Kerala University denies PhD approval to Dalit scholar amid caste discrimination row
Speaking to TNM, Vipin Vijyan said he had not received any information about the withholding from the University. Prolonging the caste discrimination controversy, the University of Kerala has reportedly withheld the approval of awarding PhD Degree to Dalit scholar Vipin Vijayan while awarding PhD degrees to 64 other candidates. The decision was taken by Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal. A PhD degree will be conferred after the candidate successfully completes all requirements, including thesis submission and an open defence. According to reports, the VC approved the PhDs under the syndicate’s consideration, exercising special powers granted under university regulations. The thesis work of 39-year-old Vipin Vijayan, belonging to the Pulaya community, was earlier rejected by CN Vijayakumari, Dean and Head of Kerala University’s Sanskrit department. Vijayakumari is accused of hurling caste-based slurs at the scholar, for which a case is registered against her. Speaking to TNM, Vipin said he had not received any official communication from the University pertaining to this. “I came to know about it from the newspapers. My future course of action will be decided after a detailed inquiry,” he said. On October 15, when Vipin was defending his thesis Vijayakumari disrupted the session, demanding changes in the thesis despite the supervisor’s opposition who validated the arguments made by Vipin in the thesis. According to the scholar, Vijayakumari refused to sign the thesis though both the supervisor and the thesis examining committee chairperson had approved the thesis. During the verbal altercation, Vijayakumari allegedly hurled caste abuses at Vipin. “‘Why do you need a doctorate to add to your name? You have a Pulaya surname, that is enough,’ Vijayakumari told me when I requested her to sign my PhD thesis”, Vipin had told TNM. Reports suggest that after the defence became controversial, the Vice-Chancellor requested the online recording to understand the issues raised during the open defence. However, the research guide responsible for conducting and documenting the open defence reported that no recording was made. Meanwhile, Vipin has filed a complaint against Vijayakumari with the police, the University and the SC/ST commission. The Sreekaryam police has booked Vijayakumari under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which deal with intentionally insulting or abusing a member of the SC/ST community by caste name in public view. Written by:TNM Staff Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Chirag Paswan Announces ‘Dhanyavad Yatra’ in Bihar from January, Revival of Dalit Sena
LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan plans ‘Dhanyavad Yatra’ to thank voters for NDA’s sweeping mandate, while launching a renewed Dalit Sena structure. Patna: Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Friday announced that he will embark on a statewide tour early next year, once the Kharmas period ends in mid-January. The “Dhanyavad Yatra”, he said, will be aimed at thanking the public for the National Democratic Alliance’s sweeping win in the Bihar Assembly elections.Patna city guide Speaking at a press conference at the LJP (Ram Vilas) office in Patna, Chirag said the yatra will begin immediately after the traditional dahi-chuda feast on Makar Sankranti. “This journey will be our way of expressing gratitude for the historic mandate given to the NDA,” he said. In a move signalling consolidation within his party, Chirag also announced the formation of a new Dalit Sena—an organisation originally created by his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, before he founded the LJP in 2000. Taking a swipe at his estranged uncle and former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, Chirag alleged that Paras had “usurped both the party and the original Dalit Sena”.Bihar tourism packages The revived Dalit Sena will be headed by Arun Bharti, LJP (Ram Vilas) MP from Jamui and Chirag’s brother-in-law. Former minister Sanjay Paswan, who long served as state president of the earlier Dalit Sena, will work alongside him. Chirag also announced that the LJP (Ram Vilas) will celebrate its foundation day on November 28 in Patna, marking 24 years since Ram Vilas Paswan launched the party. He said details of the programme would be released soon. The announcements come at a time when the party is seeking to expand its organisational footprint after securing a strong position within the NDA and gaining key portfolios in the newly formed state government. Courtesy : Patna News Note: This news is originally published on https:/patnanews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Tamil Nadu: Dalit student dies after suffering caste-based discrimination and assault, fights for life for 10 days
The student attempted suicide after being subjected to caste-based abuse; father questions police investigation, department offers 6 lakh rupees in aid Villupuram: A heartbreaking case of alleged caste-based discrimination has come to light in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. An 18-year-old Dalit student, who attempted suicide after being humiliated by caste-based abuse and assault, died in hospital on Tuesday. The deceased student had been battling for life in the ICU for the past 10 days. The deceased has been identified as S. Gajini, a resident of Vadakuchipalayam. He was a first-year history student at the Government Arignar Anna Arts College. What was the full story? According to sources, the incident occurred on November 6th. Gajini was returning home from a hotel. Meanwhile, three men from the Vanniyar community, who were allegedly intoxicated and riding on the same bike, hit Ghazni’s two-wheeler. The collision led to an altercation. It is alleged that upon learning that Ghazni belonged to the Dalit community, they began hurling casteist slurs at him and physically assaulted him. Sources say that when Ghazni’s father tried to intervene, the three accused fled the scene. Horrified by the humiliation, Ghazni took a drastic step. Three days after the incident, Ghazni attempted suicide at his home. His family immediately rescued him and admitted him to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Mundiyambakkam. He was admitted to the Intensive Critical Care Unit (ICU). After 10 days of treatment, he succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning. Questions about the police investigation The Villupuram Taluk police have registered a case under the SC/ST Act against three unidentified men based on the complaint. Police sources say the student was unable to confirm the identity of the accused, making it difficult to trace the suspects. However, the family claims that Ghazni had identified at least one of the attackers. “My son is gone, we want justice.” The deceased’s father, P. Semmeneri, has questioned the administration’s actions. He said, “How difficult is it for the police to track the mobile tower signal at the scene? The police are not conducting a proper investigation because my son is no longer alive. We want justice.” He also demanded that Dalit residents on the route to the bus stop be ensured of safety. Compensation announced: Amidst this tragic incident, the District Adi Dravidar Welfare Department has approved a compensation of ₹6 lakh for the victim’s family. The student’s death has left the area in mourning, and the family is pleading for justice. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Bhopal: A Dalit youth was brutally beaten and dragged by his hair just 500 meters from the police station; police took action after the video went viral.
He was beaten with sticks and rods on the road 500 meters from the police station, and his friend who came to his rescue was also attacked; one accused was taken into custody after the video went viral. Bhopal/Narmadapuram: A recent case challenging law and order has emerged in Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh. Five youths brutally beat a Dalit youth at the Makhannagar High School grounds. Shockingly, the scene of the incident is just 500 meters from the police station. The accused committed this crime in broad daylight, creating an atmosphere of terror in the area. On Wednesday, a video of the incident surfaced on social media, causing panic within the police administration. The video clearly shows the accused dragging the young man by his hair and repeatedly assaulting him with sticks and rods. When the victim’s friend tried to rescue him, the accused did not spare him and attacked him as well. What is the whole matter? According to the police complaint, the complainant, Pawan Sharma, and his friend, Pradeep Ahirwar, went to Makhannagar on Monday, November 17th. They had gone there to visit local temples. At around 3 p.m., while returning after having tea near the Tehsil Ground, two local youths present there stopped them. The accused began abusing Pradeep without any reason. When Pradeep and Pawan protested, the situation escalated. Three more youths arrived shortly afterward. The five then attacked Pradeep, brutally beating him with sticks. Referred to hospital in critical condition Seeing the street brawl, passersby intervened and rescued the young men. Seeing a crowd gathering, the accused fled the scene, threatening to kill them. Pradeep suffered serious injuries to his head, back, and arms and legs in the attack. Immediately after the incident, Pawan brought his injured friend to the police station. From there, police sent Pradeep to the local government hospital for first aid, but due to his critical condition, he was referred to Narmadapuram District Hospital. Police Action Given the seriousness of the matter, Makhannagar police have registered a case under the SC/ST Act and other sections of the assault. Acting swiftly, the police have detained one of the accused involved in the incident, while the search for others is ongoing. The remaining accused are being identified based on the video. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
16% Dalit population but zero net worth! Baba Saheb’s SC-Buddhist Bank will now bring the dream of self-reliance to life.
Ambedkar emphasized that over ₹5,000 crore of Dalit funds are deposited in the Brahminical system (such as Saraswat Bank, HDFC, SBI), but we are unable to reach such people. Mumbai – The harsh truth of caste inequality in India’s economic structure has come to light. Rajratna Ambedkar, great-grandson of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and National President of the Buddhist Society of India, revealed that according to the 2011 census, the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, which constitutes 16.6% of the population, has zero net worth in the cooperative sector. Meanwhile, smaller communities like Brahmins, Sikhs, and Parsis have net worths in the thousands of crores compared to other communities. To address economic inequality, Rajratna Ambedkar launched the ‘Dr. Established the Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Multistate Cooperative Credit Society Limited (AMSC), the country’s first Scheduled Caste and Buddhist cooperative credit platform. Branches are operational in Nagpur and Thane. The goal is to transform it into a cooperative bank within the next two years, and move towards becoming a fully nationalized bank within five years. This initiative not only symbolizes economic empowerment but also attempts to realize Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of a self-reliant economy. Rajratna Ambedkar said, “The net worth of 16.6 percent of our population is zero because our money is lying in other people’s banks.” Citing 2011 census data, Ambedkar presented a comparative analysis of the population of different communities and the net worth of their cooperative banks, which are as follows: Muslim population: 14.2 percent (approximately 172 million). Christian population: 2.3 percent. Jain population: 0.4 percent. Parsi population: Exactly 0.006 percent. Their cooperative net worth was estimated to be around ₹10,000 crore. Scheduled Caste (SC) population: 16.6 percent (approximately 200 million), but the net worth in the cooperative sector is zero. Ambedkar clarified that the recently established ‘Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Bank’ (2024-25) has been considered zero due to the unavailability of its audit report. Brahmin population: Estimated 4 Percent, whose Saraswat Bank has a net worth of over Rs 59,000 crore. Sikh population: 1.7 percent. Khalsa Credit Society has a net worth of $75.7 million (approximately Rs 6,300 crore). Ambedkar stressed that funds worth over Rs 5,000 crore belonging to the Dalit community are deposited in the Brahminical system (like Saraswat Bank, HDFC, SBI), but are not being utilized due to lack of access. “How will an 80-year-old person leave the house? So, I am hiring missionaries who go to his house and fill his shareholder form and fill his FD, RD, current account forms, savings account forms. We need missionaries who will go door to door and fill out forms.” Missionary Recruitment: Not a Job, a Call to Mission Ambedkar stated clearly that he was looking for missionaries, not employees. “This is not a 10-to-5 job, but a 24×7 mission. Like Kanshi Ram ji, we need to go from village to village on a bicycle and build an independent economy. Just as Honorable Kanshi Ram ji formed his government four times in this country and elected his own Chief Minister by traveling on a bicycle, we need similar people who will go to villages and create their own independent economy.” Applications for recruitment are due by November 21st at jobs.amsc.co.in. Interviews will be held at the headquarters, where dedication to the mission will be assessed. Currently, the customer base at the two branches is growing rapidly, necessitating a staff increase. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit student dies ten days after attempted suicide following alleged caste assault in TN
Villupuram, Tamil Nadu: Ten days after he attempted to take his own life following an alleged caste-based assault, an 18-year-old Dalit student from Vikravandi in Tamil Nadu died of his injuries on Tuesday. The student, S. Gajini of Vadakuchipalayam, was in his first year of a History course at Government Arignar Anna Arts College. The Observer Post reported that the chain of events began on November 6, when Gajini was returning home from a hotel. According to police and local sources, three men from the Vanniyar community, allegedly drunk and riding triple on a motorbike, collided with his two-wheeler and a confrontation followed. When the men learnt that Gajini belonged to a Dalit locality, they allegedly assaulted him and hurled caste slurs before fleeing as his father arrived at the spot. On November 9, Gajini attempted suicide at home. His family immediately took him to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Mundiyambakkam. He was admitted to a local intensive critical care unit, where he received treatment for ten days and died early Tuesday morning. Villupuram taluk police have filed a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against three unnamed men. According to authorities, the investigation has been obstructed by Gajini’s inability to accurately identify his attackers, despite his family’s claims that he recognised at least one of them. Gajini’s father, P. Semmaneri, said “The police are not investigating properly because my son is already dead. Authorities should examine mobile tower data from the location. We want justice,” he told The New Indian Express, adding that Dalit residents who use the same stretch of road need assured safety. The district Adi Dravidar welfare department has announced a compensation of ₹6 lakh for the family. Courtesy : Vartha Bharati Note: This news is originally published on https:/varthabharati.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Trans National Guard member sues Trump administration over bathroom restrictions
A transgender Illinois National Guard member filed a class action lawsuit challenging a Trump-Vance restroom policy for transgender and intersex federal workers. A civilian employee of the Illinois National Guard has filed a federal class action lawsuit challenging a Trump-Vance administration policy that bars transgender and intersex federal employees from using restrooms consistent with their gender. The complaint, filed on behalf of LeAnne Withrow, is backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of D.C., the ACLU of Illinois, and Democracy Forward. Withrow, of Springfield, Illinois, is a lead military and family readiness specialist and longtime National Guard employee. A former staff sergeant, she has earned multiple commendations, including the Illinois National Guard Abraham Lincoln Medal of Freedom. After President Trump issued a January 20 executive order directing federal agencies to require restroom use strictly according to “biological sex,” the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Defense, and the National Guard Bureau issued compliance notices to employees nationwide. Shortly afterward, Withrow’s supervisors informed her she was no longer permitted to use women’s restrooms at work. Withrow first filed complaints with the Army National Guard Bureau Equal Opportunity Office and later with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but neither process resolved the issue, prompting her to seek relief in federal court. The lawsuit argues the policy violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, citing the Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling that protections against sex discrimination include transgender employees. It also alleges violations of the Administrative Procedure Act. Withrow said she hopes the court will restore dignity for transgender federal workers. Attorneys for the ACLU and Democracy Forward condemned the policy as discriminatory, harmful, and part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to target transgender people in federal service. Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
First the BJP, and now this… Congress leader angered by the letter against Rahul Gandhi, asking this question
Criticizing the letter against Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned what was wrong with asking questions. The Congress leader said that democracy is not strengthened by keeping one’s eyes, ears, or mouths shut. Khera said that asking questions does not mean attacking; this mentality has been instilled in this country by the Prime Minister. New Delhi: Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday criticized a letter written by former bureaucrats and judges condemning Rahul Gandhi’s repeated allegations against the Election Commission and other state bodies. In a letter, more than 272 respected citizens, including 16 judges, 123 retired bureaucrats, 14 ambassadors, and 133 retired armed forces officers, condemned the repeated attacks on national constitutional authorities by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Speaking to news agency ANI, Kheda said that first the BJP and then retired officials came to the defense of the current Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. Criticizing this move, he said that questions strengthen democracy. The Congress leader said, “We saw their signatures. The issue is that if the functioning of the Election Commission is being questioned, and the entire opposition is doing so, first the BJP comes to the defense of a serving Election Commissioner, and then retired officials come to the defense.” Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kheda said that the Prime Minister is promoting a mentality where asking questions is tantamount to attacking someone. Aren’t questions necessary to keep democracy alive? Do these people want to see democracy die in their lifetime? Asking questions doesn’t mean attacking; this mentality has been instilled in this country by the Prime Minister… Questions strengthen democracy. He said, “Closing eyes, closing ears, or keeping quiet doesn’t strengthen democracy.” The letter stated that instead of presenting real policy options, Congress leaders are resorting to baseless allegations. Condemning the alleged repeated attacks on institutions, such as questioning the valor of the armed forces and the impartiality of the judiciary, the letter states that this time the Election Commission is facing systematic and conspiratorial attacks on its integrity and reputation. Curated by: Pankaj Singh About the Author Pankaj Singh is an Assistant Editor at Navbharat Times Digital. He has been associated with journalism for over 18 years. He has extensive experience in current affairs, politics, and ground reporting. During this time, he has covered political news, including the Delhi Assembly elections, the Railways elections, and the Lok Sabha elections. Courtesy: Hindi News
Power tussle intensifies in Karnataka, 10 DK-supporting MLAs camp in Delhi, Siddaramaiah cancels visit
Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar: After the Congress’s humiliating performance in the Bihar elections, its effects are being felt in Karnataka. With the Congress government completing half its term, demands for a leadership change in the state have intensified. The question arises: will Siddaramaiah lose his position? MLAs supporting DK Shivakumar have become vocal in demanding his appointment as CM in Karnataka. Bengaluru: The power struggle among Congress party leaders has intensified in Karnataka. After DK Shivakumar hinted at resigning as state president, 10 party MLAs have demanded his appointment as CM from the central leadership. Congress MLAs loyal to DK Shivakumar will meet party leaders in Delhi today and demand the fulfillment of the promise of power sharing in 2023. Consequently, the Siddaramaiah vs DK battle in Karnataka has reached Delhi. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka is completing 2.5 years in office. 10 DK Pro-DK MLAs Arrive in Delhi More than 10 MLAs, including a minister from the Shivakumar camp, arrived in Delhi on Thursday. Several more are expected to arrive on Friday. The MLAs are planning to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary KC Venugopal to press their demand for the party to implement the internal power-sharing arrangement agreed upon in 2023. The MLAs’ arrival in Delhi coincides with Congress National President Kharge’s arrival from Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah Cancels His Tour Amid the rapidly evolving situation in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah abruptly canceled his two-day tour of Mysore and Chamarajanagar scheduled for Friday and Saturday and is returning to Bengaluru. Among those arriving in Delhi on Thursday are Minister N Chaluvarayaswami and MLAs Kabal Hussain, HC Balakrishna, and SR Srinivas. Earlier on Tuesday, MLAs Ravi Ganiga, Gubbi Vasu, Dinesh Gooligowda, and other MLAs had already reached Delhi to raise the issue with the party leadership. Sources said that MLAs Anekal Shivanna, Nelamangala Srinivas, Kunigal Ranganath, Sivaganga Basavaraju, and Balakrishna are also expected to reach the capital on Friday. This move by Shivakumar loyalists comes a day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah completed two and a half years in office. Curated by: Achalendra Katiyar About the Author Achalendra Kumar Katiyar works for Navbharat Times Online. He began his career with DLA newspaper in 2008. During his 17-year career, he has worked for iNext, Aaj Samaj, and Dainik Hindustan. He keeps an eye on every development in western states, including Gujarat and Maharashtra. He has a strong understanding of politics. Courtesy: Hindi News
Rahul Gandhi’s vote theft charge against EC exposes a threat to democracy: Sapkal
Nagpur: Maharashtra Congress chief Harshawardhan Sapkal on Thursday firmed up the party’s allegations about electoral manipulation, asserting that Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi “exposed a major vote theft scandal with evidence” and urged citizens to join what he called a “broader fight to protect democratic institutions”. “People now understand what is happening,” he told the media in Nagpur, insisting the issue “is not just about Congress but about every citizen and the media”. The MPCC chief spent the day campaigning across Vidarbha, addressing rallies in Chandur Railway in Amravati district before travelling to Anjangaon Surji, Akot and Balapur in Akola district to support Congress candidates in the upcoming local body elections. Sapkal criticised the Mahayuti govt in the state, claiming Maharashtra’s autonomy has been compromised. He alleged that the state was being “mortgaged to Gujarat,” adding, “Devendra Fadnavis is the shadow chief minister, and all decisions are taken by Union home minister Amit Shah.” According to Sapkal, the frequent Delhi visits by the state leaders reflect “deep internal rifts within the triple-engine govt.” On recent meetings between Shah and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Sapkal noted that Pawar’s meeting was followed by a “clean chit” to his son Parth in the Pune land case. On alliance talks, Sapkal said no proposal was received from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and that decisions on poll partnerships were delegated to local units. He emphasised that Congress workers in Mumbai want the party to contest the municipal elections independently. “Any party outside the INDIA bloc must first send a proposal, which will then be decided at the national level,” he said, adding that Shiv Sena “is free to choose its allies.” Responding to MNS stand on Marathi pride, Sapkal asserted that Congress needed no lessons on Maharashtra’s cultural identity. He described Marathi pride as “not merely a linguistic issue but Maharashtra dharma,” recalling that Congress was the first to oppose the proposal to make Hindi compulsory from Class 1. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights