News for 'periyar'

Is Vijay planning poll debut from two Chennai seats?

Is Vijay planning poll debut from two Chennai seats?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Actor-politician Vijay is reportedly considering contesting from either Velachery or Virugambakkam constituencies in Chennai for the upcoming Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, according to sources within his party, TVK.

Oscar winner Keeravani to lead music for R-Day mega cultural show

Oscar winner Keeravani to lead music for R-Day mega cultural show

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The broader theme of the performance will be -- 'Swatantra Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi Ka Mantra - Viksit Bharat', officials said.

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Around 100 artistes heralded the parade, on the theme 'Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity) that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation's unity and rich cultural diversity.

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The upcoming Republic Day Parade will center around the sesquicentenary of 'Vande Mataram,' featuring themed decorations, performances, and special guests.

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness. In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path. The attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Whether it was in the company of superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan -- or, on rare occasions with both together, among others -- Saravanan's demeanour would stand out, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Vijay resumes campaign, accuses DMK of Rs 4,730 cr sand loot

Vijay resumes campaign, accuses DMK of Rs 4,730 cr sand loot

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Actor-politician Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is set to resume his political campaign on Sunday in Kanchipuram district. He will address people at an indoor facility, with arrangements made for a smooth event. Approximately 1,500 people with QR-coded passes will be allowed entry, and security measures are in place.

Stalin's minister sparks row, says UP survives on TN's tax money

Stalin's minister sparks row, says UP survives on TN's tax money

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa claims Uttar Pradesh's development is funded by Tamil Nadu's tax contributions to the central government, sparking a political debate over regional economic disparities.

'Vijay Is Still In KG': BJP

'Vijay Is Still In KG': BJP

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

'Vijay is a very confused, amateur politician.'

Mammoth crowds throng actor Vijay's rally in Trichy

Mammoth crowds throng actor Vijay's rally in Trichy

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay launched his state-wide campaign in Tiruchirappalli, encountering an audio glitch. He criticized both the central government and the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, stating his intention to serve the people, not to amass wealth.

'Dravidian South Was Cradle Of Early Urban Modernity'

'Dravidian South Was Cradle Of Early Urban Modernity'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'At Keeladi, we have not come across any evidence for organised religion.'

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While acknowledging that they needed strong allies for a chance in the assembly polls, AIADMK cadres seemingly prefer actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the BJP, owing to the latter's 'communal agenda' and consequent hardline Hindutva image, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The labourers, who are said to be of Nepali origin, were engaged in the construction of a hotel.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Actor Kamal Haasan launched Makkal Needhi Miam at a public meeting in Madurai in 2018.

DMK secures big win in Erode East bypoll, boosts party for assembly polls

DMK secures big win in Erode East bypoll, boosts party for assembly polls

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has won the Erode East bypoll with a massive margin, defeating actor-politician Seeman's NTK. The victory is seen as a boost for the DMK ahead of next year's Assembly elections. DMK candidate V C Chandhirakumar trounced Naam Tamilar Katchi's (NTK) M K Seethalakshmi by a margin of 91,558 votes, leading to the NTK forfeiting its deposit. Chief Minister and DMK president Stalin attributed the win to the DMK government's good governance, while AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami termed it a "fake" victory. The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan last year.

When Pope Leo XIV Visited Kerala

When Pope Leo XIV Visited Kerala

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'I remember our priests saying that he liked sea food. So, they cooked sea food for him without masala and spice.' 'It seems he enjoyed Kerala food very much.'

'I Warned Christians That A Church Bill Would Come Soon'

'I Warned Christians That A Church Bill Would Come Soon'

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Web portal of the Organiser, the RSS mouthpiece, published an article (withdrawn later) that the Christian community holds many acres of land, far more than Waqf property.'

Hindi or Tamil: Why TN sees red over 3-language formula

Hindi or Tamil: Why TN sees red over 3-language formula

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy 2020, is at the centre of the political row between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government and the central government.

Periyar statue found smeared with saffron colour

Periyar statue found smeared with saffron colour

Rediff.com17 Jul 2020

The workers, who cleaned the statue, demanded the arrest of the culprits and warned that they would intensify their agitation if such incidents recurred, police said.

Complaint against Rajinikanth for 'lying' on Periyar

Complaint against Rajinikanth for 'lying' on Periyar

Rediff.com18 Jan 2020

A Dravidian outfit has alleged that Rajinikanth uttered a 'blatant lie' that the images of Lord Ram and Sita were taken nude in a rally held by Periyar as part of superstition eradication conference in 1971 at Salem.

Periyar row: HC dismisses plea against Rajinikanth

Periyar row: HC dismisses plea against Rajinikanth

Rediff.com24 Jan 2020

In his plea, Umapathy, secretary of Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam, alleged that Rajinikanth had made false and fraudulent statements insulting the Dravidian stalwart and followers of Periyar while speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of Tamil magazine 'Thuglak' here recently. He contended that "Rajinikanth made false and fraudulent statements insulting Dravidian ideologists and the followers of Thanthai Periyar with an intention to provoke breach of public peace by promoting enmity and hatred among the people of Tamil Nadu in the name of religion."

Why BJP keeps harping on Periyar legacy in Dravidian TN

Why BJP keeps harping on Periyar legacy in Dravidian TN

Rediff.com17 Apr 2021

The contemporary problem with the BJP in Tamil Nadu is that it has been trying hard to package the DMK especially as anti-god and anti-Hinduism, and seeking it to link to Periyar and M Karunanidhi, and by extension to Stalin, the latter's son and successor to the party mantle. Their hope was to consolidate the perceived 'pro-god, pro-religion votes', which they saw returning to the fold post-MGR, post-Jayalalithaa. But no such substantial vote-bank existed even in Periyar's time, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

Our identity is...: TVK leader Vijay slams DMK in maiden speech; flays NEET

Our identity is...: TVK leader Vijay slams DMK in maiden speech; flays NEET

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

In his maiden public speech eight months after announcing the launch of TVK, Vijay said the late veterans MG Ramachandran and NT Ramarao were ridiculed as mere cinema actors when they made their political plunge "but they continue to remain in the hearts of the people" of the respective states, i.e Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or "gomutra." Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organizations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticized Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India around traditional beliefs and scientific evidence.

Periyar is path-breaking

Periyar is path-breaking

Rediff.com2 May 2007

The film traces the life and times of the fiery and witty social reformer Periyar, an icon in Tamil Nadu even today

BJP Hands 'Tamil Pride' On A Platter To DMK

BJP Hands 'Tamil Pride' On A Platter To DMK

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

If the DMK is able to sustain the momentum until the assembly polls, the AIADMK especially and the PMK and possibly the infant TVK too would find it hard to sign up with the BJP, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Music Review: Periyar is impressive

Music Review: Periyar is impressive

Rediff.com8 Jan 2007

Composer Vidyasagar takes you back to a bygone era.

First Look: Periyar, the movie

First Look: Periyar, the movie

Rediff.com30 Mar 2007

Gnana Rajasekharan is ready with his new biopic.

Periyar: A walk in the woods

Periyar: A walk in the woods

Rediff.com24 Nov 2015

A treat lay in store for wildlife enthusiast Suchismita Banerjee at Lake Palace Resort on the Periyar Lake.

CRPF jawan arrested for vandalising Periyar statue in TN

CRPF jawan arrested for vandalising Periyar statue in TN

Rediff.com21 Mar 2018

The CRPF said Kumar was under treatment at a force hospital in Hyderabad since February 12 for 'schizophrenia'.

5 Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

5 Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Embark on a romantic escapade without worrying about the budget!

Why Rajini's 'Periyar row' is not a vote-catcher

Why Rajini's 'Periyar row' is not a vote-catcher

Rediff.com22 Jan 2020

If the Congress lost in Tamil Nadu in 1967, never to return, or the DMK and the AIADMK have kept their place in power and electoral politics since then, it owes not to their love or hatred for gods or for one religion over another. Instead, they had always been linked to performance and incumbency/anti-incumbency factors. There may be something in such constructs for Rajini's strategic team to consider, especially if the superstar is to enter direct politics by around this time next year. But then, they would need to brush up their homework more than at present, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

BJP ridiculing Savarkar when...: Rahul in Lok Sabha

BJP ridiculing Savarkar when...: Rahul in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for claiming to protect the Constitution while citing V D Savarkar's remarks that there was nothing Indian about it. He also drew parallels to the story of 'Eklavya' to illustrate the BJP's alleged economic policies hurting small businesses and farmers. He further supported the removal of the 50 percent cap on reservations and advocated for a caste census.

Can Vijay's strategy and vision outshine other TN parties?

Can Vijay's strategy and vision outshine other TN parties?

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

Can Vijay's strategy. vision outshine other TN parties?

Fire at substation leads to major power outage in Chennai

Fire at substation leads to major power outage in Chennai

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Several parts of Chennai reeled under a sudden power outage due to a fire incident which caused sequential faults on both feeders at the Manali substation in Chennai.

2 held for vandalising Periyar statue hours after BJP leader's post

2 held for vandalising Periyar statue hours after BJP leader's post

Rediff.com6 Mar 2018

While Muthuraman is suspected to be a Bharatiya Janata Party worker, Francis is believed to be a Communist Party of India activist, police said.

After Lenin, Periyar, statues of SP Mookerjee, Ambedkar vandalised

After Lenin, Periyar, statues of SP Mookerjee, Ambedkar vandalised

Rediff.com7 Mar 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday "strongly disapproved" incidents of vandalism of statues in certain parts of the country and spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the matter.

Discover India's 10 Great Lakes

Discover India's 10 Great Lakes

Rediff.com20 May 2024

Which are India's most impressive lakes? Choose and journey there now!

'Being A Star Is Selfish. Let's Work For The People'

'Being A Star Is Selfish. Let's Work For The People'

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

'You changed me, you told me what to do, you have brought me into politics.' 'I will work tirelessly for you. It is in your fingers to support me.' 'My career peak I have left to be with you.' Superstar Vijay is the latest actor to enter politics, and his speech at his new party's first public meet on Sunday offers a glimpse into his worldview.