Latest news with #Thirukkural
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Don't bypass safeguards to grow: RBI tells lenders
MUMBAI: In a pointed caution to banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor Swaminathan J on Monday warned against the temptation to bypass internal safeguards and regulatory norms in pursuit of growth, saying that competitive intensity should not come at the cost of prudence or governance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at the 109th foundation day celebration of Karur Vysya Bank (KVB), Swaminathan acknowledged the progress made by the financial sector but flagged emerging risks in execution, especially when strategic intent is not matched by operational discipline. "Driven by intense competitive pressures and a desire to project short-term success, the management of certain banks and NBFCs appear to believe that the ends justify the means," he said. "Practices such as creative accounting, liberal interpretations of regulations, lenient policy frameworks, and inadequate internal controls are being normalised in some boardrooms-necessitating supervisory intervention." While he did not name specific institutions, the message was aimed at reminding the industry of the RBI's stance on governance and ethical conduct. "Though such instances may be limited, they risk eroding the public's trust in the integrity of the banking system," he added. Swaminathan outlined a five-point framework drawn from the classical Tamil text Thirukkural, encouraging banks to reflect on resources, tools, timing, action, and context when making decisions. He urged boards and managements to ensure that systems, processes and people are aligned with ethical standards "from the boardroom to the branch." He also stressed that digital tools must be deployed with safeguards.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chaos marks Madurai Corporation council meeting
It was a free-for-all during the first 10 to 15 minutes of the council meeting at Madurai Corporation on Tuesday. Soon after Mayor Indrani Pon Vasanth began the session by reading out a Thirukkural couplet—a customary practice before council proceedings — AIADMK members, led by their floor leader Solai Raja, rose from their seats and shouted slogans demanding her resignation. Dressed in black shirts and sarees as a sign of protest, the AIADMK councillors alleged that the public was outraged by a 'mega scam' (related to property tax computation and collection) allegedly orchestrated by the ruling DMK. They claimed that the Mayor had no moral right to continue in office, as her personal assistant was implicated in the scandal. Rejecting the allegations as baseless, Ms. Indrani instructed the police to remove the protesting AIADMK councillors from the hall and urged DMK members to remain calm. A brief commotion ensued, and after police intervention the AIADMK councillors walked out, raising slogans. Mayor responds strongly Responding to the allegations, the Mayor explained the matter — the alleged property tax scam — was already before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, and a senior police officer of DIG rank was conducting the investigation. She contended it would be inappropriate to discuss the issue during the council meeting. She further pointed out Chief Minister M. K. Stalin had already directed all five zonal chairpersons and two standing committee members involved to step down. She urged the AIADMK to refrain from creating disturbances. Escalating the counterattack, the Mayor questioned the AIADMK's moral standing, citing the case of several crores of rupees allegedly missing from the house of former minister Sellur K. Raju. She also referred to allegations of fund misappropriation during the AIADMK regime in projects such as the Smart City and Underground Drainage (UGD) schemes, demanding an investigation into those cases as well. DMK-CPI (M) clash Soon after calm appeared to return, the meeting again descended into chaos — this time over remarks made by DMK councillor Jayaraman about Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan. Mr. Jayaraman criticised the MP for his recent comments that Madurai city was unclean and that the Chief Minister should intervene. He said such public criticism was uncalled for, especially after the DMK had supported the MP's Lok Sabha candidacy twice. His remarks led to a verbal clash with Deputy Mayor T. Nagarajan of CPI(M) and two CPI(M) councillors. The Deputy Mayor defended the MP, saying it was due to his efforts that the Union Government had sanctioned funds for Madurai. Mr. Jayaraman retorted that as an ally, the MP should not publicly criticise the DMK dispensation. The CPI(M) councillors, in turn, told the DMK member to moderate his tone, especially with Assembly elections approaching. This triggered another round of shouting before order was restored after appeals from both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Background In 2024, then Madurai Corporation Commissioner Dinesh Kumar had filed a complaint with Madurai City Police alleging irregularities in property tax collection. After about seven months, police registered a case and arrested several officials including a retired Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) and Bill Collectors. An AIADMK councillor subsequently filed a writ petition in the High Court, which directed the police to form a special panel and submit a report.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PM Modi announces statues for iconic Tamil kings Rajaraja, Rajendra
Gangaikonda Cholapuram (Tamil Nadu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced construction of grand statues of iconic Chola emperors, Rajaraja Chola and his son, Rajendra Chola I, in Tamil Nadu. Addressing the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival to mark and honour the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola-I, the prime minister said these statues will serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness. The festival also commemorates 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola's legendary maritime expedition to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a magnificent example of Chola architecture. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Data Science CXO Leadership Degree Product Management Cybersecurity Data Analytics healthcare Finance Operations Management Technology Management MCA PGDM Project Management Healthcare Others Data Science Design Thinking MBA Artificial Intelligence others Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details The PM said: "The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today. Rajaraja Chola built a powerful navy, which Rajendra Chola further strengthened." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo The honour for the iconic Tamil kings follows Modi's several Tamil-centric initiatives including the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, translations of Tamil classic Thirukkural. In 2019, in the UN General Assembly, Modi invoked Tamil poet Kaniyan Poonkundranar and cited his popular 'Yaadum Oore' verse that underscored unity. Live Events After praying at the Brihadeeswara temple here, Modi released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola-I. Listening to the rendition of spiritual hymns by Odhuvamurthys (Saivite gurus) and a Shiva-chant concert by music maestro Ilaiyaraja, the PM said the the spiritual atmosphere deeply moved the soul. Amid chants of Vedic and Saivite Thirumurai, Modi prayed at the Lord Shiva temple. On his arrival, the PM was received by temple priests with traditional temple honours, the "poorana kumbham". Modi said: "Our Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping India's cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects of this legacy. Even today, Tamil Nadu remains one of the most significant centres where this living tradition continues to thrive." Further, he said: "The legacy of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola is synonymous with India's identity and pride", the prime minister said, adding the history and heritage of the Chola Empire proclaim the true potential of India. The historians consider the Chola period to be among the golden eras of India, an era distinguished by its military strength, the PM said. The Chola Empire advanced India's democratic traditions, often overlooked in global narratives. While historians speak of Britain's Magna Carta in the context of democracy, the Chola empire had implemented democratic election practices centuries earlier through the Kudavolai system. He said global discourse often centers around water management and ecology preservation, emphasising that India's ancestors understood the importance of these issues long ago. He cited that while many kings are remembered for acquiring gold, silver, or livestock from other regions, Rajendra Chola is recognised for bringing sacred Ganga water. The prime minister recalled that Rajendra Chola transported Ganga water from North India and established it in the South. He referred to the phrase "Ganga Jalamayam Jayastambham", explaining that the water was channeled into the Chola Ganga lake, now known as the Ponneri lake. Rajendra Chola established the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, which continues to be recognised globally as an architectural wonder. The PM remarked that the celebration of Ganga on the land of Mother Kaveri is also a legacy of the Chola Empire. In memory of this historic episode, the prime minister said Ganga water has once again been brought from Kashi to Tamil Nadu, noting that a formal ritual was conducted at the site. As the elected representative from Kashi, the PM shared his deep emotional connection with Mother Ganga. He said the efforts and programmes associated with the Chola kings are akin to a sacred endeavour-symbolic of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat", giving the initiative a new and fresh momentum. The PM said: "The Chola emperors had woven India into a thread of cultural unity. Today, our government is carrying forward the same vision of the Chola era. Through initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam, we are strengthening these centuries-old bonds of unity." The PM recalled that when the new Parliament building was inaugurated in May 2023, the saints from the Shaivite Adheenams led the ceremony spiritually. The sacred Sengol, deeply rooted in Tamil culture, was ceremoniously installed in the new Parliament. The PM also recalled that an idol of Lord Nataraja adorns Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where global leaders had gathered during the G-20 summit in 2023. India's heritage and the influence of Shaiva philosophy are no longer confined to its geographic borders. When India became the first country to land on the Moon's South Pole, the designated lunar site was named "Shiv-Shakti" and it is recognised globally, he said. Earlier, the PM visited an exhibition organised by the Archaeological Survey of India on Chola Shaivism and architecture. In a post on 'X', the PM said, "Witnessed a very good exhibition, 'Shaiva Siddhanta & Chola Temple Arts', which showcases the greatness of Tamil history, culture and spiritual greatness." Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district is near Kumbakonam in the Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu. PTI
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Couple donates study materials for school students in Tiruvannamalai
As part of celebrating silver jubilee year of service, octogenarian N. Subramanian and his wife donated a set of supporting study materials including Thirukkural, a dictionary, an atlas and a poetry book to students at government panchayat union schools in Chetpet and Polur towns in Tiruvannamalai. The couple visited three government schools at Pelasur, Kuruvimalai villages and Polur town to donate study materials for students. Being a native of Vannakkambadi village in Ranipet, Mr. Subramanian used to donate 20 books to the government schools in Tiruvannamalai along with two schools in Ranipet district. The couple donated books as part of celebration of Education Development Day, which falls on July 15.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
July 23, 2025
Time is precious like gold – this is an oft-repeated observation. But a scholar went further and said that time is even more precious than gold. It is as priceless as life itself, he said. If we lose wealth, we can work hard, save a significant portion of our earnings and become wealthy again. But if we lose life, can we regain it? That is why this scholar compared time to life. Time can be divided into past, present and future. The past is like an expired cheque. The present is like cash in your hands. The future should be our focus, for our efforts can lead to a successful future, said R. Narayanan in a discourse. Determination will help us accomplish many things. We should not miss the proper time to do something. Whatever is done when it should be done, will definitely yield the desired results. Is anything impossible, if done at the proper time, asks Thiruvalluvar. If you decide to do something, and are firm in your resolve, then you will be successful, says another kural (verse). Whatever we set about doing, must be done with careful planning. Planning helps us save time, because it makes it possible for us to be organised. The Thirukkural sounds a note of caution. Thiruvalluvar says that we must think before we act. It is foolish to be hasty in our actions and then ponder over them later on. It is not wrong to have great aspirations. You can even aspire to rule the world, and achieve this goal too, if you act at the right time and in the right manner. The stork waits near the river bank, while shoals of small fish swim by. The bird may be hungry, but it does not catch these fish. It waits until a big fish comes by. We should be like the stork, waiting patiently for the right moment, and then act, to reap the maximum benefit.
