Latest news with #Periyar
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Only by acknowledging diversity can India progress, says D. Raja
Senior CPI leader D. Raja said on Monday in Chennai that communists and followers of Periyar and Ambedkar should come together to oppose the BJP-RSS combine's attempts to undermine Parliament and parliamentary democracy. Addressing a function organised to release the book Kaalamthorum Communists by writer Jeevabharathi, he said India could progress only if its tremendous diversity was acknowledged. 'India is a 'Union of States', not a unitary State. The BJP seeks to do away with parliamentary democracy. Democracy will die if Parliament becomes redundant. It happened in Germany during Hitler's regime,' he said. Mr. Raja said it was the need of the hour for communists to work closely with Periyarists and Ambedkarists to liberate people from exploitation and inequality. CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam said communists, who had fought uncompromisingly for the uplift and rights of the people and spent many years in jail, had also campaigned for prison reforms. 'We still need many reforms. There are no doors on toilets. When I was in jail, I requested officials to fix at least half a door,' he said, urging State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu to bring the issue to the attention of the government. Mr. Shanmugam called upon members of the communist parties to read both volumes of the book and spread the message of their commitment to the people. Mr. Thennarasu, who participated on behalf of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, said while times could change, the commitment of communists does not. 'Communists are constantly fighting for the people,' he said. He also read out a message from the Chief Minister. 'Our leader Kalaignar (M. Karunanidhi) had faith in communism as an ideology because it was important for humanity, our people, and our land. His writings and approach were strongly influenced by communism. That was why he said he would have become a communist had he not met Anna (C.N. Annadurai),' the Chief Minister stated. He added the Slum Clearance Board and the abolition of hand-pulled rickshaws were shaped by communist ideology. 'The pioneers of the Dravidian Movement firmly believed that political freedom should be accompanied by freedom from social oppression and class-based inequality,' he said, noting the book would serve as a guide for society. CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan, lyricist Vairamuthu, and NCBH chairman Stalin Gunasekaran also participated.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Saved from army by Nehru, this actor went on to become Malayalam cinema's finest; locked horns with Mohanlal, Mammootty; lost National Award to Amitabh Bachchan
Thilakan, the firebrand human being, or Thilakan, the unparalleled actor: whom do Malayalees remember more? Ooo, that's a tough question, isn't it? As great an actor as he was, Thilakan was also an unflinching critic of power, who ruffled the feathers of the powerful in Malayalam cinema. Even though he had to walk a lonely road, he never budged and always proceeded with his head held high. That, along with the countless benchmark performances he delivered, is why he is remembered and cherished even now, 13 years after his demise. Born on July 15, 1935, in Ayiroor village near Thiruvalla, PK Surendranatha Thilakan joined Kollam SN College after finishing school. According to the institution's website, he actively participated in the Arts Club's activities and played key roles in several plays, including William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, in which he portrayed Mark Antony. Later, he joined the military. However, due to some ailments, he was soon confined to a bed in the hospital at his camp, and the authorities decided to amputate one of his legs, as was the practice of that era, veteran screenwriter John Paul recounted in a Safari TV show. One day, he said, the then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited the camp. Despite strict instructions from the top brass prohibiting anyone from interacting with Nehru, Thilakan spoke up as the PM was in the hospital. Explaining that the authorities had decided to amputate his legs without his or his family's permission, Thilakan requested Nehru to save him from the procedure. Upon returning to his office, the PM issued an order to have Thilakan transferred to a better hospital. Furthermore, he decreed that, henceforth, procedures like amputation should not be performed on soldiers without their or their close relatives' consent. With the legs Nehru saved, Thilakan returned to Kerala, bidding goodbye to the military. Soon, Thilakan began associating with various drama troupes and resumed pursuing acting. With a few friends, he established a troupe called the Mundakayam Nataka Samithy. Alongside this, he worked with KPAC, Kalidasa Kalakendram and Changanacherry Geetha. It was during this time that he met theatre legend PJ Antony — whom Thilakan always referred to as his beloved mentor — and began collaborating with him. It was Antony himself who paved the way for his foray into cinema. In Antony's first and only directorial venture, Periyar (1973), Thilakan played a key role. However, it was the legendary filmmaker KG George who gave him the proper push. Playing an important character in George's Ulkkadal (1979), Thilakan made his mark, and the filmmaker, spotting the actor's immense potential, offered him his first impactful role in Kolangal (1981), where Thilakan's performance as 'Kallu' Varkey won hearts. Despite coming from a theatre background, his portrayal was devoid of over-dramatics, and without exaggeration, he convincingly embodied the character of an alcoholic. From then on, George always saved the pièce de résistance characters — those whose perfect performance would elevate the films to soaring heights — for Thilakan. His portrayal of director-cum-drama troupe owner Vakkachan in Yavanika (1982) alone is enough to highlight the actor's massive potential. His controlled, commanding and nuanced performance in Yavanika, one of India's finest mystery thrillers, earned Thilakan his first Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor. He continued not only to make strides with his performances in George's Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback (1983) and Adaminte Variyellu (1983), but also to prove that Malayalam cinema might have found one of its greatest actors of all time. But could Thilakan, whose physique and voice appeared so rough and tough, handle comedy? If not, how could he be called a GOAT? George himself provided the answer in his political satire Panchavadi Palam (1984), where Thilakan's hilarious and unhinged portrayal of the caricaturish politician Isahak Tharakan proved that he was an all-rounder. No matter how big or small the part was, Thilakan knocked it out of the park every time, as exemplified by movies like Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayatha Katha, Uyarangalil, Koodum Thedi, Anubandham, Yathra and Irakal, for which he bagged his second state award. In 1986, Thilakan proved the extent of his mettle by playing diverse roles like the paper-tiger gangster Damodarji in Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, the hysterical Yamarajan in Pappan Priyappetta Pappan and the serpent in human skin, Paul Pailokkaran, in P Padmarajan's romantic classic Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal. His portrayal of Paul, one of the vilest villains Malayalam cinema has ever produced, remains a benchmark performance. Rithubhedam (1987) earned him his first National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. Even without relying on much physical transformation, Thilakan ensured each of his characters was distinct, as seen in films like Nadodikkattu, Amrutham Gamaya, Thaniyavarthanam and Unnikale Oru Katha Parayam. In 1988, Padmarajan gave him another iconic role in the tragic drama Moonnam Pakkam, which became one of the defining performances of his career, bringing tears to all audiences' eyes. The very next year, just when viewers thought they had seen his career-best performance, Thilakan outdid himself in Sibi Malayil's Kireedam (1989) as Achuthan Nair, a cop whose dreams of his son following in his footsteps are crushed when the youth becomes entangled in crime. More than three decades later, Thilakan's climactic scene with Mohanlal remains unmatched, a testament to their mastery. Be it short or long in a movie, Thilakan – Mohanlal combination has always been a feast to watch. 😍 — ക്രിഷ്ണ എ ഡി 🎏 (@ludachrishna) May 28, 2022 For every brilliant comic turn in Chakkikotha Chankaran and Kattukuthira, he matched it with intense performances in films like Perumthachan. Although he was in the running for the National Award for Best Actor for Perumthachan, Thilakan was bested by Amitabh Bachchan, who won for Agneepath. In a 2008 interview with Rediff, Thilakan alleged he lost the award because a top Congress politician wanted Big B honoured to secure his support in campaigning. But the winning or losing of trophies could never affect a legend's journey, and Thilakan's career is proof. He went on to become Malayalam cinema's quintessential supporting and character actor, delivering exceptional performances in films like Sandesam, Mookilla Rajyathu, Kilukkam, Godfather, Georgekutty C/O Georgekutty, Sadayam, Kauravar, Chenkol, Pavithram, Pingami and Minnaram. In 1995, he added another unforgettable role to his repertoire with CP Chacko, alias 'Kaduva' Chacko, in Spadikam, the ultimate example of a toxic parent. From Mayilpeelikkavu, Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal, Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu and Narasimham to Randam Bhavam and Kilichundan Mampazham, Thilakan turned everything he touched to gold. Even as he worked unstoppably, Thilakan never severed his connection to the grassroots and always voiced his concerns about the industry's functioning. He time and again alleged that casteism was rampant and that his Ezhava identity had cost him opportunities in Malayalam cinema dominated by an unofficial 'Thiruvananthapuram Nair lobby'. He claimed the lobby resented his many awards. At the same time, he staunchly opposed the 'ban culture', which he ultimately faced. In 2010, Thilakan launched an all-out battle against film organisations for denying him the opportunity to act in Christian Brothers (2011) because he collaborated with MACTA head and director Vinayan, whom the rival FEFKA and some big actors opposed. Alleging that the film bodies were behaving like a 'mafia', he told IANS, 'The two major organisations in the industry and the superstars are against me because I acted in the latest film directed by Vinayan. Three other actors who acted with me in the film are also finding it tough. I'm 74 and into my sixth decade as an actor, so I have decided I will fight for justice. Do you know, as a result of the so-called informal ban on me by these people, right now I have no films at all.' He didn't mince words in criticising superstars like Mohanlal, Mammootty and Dileep either. 'The superstars are highly insecure. They don't even like others matching up to their level, let alone outperforming them. They will not — and they can't — take the slightest competition. I have outperformed them in many films, which obviously has not gone down well with them. If someone outperforms them, it is an open challenge to their stardom. People and the media praised my performance in their films. It might have been difficult for them to digest. They tried to push me around on screen. Once that failed, they tried it off the screen as well,' he told Rediff. Yet Thilakan's talent was far beyond any association's ability to suppress, and every time he appeared on screen, audiences gave him the love he deserved. From Red Chillies' Comrade Maani Varghese, Evidam Swargamanu's Jermias and Nayakan's Vincent Karanavar, to Indian Rupee's Achutha Menon and Spirit's Mesthiri, he soared. In his final years, he proved there was no one like Thilakan with his heartwarming portrayal of Kareem Ikka in Anwar Rasheed's Ustad Hotel (2012). Besides Malayalam, he also worked in a few Tamil, Telugu and Kannada movies. He won the Padma Shri in 2009. Thilakan passed away at 77. Even though years have passed since his demise, the legacy he left — as an actor and as a person who refused to bow to casteist lobbies, egoistic associations and superstars — remains an inspiration for generations. Thilakan showed with his life that he knew not only his worth, but also exactly when and where to stand firm.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Dravidian parties do more optics, less work: Seeman on DMK, AIADMK
Trichy: Chief coordinator of NTK, Seeman, hit out at both the DMK and AIADMK on Wednesday, accusing them of indulging in 'optics' rather than service-orientated governance. Speaking to reporters outside the Trichy court after attending a hearing in a 2018 case involving a clash between NTK and MDMK cadre at the Trichy airport, Seeman alleged that the ruling DMK was no different from the BJP in its policies and approach to governance. "Dravidian parties only do optics. They have no understanding of service politics or action politics. While farmers and teachers are out on the streets protesting, the DMK govt claims it is reaching every household," Seeman said. He further accused the DMK of abusing power to conduct election campaigns and failing to offer power-sharing to its allies in the state govt. "They claim autonomy at the Centre, but in the state, it's just family rule," he said, mocking the party's internal structure. Seeman also took a jibe at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), saying that the latter is aligning himself with the BJP ideologically as the saffron party is expected to be in power at the Centre beyond 2026. "He's not doing this out of fear, but out of excessive courage," Seeman said. He also questioned the DMK's recent stance on not including political questions in TNPSC exams. "Isn't the question about the 'dawn journey' political?" he asked. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pernas e tornozelos inchados? Descubra o que pode ajudar a drenar agora aartedoherbalismo Undo Distancing himself from Periyar's ideology, Seeman said, "I have no attachment to Periyar. There is evidence that he spoke disparagingly about the Thirukkural." When asked why he has toned down rhetoric on Eelam and LTTE, Seeman asserted, "I am the only one still talking about it. When I speak, they say I'm repeating myself." Earlier, judge Gopinath announced that the verdict in the airport clash case will be pronounced on July 19.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Never stray into Godse's ideological camp, CM Stalin warns college students
TIRUCHY/TIRUVARUR: While exhorting students to follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, BR Ambedkar and Periyar, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday warned them to stay away from Nathuram Godse's supporters. 'Students should never follow the path of Godse but instead follow the one laid down by Ambedkar, Periyar and Gandhi,' Stalin said during the inaugural ceremony of the Global Jamalians Block at Jamal Mohamed College. Noting that the college was founded by Jamal Mohamed and Khaja Mian Rowther, who were 'ardent' followers of Gandhian principles, Stalin said, 'Jamal Mohamed participated in the Second Round Table Conference alongside Gandhi and even offered a blank cheque to support the freedom struggle.' Rowther, on the other hand, ran a khadi mill and distributed cloth for free, the CM added. Further, he emphasised that education is a student's 'most permanent' asset and urged them to grow with social consciousness. Pointing out that ministers KN Nehru and MRK Panneerselvam are among the college's alumni, Stalin said, 'Your seniors are in my cabinet. One day, someone among you may join the list too.' Asserting that he wasn't doing politics, Stalin said he wanted students to have political awareness. 'If Tamil Nadu stands united, no force can defeat us,' he said. Later in the night, Stalin took out a roadshow in Tiruvarur from Pavithramanickam to the railway overbridge in Tiruvarur town where he unveiled a statue of former chief minister M Karunanidhi installed by the side of the Tiruvarur-Thanjavur road. Stalin walked over five kilometres before reaching the overbridge. All along the way, he was greeted by people gathered on either side. He also interacted with them and obliged to a few selfies with women and youngsters. Many presented mementoes, books and shawls to the CM. After reaching the railway overbridge near Tiruvarur railway junction, Stalin unveiled Karunanidhi's statue.
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
CM Stalin urges students to reject Godse path, embrace ideals of Gandhi, Ambedkar, Periyar
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday called on students to uphold the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and Periyar, while strongly advising them against following "divisive ideologies like that of Nathuram Godse". Addressing students at Jamal Mohamed College in Tiruchirappalli during the inauguration of the institution's platinum jubilee celebrations, the Chief Minister hailed the college's founders, N.M. Khajamian Rowther and M. Jamal Mohamed Sahib, for establishing the institution with the aim of uplifting the downtrodden. 'They followed the path of Gandhiji, dedicating themselves to the betterment of society,' he said. 'There are noble paths shown by Gandhiji, Ambedkar, and Periyar. These are the examples our youth must follow. Students must never be influenced by those who propagate Godse's ideology,' CM Stalin emphasised. Highlighting the importance of political awareness and self-respect, CM Stalin said, 'When we stand united, no one can defeat us politically. The Dravidian Model government belongs to the people of Tamil Nadu and is rooted in self-respect and social justice. Education is the foundation upon which a stronger and more equitable society can be built.' He also reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring political rights for the Muslim community and announced that the state is planning to distribute 20 lakh laptops to students as part of its educational initiatives. CM Stalin is on a two-day visit to the Tiruvarur district. He will travel by road to Kalaignar Kottam in Kattur. In the evening, he will embark on a grand roadshow covering several key areas of Tiruvarur, including Pavithramanickam, Durgalaya Road, South Road, Panagal Road, the old bus stand, and the railway roundabout. A major highlight will be the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi at the railway roundabout, an initiative by the local DMK unit. Following the roadshow, CM Stalin will visit his ancestral home on Sannathi Street for an overnight stay. On the second day, the Chief Minister is scheduled to attend a government function near the new bus stand in S.S. Nagar, where he will inaugurate completed infrastructure projects and lay foundation stones for several new ones. He will also distribute welfare assistance to thousands of beneficiaries representing multiple government departments, as part of the DMK government's ongoing outreach efforts. After concluding the day's events, CM Stalin will travel via Thanjavur to Tiruchirappalli and fly back to Chennai.
