The April month concert was performed by the young, multi-talented and upcoming vocalist Kum. Meenakshi S Varma from Ernakulam, Kerala. Violin Vidwan Sri Ernakulam Satheesh Varma was accompanied on violin, and the young, multi-talented and upcoming Mridangam artist Sri Jayanth Rama Varma was accompanied on Mridangam.

Sangeetha Acharyan, Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Prof. Kumara Kerala Varma, was the Special Guest for the function and delivered felicitation speech. Sri Kumara Kerala Varma had pointed out that in Carnatic music, Sruthi is considered as the mother and Laya as father whenever musicians render Keerthanam, Geetham or Varnam with a combination of Sruthi, Swara, Raga and Thala. Prof. Kumara Kerala Varma appreciated the trust for their all efforts and bringing the unique platform for Carnatic music globally, which will support musicians and artists located across the globe. He also blessed Kum. Meenakshi S. V. Varma and the accompaniments of the April month concert.

From the International Chamber, PK Koyickal Trust, Sri Raj Mohan Varma, the Vice-Chairman, has delivered the Welcome Speech; Sri Edappally Jaimohan, the Department Head of Violin, has delivered the Keynote Speech, Sri. Sajith Kumar Varma, the International Coordinator, has delivered Vote of thanks; and Ms Preethi Gopalakrishnan coordinated and compered the entire function and the April month concert.

The monthly concerts are focused to promote and propagate Carnatic Music along with Music Veterans, promoting Talented, upcoming and amateur Musicians and Artists Internationally. Each monthly programme will be telecasted through various Media and Channels of India and abroad. The Recorded Link of the concert also will be circulated internationally Including various Music Colleges, Music Academies, Department Authorities, Music Institutes, Sangeetha Sabhas, Music Trusts,  Fine Arts Societies & Reputed Music Organizations and Music Teachers in India and Internationally.  PK Koyickal Trust International Chamber will be rewarded and recognized each Artists with Participating Certificates.

The concerts are designed in alternative months to provide opportunities to the Artists to participate from India and abroad. The International Monthly Concerts will be organizing on EVERY 2^nd FRIDAYS, the special day of Goddesses Durga Devvi, Lakshmi Devi and Saraswathy Devi. www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

The post The April month of Sruthi Mathaa.. Laya Pitha, the monthly Carnatic music concert series of the International Chamber, Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust, Tripunithura, Kerala, has been hosted from Ernakulam, KERALA. On vocals, Kum. Meenakshi S. Varma performed, and on violin, Violin Vidwan Sri Ernakulam Satheesh Varma and on Mridangam Sri Jayanth Rama Varma have been accompanied on 17-04-2026 from Ernakulam, Kerala. appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Nithin Raj 22, a dalit , son of Latha , a daily wage labourer under the MRNREGA and Rajan a painter was a very bright first year student at the Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur. In spite of living in acute poverty Nithin had done very well in his Class 10 and 12 examinations. Encouraged by his mother Nithin was keen on studying medicine and appeared for NEET three times but could not make it to the merit list.

However , when he was offered a Batchlor of Dental Surgery. ( BDS ) seat at the Anjarakandy Dental College , Kanoor he accepted it. On 10 April morning he called his elder sister Rekha and requested her to transfer Rs.200  to his account so that he could pay for his food. Around 11 a.m the same day Nithin Raj also talked to his father Rajan and his other sisters informing them that he will be coming home for Vishu.

Subsequently what happened to Nithin Raj is a tragedy that is repeated in our educational institutions , in our society again and again , students belonging to low caste communities ending their own lives unable to bear casteist slurs and discrimination.

On 10 April before  noon Nithin Raj was called to the Principal Dr.Vinod Monys office where a lecturer of the college Latha Sasidharan was also present. Latha had complained that she was getting repeated threatening calls from a loan recovery agent demanding that Nithin Raj should immediately repay the loan he had taken for his mother’s treatment with interest. At the Principals office for some strange reason Nithin Raj was treated as an accused for Latha Sasidharan accused. Nithin Raj of giving her mobile number to the loan shark who gave him the loan.

What actually transpired in the Principals office will be clear only after the police investigation. However , CC TV footage and eye witness accounts have revealed that Nithin Raj came out of the Principals office crying. The principal had also for unexplainable reason confiscated Nithin Rajs mobile before letting him go.

After he came out of the Principals room crying his friends called him for lunch but he declined the invitation. He was very upset and mentally disturbed. And a little after 1 p.m on 10 April a fellow student found Nithin lying on the gravel patch between the hospital building and casualty building , profusely bleeding. Nithin was rushed to the Kannur Medical College and died at 3.35 in the afternoon.

Two days after his death three audio clips Nithin had made and sent to some relatives and friends started circulating. In  the vedios Nithin described in detail how while visiting the staff room Professor M.K. Ram ,the Head of the Dental Anatomy Department abused him. Dr. Ram mocked him and his mother by commenting on his mother’s sickness and surgery.  Nithin said his answer sheets with markings were circulated among his classmates to run him down.

Rajan , Nithins father told reporters after the funeral some teachers at the collge called Nithin a Rotten Dog and even wondered how , he a Dalit and the son of daily wage labourers could study at the Dental Collge . His sister Nikhita  said some of teachers addressed Nithin as a slum dog in the class. He had made a complaint to the Principal regarding the insult , but nothing came out of it she added.

Nayana Nishikanta a student of college told the TV channel NDTV , Dr.Ram targetted students based on their caste , skin colour and economic background. Students were mortally scared of him , she added.

The Chackarackel Police at first registered a case of unnatural death in the case of Nithin Raj Subsequently cases were registered of abetment to suicide under Section 108 of the Baraiya Nyaya Sanhita and under the SC/ ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. A special Investgation Team headed by Assistant commissioner of Police Hari Prasad has been formed to investigate the case.

The two accused professors Dr.M.K. Ram and K.T. Sangeetha Nambiar who have been suspended have gone underground fearing arrest .

Nithins father said Nithin had to raise a loan of f Rs.14,000 for the surgery of his mother Latha. The family is residing at Kottamala in Nedumangad , a town only 25 kilometers from the capital of Keralam , Thiruvanathapuram ,the capital of Keralam which boasts of modern free health service . In this context the government of Keralam owes an explanation as to why Latha was not given free tratement.

As for discrimination against Dalits  one can only quote Professor M.Kunjaman . I faced caste discrimiation throughout my life . The fact that I was a dalit worked against me. The Vice Chacellor was a Dalit. There were dalits in the Syndicate also. Still they did not raise their voice against injustices because upper castes called the shots , always. In the field of higher education also caste discrimination is very acute in spite of 75 years of independence. It is a nationwide paradox which has no solution, because caste is deeply inbeded in Indians.

The post Death of the Dalit Nithin Raj – Institutional Muder appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

You scratch an Indian, the caste comes out , irrespective of whether the person is a Hindu, Muslim , Christian , Sikh , Budhist ,Jain , Agnostic or even an Atheist. Community life in India is primarily based on caste not religion.

The majority of Christian and Muslim Converts in India have come from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes populations . Though most of them or their predecessors converted to escape the caste stigma,  the Indian society has hitherto refused to treat them differently. On the ground the converts continue to experience the discrimination they faced before conversion.This has been proved time and again though numerous sociological studies and statements of numerous converts.

In Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh and even in Kerala the Christian converts from scheduled caste and other backward class populations are treated as lesser human beings. In Andhra you even have separate churches for Christian converts .

The exclusion of scheduled caste converts to Christianity and Islam from the  satutory provisions for the welfare and progress of the scheduled caste populations in the Constitution of India originated from the 1950 8Constitution ( Scheduled Castes ) Order , issued by the President of India under Article 341 of the Constitution , via Clause 3 which introduced a religious dimention stating , No person who professes a religion different from the Hindu religion shall be deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste.

This has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India on 24 March 2026 in spite of the fact  a number of writ petitions challenging constitutional validity of the 1950 Presidential order  itself is under challenge in the Supreme Court ,  ( these petitions have been pending in the Supreme Court for the last more than three decades ) and several Commissions appointed by the Union government has categorically held that caste discrimination exists within Christianity and Islam in India and the exclusion of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims from SC status is unconstitutional.

In 1955 the First Backward Classes Commission ( Kaka Kalelkar  Commission ) observed that the rigid caste system and the practice of untouchability were widely prevalent among the Indian Christian and Muslim communities.

In 1980 the Second Backward Classes Commission  ( Mandal Commission ) observed that the Hindu caste stratification and the resultant discrimination and ineqalities were common among Indian Christians and Muslims. On the recommendations of the Mandal Commission reservations were extended to OBCs across religions including Christian and Muslim converts. However,  the Union government did not do any thing to change the SC criteria for Christian and Muslim Converts leaving the most oppressed Dalit converts without the statutory proection of SC.

Further the Hindu only rule under the 1950 Presidential.order was amened twice to include Dalit converts to strictly indigenous religions . In 1956 the first amendment was made by Parliament to include Dalit Sikhs following socio political

Mobilisation by Mazhabi and Ramdasia Sikhs who continued to face severe caste discrimination. This amendment recognised that caste discrimination continued outside the Hindu fold.

In 1990 during the V.P.Singh government , a second amendment to the 1950 Presidential.order extended SC status to Dalit Budhists while continuing to overlook the demands of the Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims . The granting of the SC status to Dalit Sikhs and Dalit Budhists  was done on a rather strange logic that both Sikh and Budhist religions were indigenous while Christianity and Islam are  FOREIGN. Mercifully , nobody argued that the Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims are  also foreigners . In the toxic atmosphere under which we live today one should not be surprised if every Muslim and Christian is called a foreigner.

In this context it is pertinent to recall the finding of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities ( the Ranganath Misra Commission ) in 2007. The Commission categorically stated that the non – inclusion of  Dalit Christians and Muslims in the SC list was a discrimination based on religion and therefore unconstitutional.The Commission recomened the total deletion of the Paragraph 3 of the 1950 Presidential order . Caste , the Commission further pointed out is a deeply rooted sociological reality in India that trancends all religious boundaries. Successive Union governments , Congress and the BJP have refused to implement this important recommendation which would have rectified the faltline in the 1950 Presidential Order.

For some inexplicable reason the the Union government is opposed to granting Dalit status to Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians. On 3rd August 2021 the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a statement , The benefits of Centrally Sponsored Schemes  ( CSS ) meant for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes cannot be extended to converted Christians from scheduled castes.

In  2022 the Union government filed another affidavit  in the Supreme Court arguing that the socioeconomic disadvantages and the nature of untouchability faced by these converts cannot be equated with the experience of Dalit Hindus and the 1950 Presidential Order is not unconstitutional.

In October 2022 the Union government appointed a Commission of Inquiry headed by former Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan to gather contemporary empirical data on the question of exclusion of Dalit Christians and Muslim converts from the SC status. The SC order of 24 March 2026 has come even as the Supreme Court is awaiting the Justice Balakrishnan Commission report . The term of the Commission has been extended twice , the last in October 2025 for six months .

The post The SC order on Scheduled Caste Status of Dalit Muslim and Christian converts is Unconstitutional and Hasty. appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

In March, the monthly concert was performed by Sangeetha Vidushi Ms. hosted from Ohio, USA. the young and talented Violinist Ms. Medha Lalyit Iyer was accompanied on Violin and the Mridangam Maestro Sri. Lalit Subramanian was accompanied on Mridangam

From the International Chamber, Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust, Smt. Priya Varma has delivered the welcome address; Sri. KP Raj Mohan Varma, the vice chairman, has delivered the keynote address; Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Dr. Jayaprakasha Sharma, head of the Department of Arts & Literature, has delivered the felicitation speech; and Sri. PK Sajith Kumar Varma, the international coordinator, has delivered the vote of thanks.

These monthly concerts are focused to promote and propagate Carnatic Music along with Music Veterans, promoting Talented, upcoming and amateur Musicians and Artists Internationally. Each monthly programme will be telecasted through various Media and Channels of India and abroad. The Recorded Link of the concert also will be circulated internationally Including various Music Colleges, Music Academies, Department Authorities, Music Institutes, Sangeetha Sabhas, Music Trusts,  Fine Arts Societies & Reputed Music Organizations and Music Teachers in India and Internationally.  PK Koyickal Trust International Chamber will be rewarded and recognized each Artists with Participating Certificates.

The concerts are designed in alternative months to provide opportunities to the Artists to participate from India and abroad. The International Monthly Concerts will be organizing on EVERY 2^nd FRIDAYS, the special day of Goddesses Durga Devvi, Lakshmi Devi and Saraswathy Devi. www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

The post The first international concert from abroad in 2026 and the 2nd consecutive year of the monthly Carnatic Music concert series of the International Chamber, Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust, Tripunithura, Kerala, have been hosted from OHIO, U.S.A. Vocal Sangeetha Vidushi Ms. Dhivya Senthil Murugan, Violinist Ms. Medha Lalyt Iyer, and Mridangam Vidwan Sri Lalit Subramanian have accompanied on 13-02-2026 from OHIO, USA. appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan ( VBSA) ,Bill 2025 to replace the University Grants Commission ( UGC ) , All India Council for Technical Education, ( AICTE ) and the National Council for Teacher Education , ( NCTE ) will centralise higher education in the country overriding federal structure and adversally affecting the rights of the states and doing away with whatever autonomy our higher educational institutions enjoys.

The Bill repeals the three Acts providing for the constitution of these bodies. However , the Bill exempts legal and medical education from its purview .These will continue to be regulated under separate Acts.

The Bill is  to establish the VBSA ( Commission ) as the apex regulatory body for higher education. The Commission will have the following three Councils : (i) Regulatory Council which will function as the common regulator for higher education , ( ii )  Accreditation Council to oversee the system of accreditation , and ( iii ) Standards Council to determine academic standards. The functions of the Councils include : providing strategic direction for higher education and research , developing a roadmap for transforming higher educational institutions and suggesting schemes for improving quality ofeducation.

Currently, the UGC also allocates Grants to universities and colleges. Under the Bill , the Commission or its Councils will not have any powers regarding funding to Higher Education Institutions.

So far so good. But what is most objectional about the Bill is it tramples on the states’ powers. Education according to the Indian Constitution is a State subject. Considering the diversity in our country, language, culture , climate , natural resources , food and dress habits it was very appropriate that the states were given freedom to design and impement educational programmes suited to their particular States or region.

On  Thursday , 19 March 2026 the main opposition party in the Parliament ,the Congress in a statement said that the proposed regulatory framework of higher education in the country represents constitutional overeach by the Union Government . The Bill was introduced without consulting the states , bureaucratises higher education and hands over financial powers to the Education Ministry controlled by bureaucrats and politicians , Jairam Ramesh , Communications Chief of the Congress said in his statement on the Bill.

” The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education’s annual demand for Grants report on the Department of Higher Education presented on Wednesday revealed a shockingly High number of vacancies in key regulatory agencies like the UGC, and AICTE.”

Ramesh said the proposed Bill , as stated in its Objects and Reasons , is introduced for passing in Parliament under entry 66 of the Union list in the Seventh schedule of the Constitution which gives specific legislative powers to Parliament that is only for  “Coordination and determinationof standards in institutionsfor higher education or research and scientific  and Technical institutions .”

The VBSA Bill  gives the Commission powers far beyond the scope prescribed in the constitution and specifically encroaches on the powers of the states, he added.

” Entry 44 of List I -Union List expressly prohibits the Parliament from law making on matters of incorporation , regulation and winding up of universities, and List II – State List expressly gives this law making power to State Legislatures. The Bill is therefore violative of the federal structure of the Constitution “, the statement pointed out.

The current bill the staement added envisions only three Councils, with the exception of a council for grant giving. Consequently , grant giving powers will be taken away from autonomous bodies like the UGC and AICTE governed by acdemics to the Minstry run by the bureaucrats and politicians . This centralisation of financial powers is a departure from the current  practice and a violation of norms set by the National Education Policy ( N E P ). Ramesh poited out.

The Bill was referred to a parliamentary standing Committee headed by Bharaiya Janata Party M.P. Dagubati Purandeswari following its introduction in the Lok Sabha on 15 December 2025.As of March 2026 the committee is conducting hearings focssing on the funding mechanisms and the role of the states in higher education.

Concerns have been raised about potential threats to the autonomy of the Institutes of national importance like  the Indian Institute of Technologies ( IITs ) and the Indian Institute of Managements ( IIMs ) due to clause 49 in the Bill which gives proposed new Commission overriding authority to regulate accreditation and standards.

Perhaps the most controversial issue that concerns academics is the issue of funding universities and colleges. While funding has been taken out of the purview of the new Commission the union government has not provided any information as to how funds will be utilised and what mechanism will be adoped to distribute funds . Funding it is proposed will now be handed over to the education ministry which will be under the total control of bureaucrats and politicians . Such an arrangement it is feared  will go against the interests of opposition ruled states as is happening in other areas like employment guarantee schemes .

Lastly, the Commission and the Councils are according to the bill will  be dominated by bureaucrats and administrators instead of acdemics who were hitherto in charge of Higher Education bodies like the UGC and the AICTE. Representation of States in the Commission and the Councils are also very minimal according to the  Bill which further will lead to centralisation of Higher education.

The post VBSA Bill 2025 : Goodbye to Autonomy of States in Higher Education appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Davis has vast experience in accounting, auditing, management, and IT Consultancy, and his company is one of the top 10 audit firms in the Sultanate of Oman. A Fellow of the ICAI, he was co-opted to the International Affairs Committee of the ICAI Council, New Delhi (2007–08). He also served as the Founding Chairman of the Muscat Chapter of the Institute from 2008 to 2009 and is a certified member of the Institute of Certified Fraud Examiners.

A regular columnist for The Times of Oman on tax-related affairs, Davis has co-authored a book on taxation of NRIs and has represented his firm at several global conferences. In recognition of his outstanding global contributions, he was bestowed with the Pinnacle Award — the highest recognition from Crowe Horwath, one of the top ten accounting networks in the world.

Among the top 10 chartered accountants in Kerala, the late CA P A Nair’s name appears in the first position, and it was he who signed the membership certificate of Davis in 1986. The other names include the late T Velu Pillai, K Raghavan Nair, Varma & Varma. Venugopal C Govind, Sreejith Kuniyil, P D Vijayrajan, M V Korah, and S Prabhakaran.

The post Crowe Mak Ghazali Founder Dr.Davis Kallukaran features in list of top 10 Chartered Accountants in Kerala appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The post The SC order in the NCERT textbook case Impinge on Academic Freedom appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The event was virtually graced by HE GV Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, and HE Mahboob Issa Alraisi, Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman in Mumbai. The dignitaries underscored the historic Indo-Omani bilateral relationship and sought to explore strategic trade and investment opportunities under the CEPA framework.

Board Member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and Chairman of the Foreign Investment Committee, Abdul Latheef Uppala, emphasised the Sultanate’s investor-friendly regulatory environment and expanding opportunities across logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors.

Davis Kallukaran, Deputy Chairman, Foreign Investment Committee, OCCI, moderated the panel discussion on ‘India–Oman Trade and Investment Opportunities under CEPA. The distinguished panelists included Dr P Mohamed Ali, Founder, Galfar Group; Dr MI Sahadulla, Group Chairman & Managing Director, KIMS Health; Dr Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman & Managing Director, Eram Group; Abdul Latheef Uppala; Sheraz Anwar, Director, Abad Group; and Anirudh Sankar, Senior Official, DGFT Kochi.

The panel deliberated on sector-specific collaboration in infrastructure development, healthcare services, industrial partnerships, export facilitation, and regulatory alignment. It also highlighted practical pathways for strengthening private-sector engagement between both countries.

There were presentations by Dr Yousuf Hamad Al-Balushi, Economic Advisor & Research Analyst, Oman, and  Yarub Nasser Al Siyabi, Specialist at OPAZ. They highlighted priority sectors under Vision 2040 and significant investment potential within Duqm and other strategic economic zones. Technical presentations by experts Dr James Nedumpara, Professor and Head CTIL; Ridhish Rajvanshi, Senior Research Fellow; and Tathagata Choudhury from the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India; provided clarity on tariff concessions, market access for services, digital trade provisions, and export promotion mechanisms that come under the pact.

Dr P Mohamed Ali, Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Oman, in his message, emphasised the need for continuous engagement on CEPA to understand the terminologies to ensure a quantum jump in bilateral trade, services, and investments.

The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session followed by a business networking engagement.

The programme was jointly organised by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Kerala State Council, the Indo Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce (INMECC), The foreign investment committee of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Centre for Trade and Investment law (CTIL) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The Oman delegation was headed by Abdul Latheef Uppala, and it included Ahmed Ali Al Akkak, CEO SEZD; Yaqub Nasser Khamis Al Siyabi from OPAZ; Dr Yousuf Hamad Al Balushi; Al Yaqadhan Al Shukaili from Smart Investment Gateway, Davis Kallukaran; and Jim Joseph, Partner, Audit and Corporate Finance from Crowe Oman.

The post High-level CEPA seminar gives fillip to Oman-India economic ties appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

OCCI board member and head of the Omani delegation Abdul Latheef Uppala said, “The seminar will highlight trade and investment opportunities under the agreement. It will also enable stakeholders to explore partnerships and expand their global footprint.” Indian Ambassador to Oman HE G V Srinivas, senior Union and State Government officials, office bearers of the Centre for trade and Investment Law under the Central Ministry of Commerce, eminent industrialists and key personalities from the Indian and Omani business fraternity will address the gathering.

“The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed on December 18, 2025, marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic ties between India and Oman,” said Dr Davis Kallukaran, Managing Partner of Crowe Oman Auditors and Business Advisors. “The agreement is expected to substantially enhance trade flows, promote investments, and create new avenues of collaboration across key sectors.”

“The CEPA provides significant tariff reductions and improved market access, while reinforcing Oman’s strategic role as a gateway to the GCC region, Central Asia, and East Africa. The agreement opens up promising opportunities in sectors such as IT, Healthcare, Education, Oil & Natural Gas, Food Processing, Logistics, Tourism, and more. It is also expected to catalyse two-way investments and foster stronger economic cooperation between the two nations, Dr Davis added.

Business leaders from both India and the Sultanate of Oman are slated to attend the event.

The post Business seminar to throw light on new India-Oman trade pact appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan (Violin) Prof.S Easwara Varma and Violin Vidushi Dr. Vrinda Varma have been performed Violin Duet Concert from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.  The facmous accompaniment artists for Mridangam Vidwan Sri. Nanjil A R Arul,  for Ghatom Vidwan Sri Adichanalloor M Anilkumar and for Morsing Vidwan Sri. Thamarakkudi Rajasekharan participated in the concert.

During the Inaugural Ceremony, from International Chamber, PK Koyickal Trust, Sri. KP Raj Mohan Varma, Vice Chairman has delivered Welcome Address, Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Sri. Tripunithura N Radhakrishnan, the Chief Advisory Board Member has delivered Keynote Address, Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Sri. Nedumangad Sivanandan, the Chief Advisory Board Member has delivered Special Address, Sri, M V Sunil, the President of Sree Poornathrayeesha Sangeetha Sabha and Sri. K Anand, the Managing Trustee of Sri. Adi Sankara Trust have delivered Felicitation Speech and Sri. PK Sajith Kumar Varma, the International Coordinator of International Chamber, PK Koyickal Trust has delivered Vote of Thanks.

These monthly concerts are focused to promote and propagate Carnatic Music along with Music Veterans, promoting Talented, upcoming and amateur Musicians and Artists Internationally. Each monthly programme will be telecasted through various Media and Channels of India and abroad. The Recorded Link of the concert also will be circulated internationally Including various Music Colleges, Music Academies, Department Authorities, Music Institutes, Sangeetha Sabhas, Music Trusts,  Fine Arts Societies & Reputed Music Organizations and Music Teachers in India and Internationally.  PK Koyickal Trust International Chamber will be rewarded and recognized each Artists with Participating Certificates.

The concerts are designed in alternative months to provide opportunities to the Artists to participate from India and abroad. The International Monthly Concerts will be organizing on EVERY 2^nd FRIDAYS, the special day of Goddesses Durga Devvi, Lakshmi Devi and Saraswathy Devi.

www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

The post SRUTHI MATHA –  LAYA PITHA the 2nd Year Inaugural Concert of the monthly concert series of International Chamber, PK Koyickal Trust has been hosted from Thiruvananthapuram, KERALA. Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Prof. S Easwara Varma  and Dr. Vrinda Varma performed VIOLIN DUET concert on 13-02-2026. appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

India Union Budget was sector diversified and considering the increasing global economic challenges, the India Government has attracted industries, private sector business class and investors to join hands including Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and focusing to reach the target of “Vikasit Bharat” in the year of 2047. The Budget touched from the Micro Industry level (MSME) to the Infrastructure Development level and that will support to make self-sustainable growth of India.

The budget is also supportive for India-Gulf and India-Europe newly signed Agreements in 2026. Accordingly, the budget is emphasizing more on Innovations, MSME and Startups Businesses in villages and cities across India. The budget is targeting to empower young entrepreneurs and create more jobs in different industries and sectors by integrating AI and Engineering Technologies.

Indian Expats are getting benefits from Tax exemptions, decriminalizing the non-declaration of foreign Assets and filing extensions, buying properties and investments in India more easily. The Budget aims to support NRIs to bring their foreign savings to India and this will be helpful for long term growth of India.

NRIs will get more investment opportunities to Indian Stock Markets through RBI regulated Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) Account. The Budget has increased the NRI investment limit of each company from 5% to 10% in the Stock Market.. The limit of various investments to India from PROI category Indians has increased to more than doubled. Now Indian expats can invest to India and repatriate easily through the Budget announcement. Indian expats can also own land and houses easily.

India expats will get opportunity to start MSME and STARTUP business in India and Internationally based on the India – Gulf and India – Europe agreements..

Budget is also taken measures to reduce unwanted speculations in the Stock Markets by increasing Securities Transaction Tax (STT) for Futures & Options Traansactions. It was not supportive for Investors and the Indian Stock Markets went down after the Budget Session.

The post India Budget appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The formation, history, founders and current members of the governing body of organisations and institutions led by our people, including educational institutions, clubs, and so on, will also be included in this directory. The book will also contain brief biographies of 3,000 prominent Indian working in various fields, along with their photos, and information such as contact address, phone number, and email.

The directory features prominent people across 30 categories, including government-private sector, sports, media, medicine, banking, education, insurance, engineering, construction, manpower, hospitality, automobiles, travel and tourism, cargo-shipping, hotels and restaurants, real estate, jewellery, trading, social work, and art and literature.

The work of the similar reference book Who’s who of Oman Malayies is almost done and set to be published by July 2025;is under the patronage of the following patrons: National University of Science and Technology Chairman and Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company Founder Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, the Chief Patron; Abdul Latheef, Managing Director of Badr Al Sama Group of Hospitals and Polyclinics and Board Member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry; P.N.C. Menon, Founder and Chairman of Shobha Group; Dr. Thomas Alexander, Founder and Chief Executive Director of Al Adrak Trading and Contracting Company LLC; Mohammed Ashraf M.A. is the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Shahi Foods & Spices LLC; Abraham Raju, Managing Director of Sohar Shipping Transport and Trading Agencies; Mohamed Ameen Sait, Managing Director of Sea Pride LLC; Dr. Renchi Mathew Kurian, Senior Consultant Physician, Royal Oman Police Hospital; Dr. Davis Kallukaran, Managing Partner of Crowe Oman; Abdul Vahid A. K., Managing Director of K. V. Group International; Rajan Paul, Managing Director of Middle East Oil Field Service LLC and Xavi Thekketh, Managing Director of Pipeline Supply Company LLC.

This exhaustive endeavour is spearheaded by Excellence Global Middle East LLC (Oman), which is part of Excellence Global FZC LLC, UAE, the publisher of a number of books and magazines focussing on a wide spectrum of specialised areas. It has also published reference books on Malayalis in foreign countries and various states of India for the past 30 years.

Excellence Global Managing Director P. Sukumaran said that the 1,200-page reference book in English will be an authoritative document on our Indian working in all sectors of Oman. You can freely add information to the upcoming directory.

Those who wish to include their names and information can contact the following numbers: 9882 6147; 9595 8066; 9706 2419 or write to us: info@globalindians.directory.
our website:
https://malayali.directory/
https://globalindians.directory

The post Directory to be Published by end of this year. appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The Muslims and the nomads in the Himalayan state of Uttarkhand which for decades enjoyed absolute peace and communal harmoney has been witnessing indescribable persecution at the hands of both the state and fundamentalist Hindutwa groups for the last four years.

While the Muslims have been subjected to physical attacks, destruction of properties and even livelihoods the nomads have been deprived of their land and forest rights in the guise of protection of environment and forests, according to a report prepared by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights.

The report released on Wenesday 21 January 2026 documents communal incidents in different parts of Uttarkhand from early 2021 to late 2025. It contains testimonies of people who survived the violent attacks in towns and cities where they  lived harmoniously all their lives but were told to leave only because they were Muslims. The report shows how a Van Gujjar herder , a shopkeeper from Nanda Ghat , a migrant worker and a small shopkeeper from Haldwani discovered that their very existence is contested under the present rule in the state.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state has enacted three new Acts all with singular aim of suppressing the social , economic , educational and religious rights of the minorities especially the Muslims,  the Hindutwa outfits in the state have unleashed all kinds of violence against the Muslims in the name of ‘ Love Jihad ‘, ‘ Land Jihad ‘ , and ‘ Business Jihad ‘

The three new laws are the Uniform Civil Code , 2024, Freedom.of Religion and Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion Act 2024 and the Minority Educational Institute Bill 2025.The UCC Act overrides minority personnel laws on marriage, divorse, inheritance and adoption which will have adverse cultural impact on minorities. To further control private lives of individuals the UCC Amendment Bill 2025 prescribe very harsh penalties for unregistered live in relationships, up to seven years imprisonment.

The Freedom of Religion and Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion ( Amendment ) Act 2025 prescribes life term punishment for anyone convicted of unlawful conversions, definition of allurement has been expanded further, and penalties for false promise of marriage has been increased.

The Uttarkand Minority Educational Institute Bill 2025 dissolves the Muslim controlled Madrasa Education Board where Muslims held 9 out of 13 places and replaces with a government body , Uttarkhand State Authority for Minority Education ( USAME ) , where Muslims hold one of the 12 seats. This transfers all control over Islamic curriculam,  teacher qualification , and school recognition from Muslim Educators to the Hindu majority government. The Bill is presented as educational reform , but in actual practice it has become a mechanism for state control of Muslim  religious education in clear violation of Article 30 (1 ) of the Indian Constitution.

Hindutwa right-wing groups in Uttarkhand have been perpetuating a culture of hate and intolerance against Muslims , creating an  environment of fear .Incidents communal violence and economic boycott of Muslims became common with Muslims facing targetted violence leading to loss of livelyhoods.

This religious persecution of Muslims became evident in 2021.  At the Haridwar Dharm Sansad , a three day Hindutva conclave held in December 2021 several leading politicians and Hindu religious leaders made hate speeches and called for violence against the Muslim minority. Some even exhorted the crowd to even exterminate the Muslims and establish a Hindu Rashtra.

In 2023 Uttarkhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials to identify and demolish illegal structures including religious structures , obviously Muslim religious structures , built on government land. The move was interpreted by right-wing Hindutva groups to describe the construction of mosques and other religious structures by Muslims as illegal. In May 2024 Chief Minister Dhami claimed that the state had recovered 5000 acres of government land from land jihad.

The, Unified Waqf  Management , Empowerment , Efficiency and Development  UMMEED portal digitization deadline of June 2025 created a legal trap specially designed to target Muslim religious properties in Uttarakhand . The government established a six month deadline for all Waqf properties , Islamic endowments including mosques, darghas , shrines and prayer halls to register on an online portal or face automatic classification as disputed or illegal.

Thesystem was deliberately structured to fail. The portal itself was fundamentally brocken crashing repeatedly and taking 10 to 15 minutes per propertyentry. The deadline required documentation that centuries old mosques simply did not have. Many of these properties have ub in bystanding for 200years or longer without any legal papers.

Consequently in Uttarkhand 75 per cent of Waqf properties remained unregistered by the December deadline , not because they were disputed orillegally built, but because the system made registration impossible for ordinary communities without technical expertise , access to historial documents or legal advice. When the deadline got over many legitimate functioning mosques , and darghas were automatically classified as disputed making them targets for illegal demolition.

Once properties were labelled disputed and therefore illegal the Uttarkhand government launched a demolition drive . And between June 2025 and November 2025 over 300 Muslim shrines and darghas were demolished. While a few were illegal most were functiong for decades.

The post The Misery of Muslims and Nomads in Uttarakhand appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The Supreme Court on 29 December 2025 in an unprecedented but welcome move suo moto stayed its on  20 November order on the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. The November ruling had accepted an elevation based definition proposed by the Union Goverment which caused widespread concern among the people of the affected States of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.

The 20 November order had to the consternation of the people of the four states and the environmental as well as legal experts had adopted a very narrow definition classifying only landforms with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief as ” Aravalli Hills ”

Following widespread protests across the four states irrespective of  party or caste affiliations the Supreme Court perhaps for the first time took note of public concerns  and acknowledged the need for clarification on whether the naarow definition ( 100 metres elevation ) would exclude ecologically fragile areas allowing unregulated mining as well as bilding construction in between the Aravalli Hills.

According to the  latest SC order a High Powered independent Committe consisting of experts in various fields is to be formed to redefine the Aravalli Hills considering all aspects of its ecological and environmental impact andress various ambiguities with regard to the Union laws and state laws for the protection and preservation of environmental and ecological balance essential for sustainable development .

The stay order means that no irreversible administrative or ecological actions can be taken by any authority including Union and state governments based on the framework upheld by the Supreme Court on 20 November.

Untill the matter is resolved there will be a moratorium on the grant of any new mining leases or renewal of old ones across the entire Aravalli landscape in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Existing legal.mining could be carried out only under strict regulations.

The 20 November 2025 judgement was aimed at laying down a uniform definition of the  740 kilometre long Aravalli Ranges across the states to curb rampant illegal.mining. It also directed the Ministry of Environment , Forest and Climare Change ( MoEF&CC ) to prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining ( MPSM ) .

However, the narrow 100 metres hight criterion specified for the Aravalli Hills became the subject of widespread protests and criticism. The 100 metres height criterion would have rendered 90 percent of the small hills of the Aravalli Ranges and low lying areas without the protection of the environmental laws, which are ecologically essential for preventing further desertification and recharging ground water.

The SC had in its 20 Novenber order had simply without applying it’s mind accepted the recommendations of the Union Ministry of Environment , Forest and Climate Change on the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges to protect the world’s oldest mountain system.

The Committe had recommended that “Aravalli Hills ” be defined as any landform in designated Aravalli dtstricts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief , and an ” Aravalli Range” will be a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other. This narrow definition ecologists, environmentalists the affected ordinary people pointed out will open up lage areas of the ecologically fragile moutain ecosystem to mining and real estate development which have already caused irreparable damage .

The Union Goverment it was further pointed out made the new narrow definition of hills and ranges without any scientific and ecological studies or public consultation. Therefore if the new definition was accepted it will destroy large parts of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges through granite and sand mining and real estate development environmentalists argued.

According to eminent Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari the manner in which illegal mining has been going on in the Aravallis is an administrative and governance failure.” The judicial intervention was much needed. It is a welcome step by the Supreme Court of India to stay its earlier order , but it is important that the committee which is going to be formed should have ecologists , environmentalists and not just bureaucrats “, shed added.

Neelam Ahluwalia of the ”  People for Aravalli ” , described the SC stay of its own order is interim win. ” What we actually demand is that the Union and state governments ban all mining in the Aravallis . We need a completely detailed , independent assessment  comulative of the entire range , on people’s health and the ecosystem to determine how much of the Aravalli has already been destroyed ! ” she demanded.

Ecological restoration practitioner , Vijay Dhasmana said there are two lobbies , the mining and real estate which are pressing for a new definition of the Aravallis . However , the fact remains that geological features of the Aravallis have not been defined yet. The mining and real estate lobies strongly belive what is good for their profit is also good for the Aravallis !

The SC order staying its  own order  on Aravallis made on the advise of the Union Ministry of Environment have to be viewed very positively by the people of the country . For one in recent times the Supreme Court’s and High Courts have been very reluctant to go against the government even when it’s orders have been causing unavoidable hardships to the people .

In the 80s and 90 we witnessed the Supreme Court and High Courts taking suo moto action on issues of public interest and even when individual freedoms are in danger. The Aravalli stay order shows that the SC had an open mind on matters of public interest.

Considering the Aravalli Hills and Ranges have been subjected to unbridled human greed for decades now one can only hope that SC will.also appoint a Monitoring Committe to ensure that it’s orders are executed in the letter and spirit.

The post The Supreme Court becomes Pro-People on Aravalli Hills and Ranges appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

With the overall GDP valued at USD 4. 18 trillion, India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy and is poised to displace Germany from the third rank in the next three years with a projected GDP of USD 7.30 trillion by 2030. The growth momentum is a healthy indicator with the GDP expanding to a six-quarter high in the second quarter of 2025-26, reflecting India’s resilience in the midst of persistent global trade uncertainties. Domestic drivers-led by robust private consumption-played a pivotal role in supporting this growth.

Doing a deep dive of the growth indices its quite obvious that 2025 was India’s “Goldilocks Moment” which is a period characterized by high growth and low inflation. As per the ministry of statistics and program implementation, in the second quarter of the Financial year 2025-26, India’s real GDP grew by 8.2%, up from 7.8% in the first quarter and 7.4% in the last quarter of 2024-25. The Reserve Bank of India has revised the growth forecast for 2026-27 to 7.3%, from its earlier estimate of 6.8%.  The key drivers that would fuel the GDP growth are robust domestic demand, rationalization of GST and Income tax, softer crude oil prices and ongoing economic reforms. The other factors that would influence the economic growth are as follows.

Easing Consumer Price Index Inflation:

Consumer price index (CPI) is the change in the price of a basket of goods and services that are typically purchased by specific groups of households. CPI inflation softened to 0.71% in November 2025 from 4.26% in January 2025. In 2025, India experienced an overall benign inflation environment, wherein the general increase in prices is moderate and slow, with an average of 2.5%. Controlling the CPI inflation and maintaining it within the range of 1% and 3% would boost the confidence of corporates to take long term decisions with respect to investment. This would also enable consumers to rationalize heir spending.

Falling Unemployment Rates

According to the ministry of labour and employment the unemployment rate reduced to 4.7% in November 2025 from 5.2% in October 2025, making it the lowest since April 2025. The key challenge for the government in the ensuing financial year would be to maintain the unemployment rate between 3.0 to 4.5%, facilitating the job seekers to find employment without causing inflation in wages.

Trade Performance:

As per the ministry of Trade and Commerce, in January 2025, Indias foreign trade commenced on a solid footing with total exports (merchandise and services combined) valued at $:74.97 billion, registering a growth of 9.2% over January 2025. The cumulative exports in the first quarter of the financial year 2025-26 reached $: 210.31 billion (up by 5.94%) versus same period last year. These early and mid-year trends were clear indicators of steady export expansion and diversified external demand across various sectors.

These early and mid-year trends demonstrated steady export expansion and diversified external demand   However the share of merchandise exports and its growth to the total exports needs to show significant improvement in the next financial year, in order to fuel the overall economic growth. Merchandise exports expanded to US$ 38.13 billion in November, 2025 compared to US$ 36.43 billion in January 2025, with a growth of 4.7%, whereas the service sector exports registered a growth of 8.65%. More focus on broadening the scope of the merchandise exports with impetus on electronic and engineering goods would be the key in this direction. India had broadened its global footprint by strengthening the trade partnerships with countries like United Kingdom, New Zealand, Oman and Jordan recently. Merchandise exports to these markets would play a pivotal role in boosting the nation’s overall foreign trade.

Rationalize Imports:

Concrete and positive policy measures are warranted to rationalize the imports in order to reduce the Current Account Deficit of the nation. Gold which is ideally a non-essential commodity accounts for 13% of the total imports of the country, which is second to Petroleum, which accounts for 31%. While petroleum is a highly essential commodity that meets the nation’s energy needs, gold hardly adds value to the economy. Curbs on the import of gold is highly warranted as it’s a drain on the foreign exchange reserves, resulting in higher current account deficit and weakening of Indian rupee.

Author is a member of the Loka Kerala Sabha

The post Indian Economy: Prospects and Challenges appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The new Bill introduced by the Union government , Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin ( VB – GRAMG ) to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Emloyment Guarantee Act 2005 ( MGNREGA ) nullifies the concept of the Right to Work guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

RAMG, in spite of the devine name paradoxically destroys the scheme for guaranteed work for a minimum of 100 days in a year for the rural unemployed poor. RAMG  completely changes the  character of MGNREGA.

The existing scheme to provide minimum employment to the rural poor is based on demand for employment . In other words the Union government is duty bound to provide funds for employment  of the rural poor according to the demand because it is basically a centrally sponsored scheme.

Before the beginning of every financial year the states prepare labour budgets which are aproved by the Union government. Later if more people seek work under the right to work programme the the labour budgets are updated. Thus according to demand for work the budgets are increased. This is one of the key features of MGNREGA.

But under the RAMG the scheme will be converted to an allocation based programme and what is very disturbing is that the norms for allocation of funds have not been made clear yet . It is feared that the Union government will weaponise the scheme to punish unbending state governments specially ruled by the opposition parties.

Presently the wage bill for the scheme is paid by he Union government and the expenses for the implementation of the scheme is shared on the ratio of 75: 25 by the Union and the States. However,  under RAMG the entire expenditure, wage bill plus administrative cost will be shared by the Union and the States on a 60: 40 basis . This will result in a huge financial burden on the states, especially the poorer states like Bihar , Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

From a bottom up scheme the RAMG has become a top down programme , according to Jayanti Gosh , Development economist. Though the new Bill envisages a minimum employment for 125 days considering that the average days  under MGNREGA per year have been only 40 to 50 in future we will get much less ,she added.

” You can’t make decisions like this by sitting in Delhi. This is a stupid way to run a country as complicated and diverse as India. This is a terrible blow for fedaralism  and therefore has to be opposed”, she said referring to Section 4(5) of the VB-G RAM G Bill which states : ” The Central Government shall determine the statewise normative allocation for each financial year , based on objective parameters as may be prescribed by the Central Government.”

Under RAMG the Government of India will have full powers to decide the financial allocations , the wage rates , power to decide where and when the scheme is to be implemented . Further RAMG gives the Union government unbridled powers to do what it wants without any obligations .All oblgations are of state governments and without the required funding the scheme will practically remain on paper.

For some inexplicable reason RAMG proposes a sixty day pause during the peak agriculture seasons of sawing and harvesting. In a country like India with varying climatic conditions and diffrent crops and different sawing and harvesting seasons in different parts of the country for which 60 days in a year will pause RAMG scheme ? One is reminded of the businessman on being asked why he wasted money on advertisement said  , ” I know half the money I spent on  advertisement is a   waste, but I do not know which half !”

The Bill proposes division of work into four categories : water security, rural infrastructure , livelyhood infrastructure and disaster resilience. This division of work is inadequate to define work under the new scheme

The MGNREGA provided employment as a matter of right and this right cannot be taken away by a mere majority vote , therefore this bill is reprehensible according to Prabhat Patnaik , Professor Emiretus Jawaharlal Nehru University.

RAMG, in spite of the devine name will spell disaster for the wreched of the country.

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Betrand Russel,  plilosopher and logician was arrested in 1961 at the ripe age of 89 for his involvement in an anti-nuclear weapons demonstration. He was charged with the breach of the peace and after refusing to be of good behaviour , was sentenced to Brixton Prison , which he served in the prison’s hospital. His imprisonment alongwith with his wife’s raised significant public awareness for the anti-nuclear movement .

At the prison the warden filling the entry form asked Russel what his religion was, Russel replied ” agnostic”. Exclaimed the warden ” Oh yet another religion ! “.

As if in our country we do not have enough divisions , disputes and controversies in the name of caste  , creed , language , gender and religion the Jammu and Kashmir unit ofthe Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) has invented yet another controversy in the matter of merit based admission to the SHRI  Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence ( SMVDIME ).

The controversy arose after the admission of 50 students to the first batch of the MBBS course by the Institute of Medical Excellence on the basis of the result of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET ) to the 2025 -26 academic session . Of the 50 students admitted solely on the criterion of merit 42 were Muslims from Kashmir 7 Hindus from Jammu and 1 Sikh.

The National Medical Mission  ( NMM) had earlier rejected a proposal by the Vishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra seeking to place 100 percent of its MBBS seats under the All India Quota to be filled through the Medical Councilling Committe (MCC ).The Institute’s request to the NMC came following protests after it was revealed that the majority of the students  who were eligible for admission on merit belonged to the Muslim community. Already 36 candidates from Kashmir and three cadidates from Jammu have taken admission.

The protests supported by the  Udhampur BJP MLA, is also backed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajarang Dal. The protesters have very strangely argued in violation of the existing statutes and rules of the  Institute of Excellence admisiions to the Institute should not be done on merit and should not be dominated by Muslim students irrespective of merit because the insitute is built with donations from the devotees of Vishano Devi who are Hindus.

The protesters have also demanded reservations for Hindu students at the Institute of Medical Excellence. However , since the Vishano Devi Institute of Excellence is not a Minority Institution under current rules and regulations it is impossible to reserve any seats for Hindus even though they are a minority in  Jammu and Kashmir. Under the existing bylaws of the Institute 85 percent seats are reserved for the students from the State and the remaining 15 percent are left for the All – India Quota.

On Tuesday , 2 December  a number of prominent Hindu academics of Jammu defended the Institute Administration for making admissions purely on the basis of merit and not based on religion .Retired Zonal Education Officer, Bimala Sharma , recipient of a National Teacher Award regretted that the students of the Jammu andKashmir were being divided on the basis of religion. It is very unfortunate that a section of people were trying to sacrifice the future of talented NEET qualified students on the basis of religion. ” The students have got admission on the basis of merit and they have every right to complete their studies ,” she added.

Dr.Himla Sharma former Principal of Government Degree College , Parade pointed out that since the admissions were made as per the regulations of the National Medical Commission and the NEET regulations the students should be allowed to pursue their studies without any outside interference .Tinkering with well laid out procedure for admission will ruin the entire education system in the state ,  Aggarwal warned.

Kashmiri Hindu Social Activist and spokesman of the Nationalist Congress Party ( NCP ) , Engineer Rishi Kaul said that division on the basis of religion in education is totally unacceptable.” Education should not have anything to do with religious beliefs it is highly inappropriate to give this issue a political or religious colour ,” he added.

The Congress Party accused the BJP for giving a communal colour to the issue of admissions to the Vishno Devi Institue of  Medical Excellence to cover it’s failures . The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Spokesman Ravinder Sharma  said the  Union government led by the BJP was responsible for creating the communal devide in the state .” When there was no illegality in the allotment of seats in medical education then where was the need to raise the issue of religion .” he wondered.

Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minster of Jammu and Kashmir asserted that admission to medical colleges must be based on merit as determined by examinations like the National  Eligibility cum Entrance Test and not on a student’s religion. He further argued that the Indian Constitution and the State Act that established the Sri Mata Vishno Devi University do not permit the distribution of seats along religious lines.

Responding to demands made by  right wing Hindu organisations that seats should be reserved for Hindu students in the Institute Umar Addillah said that it should return all government grants and free land provided to it and change its status tio a minority institution.

Abdullah warned that denying admission to meritorious students based on their faith could have negative social consequences and potentially push them towards radicalism.

Ends…

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Joseph Maliakan

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday 27 November 2025 suggested the Union government  make a law to proect the dignity of of the DISABLED. Derogatory remarks against persons with disabilities and rare genetic disorders should be made a punishable offence on the lines of  the Scheduled Caste – Scheduled Tribes ( Prevention of Atrocities  ) Act., 1989, a Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said.

The SC-ST Act crminalises casteist slur, acts of discrimination , humiliation, and violence against the members of the SCs and STs.The offences under the Act are non-bailable. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta , appearing for the Union government agreed with the suggestion and said that humour cannot be at the cost of some one’s dignity especially of the disabled and the disadvantaged in the society.

The Supreme Court made the observation on a petition filed by M/s SMA Cure  India Foundation , which works for persons affected by spinal Muscular  Atrophy  ( SMA ) disease. The petition was filed following jokes made by ” India’s Got Latent” host Samay Raina and other social media influencers ,Vipin Goel, Balraj Paramjit Singh gai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar. The Court ordered all these comedy hosts to host at least two fundraising events each month to benefit persons with disabilities. It urged the comedians to invite persons with disabilities in their programmes and share their success stories to raise awareness and funds.

The comedians,  Chief Justice Surya Kant said must begin this initiative before the court hears the matter again. ” We hope and expect that a few memorable events will take place before our next hearing. This is a social responsibility we are placing on you  , not a penal one . You are all respected members of the society .If you have gained significant popularity, then use that influence to benefit others .” he added.

Raina’s joke about a two month old SMA child needing a Rs.16 crore gene therapy injection drew severe criticism as it trivialised the plight of patients and their families efforts at public fund raising.

Such content the Cure SMA India Foundation argued violated fundamental rights , including the right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. And in August 2025 the Supreme Court directed these comedians to issue unconditional.public apologies on social media platforms for mocking persons with disabilities and threatened to penalise them in case of non-compliance.The comedians submitted affidavits showing their willingness to engage in fund raising and awareness raising activities for the welfare of the disabled.

Representing the Cure CMA India Foundation,  Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh said that dignity was more important than money in the case of the disabled : ” Samay Raina claims to have donated Rs.2.50 lakh , but our concern is with the dignity of the disabled persons not e money”

She  said many children suffering from SMA have achieved great accomplishments in their lives. The parents of SMA patients are managing funds through crowdfunding and the Foundation refused accept the Rs.2.5 lakh donation by Raina because the issue was not of money but that of dignity.

Aparajita Singh further said that of the children who suffered from SMA is working at Microsoft, another is studying at Michigan State University, one is a classical singer, another is an Assamese writer and publisher and yet another is pursuing a doctorate in Bioinformatics .The parents of these children managed funds for their treatment through crowdfunding. When people like Raina make humiliating jokes about such kids , raising funds for them becomes difficult , Aparijita said. There was a need for a dedicated platform which can raise Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR  ) funds for treatment of children suffering from rare complicated diseases.

In this context the CJI directed the comedians to be more careful about their conduct in future The Chief Justice also said that he was aware of the comments made mocking even the Supreme Court of India by Raina in Canda !

At the end of the arguments the Court said ” As regards to the issues raised by cure SMA India Foundation , the learned senior Counsel Ms.Aparajita Singhhas handed over a brief notedepictingthe success stories of those about whom undesirable and avoidable YouvTube shows were held by some of the private respondents . During the course of the hearing it has been rightly suggested that thereshould be a dedicated fund /corpus that may be created bythe concerned Ministry , or if it is already created , it can be given wide publicity, inviting corporate entities and individuals to generously donate in that fund which is exclusively meant forthe treatment of the speciallyabled persons , like those suffering from SMA.

In this regard the order said that ” We leave it to the the respondents 6 to 10 to persuade and inite the specially abled persons on their platforms to promote the cause of generating funds to provide timely and quality treatment to the specially abled like thisesuffering from SMA.

” We are quite sure that if respondents no 6 to 10 are repentent and show their sincerity and commitment to the case , the specially abled persons who have made landmark achivements in life will also accept to come on the platforms for the purpose of wideg publicity in the cause.”

Ends….

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Joseph Maliakan

 Seven months  of January to July 2025 , witnessed an unprecedented 334 incidents of persecution of Christian communities across India. They included illegal arrests, physical violence , threats , disruption of prayer services and denial of basic religious freedoms guaranteed by the constitution including burial rights. This sustained pattern of persecution of Christian communities reflects an alarming consistency with incidents taking place every month affecting Christian communities across 22 states and union territories, according to documentation mde by the Evangilical Fellowship of India’s Religious Liberty Commission ( RLC )

The geographic concentration of violence targetting christians is deeply disturbing , with the state of Uttar Pradesh recording 95 cases and Chattisgarh recording 86 incidents. Together the two states account for more than half of the documented cases. These two states ruled by Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) governments have emerged repeatedly as primary hot spots where Christian families face not only violence but prolonged legal harassment under anti-conversion laws. The misuse of these laws has become the primary weapon of intimidation , with threats, harassment , and false accusations representing two thirds of all incidents documented for the period from January to July 2025.  

Particularly disturbing are the 13 cases of denial of burial rights, with a whoping 92 percent of cases taking place in Chattisgarh alone , where Christian families are prevented from honouring their dead according to their faith even on private property. The systematic nature of this persecution is evident from the timing , with most incidents strategically executed with precision during Sunday worship services , suggesting organised monitoring and disruption of Christan religious gatherings.

The brutality of some of incidents underscores the escalating nature of persecution of Christians. In July six pastors in Bhilai, Chattisgarh were wrongfully detained and severely beaten with wooden batons inside Durg jail simply for identifying as pastors . Despite documented evidence of torture under custody , charges against the pastors are vigourasly pursued and no action has been taken against the attackers or jail officials responsble for the abuse.

The 334 documented cases actually represent only a fraction of the actual incidents as many go unreported because of fear of reprisals, intimidation by the police and local authorities. The pattern of persecution reveals a cordinated effort by fundamentalist organisations and the local administration to supress Christian religious expression through legal mechanisms and social pressure, this creating an atmosphere of fear that goes beyond the immediate victim and extends to the entire Christian  community.

Given the sensitive nature of religious freedom violations and fear of reprisals many victims are reluctant to report incidents formally. In remote areas reports of persection are not reported because of lack of communication infrastructure.The incidents spanned several states , with the highest incidents taking place in Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar , Karnataka , Haryana , Rajasthan , Jharkhand and Odisha.

Uttar Pradesh and Chattisgarh emerged as primary hot spots for persecution of christians continuing a troubling pattern with frequent reports of arrestes , false accusations , physical violence and social boycotts. They are followed by Madhya Pradesh ( 22 ) , Bihar ( 17 ), Rajasthan (15 )  and Haryana (15 ) demonstrating persecution span multiple states across different regions of India.

While incidents occured consistently throughout the seven months , March recorded the highest number (66 ) , followed by June ( 52 ) , compared to monthly average of 48 incidents , indicating periods of heightened tensions affecting Christian communities. Many incidents occured on Sundays during or after worship services.

The documented incidents fall into several distinct categories. They included threat, harassment, falsely accused and arrested, physical violence , church worship disrupted or stopped , social boycott, vandalism , church burnt, hate campaigns forced conversion and even murder!

On 25 July 2025 two catholic nuns from Kerala , sister Preeti Mary and sister Vandana Francis were arrested at Durg railway station while accompanying three young tribal women for training in an Agra hospital. Despite proper documentation the two sisters were charged under trafficking and anti- conversion laws following complaints by members of a Hinduthva group.

Video footage of the incident showed the nuns being threatened by Jyoti Sharma of Durga Vahini Matrushakti inside the police station while police officials stood by, the incident sparked national political outrage ,illustrating coordination between different actors can criminalize basic social service activities. The fact that the two nuns were hospital workers ,one a nurse and the other a pharmacist did not matter to the Hinduthva activists and the police or the judiciary.

Anti-conversion laws strangely named Freedom of Religion Acts designed to prevent forceful conversions are being systematically exploited to crmininalize legitimate religious activities and social service .

The vague language used in the  hastily made anti-coversion laws many of which are blatantly unconstitutional enables arbitrary aplication with Christians facing the prospect of imprisonment up to 10 years for constitutionally protected religious activities. The legal framework intended to protect religious freedom actually results in  restricting it. The various state anti-coversion laws are under challenge in the Supreme Court. But for some inexplicable reason the the Supreme Court has not shown any urgency to consider the matter and the persecution of the Christan community under these laws continue unabated.

In this context the the RLC pointed out the promise of religious freedom for all citizens requires immediate , concrete action by government authorities , law enforcement agencies and the judiciary . Law enforcement agencies must fulfill their constitutional duty to protect all citizens regardless of faith. The systematic misuse of anti-conversion laws requires immediate review to ensure alignment with constitutional principles. The Supreme Court must urgently adress the issue so that  India’s secular fabric is not irreparably torn apart.

Ends…

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Following the success of its second edition in 2024—which trained 100 young men and women in diplomacy and leadership—the programme continues to serve as a vital platform for connecting Omani youth with international organizations and forums. Participants gained valuable insights into the core principles and mechanisms of the United Nations, boosting their ability to contribute to both regional and global dialogues.

Hilal bin Saif Al Siyabi, Director General of Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, stated that the Youth Ambassadors Programme stands as a flagship annual initiative reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to youth development. He noted that the increasing number of applicants, from 75 participants in the first edition to 100 in the second, reflects its growing popularity and impact.

For 2025, the programme targets 120 participants, with 21 seats allocated to youth from Gulf and Arab countries—most of which have already expressed initial approval to join. The expanded cohort aims to foster deeper cross-cultural dialogue and international collaboration.

Key highlights of the 2025 edition include:

• High-level meetings between youth and diplomatic leaders
• Training sessions conducted in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
• A Model United Nations (MUN) simulation exercise
• Opportunities to represent Oman at regional and international events

The Model United Nations simulation will bring together approximately 100 young participants alongside representatives from government entities, private sector organizations, academia, international bodies, and entrepreneurs. During the simulation, participants will role-play as diplomats representing various countries within simulated UN bodies such as the General Assembly, Security Council, and Economic and Social Council.

Through structured debates, negotiations, and resolution drafting, participants will address pressing global issues affecting youth—including peace and security, human rights, climate change, food security, and economic development. The sessions will strictly follow official UN procedural rules, offering participants a realistic and enriching diplomatic experience.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants must be Omani nationals aged 18 to 29, in good health, and committed to fully engaging with the programme’s activities and schedules. Preference will be given to individuals who have not participated in previous editions. The initial phase of selection will be conducted electronically.

The Ministry has also emphasized fair representation across all governorates based on data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information and aims to maintain gender balance among participants. Applicants are required to complete all questions in the registration form to be considered for the selection process.

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