Tag: The Southern Rising

Women are worst sufferers in caste discrimination. Do they feel safe? – Prof. Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s at ABP Network’s “The Southern Rising” Summit

Mumbai: “It is good to see political parties being active and speaking fearlessly, but that’s not enough. There’s something more to be done to make our democracy real,” observed the illustrious Prof. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal, as he embarked on a thought-provoking journey to underline the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi at ABP Network’s “The Southern Rising” Summit.

In his compelling session, “Mahatma Forever: Why We Need Him Now,” he clarified that Gandhi did not seek immortality or was not keen on being relevant.

“Gandhiji learned Tamil when he was in South Africa because many of his counterparts were of Tamil origin. It was the people from the South India who propelled Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi in South Africa towards’ struggle for India’s dignity in South Africa.” Prof. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, said speaking about the South Indian connect with Gandhi.

He outlined, “No South India in South Africa, no freedom struggle led by Gandhi in India”

Reflecting on the current issues in Indian society, he remarked, ”Untouchability may have been abolished, but has caste discrimination gone? Women are worst sufferers in caste discrimination. Do they feel safe?”

Speaking on the ongoing national and international conflicts, Gopalkrishna Gandhi remarked, “The deep suspicions between communities in our country. Internationally, the dance of destruction caused by the code of revenge and retaliation is what we are witnessing.”
As the audience leaned in, Prof. Gandhi further enriched the discussion by delving into the practical applications of Gandhian principles in the modern world. His address served as a reminder that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi continue to resonate, offering invaluable lessons for our time.

‘The Southern Rising’ Summit was conceptualised and instituted by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. It aims to celebrate the spirit and richness of southern states, united on a singular mission of driving a transformative journey for India. The summit thus witnesses profound deliberations and sharing of insights by the movers and shakers of South Indian states and Union Territories.

October 12, 2023
Political heavyweights clash in spirited debate on New India

Mumbai: Political heavyweights engaged in a spirited debate at ABP Network’s “The Southern Rising” Summit. The debate took place during a session titled “Whose New India? Past, Imperfect, or Fast Forward.” The panel, which included John Brittas, Narayanan Thirupathy, and M V Rajeev Gowda, presented a mosaic of contrasting viewpoints.

Observing the freedom of media in the nation BJP vice president Narayanan Thirupathy said, “Everyone in India now has the freedom to speak on any issue”. He further adds, “Many say BJP can’t have a foothold in Tamil Nadu. In the last 60 years, it is the BJP that has been growing in the state more than other parties. We have done very well, our booth committee is very strong. There is a big vacuum in the absence of Jayalalitha and Karunanidhi, and BJP will definitely fill the vacuum. Definitely, the BJP is going to form the government in 2026.”

Member of Parliament (CPIM) John Brittas said, “India is a multi-religious country and you can only have democracy when you have free and independent media. ” He further adds, “India has a rich history of welcoming all cultures and boasts a diverse heritage. South India is the home of reformists. With 18% of the population, we contribute 35% to the GDP.

Contributing to the discussion and presenting a unique angle M V Rajeev Gowda, vice chairperson, State Institute for Transformation of Karnataka and ex-member of parliament, Rajya Sabha (INC) said “We are experiencing a BJP-free South India. In Karnataka, we saw corruption. The contractors wrote letters to the PM complaining about corruption. We need to provide people with fair prices and a safety net. This is something Congress will continue in the country. The Nyay scheme is also a safety net for people. We are expected to win Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh in a spectacular way.”

Countering to that John added, “The BJP can maintain its optimism, as everyone has the right to dream of coming to power in Tamil Nadu in 2026.”

The compelling dialogue in the session left the audience with a sense of urgency, underscoring the vital need to strike a delicate balance between history, the present, and the future in order to shape a prosperous and harmonious India.

‘The Southern Rising’ Summit was conceptualised and instituted by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. It aims to celebrate the spirit and richness of southern states, united on a singular mission of driving a transformative journey for India. The summit thus witnesses profound deliberations and sharing of insights by the movers and shakers of South Indian states and Union Territories.

October 12, 2023
“The Southern States Are Showing the Way”: Gurcharan Das

Mumbai: “A lot of people, like me, are in the middle of the political spectrum; and I am a liberal”, said, noted public intellectual, author, and commentator, Gurcharan Das, sharing his thoughts on the Southern Rising Summit at ABP Network’s “The Southern Rising” Summit. “Being a liberal, you are on a lonely road, as there’s no one to vote for.”

Speaking on the session, “In Search of Freedom: The Personal and Political,” Gurcharan Das elaborated upon the history of India in his lifetime. “The big change is that we were economically challenged for the first 40 years,” he remarked. “The nation was shackled for a period of 40 years, and as the world witnessed Japan’s rise, it was imperative that decisive action be taken at that time”

On the education system, Das said, “Even today 80% of Indians do not have access to quality education. Only 20 percent of people have access to quality education. They can make a Silicon Valley city like Bengaluru and revolutionize the IT industry.”

“Education is not about rote learning, it’s about questioning. My advice to youths will be to live and examine life,” the author said.

When discussing the growth of southern states, he observed that “Tamil Nadu possesses a magic, with a well-established governance system. Its per capita income has witnessed a remarkable doubling. Overall, in terms of growth the southern states are showing the way.”

Speaking about his memoir, Das, shared a message for the youth, “The good reason to write your memoir is to re-live your life. My mother taught me to make a living; my father taught me to make a life”

‘The Southern Rising’ Summit was conceptualised and instituted by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. It aims to celebrate the spirit and richness of southern states, united on a singular mission of driving a transformative journey for India. The summit thus witnesses profound deliberations and sharing of insights by the movers and shakers of South Indian states and Union Territories.

October 12, 2023
Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan addresses ‘The Southern Rising’ Summit

Mumbai: We as governors can’t sit within our four walls, we can’t just be a rubber stamp, said Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry at ABP Network’s “The Southern Rising” Summit.

At the event, Tamilisai Soundarajan said, “As more talented and dynamic people have been appointed as governors, their function has changed. Can’t sit within four walls, can’t just be a rubber stamp.”

She said it is worrisome that the schemes launched by governors who want to do good for the people are being “opposed for political reasons”.

She added, “Politicians and state governments should not oppose governors for political purposes. The Governor is a bridge and a bridge not only to the central and state governments but also to the people.”

Soundararajan’s primary goal from the outset has been to act as a catalyst in making resources accessible to the people, emphasizing a humanitarian approach over a political one. As a governor, she engaged with the public by organizing a ‘Mahila Darbar,’ demonstrating a strong connection to the people’s needs. She made it clear that her decisions are rooted in the best interests of the people, as she aims to serve them. She also introduced a redressal mechanism as a ‘sister of Puducherry,’ emphasizing the role of governors as public servants rather than provocateurs.

Soundararajan praised Ayushman Bharat and reiterated her unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people, promising to act in their best interests. She also mentioned that – ‘’there should be a good relationship between the CM and Governor.’’

The Southern Rising’ Summit was conceptualized and instituted by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. It aims to celebrate the spirit and richness of southern states, united on a singular mission of driving a transformative journey for India. The summit thus witnesses profound deliberations and sharing of insights by the movers and shakers of South Indian states and Union Territories.

October 12, 2023