Latest news with #Keezhadi
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Keezhadi report delay is a figment of imagination: Ministry of Culture
CHENNAI: Days after the controversy over Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) seeking clarifications on the Keezhadi excavation report from the excavator K Amarnath Ramakrishna, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in its response on Thursday, denied allegations that there is a move to delay the publication of the report. A release from the Union Ministry of Culture said, 'That the ASI is uninterested in publication of Keezhadi report is a figment of imagination which aims purposefully to paint the department in bad colours.' The release said the director general and the ASI officials understand the importance of an excavated site, but all reports needed proper vetting, editing, proofreading and designing before it is sent for publication. The release said the excavator of the Keezhadi has been communicated the suggestions of the experts for making necessary corrections in the draft report submitted by him, but he has not carried out the corrections to date. However, the release was silent on the delay of 2.5 years for the vetting and publication. When asked whether ASI was intentionally delaying it, Nandini Bhattacharya Sahu, joint director, ASI, who is also the spokesperson for the ASI, told TNIE: 'Not at all. Why should it be delayed? The ASI has invested in it and permission was given for two seasons (of excavations).' 'Before the publication, the report should pass through many stages. The excavator should make changes as pointed out by the ASI. In this case, it has not been done,' she said. Asked about the reply given by Amarnath in April 2023 while filing his revised final report on Keezhadi excavation, the ASI spokesperson said, 'The reply does not hold ground.' On the next step of the ASI regarding publication of the report, she said, 'As soon as we get the corrected report, if it is publication-worthy, then it will be taken up for publication'. However, sources said Amarnath is expecting a reply from the ASI to his letter dated May 23, which was sent in response to the ASI's May 21 letter seeking corrections and additional information. In his reply, he had said adequate evidence had already been furnished in the report regarding the time period of the Keezhadi habitation site, a key concern raised in the letter.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Udhayanidhi urges cadre to gear up for TN assembly polls with online and on-ground action
TIRUCHY: Secretary of DMK youth wing and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has urged party cadre to gear up for the 2026 Assembly election, and told them to be active not just on the ground but also on social media to effectively take the achievements of the government to people. The meeting held on Sunday was attended by district, city and state-level youth wing organisers. Over 15 resolutions, including one paying homage to victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and soldiers martyred during Operation Sindoor were adopted. One resolution welcomed Supreme Court's verdict regarding governor's powers on giving assent to bills passed by the Assembly. Another resolution hailed Chief Minister MK Stalin for for leading legal battles against the union government over allocation of education funds and the Waqf amendment, as well as for opposing the centre's attempts to undermine state autonomy. The meeting also condemned the union government's attempts to suppress Tamil history, including the delay in releasing the Keezhadi excavation report, and the continued imposition of Hindi.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Keezhadi report scientifically valid, says Thirumavalavan
The Keezhadi excavation report is grounded in scientific evidence and not a fabrication, and those demanding revisions without substantiating their claims are either ignorant or harbour hostility towards Tamil heritage, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters at the Tiruchi airport Mr. Thirumavalavan defended the Keezhadi report calling it a milestone in understanding Tamil civilization and its deep-rooted antiquity. 'Keezhadi is not a fictional tale or a doctored narrative. If someone finds contradictions, let them point them out clearly. Asking for revisions without basis only reveals either ignorance or a deliberate attempt to suppress Tamil identity,' he said. He asserted that Keezhadi, far from being controversial, presents clear archaeological data showing the sophistication of ancient Tamil society. Mr. Thirumavalavan also alleged that those influenced by North Indian mythologies find it hard to accept Keezhadi's implications because it challenges long-standing prejudiced narratives. 'Keezhadi suggests a Tamil society of rational, caste-free people. Those with blind faith in mythological dominance find this uncomfortable,' he charged. Answering a question on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's absence from earlier NITI Aayog meetings, Mr. Thirumavalavan said the decision [to stay away] was a legitimate symbolic protest against the Union government's step-motherly treatment of non-BJP ruled states. 'It was never intended as a permanent boycott, but a strong political statement. That approach need not continue in the same manner,' he said.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Union government trying to hide ancient civilisation of Tamils: DMK youth wing
Expressing strong reservations against the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for seeking revision of the report on the findings of the Keezhadi excavations, the DMK youth wing on Sunday charged the BJP government was trying to hide the ancient civilisation and history of Tamil Nadu A resolution to the effect was passed at the State level meeting of the DMK youth wing organisers chaired by its leader and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The resolution said archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, in his report submitted in January 2023, had conclusively established that the ancient urban civilisation of Tamils dated back 2,200 years. However the ASI delayed the publication of the report. When the issue was raised in the Parliament, it was said the report would be released soon. However, the ASI had now returned the report asking Mr Ramakrishna to resubmit his findings by making necessary corrections. It was condemnable. This showed the BJP government was unwilling to accept that the urban civilisation of Tamils was dating back to 2,200 years and it was trying to hide the history of Tamil Nadu. The DMK youth wing, through another resolution, condemned the BJP government for 'misusing' the President and Vice President to disrespect the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on rights of State governments. The forces that were hostile to the federal structure and principle, were using shortcuts to question the Supreme Court's judgment, the resolution alleged. The meeting also passed a resolution expressing tribute to the victims of Pahalgam terror attack and commending the Indian Army for the Operation Sindoor.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Thiruma defends CM attending Niti meet
Trichy: VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan has said chief minister M K Stalin would not make the historic mistake of becoming congenial with the BJP just because he attended the Niti Aayog governing council meeting. Speaking to reporters at Trichy airport on Sunday, he defended Stalin's absence at previous meetings as a form of protest. "They (AIA DMK ) are tense that DMK will get along with BJP. Stalin will not make the historic mistake of becoming congenial with the BJP. People know that DMK will not make that historic mistake when it is leading the secular progressive alliance," he said responding to a question on AIADMK's charge that Stalin waved a white flag amid looming threats of Enforcement Directorate raids. "The chief minister's non-participation in previous meetings was a form of protest. There is no compulsion that it should continue. He participated in this year's meeting to seek the grants that are due for the state. It is his duty and responsibility," he said. Thirumavalavan also criticized Archaeological Society of India's demand to rework the Keezhadi excavation report, saying history and facts about ancient Tamil civilization cannot be concealed.
