Welcome verdict

#Welcome #verdict

The Kerala High Court’s directive to furnish all retirement benefits to Dr. Ciza Thomas is a welcome and commendable verdict that upholds justice and administrative fairness.

 It is deeply unfortunate that a respected academician, who served as the interim Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Technological University, had to wait over two years for what is rightfully hers. 

The deliberate delay appears to be a form of veiled retribution against those who uphold integrity and stand firm against governmental wrongdoing. It an all-too-familiar tactic seen in Kerala, where individuals are burdened with court expenses while the state spends taxpayers' money to suppress dissent. 

However, as seen in the case of T.P. Senkumar, such unjust strategies cannot deter persons of principle. Dr. Ciza Thomas’s perseverance in the face of adversity is admirable, and the court’s verdict serves as a strong reaffirmation that truth and virtue will ultimately prevail.

-K A Solaman

Trivializing degree courses

#Trivializing Degree Courses.

Kerala's degree courses, particularly in Arts and Science colleges, are currently facing a crisis marked by a sharp decline in student admissions. 

The introduction of the four-year degree programme, though intended to match global standards, has not been received well due to a lack of awareness, poor infrastructure upgrades, and the absence of clear academic and career benefits for students. With medicine, engineering, nursing, and paramedical streams offering more structured career paths, traditional degree courses are being sidelined. 

In a desperate attempt to fill vacant seats, some colleges have resorted to substandard promotional tactics. This include misleading social media reels featuring film stars. This not only trivialize higher education but also risk undermining its dignity and purpose. This has led to public disillusionment and a growing perception that degree courses are an unproductive option.

To reverse this trend and make degree courses more attractive, serious academic reforms and strategic planning are essential. The government must ensure proper orientation, skill development modules, and employability-linked training as part of the curriculum. 

Partnerships with industries and research institutions can provide internships and job prospects, making the courses more relevant. Colleges should focus on showcasing their academic strength, infrastructure, and alumni achievements rather than relying on flashy advertisements. 

Moreover, proper counselling after Class 12 and awareness campaigns about the value of liberal education can help students make informed decisions. Only through quality improvement, relevance to the job market, and respect for academics can degree courses regain their rightful place in Kerala’s higher education landscape.

-K A Solaman

Tragic irony

#Tragic #irony

The collapse of the under-construction National Highway 66 at multiple locations during the recent rains has laid bare the rot at the core of Pinarayi Vijayan’s government. 

Instead of taking responsibility, the Chief Minister continues to issue hollow justifications and deflect blame, calling it “nature’s fury”. It is a shameful attempt to cover up shoddy construction and deep-rooted corruption. 

Contracts awarded to politically connected firms, substandard materials, and a complete disregard for public safety have become hallmarks of this administration. The tragic irony is that a project meant to symbolize progress now stands as a testament to the government's failure.

 Billions have been siphoned off in the name of infrastructure, while the common man suffers dangerous roads, displaced communities, and a complete absence of accountability.

What’s even more outrageous is the arrogant insensitivity of ministers like Mohammad Riyas, the Chief Minister’s own son-in-law, who chooses to engage in “reel challenges” on social media. But the public reels from poor governance. 

Instead of listening to the cries of those affected, this government mocks them with tone-deaf theatrics and self-praise campaigns. The so-called development claims are nothing but smoke and mirrors aimed at exploiting the short memory of the electorate.

In reality, the state is witnessing the rise of a regime more concerned with self-preservation and propaganda than with people’s welfare. With rising debt, crumbling infrastructure, and a political circle immune to criticism, the Pinarayi government is rapidly losing what little legitimacy it had left.

-K A Solaman

Rapper with offensive songs

#Rapper with offensive songs

The use of caste-based names, especially in public discourse, must be addressed with utmost sensitivity and legal awareness. Referring to individuals by caste names — even if self-assumed — can perpetuate caste identities and normalize practices that the Indian Constitution and judiciary have long sought to eliminate. 

In this context, the act of prominent leaders like M.V. Govindan and V.D. Satheesan publicly calling rapper Hirandas Murali by the name "Vedan" is deeply problematic. 

"Vedan" is not just a pseudonym; it is a Scheduled Tribe identity, and the public usage of such a caste identifier, particularly by those in power, risks reinforcing caste hierarchies and violating the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Recent Supreme Court verdicts have affirmed that addressing individuals by their caste names in a derogatory or unnecessary manner constitutes caste abuse and is legally punishable.

Moreover, the adoption of the name “Vedan” by the rapper and the usage of offensive or aggressive language in his work risks trivializing the lived realities and struggles of the actual Vedan community.

Cultural appropriation of caste identities, especially when accompanied by language that may offend or stereotype, is not an act of empowerment but of erasure and exploitation. It is unacceptable for political leaders to reinforce this by continuing to use the caste name instead of the artist’s legal name, particularly in public and political discourse.

 Upholding the dignity of marginalized communities requires more than lip service. It demands legal compliance, social responsibility, and respect for their identity. This misuse must be condemned and corrected before it becomes a dangerous precedent.

-K A Solaman

Selective criticism

#Selective #criticism

The Kerala government's proposed University Laws (Amendment) Bill, which selectively prohibits teachers from criticising the State government while allowing criticism of the Central government, is a blatant attack on academic freedom and democratic principles. 

This discriminatory restriction reeks of political hypocrisy and undermines the very essence of free speech in academic spaces. By shielding itself from scrutiny while conveniently allowing criticism of the Centre, the State government reveals its authoritarian tendencies. 

Moreover, the bill ignores the rampant politicisation of university campuses, where teachers—under the cover of unions—actively engage in partisan politics, openly violating service rules that prohibit government employees from political affiliations. 

If genuine accountability is the goal, then both State and Central governments must be equally open to criticism, and all forms of political activity by government servants, including teachers, must be uniformly addressed. This bill must be opposed for its selective censorship and dangerous precedent.

- K A Solaman

Sudhakaran's disclosure

#Sudhakaran's #disclosure

The recent controversy surrounding senior CPM leader G. Sudhakaran's disclosure about alleged tampering of postal ballots in favour of his party during the 1980 elections has raised complex legal and ethical questions. 

While Sudhakaran has openly accepted responsibility and expressed readiness to face any consequences, it is important to view his statement in the context of exposing systemic vulnerabilities rather than as a mere confession of wrongdoing.

Electoral malpractice, especially in the form of postal ballot manipulation, is not the action of a single individual; it typically involves multiple actors and reflects institutional lapses. Instead of singling out Sudhakaran for punishment after four decades, authorities should focus on using this revelation to investigate and rectify flaws in the electoral process, particularly in the handling of postal ballots. 

His candid statement can serve as a wake-up call to tighten procedures and enhance transparency, ensuring such practices cannot recur.

Moreover, this approach to Sudhakaran's statement brings into sharp relief the disparity in handling similar or even graver disclosures by political figures. For instance, M.M. Mani’s controversial public claim about the elimination of political opponents—allegedly involving planned killings—was far more serious and inflammatory. Yet the case against Mani appears to have lost momentum, raising questions about selective legal scrutiny

.If Sudhakaran is being held accountable for a historic electoral malpractice, the same yardstick must apply to others whose admissions point to violent and criminal acts. Singling out Sudhakaran while allowing others to go unchallenged undermines the credibility of the justice system. 

Rather than turning this into a political witch-hunt, the government and Election Commission should take the opportunity to strengthen democratic processes and ensure that postal ballot casting becomes completely tamper-proof.

-K A Solaman

On EVM

#Inconsistent criticism against EVM.

The repeated criticism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by the INDI alliance, particularly when electoral outcomes do not favor them, reflects a concerning inconsistency. While questioning the integrity of the electoral process is valid if genuine evidence exists, selectively raising doubts only after defeats erodes public trust in democracy. 

When the same machines deliver victories to their candidates, their silence suggests political opportunism rather than principled concern. This flip-flop undermines the credibility of their arguments and may mislead voters into believing that the system is inherently flawed, even in the absence of proof.

Despite court warnings against making baseless allegations about EVMs, some leaders continue to fuel suspicions, which is not only irresponsible but also dangerous. Such rhetoric sows unnecessary doubts in the minds of the public and disrespects the efforts of the Election Commission and the democratic framework of the country. 

If political parties have legitimate concerns, they should address them through legal and institutional channels rather than resorting to public mudslinging. This practice of blaming the system only when losing is indeed ugly and must be discouraged in the interest of preserving the integrity and dignity of Indian democracy.

-K A Solaman

False narratives

#False #narratives.

The rise of artists like Hiran Kumar Murali, known as Vedan, underlines a disturbing cultural shift where intoxication and substance use are glorified as rebellion or symbols of truth. 

His motto, "Drunk toddy doesn't lie," is not only misleading but dangerous, especially to impressionable youth. In reality, alcohol impairs judgment and promotes deceit, as any honest account from a toddy addict's family would confirm. 

The growing trend of associating truth and resistance with intoxication distorts values and sends the wrong message to a generation already struggling with direction and purpose. Music and art, which once inspired change through discipline and clarity, are now being misused to romanticize addiction and chaos.

Equally concerning is the artificial elevation of figures like Vedan as champions of the downtrodden. This is a gross oversimplification that ignores the real struggles of marginalized communities.

The movement to project myth-based stories like Nangeli’s as historical truths is a politically motivated attempt to stir sentiments rather than promote genuine empowerment. 

The recent opposition from the real Vedan community against this distorted representation is a healthy sign of social awareness and cultural responsibility. It’s essential that our youth are guided by truth, integrity, and critical thinking, not by the haze of narcotics and manufactured narratives.

-K A Solaman

Operation Sindoor

#Operation #Sindoor

India’s Operation Sindoor, launched with the strategic intent of safeguarding national interests and global peace, has garnered strong international support from major world powers and legal authorities.

 At such a critical juncture, internal dissent that undermines the morale of our armed forces and questions the integrity of the operation is deeply irresponsible and unacceptable. Statements  invoking divisive religious sentiments are unwarranted. The nation must not allow political or ideological narratives to dilute the unified resolve required during military operations. 

Individuals, including certain left-leaning politicians and writers, who deliberately spread anti-national rhetoric from the comfort of their safe zones, must be held accountable. 

This is not a time for political point-scoring but for standing united as Indians, demonstrating unwavering support for our soldiers and their mission to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the nation.

-K A Solaman

Disturbing cinema

#Disturbing #Cinema

Contemporary Malayalam cinema has descended into a disturbing spectacle of noise, vulgarity, and moral decay They are  far removed from the artistic depth it once proudly showcased. 

Films now routinely glorify drugs, alcohol, and casual sex, while lacing dialogues with crude double meanings and gratuitous violence. Instead of nurturing thought or culture, many of these movies numb the minds of the youth, promoting rebellion without purpose and pleasure without consequence. 

Shockingly, this degeneration enjoys the tacit support of political forces, who seem to prefer a distracted and desensitized younger generation: This is not art; it's a calculated assault on the moral fabric of society.

-K A Solaman

KSEB Monopoly

#KSEB #monopoly

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has once again increased electricity charges by 8 paise per unit for May, adding to the financial burden of consumers who already pay heavily for an unreliable service. 

This frequent game of rate hikes—with KSEB proposing and the Regulatory Commission approving—has become a frustrating pattern. Despite these hikes, consumers continue to suffer due to frequent power cuts and poor quality of supply. 

It is unacceptable that in a state where citizens pay so much for basic utilities, they still face disruptions and substandard service. The current system clearly fails to hold KSEB accountable, and consumers have no say or choice, making them helpless victims in this monopoly.

Unlike other sectors in Kerala, which have embraced privatization and competition, the power sector remains tightly controlled by a public monopoly. This lack of competition stifles innovation and efficiency, and ultimately hurts the end users. 

Introducing more players into the electricity sector would foster competition, improve service quality, and offer consumers a choice. With multiple power suppliers, people could select dealers who offer better rates and more reliable service, pushing all providers—including KSEB—to perform better. 

This shift is essential to break the monopoly and put an end to what many perceive as legalised exploitation. Empowering consumers through choice is the only sustainable way to ensure fair pricing and dependable electricity.

-K A Solaman.

Political Circus

#Political #Circus

The inauguration of the much-acclaimed international port, which should have been a moment of pride and unity, was reduced to a political circus by both Congress and the Marxist leadership. 

The Congress party, despite the port being the brainchild of their late leader Oommen Chandy, failed to rise above petty political differences. VD Satheesan’s decision to boycott the function reflects not only poor statesmanship but also a lack of respect for the legacy of his own party leader.

While other Congress leaders attended, this division further exposed the internal disarray within the party. Instead of celebrating the realisation of a visionary project, Congress chose to sulk over political insecurities, losing an opportunity to claim rightful credit.

Equally perplexing was the Marxist approach, marked by hypocrisy and opportunism. For years, the CPI(M) had vilified industrialists like Adani, branding them as symbols of crony capitalism. Yet, when the same Adani group constructed and now operates the port, the Marxist government conveniently downplayed its earlier stand, choosing to share the limelight. Their involvement in the port’s development has been negligible, yet they rushed to politicize the event. 

The antics of PWD Minister Mohammad Riyas, who turned a protocol issue into a personal insult, only trivialised the event further. The CPM's eagerness to associate with Adani now, after years of ideological resistance, exposes their double standards and reinforces the public perception of politics as a game of convenience rather than conviction.

-K A Solaman