Latest news with #AadiThiruvathiraifestival
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gangaikonda Cholapuram: From glory to decline
Pomp and gaiety marked the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, which is organised every year in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, about 105 kilometres from Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu, to mark the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I (1012 to 1044 CE). The festival, which the DMK government in the State began holding from 2022, became a high-profile event this time thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the valediction ceremony. The festival also coincided with the completion of 1,000 years of the maritime expedition of the Chola emperor to Southeast Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic temple. In his book, A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar, historian K.A. Nilakanta Sastri states that Rajendra Chola's empire was 'the most extensive and most respected Hindu state of his time.' Gangaikonda Cholapuram, established by the Chola ruler, served as the capital of the imperial Cholas for about 250 years (1025 CE-1279 CE). Along with the Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur, built by Rajendra Chola's father, Rajaraja Chola I, the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was included by UNESCO in 2004 under the category of 'Great Living Chola Temples' and declared a World Heritage Site. On July 27, Mr. Modi spent about two hours at the temple. Unlike most of his public events, which are characterised by formal speeches and the inauguration of projects and schemes, this event was different. Wearing a white dhoti, a half-sleeve shirt, and an angavastram (upper cloth), the Prime Minister enjoyed devotional renderings by a group of Oduvars (hymn singers) and by music director and composer Ilaiyaraaja. In his speech, Mr. Modi praised the contributions of the Cholas and explained how their rule remains an inspiration for modern India. The Cholas undoubtedly set a benchmark in various aspects of governance. However, their erstwhile capital is today one of the most backward districts of Tamil Nadu, Ariyalur. It is hard to believe that it was once the seat of power of a great empire for 250 years. 'It is all fine for the Prime Minister to announce the installation of statues for the two Chola emperors. But people in the district had expected him to unveil plans for infrastructure development in the region,' said N. Dhanapal, a resident of Thirumanur village in Ariyalur district. 'We thought he would make a statement on the approval of two long-pending railway projects — from Kumbakonam to Namakkal through Ariyalur and Perambalur, and one connecting Pattukottai, Thanjavur, and Ariyalur. We were disappointed,' he added. A predominantly agrarian district, Ariyalur has cement factories. These were established by large companies given the availability of good quality limestone in the region. After a spell of severe pest attacks about five years ago, farmers virtually stopped raising sugarcane. 'The sugar mill that we had barely functions,' a resident complained. Though the Small Industries Development Corporation set up an industrial estate at Mallur in the district about 10 years ago, it found few takers. The district has a fossil tree park and a fossil museum, which are examples of palaeo-zoology. In fact, the geological community regards the Ariyalur region as important as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, U.S. Yet, the place barely gets any visibility. In fact, despite being a World Heritage Site for more than 20 years, even the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple does not attract as many international visitors as it should, primarily due to connectivity issues and lack of amenities. It is not that there have not been efforts made to improve the district. On the eve of the festival, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had announced that the Chola Gangam lake, locally known as the Ponneri lake, would be developed at a cost of ₹12 crore, and that facilities for tourists would be improved at a cost of ₹7.25 crore. He also said that renovation work of channels around the tank and other maintenance works would be undertaken. The State government has also planned to construct a museum, spread over 10 acres, at the cost of ₹22.10 crore. However, these plans are not enough. What the people of the district, which was the seat of the ancient capital of the Cholas, want today is sustained attention and focus on economic development of the region. That is what finally matters to them.
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
India News: India News Live. India news headlines today
Jul 29, 2025, 06:11 PM IST Meghalaya- Heavy monsoon rains may have washed away over 4,000 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal- Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla Jul 29, 2025, 06:09 PM IST The National Medical Commission has tightened regulations on live surgical broadcasts, now permitting them only for innovative procedures due to patient safety concerns. This decision follows a Supreme Court petition and emphasizes pre-recorded videos for training, offering better control and analysis. Jul 29, 2025, 05:14 PM IST PM Modi recently visited Tamil Nadu's Gangaikonda Cholapuram to offer prayers at the 11th-century Chola-era temple on Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival. Built after the emperor's Ganges expedition, the site was sanctified with Ganga water—hence the name 'Gangaikonda.' Jul 29, 2025, 05:09 PM IST The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed closure reports in 49 anti-money laundering cases over the past 10.5 years, as revealed in Parliament. From 2015 to June 2025, the ED initiated 5,892 investigations under the PMLA, filing 1,398 prosecution complaints. Special courts framed charges in 300 cases, resulting in eight conviction orders involving 15 individuals. Jul 29, 2025, 04:57 PM IST The Gujarat High Court dismissed a petition challenging the composition of the state-appointed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) committee, citing the absence of minority community members. The petitioner argued that the committee's lack of representation violated constitutional rights and sought its reformation with diverse members. The court rejected the plea, and a detailed order is awaited. Jul 29, 2025, 04:45 PM IST Haryana's air quality monitoring network, comprising 29 stations, has been offline since April 2, leaving a data void as peak pollution season approaches. The disruption, caused by a lapsed maintenance contract and delayed tender process, threatens the enforcement of pollution control measures. Experts warn of serious risks during winter's smog season, impacting key programs like GRAP and NCAP. Jul 29, 2025, 04:41 PM IST Relief is coming for passengers traveling between Delhi Airport's terminals. The government plans to hire a consultant for infrastructure improvements. This aims to ease travel between Terminal 1 and Terminals 2/3. A Y-shaped flyover and a wider tunnel are planned. These upgrades will address traffic bottlenecks. The project awaits approvals and funding. This development offers hope for smoother transfers. Jul 29, 2025, 04:40 PM IST Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted claims of recent Chinese encroachments in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that China has not intruded into Indian territory or occupied additional land since the 1962 war. Rijiju clarified that areas currently held by China in Arunachal were already under their control before or during the conflict. Jul 29, 2025, 04:21 PM IST Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared India's readiness to assist Pakistan in combating terrorism if it's unable to do so independently, emphasizing Indian forces' capability to act across the border. Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam attack, has been suspended but can be reactivated if Pakistan engages in further terror activities. Jul 29, 2025, 04:24 PM IST India is set to become the second-most represented nation in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings, behind only the US, with 128 universities featured. Times Higher Education's Phil Baty credited the National Education Policy 2020 for driving progress despite the pandemic. Indian universities are now gaining global recognition for both research excellence and contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Jul 29, 2025, 04:13 PM IST Twenty-four nations are joining the International Big Cat Alliance led by India. This initiative aims to protect seven big cat species. India's tiger reserves have increased significantly since 2014. A nationwide tree plantation drive will plant over one lakh saplings in tiger reserves. Jul 29, 2025, 04:03 PM IST Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a fiery Lok Sabha address, confirmed the killing of three 'A+ category' Lashkar terrorists- Suleman, Afghan, and Jibran, linked to the Pahalgam attack under Operation Mahadev. Shah slammed the Opposition for not celebrating the forces' success and questioned Chidambaram's past remarks. 'Why is Congress saving Pakistan?' he asked, reaffirming India's zero-tolerance stance on terror. Watch full speech and explosive Parliament debate now. Jul 29, 2025, 03:56 PM IST In a powerful speech during the Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, Priyanka Gandhi accused the Modi government of ignoring accountability in the Pahalgam attack. She defended Sonia Gandhi's tears, questioned the lack of tourist security, and asked why the PM, HM, and NSA were silent about 26 civilian deaths in Baisaran Valley. Jul 29, 2025, 03:42 PM IST The Supreme Court has stated that probe agencies should not summon lawyers merely for providing legal advice to clients under investigation, unless the lawyer is actively assisting in the crime. Concerns were raised by bar bodies regarding the potential chilling effect on the legal profession due to arbitrary summoning. Jul 29, 2025, 03:35 PM IST A parliamentary panel urged the government to improve consumer case resolution. The panel expressed concern over the low resolution rate on the e-daakhil platform. It recommended a dedicated monitoring cell. Delays in video conferencing installations were also highlighted. The panel emphasized a detailed action plan. It also stressed the need for stable funding for the Price Stabilisation Fund. Jul 29, 2025, 03:29 PM IST A significant number of tiger deaths in India, over half between 2021 and 2025, are occurring outside protected tiger reserves, raising concerns about habitat management. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh account for the highest number of these deaths. The government is planning to launch the Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) project to address this growing human-tiger conflict across 17 states.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Modi Tamil Nadu visit boosts BJP-AIADMK alliance morale
CHENNAI/TRICHY : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Tamil Nadu has come as a morale booster not just for BJP workers but also for AIADMK rank and file. His meeting with AIADMK netas, including , at the airport is being seen as a reaffirmation of the BJPAIADMK alliance amid recent public disagreements over power-sharing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Modi's decision to not engage with O Panneerselvam has further reassured AIADMK cadres that BJP values its partnership ahead of the 2026 polls. For BJP workers, Modi's participation in Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, highlighting Chola glory, served as a cultural counterpoint to DMK's Keeladi narrative, which accuses BJP of trying to whitewash Tamil Nadu's rich past. AIADMK is upbeat, especially since not only EPS but also second-rung netas like K P Munusamy, S P Velumani, and Thalavai Sundaram were permitted to receive Modi at the airport. 'By rejecting OPS's request, Modi has sent a signal — only those parties we are comfortable with will be part of alliance,' said senior AIADMK neta S Semmalai. BJP functionaries, too, say the visit has helped build agrassroots-level bond. Some AIADMK cadres who earlier felt EPS was being arm-twisted now see the partnership as voluntary and valued. 'AIADMK mobilised cadres for PM's Trichy roadshow, showing their commitment. We'll reciprocate in all ways possible,' said Sriram Shankar, BJP's Trichy district chief. Netas say they are more cautious about their remarks, aware that their actions impact alliance chemistry. Likewise, AIADMK workers in Trichy say their hesitations about working with BJP have eased after the visit. Many now want more such visits to smoothen ties. 'We'll join BJP roadshows in future too,' said one functionary. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now To cement this rapport further, BJP state chief Nainar Nagenthran will host a feast in Tirunelveli for EPS and AIADMK netas during EPS's statewide tour. Initially scheduled for Aug 3, the feast was postponed due to Modi's visit but will soon take place.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Lessons from the past: on the Chola legacy
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tamil Nadu had a subtle political message. In his address at the valediction of the annual Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram to mark the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I, he focused on the legacy of the Chola emperor and his father Rajaraja Chola I to underline that contemporary India would be as enterprising as ancient India under the imperial Cholas, in expanding trade, and in guarding India's sovereignty. The festival was also organised to commemorate 1,000 years of the maritime expedition of Rajendra Chola to south-east Asia as well as the construction of the iconic temple, a World Heritage Site. The grandeur of the Chola dynasty is fascinating to recall, but there are other mundane facets of the Chola rule which are of modern relevance — its water management, tax and land revenue collection, and democratic processes. In creating infrastructure, especially, the Cholas hold many lessons. In recent months, there have been fatal accidents involving civic structures. The resilience of the Brihadisvara temples, which have stood tall for over 1,000 years, could provide learnings. Studies show that the southern peninsula was the epicentre of several earthquakes in the last 200-odd years. Archaeologists are of the view that the superstructure of the temples holds the key to modern building techniques when it comes to seismic resilience. A close study of the temples for structural stability can be of immense value in the contemporary context. Apart from focusing on the heritage and culture of the Cholas, India could try and replicate their success in administration. Management of water resources, especially, could be an important learning. The Cauvery delta, where Gangaikonda Cholapuram is located, may experience floods, with a large volume of water draining into the sea without being harnessed for periods of scarcity. More than 30 years have passed since the adoption of the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution, but a large number of local bodies, even in the major cities, are functioning without elected representatives. The celebration is an opportunity for an analysis of the functioning of grassroots-level democratic bodies. Mr. Modi announced that the Centre would install the statues of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola to remind the country of its historical consciousness. But this exercise would have greater purpose if it reminds the country of the administrative acumen of the Cholas, and nudges those in governance to address many of the chronic flaws and problems.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘They never had failed intelligence system': Congress uses Chola reference to attack PM Modi; questions foreign policy on China, Pakistan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contrasting his foreign-policy record with the achievements of the Chola dynasty he had praised a day earlier. On Sunday, PM Modi visited the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur district, for the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival celebrating Emperor Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary. Calling the Chola era (roughly 300 BCE–1300 CE) 'a golden age of cultural brilliance, strategic vision and naval prowess,' he released a commemorative coin, performed a symbolic pouring of Ganga water, and hailed Tamil Nadu as a guardian of living heritage. He also noted that since 2014 India has repatriated more than 600 artefacts, including 36 from Tamil Nadu. Congress MP Manickam Tagore, in a post on X, said, "Cholas never had a failed intelligence system — unlike your government, Modi ji. Cholas never allowed two neighbours to unite against us, like you did with China & Pakistan." Accusing PM Modi of surrendering to US President Donald Trump's pressure and stopped Operation Sindoor, Tagore said, "He also said that the Cholas never surrendered to foreign pressure like Trump's ceasefire call. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Senior Living Homes in Simanindo May Surprise You Senior Living | Search Ads Undo Answer in Parliament, not in PR shows." Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi, wearing a traditional dhoti and angavastram, invoked the Cholas' contributions to Shaivism and temple architecture, describing their era (300 BCE-1300 CE) as one of India's golden ages, defined by cultural achievement, strategic vision, and naval prowess "These statues will serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness," PM Modi said. PM Modi released a commemorative coin in Rajendra Chola's honour and symbolically poured Ganga water at the temple, echoing the emperor's famed expedition to bring the river's waters southward a millennium ago. "The economic and strategic advancements achieved during the Chola era remain a source of inspiration," Modi said. "Tamil Nadu remains one of the most significant centres where this living tradition continues to thrive."He also underlined efforts to repatriate India's looted heritage. "Since 2014, over 600 ancient artefacts have been brought back from abroad, including 36 from Tamil Nadu," he said. While Modi addressed the gathering, dozens of Congress workers in Trichy were detained for waving black flags and protesting his visit.
