'Centre is run by RSS, efforts to change India into a Hindu state underway'

March 22, 2015

Chennai, Mar 22: Accusing the BJP government at the Centre as one being "run" by RSS, social activist Teesta Setalvad on Saturday alleged that issues like "Sanskritisation" were part of a process to change India into a Hindu state.

"I believe the government at the Centre is run by RSS. It is an RSS government. You are confused, I am not confused at all," she told reporters in Chennai.

On Hindutva and Sanskritisation "pursued" by BJP, she alleged it was a process of political motive to change the character of the Indian state to a majoritarian Hindu one and implement the agenda first through Home, Education and Culture Ministries.

"Regardless of whatever has been stated in the name of development, the government agenda is run by RSS." She referred to a 1999 meet chaired by then Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi, saying it was boycotted by even NDA allies like Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP on Sanskritisation.

Stressing that a process has been on since then, she said each time this government came to power, their agenda was on the "question of culture and education" and to push it.

"Today you have a brute majority government and quite naturally this agenda will be taken forward much more aggressively and it is being taken forward."

A "talk was on" that the HRD Ministry was looking to push books of RSS ideologue Dina Nath Batra all over the country through the CBSE, she claimed and added that these books were already reaching about four lakh students in Gujarat.

Asked if she would move court on the issue, Teesta said "there is constant discussion among us on whether you can go to court on policy matters or build resistance otherwise."

On attacks on worship places in Northern India, she said these could not have happened without vilification campaign against Christians and conversions.

"Whether it was the attack on nun in West Bengal or Churches in Delhi it happens because of a systematic campaign built about Christians, Muslims and Dalits and it allows social sanction for violence."

Referring to BJP MP Adityanath, she said he should have been disqualified from Parliament 10 years ago. "You have Parliamentarians indulging in most filthy kind of speech."

On communal polarisation vis-a-vis the social media, she said "you see certain pattern trolling in Twitter and Facebook and it is not spontaneous."

There is "huge money" being spent in creating a mood in social media which was not spontaneous, she said and added that there was a "deliberate attempt to polarise and provoke."

She expressed solidarity with Tamil writers like Perumal Murugan who were targeted by some caste groups and supporters of RSS for "offensive content." On the importance of supporting survivors of communal violence, she alleged "the attempt by the regime in power in Delhi and Gujarat is to actually remove us from the scene so that we don't give help to survivors and so that their testimonies are not protected in court."

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Elusive bamboo shrimp resurfaces in Mangaluru estuary after 70 years

News Network

December 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.

The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.

The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.

The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.

Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.

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Fusion-2K25: Melkar Women’s College Celebrates 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony

News Network

December 17,2025

Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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