Latest news with #Ramakrishna
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Andhra Pradesh electricity workers demand pay hike
VIJAYAWADA: Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary K Ramakrishna on Monday warned the State government that the Left parties would hold it accountable until justice is delivered for electricity workers across Andhra Pradesh. Thousands of workers, under the banner of AITUC-affiliated unions, including the AP Electricity Staff and Workers Union, Gram and Ward Secretariat Employees Union, Electricity Contract Workers Union, and Meter Reader Association, took part in a massive 'Chalo Vijayawada' rally. The procession began at the railway station and culminated in a public meeting at Dharna Chowk. Workers demanded a resolution to long-pending issues, including salary hikes, health insurance, promotions, and job security. Ramakrishna urged the government to adopt Telangana's direct salary disbursal model to ensure timely payments. He emphasised that these workers, despite their low wages, are responsible for ensuring uninterrupted electricity across the State, often at great personal risk. 'If they stop work, even government offices will go dark,' he warned. Ramakrishna called for job security for energy assistants, linemen, and other staff, along with union recognition and the conduct of elections.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Keezhadi excavation report under review, time bracket not justified: Minister
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not requested any 'revised report' on the Keezhadi (or Keeladi) excavations in Tamil Nadu, the Centre informed Parliament Monday, but said the report is 'under review' and as per suggestions of experts the nomenclatures of the three periods mentioned in it 'require change'. Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the time bracket of 8th-5th century BCE given for Period 1 in the report was 'not justified at all'. 'For the earliest period in the present state of our knowledge we can, at the maximum, suggest it originates somewhere in pre-300 BC,' he said in an annexure attached with the response to a question by DMK MP T Sumathy. Keezhadi is an ancient site in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district, about 12 km from Madurai. Over a decade ago, Amarnath Ramakrishna, ASI's then Superintending Archaeologist, led excavations at the site that unearthed evidence of a sophisticated urban society. According to the Keezhadi report, carbon dating had revealed the objects to be over 2,160 years old, corresponding to the Sangam era in Tamil history. It classified the site's history into three periods — Pre-Early Historic (8th-5th century BCE), Mature Early Historic (5th-1st century BCE) and Early Historic (1st century BCE-3rd century CE). The report triggered a controversy between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the NDA-ruled Centre, after the ASI, which comes under the Union Ministry of Culture, asked Ramakrishna to review his report. The DMK saw this as an attempt by the Centre to pressure Ramakrishna to 'change' his findings. DMK MP Sumathy had asked the Ministry if the Keezhadi report prepared was officially reviewed by the Government after submission in June 2025, seeking details of the specific deficiencies cited by the Government or ASI leading to its rejection. In his reply, Shekhawat said: 'Keezhadi excavation has been conducted under the aegis of ASI and a report of lead archaeologist is under review. The comments of experts have been shared with the lead archaeologist, which are still to be finalised.' However, the minister added, 'there is no practice of rejecting a report'. In the annexure, which details excerpts from experts' observations, on the basis of which Ramakrishna has been asked to review the report, Shekhawat said the 'missing details' require the village map to be redrawn and the cultural period to be reoriented as specified, among other things. 'As per experts suggestion: a) the nomenclatures of the three periods require change; b) the time bracket of 8th century BC to 5th century BCE given for Period 1 is not justified at all; c) The other two periods should also be determined on the basis of scientific AMS dates and the material recovered in view of stratigraphical details. For the earliest period in the present state of our knowledge we can, at the maximum, suggest that it originates somewhere in pre-300 BCE…' the annexure said. On June 10, Shekhawat had said further studies were needed to validate the ASI findings on an ancient civilisation at Keezhadi. In response to another question by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, the Ministry informed Parliament Monday that ASI has not requested any 'revised report' on the site from the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology. Maran also asked details of the 'additional excavation phases and funding support' by ASI for the tenth phase of Keezhadi excavation that began on June 18, 2024, which has already 'identified six terracotta pipelines and various urban settlement structures'. To this, Shekhawat replied: 'Question does not arise.' Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Chennai Seniors Combat Loneliness with Community Activities
Since retiring, N Ramakrishna has turned RK Nagar Park into more than just his morning walk route. It's now his stand-up stage. Every Saturday, notebook in hand, the 83-year-old performs for a small group of seniors, cracking jokes about everything from joint pain to politics. 'My jokes are mostly anecdotal, talking about imaginary awkward situations I've been in. I look forward to the open mic all week,' he says, adding that he now looks for a punchline in everything from doctor visits to daily errands. While a recent HelpAge India report says that nearly 50% of elders, especially those above 80 and living alone, cite loneliness as the most common negative feeling associated with ageing, a growing number of seniors in the city, such as Ramakrishna, are refusing to let isolation define their later years, choosing instead to build their own little communities around shared interests. From board games in community halls to pottery studio sessions, they're making every effort to stay socially and emotionally connected. RK Nagar Park association regularly hosts music sessions, TED-style talks, knowledge-sharing sessions, and informal debates, besides open mic programmes. They also facilitate an alternative community living setup by running daycares that serve as hangout joints for seniors. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The Dignity Foundation, an organisation that works for the welfare and care of the elderly, says more elders are signing up for Tai Chi, basket weaving, carrom and pallanguzhi. 'I sign up so I can interact with people my age. Every evening, I go home looking forward to the next day's meet up,' says Sivagami V, a 74-year-old resident of Beach Road who leaves home at 7.30am as part of the foundation's day care programme. 'I live alone, and the loneliness can be overpowering at times. But here there's someone to ask me how I am doing, and I'm grateful.' 'We promote intergenerational events as well, like we recently held a fashion show where seniors walked the ramp wearing designs put together by youngsters from the National Institute of Fashion Technology,' says Merita Joseph, chapter head of the Dignity Foundation in Chennai. 'It was exciting,' says Nirmala Krishnaswamy, one of the models. 'Walking along with my husband on the ramp was such a special moment.' Merita says that when The Dignity Foundation was established 27 years ago, it had a magazine by seniors for seniors, where it was mostly health and wellness that was discussed. 'Over the years, it has become more about creating spaces for seniors to meet each other and hang out because we realised that was what they needed more, a sense of belonging,' she says. Today, the Foundation's programmes have also been extended to underprivileged communities, free of cost. Gated communities are also going the extra mile by creating exclusive seniors' clubs. Alliance Galleria Residences in Pallavaram has more than 500 members in its seniors' club, where elders celebrate observance days and go on trips together. 'My daughter lives overseas, and I live alone here,' says Usha Raghothaman, a resident. 'Initially, I felt cooped up as I had no friends to meet and didn't have anyone who could take me outside. Since I've joined the club, I have been to Yelagiri to celebrate Valentine's Day, Kanjeevaram on temple tours, and visits to beaches in the city. This group has become an extended family for me,' says the 76-year-old. NUMBERS TALK: 1. 73% of elders believe technology can help them connect with youth, but only 13% use digital tools like social media, email, or video calling 2. 87% of youth and 84% of elders said discussing personal matters is their main mode of connection Source: HelpAge India INBO Report 2025
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Left parties will join hands to check ‘communal' BJP: Ramakrishna
Tirupati: CPI State secretary K Ramakrishna said all the Left parties will join together to check the communal BJP which is endangering the national integrity with its divisive policies. Ramakrishna who participated in the city CPI 14th annual conference here on Friday alleged that the BJP-led NDA government led by PM Narendra Modi for its survival was dividing people in the name of religion and reason. The Left parties alone could stop the BJP juggernaut. Making blistering attack on PM Modi, the CPI leader said he miserably failed to keep his promises though he completed 11 years in rule. The assurances of bringing Rs 75 lakh crore black money stashed in foreign banks and creation of 2 crore jobs annually were all gone with the winds but he didn't stop luring people with his communal agenda. Turning his gun on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, he said, 'The double engine government failed to develop the State. The only achievement Naidu got was Rs 1.75 lakh crore debt. In the name of capital city Amaravati development, Naidu borrowed loans from every financial institution but the completion of Amaravati construction remains a distant dream.' Ramakrishna said the CPI completes 100 years of its existence in which it stood with the working class and it has been relentlessly fighting for the poor, depressed and oppressed classes. Chinnam Penchalaiah, Radhakrishna, Kathi Ravi, Siva and K Y Raja were present.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Red flag will fly high for eternity, says CPI leader
The Red Flag representing the Communist movement will fly high in the sky for eternity, as long as there is oppression, the cry for justice will be heard, said Communist Party of India (CPI) State Secretary K. Ramakrishna. Participating at the city-level convention in Tirupati as part of the party's centenary celebrations in India, the CPI leader spoke about the perennial relevance of the Leftist movement. 'The Red Flag remains a ray of hope for the country's future. The people-oriented parties will join hands with the Communists in the days to come to put an end to the fascist rule,' Mr. Ramakrishna said. 'The Leftist movement in India is still a force to reckon with today, because of the sacrifices in the freedom movement and enduring sufferings for the sake of the downtrodden. The BJP-led NDA government is bent on benefitting the capitalists, trampling upon the rights of the citizens and making a mockery of the Constitution,' Mr. Ramakrishna alleged. Taking a jibe at the 'double engine growth', he said it has pushed the country into debts instead of propelling growth. The party leader faulted the State government-led by N. Chandrababu Naidu for failing to implement the 'Super Six' schemes and in the same vein, flayed the former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for trying to foment trouble by inciting his cadre to resort to violence.
