Misplaced priorities

Misplaced priorities

The ongoing struggle of ASHA workers in Kerala, who are paid a meager daily wage of just ₹232, exposes the hypocrisy of the ruling Marxist government. These women, who provide crucial healthcare services, have been protesting for 51 days in front of the Secretariat, yet the ministers and party leaders remain indifferent.

 Instead of addressing their genuine demands, the government resorts to mocking and abusing them, showing complete disregard for the working class they claim to support. This blatant neglect proves that their so-called pro-labor stance is merely a political facade. 

The Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, who should be resolving such critical issues, has time to celebrate the success of a controversial film but refuses to meet the protesting ASHA workers. The insensitivity of these leaders highlights their misplaced priorities and lack of commitment to the real struggles of the people.

Adding to this shameful scenario, the Marxist leaders are openly promoting the film Empuraan, a movie that not only insults Hindu & Christian religious symbols but also glorifies Pakistani militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba. Such a film is a direct attack on religious harmony and national security. 

It is outrageous that a CPI(M) MP, John Brittas, tried to use Parliament to publicize this divisive film instead of focusing on issues that truly matter to the people of Kerala. The Central government must immediately ban Empuraan and investigate the foreign funding behind this propaganda-driven project.

 Instead of supporting such anti-national and anti-religious narratives, the administration must focus on addressing the grievances of ASHA workers and protecting the dignity of hardworking citizens.

- K A Solaman

Iranian despot

#Iranian despot.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has long thrived on threats, oppression, and warmongering, yet when real consequences loom, he disappears into the shadows like a coward. His fiery rhetoric of "forceful retaliation" rings hollow when his own whereabouts become a mystery after Israel’s attack.

 Instead of prioritizing Iran’s prosperity and its people’s well-being, he has spent decades fueling regional conflicts, supporting terror proxies, and antagonizing the world.. Now, as his reckless policies bring the threat of destruction closer to home, his own survival comes before the nation he pretends to lead.

-K A Solaman

KCBC call

#KCBC call

The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has rightly pointed out the need to amend the unconstitutional and unjust provisions of the Waqf Act. The existing law, which allegedly legitimizes illegal claims, has created tensions among communities, as seen in Munambam. The KCBC’s stance reflects a broader concern for fairness and equal treatment under the law. 

Religious and community properties must be regulated in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. If certain provisions in the Waqf Act are being misused to claim land unfairly, it is the duty of lawmakers to address these issues. Ensuring justice in property disputes is essential for maintaining communal harmony and preventing any form of discrimination.

The response of political parties, particularly the Congress and CPM, shows a reluctance to acknowledge the grievances of affected communities. The Catholic laity must be vigilant and support candidates who prioritize justice and fairness in governance.

If political leaders refuse to support necessary amendments to rectify the flaws in the Waqf Act, they should be held accountable in elections. The KCBC’s call for caution in dealing with leaders who exhibit questionable stances on crucial issues is justified. 

A truly secular democracy must ensure that all communities receive fair treatment without favoritism. Therefore, amending the Waqf Act to prevent misuse is a step toward upholding the principles of justice and equality for all citizens.

- K A Solaman

Empuraan for dangerous agenda

#Empuraan for dangerous agenda

The recently released Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj, has raised significant concerns for its blatant anti-Hindu propaganda. The cinema blatantly portrayed Hindus as villains while the country faces a very real and ongoing genocide of Hindus across the subcontinent. 

This portrayal not only distorts the facts but also adds to the growing narrative that seeks to demonize the majority community, all while ignoring the grave realities they are facing in various regions. Such misrepresentation is not just irresponsible but dangerous, as it fuels divisiveness and reinforces harmful stereotypes that can lead to communal tensions.

The depiction of the country's Home Minister and NIA officials as villains, contrasted with a Muslim fanatic being glorified as a hero through violent means, is an unacceptable narrative twist that seems aimed at spreading unrest. The film should never have been cleared by the censor board in its current form, as it appears to have been created with the clear intent to provoke societal discord. 

Authorities need to closely monitor the actions and statements of the producers, as such content has the potential to incite violence and destabilize peace in the country. Those responsible must be held accountable for pushing a dangerous agenda under the guise of entertainment.

-K. A Solaman

Misconception

#Misconception 

The remarks faced by Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan reflect a deep-rooted societal bias that unfairly associates skin color with beauty and worth. Such prejudice, even in educated societies, stems from long-standing misconceptions. 

The idea that fair skin is superior has been perpetuated through various cultural narratives, including ancient religious concepts. For instance, the Vedic distinction between Devas and Asuras often portrayed Asuras, considered antagonists, as dark-skinned, thereby associating darker skin with negativity. While these myths may have been symbolic, they influenced how society perceives beauty and morality. 

However, in modern times, these ideas are both irrelevant and harmful. Every individual, regardless of skin color, possesses unique qualities that go far beyond superficial appearances.

Golda Meir's words offer a powerful counter-narrative to conventional beauty standards. She pointed out that not being beautiful by societal norms was, in fact, a blessing because it pushed her to cultivate her inner strengths. 

Instead of relying on external attributes, she developed her intellect, leadership, and resilience. Her statement highlights that beauty can often be a distraction or even a handicap, as it shifts focus from more enduring qualities like character, intelligence, and empathy. 

Those who feel marginalized due to their appearance can find solace in her wisdom, knowing that true worth lies in one’s internal resources and capabilities.

-K A Solaman

Dangerous Trend

#Dangerous Trend

In today's society, especially in regions like Kerala, the rise of self-proclaimed religious leaders who claim to speak as God or hear messages from divine forces is a growing concern. These individuals, often suffering from psychological disorders like schizophrenia or paranoia, manipulate vulnerable people by exploiting their faith and emotional needs. 

They establish temples, churches, or spiritual centers to attract followers, often luring those who are disillusioned with political systems and governance. This exploitation results in not just spiritual manipulation but also financial gain, as these so-called spiritual leaders make vast profits by preying on the minds of people who seek solace or purpose. The result is a dangerous spread of misinformation and psychological manipulation, causing confusion, distrust, and dependency within society.

To rescue people from the clutches of such fraudulent faith practitioners, it is essential to raise awareness through education. By improving mental health literacy and promoting critical thinking, we can help people distinguish genuine spiritual experiences from psychological disorders.

The government and community organizations can create support systems for those disillusioned with political structures, offering mental health services and social outreach programs. 

Additionally, stricter laws should be enforced to regulate the establishment of religious institutions, ensuring that they are not used for fraudulent purposes. Social and religious leaders can also play a role by promoting authentic spiritual practices that are rooted in ethical values and social responsibility. By combining these efforts, society can protect vulnerable individuals from falling into the traps of these manipulative faith practitioners.

-K A Solaman

Damaging Cinema

#Damaging #Cenema

The recent declaration of profit and loss by the Malayalam film producers highlights a concerning trend in the film industry. Despite suffering huge losses, producers continue to churn out films filled with violence, sex, drugs, and foul language. The decline in theater attendance is a direct reflection of the public's dissatisfaction with such distasteful content. 

Families, who once frequented theaters for quality entertainment, are now avoiding them due to the inappropriate nature of many films. Unfortunately, the censor boards, which are meant to protect societal values and ensure films are suitable for public viewing, seem ineffective in curbing this trend. Their failure to enforce meaningful content regulations has allowed these harmful films to flourish unchecked in theaters.

What is even more alarming is that these same films, often laden with vulgarity, are being made available on OTT platforms, entering the private spaces of homes and becoming accessible to children. The government cannot afford to ignore this threat to the moral fabric of society. Strong measures must be taken to regulate OTT content, ensuring that harmful films do not reach vulnerable audiences. Allowing such unfiltered material to proliferate in households undermines the role of parents and educators in safeguarding children from vulgarity. 

The government should establish stricter guidelines for OTT releases, ensuring that content is thoroughly censored and monitored before it reaches the public. This is essential to protecting the next generation from being exposed to inappropriate and damaging material.

-K A Solaman