being spread that he participated in the RSS function held in the same venue.
Addressing reporters at the Coimbatore International Airport on Monday evening, Velumani said Perur Aatheenam had brought pride to the Kongu region. 'We went to attend the centenary celebration of Santhalinga Ramasamy Adigalar as we were invited to it. But we were not invited to the RSS event.'
When asked whether a silver Lord Murugan idol and a silver spear (Vel) had been given to the RSS chief to show that the AIADMK and the BJP were one, Velumani said, 'Mohan Bhagwat was invited as a special guest to the Adigalar programme.
Since it was held in my assembly constituency, he was given a Lord Murugan idol and spear as gifts.'
He said, 'The AIADMK would form alliances with many parties for election. But the party would not compromise on its policy of self-respect for that.'
He said Siruvani dam water level had been raised to 50 feet during the AIADMK regime. However, the water level was reduced after a landslide in Kerala and the water level at the dam is not being kept above 40 feet now.
'The water level should be raised to 50 feet immediately, and the frequent water release should be stopped. Otherwise, the AIADMK will stage a protest within 10 days,' said Velumani.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dhankhar invokes Savarkar's realism, backs national interest as India's international diplomacy compass
Dhankhar invokes Savarkar's realism, backs national interest as India's international diplomacy compass

The Print

timean hour ago

  • The Print

Dhankhar invokes Savarkar's realism, backs national interest as India's international diplomacy compass

'Browsing through the pages of New World, I felt the imprint of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the author's thought… Savarkar, despite all the untenable misgivings in extremity, remains a celebrated thinker…,' Dhankhar said. At the launch of the book 'New World: 21st Century Global Order in India', authored by senior RSS leader & India Foundation president Ram Madhav, Dhankhar said he saw a Savarkarite lens in the author's worldview. New Delhi: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Monday recalled Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who had said that global politics is dictated by realism and self-interest, not morality or solidarity. 'Savarkar, a staunch realist, believed in a post-war world where nations would act only in pursuit of their own interests not based on idealism, morality or international solidarity. Imagine how prophetic he has been. Look around—last fortnight, last 3 months. All this has been seen by all of us,' he said. He also echoed Savarkar's critique of Western institutions, saying the nationalist leader had rejected 'pacifist or utopian internationalism' and 'emphasised that India must safeguard its sovereignty through strength, not by relying on Western-dominated institutions like the League of Nations or later the United Nations, both ignoring due place to one-sixth of humanity.' Also read: 'Picture of ideal democracy': Mohan Bhagwat praises political unity post-Pahalgam, calls for self-reliance 'Strengthening Bharat is the governing philosophy today' In a strong endorsement of the Modi government's worldview, Dhankhar said: 'Friends, today, strengthening Bharat is the governing philosophy and resolve of this government. It is steadfast, firm, non-negotiable, and notwithstanding the critics—it is spinally strong.' 'Let us not be misguided by the distraction—who said what. The government, and India and its people, stand firmly for the nation—nation first and our nationalism… Those who take a stand for momentary situations are not in the psyche or groove of Bharat. Once we attain strength inwards, we can shape our strategic environment outwards,' he added. Backing Ram Madhav's thesis in the book, he said, 'I couldn't agree more with the lamentations of the author Dr. Ram Madhav. He highlights a perpetual decline of global multilateralism and prescribes India to give up romanticism and focus on economic growth.' 'George Tanham was wrong—India's strategic thought is deep-rooted' The Vice-President also took on longstanding Western criticisms about India's lack of strategic culture. 'George Tanham, an American thinker, 3 decades ago, in a treatise effectively suggested that there is absence of a strategic thinking in India on account of its Hindu philosophical roots and there were takers of it. But with Shri Ram Madhav's volume, George Tanham stands corrected. He couldn't be more wrong,' Dhankhar said. He added: 'The principle 'Rajadharma' (ethical statecraft) and 'Dharmayudha' (just war) in Mahabharata; Dhamma diplomacy in Ashokan edicts; and the Mandala Theory of Kautilya are all examples of theorising strategic environments—all feast to the intellect. These philosophies have ever been relevant, but in our contemporaneous challenging times, these are the needs of the global order.' 'India must re-strategise for a shifting global order'—Ram Madhav Speaking to the media after the launch, author Ram Madhav said the world is shifting away from the liberal international order formed post-World War II, and India must reorient its strategy to keep pace. 'We are moving away from the international liberal order that was created some 75 years ago. We are entering into a new kind of world,' he said. He cited the emergence of China and the rising importance of smaller nations like Turkey. 'In our recent clash with Pakistan, we not only talked about Pakistan, but also about Turkey. So, the realisation is Turkey is also a power today,' he said. Madhav pointed out that wars are now being fought in unconventional ways—'no army is facing each other'—and that India must adapt quickly if it wants to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047. 'India has to re-strategise its whole future trajectory…That means doing some very important things and becoming a very proactive participant in this new order,' he said. He added that international diplomacy must now be grounded in national interest, not ideological loyalty. 'In politics and diplomacy, there are no permanent friends and no permanent foes…That was a romantic approach of the past. There are only permanent interests.' He also emphasised India's message to global institutions, saying, 'India has told the UN leadership that you are not delivering…you are failing. If you fail, we have to look for other ways…other countries will have to come forward.' Underscoring New Delhi's diplomatic positioning amid global conflicts, Madhav said: 'India is not taking sides, India is fighting—or is working—for peace.' Trump, Iran bombing, China, Kargil 2.0—a volatile new world The backdrop to Monday's discussion was a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Tensions in West Asia have intensified in recent months, with the long-simmering Iran-Israel conflict spilling over into open confrontation. The US, a key Israeli ally, has become directly involved following a series of escalations, including Iranian missile strikes and retaliatory US airstrikes on Iranian military targets—marking a significant deepening of the regional conflict. Congress MP Manish Tewari, who also spoke at the event, listed these global crises while framing the shifts in strategic thinking. 'There are unprecedented trade tensions across the world triggered by President Trump's attempt to restructure the international architecture of commerce. The Russia-Ukraine war that began in February of 2022, the Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah-Houthi-Iran conflict that broke out in October of 2023, and the rise of China over the past three decades that has attained potential overtones in large parts of the world beyond the immediate Chinese realms in North Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The added dynamic is the latest India-Pakistan standoff, the worst after the Kargil war 26 years ago, and now the US bombing of Iran. Modern strategic thought is essentially a European construct because of the experimentation with ideas and the impulses of colonialism,' Tewari said. 'Democracy means dialogue' Spealing about the 'sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah' philosophy, Dhankhar said, 'Friends, even the Fabian socialists of the 50s cannot disagree with the direction of the country as we strive to attain. And what do we strive to attain? We are not creating Bharat, it was not born on 15 August, 1947. We only got rid of the colonial power then. 'Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah'—that is our philosophy. May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from illness.' Adding to this philosophical dimension, Dhankhar underlined the centrality of expression and dialogue to India's democratic ethos. 'We firmly believe that democracy is primarily defined by expression and dialogue. Both are complementary. This, in our Vedic philosophy, is anantavada. One of the fundamentals is, and that is inalienable facet, non-negotiable, respect the others' point of view. My own experience shows, more often than not, the other point of view is the correct point of view.' Cautioning against internal division, Dhankhar urged political dialogue and maturity. 'Friends, the pathway to Bharat's rise would require careful treading. There are forces that are determined to make our life difficult. There are forces within the country and outside. These sinister forces, pernicious to our interests, want to strike by dividing us on issues even like language,' he said. 'Which country in the world can take pride in their language richness like Bharat can? Look at our classical languages, their number. In parliament, 22 such languages allow and afford opportunity for anyone to express in them.' 'It would require many such thinkers to come together and debate and discuss challenges and opportunities and aid policymakers in making right strategic choices. Evolution of policies must take place now with a little more representative character.' Calling for political convergence, Dhankhar concluded that 'convergence' is required. 'There has to be greater dialogue among political parties. I firmly believe we have no enemies in the country. We have enemies outside. And some who are enemies within—a small fraction—they are rooted in outside forces, inimical to Bharat.' (Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri) Also read: Savarkar severely criticised RSS for its 'purely cultural' orientation

We are worried AIADMK is making a historic mistake: Thirumavalavan
We are worried AIADMK is making a historic mistake: Thirumavalavan

The Hindu

time2 hours ago

  • The Hindu

We are worried AIADMK is making a historic mistake: Thirumavalavan

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan on Tuesday expressed concern over the political course the AIADMK has taken. 'We are worried that AIADMK is making a historic mistake. We will not allow them (Hindutva forces) to poison this land. Many are trying to divert Tamil Nadu towards Hindutva politics. Many who speak fake Tamil nationalism also are speaking in the same tone. We should not give space for that,' he said in Chennai. The VCK leader feared the AIADMK cadres are being turned into RSS activists. His remarks came against the backdrop of the recent Murugan Devotees conference held by the Hindu Munnani in Madurai in which AIADMK leaders had also participated. Participating at a function organised by his party to bestow awards on various personalities, he said B. R. Ambedkar was instrumental in ensuring that Hinduism, 'which does not foster brotherhood within', was not declared as the State religion in India. Mr. Thirumavalavan asked if those accusing him of erasing 'sacred ash' on his forehead were ready to protest in favour of Scheduled Castes who are not being allowed inside temple (Droupathi Amman temple) in Melpathi in Villupuram. 'I accepted sacred ash because it was offered. Can I sport it always? I didn't accept it because I would get good Karma nor did I want to insult the gesture,' he said. Mr. Thirumavalavan said, 'I am not asking you to accept me as your just accept me as your brother.' 'Tamil land has five types of landscape and Murugan, who hails from Kurinji is the leader. He was born like us, lived like us and ruled the people. We have literature to support this. But he has been turned into 'Subramanian'. No Brahmin will name their children as Murugan - they will name them Subramanian or Skandan. Murugan from Sangam literature is different from the mythology,' he contended. Mr. Thirumavalavan said, 'How can I sit and watch as the follower of Dr. Ambedkar and Periyar (E V Ramasamy) when our identity and history is stolen and new stories and identity are created to discriminate and divide us? We haven't started a party just to go to and State assembly.' Dr. K. S. Chalam, former VC, Dravidian University (Ambedkar Sudar awardee), actor Sathyaraj (Periyar Oli), Thozhar Thiyagu (Marx Mamani), Dr. Pa. Jambulingam (Iyotheethasar Adhavan), V. Vaithilingam former CM, Puducherry (Kamarajar Kathir), Tamil scholar Prof. A. Shanmugadas (Semmozhi Gnayiru), P.A. Kaja Moinudeen Bagavi (Quaid-E-Millath Pirai) received awards.

E-commerce, market-driven lifestyle weaking human bonds: Hosabale
E-commerce, market-driven lifestyle weaking human bonds: Hosabale

Indian Express

time4 hours ago

  • Indian Express

E-commerce, market-driven lifestyle weaking human bonds: Hosabale

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Tuesday said e-commerce and a market-driven lifestyle adversely impacted basic human bonds and relationships. He was speaking at a book release function held in Mumbai. According to him, the e-commerce and market-driven lifestyle were detrimental and weakened social bonds, altering the fundamentals of human relationships. The senior RSS functionary was speaking at the launch of the book Integral Humanism: A Distinct Paradigm of Development by Ashok Modak, published by the Indian Council of Social Science Research. According to Hosabale, 'A market-driven, government-oriented life was damaging for society as it adversely impacted human equations. E-commerce is a glaring example. It has reduced relationships to mere transactions.' While underlining the seriousness of such lifestyle and its overall impact on the individual, family and society at large, he said, 'If I want to get Modak's book in a village in Tamil Nadu, I can easily order it online. It seems convenient. I pay and they deliver. But is it really that simple? Earlier, traditional marketplaces were rooted in long-standing relationships. It has special connected. A human bond. Which evoked sentiments. In the past, a farmer would borrow from a trader who knew him and his family for years. Now, such things are unimaginable. Everything is personal, individualistic.' He added, 'Will Amazon ever understand or replicate that kind of trust? It is faceless. We are slowly losing the essence of such human connections.' Hosabale cited how in the United States, society has practically disappeared. Only individuals and the state were left in that country. This disconnect and lack of emotions is worrying. 'This model of a welfare government and a market-centric life is not sustainable for a healthy society,' he said. The senior RSS functionary raised an alarm about the modern world's approach to nature and lifestyle, highlighting changes in living standards, which have over the decades become essential aspects. 'We cannot live without electricity, but we must think about how to generate it efficiently and integrate it into our lives in a way that respects the environment,' Hosabale said. Another significant point he made was that education should focus on imparting values and not just disseminating information. 'The new knowledge must be created to build a cohesive society,' he stressed. Referring to Modak's book, Hosabale said, 'The western world view revolves around individual rights, survival of the fittest, and exploitation of nature. A human being is part of society, and society cannot exist without nature.' The RSS leader lauded Bhutan's Gross National Happiness model as an alternative vision to economic indices. 'Human and societal well-being are complementary. They cannot exist without nature,' he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store