Latest news with #Maharaj
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
'A Girl Who's Been With 4 Men Can't...': Premanand Maharaj Faces Backlash Over Remarks
A fresh controversy has erupted around prominent saint Premanand Maharaj after a video of his latest sermon went viral, triggering sharp criticism across social media and civil society circles. In the clip, Maharaj makes sweeping comments about young men and women, suggesting their past relationships render them unfit for marriage. (News18 Hindi) Referring to the "character" of today's youth, Maharaj said that a boy who has been with four girls will never be satisfied with his wife, because he has become used to adultery. And, a girl who has been with four men has no courage left to accept a husband, he added. "Out of 100, hardly two or four girls are such who live a pious life and are dedicated to one man," he said. (News18 Hindi) 3/6 The remarks have drawn immediate backlash, with critics calling them "regressive", "sexist", and "deeply harmful to women". Several compared them to a similar controversy involving storyteller Aniruddhacharya, who earlier this year made derogatory statements about women that also sparked protests. (News18 Hindi) Social media platforms lit up with divided reactions. While some conservative voices defended the comments as a "reminder to uphold Indian culture", the majority labelled them "a dangerous moral policing exercise" cloaked in religious authority. (News18 Hindi) Women's rights groups didn't hold back either. The president of a Mathura-based women's collective said that such mindset judges women by their past, whereas society should recognise them by their present and humanity. Other activists warned that such statements could reinforce patriarchal narratives and justify discrimination under the guise of preserving tradition. (News18 Hindi)
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Peer educators help adolescents face life with confidence, empathy and knowledge
Adolescence is a journey full of questions, confusion, and change. For many, it's also the time of silent struggles. But a powerful transformation is taking shape in Kerala. Through the Peer Educator Project under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)—an initiative of the National Health Mission and the State Health department—adolescents are being empowered to guide their peers through the challenges of teenage life w i th empathy, confidence, and accurate knowledge. The concept is simple but revolutionary—teens are trained to educate their peers on topics many shy away from, mental health, reproductive well-being, substance abuse, cyber safety, and more. M. Maharaj, a Class 10 student at Government Model Residential School, Erumapetty in Thrissur, says: 'This project changed my life. I learned about the dangers of junk food, smoking and cybercrime, and how to handle changes during adolescence. Before, I didn't even realise how vulnerable we are online. Now, I not only protect myself but also educate my friends.' Maharaj recalls how he helped his classmates understand the risks of mobile phone overuse and the signs of online traps. 'I talk to them about these issues after class. Many didn't know how addiction to gadgets or tobacco could slowly take over their lives.' Emotional changes Another Class 10 student, Vaiga Ramesh of Government Higher Secondary School, Erumapetty, speaks about facing teen stress with new confidence. 'I used to be nervous talking about the emotional changes we go through. But through this project, I learned it's normal and we must approach it positively. I now spend less time on my phone and more time on studies and playing with friends.' Topics As a pilot project, 200 students across four blocks in Thrissur district were trained, with support from health inspectors and junior public health nurses. Topics ranged from nutrition to self-defence to emotional resilience. Schools appointed nodal teachers. Support systems such as anonymous Q&A boxes helped even the shyest students seek answers. Trusted guides Asha M., a teacher from GMRS Wadakkanchery, says: 'The peer educators became trusted guides for their classmates. Health awareness improved, stage fear reduced, and students became more responsible. Some even step in when they see classmates making poor choices.' With ₹3.5 lakh allocated for 2024-25, the project is showing extraordinary returns—not just in knowledge, but in character building and community impact. RKSK District Coordinator Nithya Sani affirms: 'This model broke the communication barrier between teens and adults. It encouraged healthy habits and opened the door to seeking professional help when needed.' From shyness to leadership, from doubt to confidence, the RKSK Peer Educator Project is planting the seeds of a healthier, more aware generation. The next batch of teen educators is set to begin training soon, ensuring that the ripple of change continues to grow.
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
At 90, Mac Maharaj embarks on a film journey about Nelson Mandela's life
Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Nelson Mandela with Mac Maharaj in the 1990s. Maharaj, 90, is working on a film on Mandela's life. Image: Ken Oosterbroek / Archives ANC veteran and former Cabinet minister Mac Maharaj is working on a film about global icon and late former president Nelson Mandela's life. Maharaj was transport minister in Mandela's first Cabinet after the 1994 elections and they spent 12 years together incarcerated on Robben Island as political prisoners for fighting against apartheid. The erstwhile spokesperson of former president Jacob Zuma announced the making of the film during a students' colloquium convened by City of Tshwane corporate and shared services MMC and ActionSA councillor, Kholofelo Morodi, to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday. 'It is interesting for me when I look back that I also have the opportunity today, over the last four years, to have been doing research to help to put together a film on Madiba (Mandela's clan name),' Maharaj revealed. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The 90-year-old described the film as 'not what others say about him but what he says through his own mouth'. Maharaj said this was a project he was busy with and which has also given him the opportunity to look back even more deeply. 'And I tried to understand what made him the leader he became,' he explained. According to Maharaj, he was not the best person to help draw lessons from Mandela's life because in their close interactions, he had many occasions to advise him, and as a dutiful disciple, he tried to learn from him. 'But sometimes the learning has led to consequences that are not so good. When I went to prison, I was a young man, an angry young man. I actually landed on Robben Island at the age of 29 and so my decade of the 30s, the prime of my life, was spent in prison. I came out of prison at the age of 41,' he remembered. Maharaj said he went to prison in a fighting mood, had been tortured for two months, and had reached a point where he attempted on three occasions, under torture, to commit suicide rather than talk. 'My experiences had shaped me that every moment in prison was becoming a moment to fight back, hence every time I got into an argument with a (prison) warder, I would end up using words and swearing (at) him, and the result was I would be charged for insulting the warder and the punishment took the form of deprivation of food,' he explained. However, one day while at the quarry, Mandela called him aside, reprimanded him and warned that his behaviour could cost him his life in prison. But Maharaj said he responded to him aggressively and asked what he wanted him to do as he would not listen to nonsense and obey racists. Mandela told him he was right to fight back, but in the argument with the warder, he tended to lose his temper and insult the warder. 'Calm down, you are right to stand up but when you do stand up, pause, count to 10, choose your words so that your words become like a scalpel that cuts, words such that he can't charge you for swearing,' Maharaj recalled Mandela telling him. He said his 12 years on Robben Island, between 1964 and 1976, were a journey into discovering new ways of defiance that would triumph over every rule in the book of prison regulations and in the armoury of apartheid.
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First Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Trailer Out Now! Netflix, Vaani Kapoor, Surveen Chawla and YRF Entertainment's 'Mandala Murders' Builds a Gripping World of Mythological Crime-Thriller
In Charandaspur, where ancient prophecies blur the lines of modern realities, who is truly a victim, who is a survivor, and who holds the truth? read more Netflix drops the trailer of its upcoming genre-bending mythological crime-thriller, Mandala Murders, produced by YRF Entertainment and directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat. Vaani Kapoor headlines this much awaited series that also stars acclaimed actors Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Surveen Chawla. Mandala Murders is set in the quaint, mysterious town of Charandaspur, where two detectives unravel a chilling conspiracy of ritualistic killings tied to a centuries-old secret society. The series also features Shriya Pilgaonkar, Siddhanth Kapoor, Rahul Bagga, Raghubir Yadav, and Monica Choudhary in pivotal roles. As the mystery deepens, each character finds themselves ensnared in ancient beliefs and buried truths — discovering a chilling secret cult hiding in plain sight. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'From the start, our goal with Mandala Murders was to create a world that feels unknown yet grounded — where every truth has layers and every answer leads to more questions,' shares Gopi Puthran, creator and director. 'Crafting the tension, weaving in symbolism, and watching this brilliant cast bring it to life has been incredibly rewarding. Partnering with Netflix gave us the scale and vision to bring this layered story to life.' Director Manan Rawat adds, 'Every episode adds another piece to the puzzle - challenging everything you think you know. Vaani, Vaibhav, and Surveen bring a rare blend of raw emotion and intensity with their performances. With Netflix we were able to craft a world that's as visually compelling as it is emotionally charged — where every frame deepens the suspense, and every character leaves an impact.' Tanya Bami, Series Head at Netflix adds, 'Mandala Murders, our next offering is very exciting series that blends the world of crime and mythology, where every layer reveals something more mysterious and eerie. This compelling mystery unravels with every episode,, where each murder or killing takes the audience a step deeper into the mandala! We absolutely love the concept and the mythology that Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat have created, not only is it intriguing but also distinctly rooted in our storytelling culture. With Yash Raj Films, our longstanding creative partners backing this vision, and a standout cast led by Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, and Shriya Pilgaonkar, this is a story that grips you from the get-go. After the resounding success of The Railway Men and Maharaj, we are excited to bring one more gem from Yash Raj Films on our service" STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Charandaspur, where ancient prophecies blur the lines of modern realities, who is truly a victim, who is a survivor, and who holds the truth?
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Stree 2', 'Superboys of Malegaon', 'Paatal Lok 2' lead nominations at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, check full list here
The 16th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has unveiled its power-packed nominations, which feature blockbuster and critically acclaimed films and OTT series like 'Stree 2', 'Homebound', 'Black Warrant', 'Baksho Bondi', 'L2 Empuraan', and 'Maharaj' among others. The 16th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has unveiled its power-packed nominations, which feature blockbuster and critically acclaimed films and OTT series like 'Stree 2', 'Homebound', 'Black Warrant', 'Baksho Bondi', 'L2 Empuraan', and 'Maharaj' among others. Supported by the Victorian Government, the Melbourne Film Festival will run from August 14 to 24. The highly anticipated awards night will take place on August 15. The winners will be selected by an esteemed jury comprising some of the most respected names in Australian cinema and cultural landscape, including Garth Davis, director of Dev Patel- Nicole Kidman's 'LION', Theatre Director and Film Producer, Nadia Tass. With projects considered from June 15, 2024, to June 14, 2025, and OTT nominations restricted to platforms available in Australia, this year's lineup spans mainstream superhits, indie revelations, regional gems, and binge-worthy series. Among the most-nominated films and shows are 'Superboys of Malegaon', 'Maharaj', and 'L2: Empuraan'. On the streaming front, 'Paatal Lok 2', 'CA Topper', and 'Manorathangal' dominate the series categories, as per the press note by IFFM. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Các chỉ số toàn cầu đang biến động — Đã đến lúc giao dịch! IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Let us take a look at the nominations of OTT series and films at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. Best Film Homebound Kalki 2898AD L2 : Empuraan Maharaj Meiyazhagan Stree 2 Superboys of Malegaon Best Indie Film Angammal Baksho bondi (Shadowbox) Boong Feminichi Fathima (Feminist Fathima) Humans in the loop Village Rockstars 2 We are Faheem and Karun Best Actor (Male) Abhishek Bachchan - I Want to Talk Adarsh Gourav - Superboys of Malegaon Gugun Kipgen - Boong Ishaan Khatter - Homebound Junaid Khan - Maharaj Manoj Bajpayee - The Fable Mohanlal - L2 : Empuraan Vishal Jethwa - Homebound Best Actor (Female) Anjali Sivaraman - Bad Girl Bhanita Das - Village Rockstars 2 Geetha Kailasam - Angammal Kareena Kapoor Khan - The Buckingham Murders Shamla Hamza - Feminichi Fathima (Feminist Fathima) Sharmila Tagore - Puratawn Shraddha Kapoor - Stree 2 Tillotama Shome - Baksho Bondi (Shadowbox) Best Director Aranya Sahay - Humans in the loop Lakshmipriya Devi - Boong Neeraj Ghaywan - Homebound Onir - We are Faheem and Karun Reema Kagti - Superboys of Malegoan Rima Das - Village Rockstars 2 Varsha Bharath - Bad Girls Vipin Radhakrishnan - Angammal Best Web Series Black Warrant Gyaarah Gyaarah Khauf Kota Factory Season 3 Manorathangal Paatal Lok Season 2 Thallivattam Palayam Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper Best Actor (Female) - Web Series Ananya Pandey - Call Me Bae Monika Panwar - Khauf Nimisha Sajayan - Dabba Cartel Parvathy Thiruvothu - Manorathangal Rasika Dugal - Mirzapur 3 Shabana Azmi - Dabba Cartel Tillotamma Shome - Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper Best Actor (Male) - Web Series Abhishek Kumar - Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam Ali Fazal - Mirzapur Season 3 Jaideep Ahlawat - Paatal Lok Season 2 Jitendra Kumar - Kota Factory Season 3 Mammootty : Manorathangal Manav Kaul - Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper Zahaan Kapoor - Black Warrant Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is also set to attend the festival as the Chief Guest. Apart from him, actor-comedian Vir Das has also been invited by the festival organisers as a chief guest.
