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

Misleading

#Misleading

Minister Veena George's recent statement about not being granted permission to meet Union Health Minister JP Nadda is both misleading and an insult to the intelligence of Keralites. Her attempt to shift blame for her failure to address the ASHA workers' strike by claiming she wasn't allowed to meet Nadda is a clear evasion of responsibility. 

The official process of seeking permission for such meetings is well-known, and George’s failure to adhere to this process suggests either incompetence or dishonesty. Instead of prioritizing the health workers and their grievances, she appears to have been more interested in welcoming Cuban delegates, a move that highlights her misplaced priorities. 

This revelation only adds to the growing disillusionment with her handling of key health issues in Kerala.

-K A Solaman

Heroic efforts

#Heroic efforts

Congratulations to NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore for their extraordinary courage, resilience, and dedication in enduring an unexpected 90-day stay during their mission. 

Your unwavering commitment to space exploration, overcoming unforeseen challenges, and maintaining your resolve in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all. You have not only furthered humanity's understanding of space but also exemplified the strength of the human spirit. 

Your service to humankind will have a lasting impact, and we salute you for your incredible contributions. Welcome back to Earth, and thank you for your heroic efforts!

-K A Solaman

Closing Tuition centres

#Closing tuition centres.

The recent move to ban small tuition centers, especially those operating under asbestos or aluminum sheets, appears to unfairly target modest establishments run by educated individuals from less privileged backgrounds. These small-scale tuition centers provide an affordable means for children to get extra help in their studies, while also serving as the primary source of livelihood for their owners. 

By focusing only on structural issues such as roofing, the authorities ignore the fact that many schools, including government-run institutions, also use similar materials. Shutting down these centers without addressing larger educational inequities would disproportionately hurt the poor, who neither have the resources to switch to high-end coaching centers nor the influence to resist the law.

On the other hand, large, expensive coaching centers like Pala Brilliant, Xylem, Akash and others, which cater to affluent families and charge exorbitant fees, continue to operate without facing the same scrutiny. These centers profit from the pressure and anxiety of students aspiring for medical and engineering admissions, often at the expense of their well-being. 

If the government is truly concerned about students’ welfare, it should focus on regulating these large institutions, which exploit both students and parents in the name of education. Closing small tuition centers only seems to favor these bigger coaching businesses, creating an unfair educational monopoly that further widens the gap between the rich and the poor.

-K A Solaman

Support teachers

#Support teachers

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of students, and their efforts toward ensuring academic progress and discipline must be supported. 

In today's educational environment, where traditional methods of discipline are restricted, teachers often find themselves unable to enforce rules that foster learning and good behavior. This limitation hampers their ability to maintain the standards necessary for student success.

Teachers like Chinta Ramana of A P School who take innovative approaches to inspire discipline, show the commitment educators have towards their students' growth. However, they should not have to resort to punishing themselves or face backlash for attempting to guide students. 

Just as in Andhra Pradesh, this challenge is equally pressing in states like Kerala, where teachers are also constrained. 

It is essential that the system empowers educators to apply fair and constructive discipline, allowing them to nurture both academic excellence and the personal development of students without fear of reprisal. 

Supporting teachers in their mission will ultimately benefit the students, fostering a disciplined environment that promotes learning and growth.

-K A Solaman

Stupidity has no limit

#Stupidity has no limit

The Tamil Nadu DMK government's decision to replace the Indian rupee symbol with the Tamil alphabet 'Ru' in the state’s 2025-26 Budget logo is a reckless and divisive act. 

Such a move undermines the unity and integrity of India by attempting to create a separate identity within the financial system, which is highly inappropriate. The Indian rupee symbol, accepted and recognized across the country, represents the collective strength of the nation’s economy. By arbitrarily replacing it, the state government sends a signal of separatism, disrespecting the national framework. 

This act is not only unnecessary but also fuels regionalism, which could lead to dangerous precedents if other states follow suit. It is crucial that the Indian national symbols, including the currency, remain uniform and respected across all states.

-K A Solaman

Honest leader

#Honest leader.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi's unwavering support for ASHA workers in Kerala reflects his genuine concern for the welfare of the people. By standing with the striking ASHA workers, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to justice and the betterment of grassroots healthcare workers, regardless of political tensions or alliances. 

Suresh Gopi's focus on addressing real issues, rather than being distracted by political maneuvering, sets him apart as a leader who puts the people first. His transparent approach and courage to take a stand, even when it may not align with party politics, show his dedication to serving the public honestly and with integrity. 

Leaders like him, who prioritize the needs of the people over political games, are essential for the progress of Kerala.

-K A Solaman

Futile Hema committee

#Futile Hema Committee

The Hema Committee, set up with the promise of safeguarding the interests of victims and ensuring action against sexual exploitation, has ultimately failed in its purpose. 

The committee's findings are rendered ineffective as over 40 cases are likely to be dismissed due to the unwillingness of victims to cooperate with the police. This reluctance stems from the failure of authorities to uphold their commitment to protect the complainants from further harassment and retaliation. 

By not creating an environment where victims feel secure, the entire exercise of constituting the committee and compiling its report becomes futile. Instead of providing justice, the process has allowed perpetrators to intimidate the victims into silence, exposing a systemic failure in addressing sexual exploitation. 

The futility of the Hema Committee underscores the gap between intent and action, with the lack of follow-through serving to embolden the guilty while leaving victims vulnerable and disillusioned.

-KA Solaman

Silence of love

#Silence of #love.

The passing of MK Lalithambika has left an irreplaceable void in the life of her son Sabji, a man whose talents and pursuits have shaped him into a well-rounded individual. 

Lalithambika was not just a mother but a constant presence in Sabji’s life, particularly in her later years when illness confined her to bed. Her immobility was a challenge for both of them, but Sabji took it upon himself to ensure her comfort, tending to her needs with unwavering love and dedication. Despite his many commitments as a writer, orator, and Secretary of the Alochana Cultural Centre, he remained devoted to his mother, carefully balancing his roles while making time for her care.

For the past six months, even though his world became smaller as he devoted more time to his mother, Sabji still managed to visit Sarvodaya Library, his sanctuary of knowledge. Yet, his time there was cut short as his heart pulled him back home, knowing that his bedridden mother awaited his return. It was a silent ritual of love — his mother, even in her weakened state, waiting for her son, and Sabji, mindful of her, cutting short his library visits. 

Their bond was unspoken but powerful, a testament to the deep love that exists between a mother and her child. Today, however, she has left him, and with her departure, Sabji faces a new reality—one where the familiar wait is no more.

The grief Sabji bears is one that even his vast life experiences cannot alleviate. The silence of his home without his mother’s presence will be deafening, and though his mother is no longer physically waiting for him, her memory will linger in every corner of his life. 

The words, “Life of the dead is in the memory of the living,” ring true, and Sabji will carry his mother in his heart forever. While his days may feel lonelier, the lessons of love, care, and sacrifice he learned in those last months will stay with him, guiding him forward. His mother will live on, not just in his memories, but in every word he writes, every story he tells, and every life he touches with his work.

 "A mother's hug lasts long after she lets go". 

-K A Solaman

Comic relief

#Comic relief

M.V. Govindan’s recent statement declaring that CPM party members found consuming alcohol will be expelled raises eyebrows due to its impracticality. If strictly enforced, this would likely result in a significant reduction of party membership, as alcohol consumption is common among many individuals, including party members. 

The mechanism to identify those who drink, such as using a breathalyzer, is both unrealistic and intrusive. Expecting one party member to police another’s private behavior is unreasonable and bound to create distrust within the ranks. 

Moreover, many members might take medicines that contain alcohol as a base due to medical conditions, making it difficult to distinguish between medicinal use and recreational drinking. This renders any method to identify alcohol consumption unreliable and flawed.

Govindan’s remarks seem more like an attempt to draw attention rather than a well-thought-out policy. His comparison is akin to the laughable proposal of selling appam via the K-Rail project, making it clear that such statements often lack seriousness. They instead provide the public with comic relief rather than addressing real issues within the party or society. Instead of focusing on such impractical declarations, attention should be directed toward more meaningful discussions and reforms within the party.

-K A Solaman

Juvenile crime

Juvenile crime

Juvenile crime in Kerala has escalated due to several concerning factors, primarily drug abuse, the influence of violent media, and government inaction. 

The easy availability of drugs like MDMA, ganja, and alcohol has become a serious problem. This stems from ineffective government policies that have failed to stem the flow of these substances into schools and colleges. Youngsters are increasingly drawn into the vicious cycle of addiction, leading to violent outbursts and criminal behavior. 

Furthermore, the glorification of violence in Malayalam cinema and serials is another major factor. Depicting violence as a means of heroism or revenge has a profound impact on impressionable young minds, encouraging them to resort to aggression to solve problems.

The government's inaction compounds the issue. Despite clear signs of a growing drug problem and increasing juvenile crimes, there has been no concrete action taken to curtail these trends. 

Politically influential individuals and student outfits associated with major political parties often escape justice, weakening the law enforcement system. 

To address this, the government must prioritize strict regulations and policies to curb the inflow of drugs into the state. Schools and colleges need enhanced vigilance, awareness programs, and counseling services.

 Additionally, a crackdown on crime in entertainment media and swift, unbiased judicial action against all offenders, irrespective of political connections, is essential for bringing discipline and security back to educational institutions.

-K A Solaman