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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Independence Day: Memorials in Thiruvananthapuram that are reminders of India's struggle for independence
On the occasion of the 79th year of India's independence, here is a look at how the freedom movement swept through Thiruvananthapuram, then a part of Travancore and the monuments built in memory of freedom fighters as a reminder of their sacrifice. These are living stories of courage and resilience. 'The fight was spearheaded by Travancore State Congress formed in February 1938 to work towards responsible governance. The Congress was up against not just the British but also the then Dewan, CP Ramaswamy Iyer, who resorted to brutal measures to crush the agitations,' says historian Malayinkil Gopalakrishnan. Remembering the bloodshed Neyyattinkara witnessed the death of eight people, including a homemaker, when the British army opened fire on a march protesting the arrest of several Congress leaders, including the then Congress head, NK Padmanabhan Pillai on August 31, 1938. Leaders who were killed were Athazhamangalam Raghavan (Veeraraghavan), Kalluvila Podiyan, Nadoorkolla Kuttan Pillai, Varuvilakom Muthan Pilla, Maruthur Vasudevan, Kanchampazhinji Kuttappan Nair, and Varuvilakom Padmanabhan Pillai, besides a woman, Kali. In 2020 a memorial was unveiled at Athazhamangalam, the native place of Veeraraghavan. Funded by the Municipal Corporation, it is a relief sculpture depicting the police firing. It has been made by an artists' collective Neyyar Varamozhi. The town is also home to Madhava Mandiram, the house where Mahatma Gandhi stayed on January 1, 1937, on his way to Kanyakumari. Located at Ooruttukala, it is now a museum. The cot Gandhiji used, a charkha and brass urn that contained his ashes are kept here. Historic venue At Vattiyoorkkavu stands the memorial remembering the first conference of the Travancore State Congress held on December 22, 1938. In spite of a ban on public meetings by the Dewan, hundreds marched to the venue to listen to their leaders. Designed by Rajasthan-based Malayali artist Thomas John Kovoor, it is a mountain-shaped structure standing on 25 cents. 'The structure has three layers, representing the states of Travancore, Kochi and Malabar, with the map of Kerala on top of it. Special bricks made from the sand collected from regions where major struggles for freedom took place were used to construct it,' says a former official with the Department of Archives, which manages the memorial. Drawings of landmark agitations are done on the structure. Four bronze figures are installed around it. 'Metaphorically they stand for freedom, nationality, fraternity and women's role in the fight for independence,' he adds. Plans for a mural around the memorial hit a roadblock due to paucity of funds. However, the landscaped space around the memorial is now place for people to unwind. Rising up in arms In September, 1938, Kallara and Pangode villages, around 45 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram, witnessed protests that have made it to the list of 39 agitations listed by the Government of India as the movements that paved the way for India's independence. A police outpost preserved as a heritage structure at Pangode and the martyrs' memorial at Kallara look back at the outbreak of strong protests by farmers over exorbitant taxes levied by the authorities on spices and other commodities. They had the support of those protesting the Dewan's rule, which eventually led to tumultuous scenes at Kallara market. When Kochappi Pillai, one of the leaders, was arrested and tortured at the Pangode Police Outpost, people confronted the police with arms and ammunition and blocked the route to Thiruvananthapuram. Even though he was released the next day, a mob lynched a policeman on the same day. They marched to the outpost and started firing. In the crossfire that followed, two protestors, Plankeezhil Krishna Pillai and Cheruvalam Kochu Narayanan Achary, were killed. The incident came close on the heels of the riots in nearby Kadakkal over illegal toll collection. For the martyrs Martyrs Column at Palayam is a significant landmark. It was built by the first elected government of Kerala led by Chief Minister EMS Namboothiripad in memory of those who laid down their lives in India's first war of independence in 1857. The structure is said to be designed by Prof JC Alexander, who designed several other prominent buildings in Thiruvananthapuram, and was unveiled by President Dr Rajendra Prasad on August 14, 1957. 'Balikudeerangale', the popular revolutionary song written by Vayalar and composed by Devarajan has a connection with the memorial. The spirited song that celebrated the revolutionaries was the opening song of the function held at VJT Hall (now Ayyankali Hall) in connection with the 100th anniversary of the revolt of 1857. It was originally written for a meeting of the AITUC but was later chosen to be played at the function. On fire Rajendra Maidan at Pettah is named after a boy who got shot when the army opened fire at a gathering on June 13, 1947. They were protesting against the Dewan's decision that Travancore would become an independent state without joining the Indian Union. 'While some say that he was killed in the firing along with two others, it is also heard that he sustained a head injury and succumbed to it a few years later,' Gopalakrishnan says.
The South African
10-08-2025
- Business
- The South African
2025's most inspiring women: Voices driving gender equality
In 2025, women across the globe are not just leading, they are reshaping culture and advancing gender equality with remarkable vigour. South Africans can take pride in their trailblazers who stand alongside global figures as forces of change. One shining example is Kabira Dewan from Robertsham, honoured among South Africa's Top 30 Influential Women. Dewan's dedication to empowerment and community development has earned her widespread acclaim. At the Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City, Councillor Faeeza Chame hailed her as a beacon of leadership and positive influence. Dewan remarked, 'True influence is about lifting others as you rise. Our strength is in our communities'. South Africa's business landscape features formidable women whose wealth and influence echo far beyond borders. Wendy Appelbaum, owner of the famed De Morgenzon wine estate, channels her resources into philanthropy and women's empowerment. Though her fortune was once estimated at $183 million (around R3 billion), Appelbaum prefers spotlighting her impact over her wealth. In fashion and education, Precious Moloi-Motsepe impresses with her dual legacy. Founder of African Fashion International and Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, she empowers African creatives and students alike. Her estimated $300 million net worth (approximately R5 billion) underpins her philanthropic reach. Among global recognitions, TIME's 2025 Women of the Year list includes figures who inspire South Africa. The list features actor-producer Nicole Kidman and WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, women who fight for social justice and equality. Athletics also highlight powerful female role models. South African sportspersons see stars like Simone Biles and Fu Yuanhui challenge norms. They promote gender equality through their feats and advocacy. As one athlete put it, 'Sport is a platform to demand respect and rights, on and off the field'. Furthermore, Africa's creative and economic future shines through 17 remarkable women honoured at the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards in Pretoria. Among them, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General and the first African woman to hold that post, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. She stated, 'Our progress depends on the leaders who dare to envision equality and act decisively'. These women personify more than success; they fuel progress. Their work resonates strongly with those who face ongoing challenges in gender equality, according to Forbes Africa. As Dewan emphasises, 'Change happens when women unite, lead boldly, and demand a future where every girl can dream without limits'. From business and activism to sport and culture, the women of 2025 redefine what it means to be influential. Their vision drives society forward, making the dream of equality increasingly tangible and within reach. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
USA Today
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jenna Dewan upstaged by baby daughter Rhiannon in adorable dance video: Watch
Jenna Dewan isn't the only star in her household. The actress and dancer, who shares two children with fiancé Steve Kazee, shared a video of herself spending quality time with her 1-year-old daughter Rhiannon in a July 31 Instagram post. The couple welcomed their baby girl on June 14, 2024. The adorable clip first showed Dewan, 44, getting her groove on to the Carl Carlton hit "She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)." However, Dewan's dance video was quickly hijacked by Rhiannon's silly antics. The baby lifted her shirt, inadvertently showing off her tummy, as her mother got into the high-energy choreography. "Rhiannon you scene stealer," Dewan captioned the post. Baby Dewan's overshadowing power was confirmed in the comments section, as Dewan's Instagram followers gushed over Rhiannon's cuteness. "THE BELLY LIFT TOOK ME OUT😭," @omgitssophh wrote, while @deniselowe6 commented, "Your back up dancer stole the show🙌😂❤️❤️❤️❤️" Dewan paid tribute to Rhiannon and her dancing charisma in a June 14 Instagram post celebrating the baby's first birthday. "Rhiannon you are the greatest gift ever and you make everything and everyone better with your presence," wrote Dewan alongside a series of mother-daughter photos. "You are the sweetest, most bewitching, charismatic snuggler and the way you dance to every single song you hear especially your sister's favorite K-pop songs and your brother's favorite Kendrick Lamar songs is also part of you weaving your magic 🥹❤️" She concluded: "Thank you for being the best baby ever and the absolute best blessing I could ever imagine! We love you so much you baby girl!" Rhiannon is one of three children of the "Step Up" star. Dewan also shares a son, 5-year-old Callum, with Kazee. Dewan's first child, 12-year-old daughter Everly Tatum, is from her former marriage to actor Channing Tatum. Jenna Dewan's daughter Everly tags along for 'Live with Kelly and Mark' cohosting gig For Dewan, Take Your Daughter to Work Day is a must. The actress put on her hosting hat when she was tapped to fill in for Kelly Ripa on the Aug. 5 episode of "Live with Kelly and Mark." Dewan took fans behind the scenes via her Instagram stories with clips from her appearance on the ABC morning talk show. "This is the most fun day for me. I get to come and do this great, fun job and see all you guys," said Dewan in one video, seemingly addressing the studio audience. Dewan's "Kelly and Mark" entourage included her daughter Everly. The "Superman & Lois" alum shared several photos of the pair having fun backstage, including one shot of Everly watching her mother cohost from the sidelines. Dewan also posted a playful dance video of the mother-daughter duo hamming it up. "Been bringing this one to work with me since she was just two months old when we were filming Witches of East End," Dewan wrote alongside a photo of herself and Everly embracing on set.
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's DUN expansion a strategic move to push for more parliamentary seats, says ex-EC deputy
Wan Ahmad notes that while the EC retains full authority to initiate any redelineation process, the state's decision appears to carry clear political intent. – Bernama photo KUCHING (July 11): Former Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Wan Omar has described the Sarawak government's move to expand the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) by 17 seats as a political strategy likely aimed at prompting the EC to consider increasing the number of parliamentary constituencies, in line with Sarawak's efforts to restore one-third representation in Parliament under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He noted that while the EC retains full authority to initiate any redelineation process, the state's decision appears to carry clear political intent. 'If the state assembly has already passed the decision to increase the number of seats, it is clear the EC will have to redraw and adjust constituency boundaries,' he said in a Free Malaysia Today (FMT) report today. 'This includes potentially creating additional parliamentary seats to meet the terms agreed under the MA63 (Malaysia Agreement of 1963),' he added. Wan Ahmad also highlighted the financial implications of such an expansion, pointing out that additional administrative and development funding would be required. 'Allocations for 17 new seats, infrastructure development, and other associated costs will increase tremendously. 'However, one positive aspect is that the creation of new constituencies could accelerate economic development in these areas,' he said. Currently, Sarawak holds 31 of the 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat — just under 14 per cent — far from the one-third threshold that the state is seeking to restore as part of its constitutional rights under MA63. On Monday, the Sarawak DUN passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, increasing the number of state assembly seats from 82 to 99. By comparison, the last redelineation exercise in 2015 added 11 state constituencies. redelineation Sarawak DUN seat expansion Wan Ahmad Wan Omar
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Increasing assembly seats necessary for Sarawak's devt trajectory, says rep
See Chee How — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 7): Increasing the number of State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99 is a necessary step forward in line with Sarawak's development trajectory and institutional needs. Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How said the move reflects principles of good governance, and is consistent with Sarawak's ongoing efforts to strengthen legislative capacity in increasing its administrative, legislative and fiscal autonomy. 'The rationale behind the (Dewan Undangan Negeri [Composition of Membership]) Bill—particularly the increase in electorate numbers and the need for more effective representation—was well-argued. 'However, the reference to Sarawak's accelerated pace of development since 2014 understated the scale of the state's progress and financial achievements over the past decade,' he said when debating the Bill during a sitting at the DUN Complex today. He viewed the proposed increase of seats as timely, describing it as a 'vital institutional reform to support the demands of modern governance'. See said it would enhance the DUN's ability to respond to Sarawak's development needs, particularly in relation to devolution under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and improve public accountability. He referenced international examples such as Singapore, which has 99 Members of Parliament serving a significantly smaller land area, to illustrate how Sarawak—with its vast geographical spread—requires adequate legislative representation. 'However, land size alone should not be the sole determining factor in setting legislative composition. 'However, a more representative assembly would allow for the strengthening of democratic processes, including the formation of parliamentary select committees to scrutinise government actions and policies,' he said, adding that these committees were essential for transparency, oversight and promoting accountability in public administration. 'Thus, I hope that in tandem with the increase in elected members, the assembly would soon consider legislation to expand the number of members appointed to the State Cabinet to better reflect the composition and workload of the legislature.'
