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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
HC reserves orders on writers' plea on house allotment
Chennai: has reserved orders on pleas moved by writer and TN's first woman IPS officer, G Thilagavathy, and Tamil scholar Ilakkuvanar Maraimalai, challenging a state govt decision to reject their allotted house under 'Kanavu Illam' scheme. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The scheme was launched on late chief minister M Karunanidhi's 97th birth anniversary to honour Tamil scholars who were awarded the Gnana Peeth, Sahitya Akademi, and national or state-level literary awards with special house allotments. However, after the announcement of 10 beneficiaries under the scheme, govt declared that houses would not be allotted to persons who already own a house from TNHB. The writers challenged this and said it was clearly stated that the house was given as an honour to scholars, even if the recipient owned a house. "In 2022-23, among the 10 scholars selected under the scheme, Thilagavathy was first on the list as she was awarded the Sahitya award in 2005," counsel for the petitioner said. While the state allotted a house for her at Anna Nagar with a built-in flat area of 1,409sqft, the state modified the criteria in 2024. The awardees became ineligible to receive the allotment if they had already purchased a flat or plot from TNHB. This excluded her from the scheme, as she owns a house at Virugambakkam. Recording the submissions, Justice N Anand Venkatesh observed that he would pass an order making the scheme prospective and not retrospective so that the scholars already selected can get the allotment.
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Not Ranbir Kapoor, but this actor would have played the role of Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana, refused due to..., his name is...
A star known for his pan-India appeal, powerful screen presence, and strong mythological aura was once considered to don the bow and crown. Talks had reached advanced stages, but destiny had other plans. This casting twist changed the entire trajectory of Nitesh Tiwari's vision of Ramayana, with Ranbir Kapoor now stepping into the shoes of Maryada Purushottam Rama. Who is this actor? Here we are talking about renowned actor Ashutosh Rana, who is best known for his impeccable performances. In a conversation with 'Bollywood Bubble', Ashutosh Rana talked about losing the role of Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana and said that he believes in destiny and patience. What did Ashutosh Rana say? Ashutosh Rana said, 'I personally believe that whatever is in your beginning, whatever God has written in your destiny, it reaches you automatically. You just sit in one place and wait patiently. If the waiting and patience are being done at the right place, then it bears fruit.' What would've been different if Ashutosh Rana became Lord Rama? The actor further said while talking about his play. He said, 'So, I believe, what do you think? I believe that we have a play and I am playing the character of Ravana in the play Humare Ram. You think about your enemy's name more than your friends. So, you become like the one whom you think about in your mind. So if we were playing the character of Rama, then Ram Ji would not have been thinking about himself? And if he had thought about himself, then how would we call him Maryada Purushottam?' For the unversed, Ashutosh Rana's play Humare Ram is a powerful solo performance that explores the character of Lord Ram from a contemporary lens. Written by Daya Prakash Sinha, the play goes beyond mythology to reflect on Ram's human emotions, dilemmas, and values. Through poetic monologues and intense expressions, Rana is playing the role of Lanka Naresh Ravana, making it relatable for today's audience. The play has been praised for its thought-provoking narrative and Ashutosh Rana's commanding stage presence and powerful delivery. More about Humare Ram Ashutosh Rana's acclaimed solo play Humare Ram has been performed at several prestigious venues across India, with notable shows taking place in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bhopal. The play has also been showcased during cultural festivals and literary events, often organized by Sahitya Akademi and theatre groups, which is now scheduled for Surat in the beginning of August.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi soaks in spiritual experience on his visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram
The spirit of bakthi hung in the air and Prime Minister Narendra Modi soaked in the spiritual experience during his more than two-hour visit to the Brihadisvara temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on Sunday. Sporting a traditional Tamil attire of white dhoti (veshti) and half-sleeve shirt with an angavastram (upper cloth), Mr. Modi offered prayers at the Shiva temple built by Rajendra Chola I, which is famous for its imposing architecture and exquisite sculptures. He was received with poorna kumbam honours. He performed aarathi to the presiding deity. Devotional renderings by maestro Ilaiyaraaja and a group of Odhuvars were held. The Odhuvars rendered the Thevaram hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, Thodudaiya Seviyan, Pithaa Piraisoodi Perumaney, and Muthaitharu Pathith Thirunagai from the Thirupugazh in praise of Lord Murugan. This was followed by the performance of the troupe led by Mr. Ilaiyaraaja. Singer Madhu Balakrishnan rendered the Om Sivahom. The maestro with his mesmerising voice rendered the Namah Shivaya Vaazhga Naadhanthaal Vaazhga and Poovar Senni Mannan of Saint Manickavasagar. The performances drew standing ovations from the Prime Minister. Moved by the spiritual atmosphere, Mr. Modi acknowledged it while speaking at the valedictory of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at the temple complex. Greeting the audience with 'Vanakkam Cholamandalam' (salutations to the Chola region), Mr. Modi appreciated the performances of Mr. Ilaiyaraaja and the Odhuvars. He handed over a pot of Ganga water from Kasi to the Sivachariars at the temple. The celebration of Ganga in the land of the Cauvery is also a legacy of the Chola Empire, he observed, and expressed happiness that he had once again brought Ganga water to Tamil Nadu. He viewed a thematic photo exhibition on 'Saiva Siddhanta and Chola Temple Arts', put up by the Union Ministry of Culture. Impressed by the achievements of the Cholas, he urged the people to visit the exhibition without fail. Mr. Modi released a Tamil musical album on Bhagavad Gita brought out by Chinmaya Mission and a publication on Thevaram brought out by Sahitya Akademi. He also held a roadshow on the way to the temple.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A writer creates a work, but a translator breathes new life into it, says writer Imayam
The task of a writer is to create, while the translator, in turn, breathes new life into it through another language, said Sahitya Akademi award-winning Tamil writer Imayam on on Thursday (July 24, 2025). Mr. Imayam was in conversation with Justice (retired) Prabha Sridevan, former judge of the Madras High Court, who has translated three of his books into English, at The Hindu office in Chennai. Sharing her experience of working with Mr. Imayam, Justice Sridevan said, 'Translating vattara vazhakku (regional dialect) into English is difficult. But Mr. Imayam does not use vattara vazhakku in his writing. His language is unique.' While talking about translating Mr. Imayam's Ippodhu Uyirodirukkiren into the English edition (I'm alive... for now), Justice Sridevan said, 'The story is narrated by a 15-year-old boy. I cannot use words like 'dichotomy' or 'parameters' while translating his voice. I have to be conscious of the kind of words he would have used if he had known English. I cannot use polysyllabic words. The language has to be simple and true to his age and background.' Responding to a question from Justice Sridevan, who asked whether the humour in his otherwise dark and serious stories comes naturally or is consciously added, Mr. Imayam said he does not sit and decide what to include or leave out. 'It is the character that decides, not me. I don't interfere. I simply write what they speak. Once I finish writing, the character leaves me, and I also leave them,' he said. 'Love is the foundation of all my stories,' Mr. Imayam said, while talking about where he draws inspiration for his stories. As society continues to change, it is the duty of a writer to document that transformation. The foremost responsibility of a writer is to keep renewing and reshaping the language through creative evolution, to ensure that the language remains alive and relevant, he said. 'To me, storytelling comes second. Reviving and refreshing the language comes first. That is my identity. In the past two thousand years, many kings and wealthy people have come and gone. Only Tholkappiyar, Thiruvalluvar, and Kambar still live on through their writings,' he added. (This conversation was held as part of The Hindu's Out of Print series with writers)
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Tiruchi, Ariyalur police get ready for PM's visit on July 27
The security agencies are gearing up for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Gangaikondacholapuram in Ariyalur district on July 27 to participate in a function to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the conquest of the Gangetic plains by King Rajendra Chola I. This will be Mr. Modi's first visit to Ariyalur district. A booklet on Thevaram songs published by the Sahitya Akademi is to be released on the occasion. A Bharatanatyam performance by a group of Kalakshetra artists, chanting of Thevaram by a team also forms part of the event which will culminate with a musical presentation by music composer Ilaiyaraaja and his troupe. Detailed security schemes have been drawn up by the Tiruchi City Police and the Ariyalur district police as the Prime Minister is to board a chopper from the Tiruchi international airport to Gangaikondacholapuram on Sunday morning. Mr. Modi is expected to arrive here from Thoothukudi by a special aircraft and stay in Tiruchi on Saturday night. Ahead of Mr. Modi's visit, an Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) meeting was conducted at the Tiruchi airport by the Special Protection Group on Wednesday in which Tiruchi City police officers, those from other security agencies, and airport authorities participated. Another meeting was held at the Circuit House here to ensure extensive security-related coordination along with local authorities, said police sources. A separate ASL meeting is to be held at Gangaikondacholapuram on Thursday which is to be attended by the Ariyalur district Collector, Inspector-General of Police, Central Zone, Superintendent of Police, Ariyalur and other officials. Arrangements have begun at the venue with a helipad established nearby for the Prime Minister's chopper to land from Tiruchi airport on Sunday morning. Mr. Modi will pray at the world famous Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholapuram before attending the function. He will return to Tiruchi and then leave for New Delhi, the sources said. A multi-layer security arrangement is to be put in place at the Tiruchi airport and along the route on the eve of Mr. Modi's arrival. The Tiruchi City Police have planned to mobilise over 1,000 personnel for deployment at the airport and other places. Anti-sabotage teams are to be deployed at the airport. Gangaikondacholapuram will be brought under a heavy security on Saturday and Sunday. Around 2,000 police personnel from Ariyalur and other districts in the central zone are to be deployed for security and for regulation of vehicular movements, said the sources. The 'Aadi Thiruvadhirai' festival at Gangaikondaxcolapuram is to be held from July 23 to 27. The Union Ministry of Culture will celebrate the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I and commemorate the 1,000 years of his maritime expedition in South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the Gangaikondacholapuram temple. The Archaeological Survey of India will host thematic exhibitions on Chola Shaivism and temple architecture and organise heritage walk and guided tours as part of the festival.
