Latest news with #RajendraVishwanathArlekar
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bharat Mata and the protocol of dignity: A Kerala Raj Bhavan perspective
The recent controversy over the display of the image of Bharat Mata at a World Environment Day function in Kerala is not merely a protocol dispute. It underscores a more significant concern: The politicisation of national symbols and the reluctance of certain sections to accept the cultural underpinnings of Indian identity. Since assuming office, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has followed a dignified ceremonial protocol for events held in the Raj Bhavan's main hall. The model is simple yet symbolically profound: Inaugurations commence with the lighting of the traditional lamp (nilavilakku) followed by a floral tribute to Bharat Mata, and the National Anthem — both at the beginning and end of the event. This is not a partisan innovation but a reflection of the governor's reverence for Indian tradition and national unity. Many events have followed this ceremonial structure without incident — until the recent World Environment Day celebration, when a state government function hosted at the Raj Bhavan became a flash point. The controversy unfolded after the agriculture department raised concerns about the nilavilakku and an image of Bharat Mata included in the minute-by-minute schedule shared by Raj Bhavan on the eve of the event. The department requested that the traditional lamp and the image be removed.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
SUCC petitions Governor against M. Swaraj's wife
The Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) has petitioned Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar seeking an inquiry into the alleged anomalies surrounding the conferment of PhD degree by Kannur University on Saritha Menon, wife of Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader M. Swaraj. In the complaint, SUCC chairman R.S. Sasikumar and convener M. Shajarkhan flagged purported irregularities in the university's decision to relax norms by granting her a mercy chance to enable her to submit her thesis, around 16 years after registering at S.N. College, Kannur. The mercy chance, SUCC alleged, was selectively given to benefit a politically connected individual. They urged the Governor to review the legality of the mercy chance and its implementation in doctoral research, and audit all PhD degrees awarded by Kannur University in the past 10 years to detect 'similar patterns of irregularity.'
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CEA to speak on India's growth story at Raj Bhavan
V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser to the Union government, will deliver a talk on 'Global economic trends: India's challenges and prospects' at Kerala Raj Bhavan on June 17 at Kerala Raj Bhavan. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will preside over the function. Dr. Nageswaran will present India's opportunities and the challenges that lay ahead for planners and policymakers alike in the context of India becoming the fourth largest economy of the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). Such factors, along with economic diplomacy, international trade and tariff, and the Prime Minister's call for Make in India (Atma Nirbhar Bharat), will form part of the discussions, the Raj Bhavan stated in a press release.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kerala governor urges youths to stay away from drugs
Kochi: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar expressed concern about the rising drug addiction among youth, emphasizing how substance abuse devastates not only individuals but also their families' prospects. He made the remarks while distributing Saint Chavara Excellence Awards, established by Vidyadhanam Trust, to outstanding students from SH School of Communication at Sacred Heart College, Thevara, on Wednesday. "When one becomes enslaved to drugs, it's not just their future that darkens, but also the future of their family and society. Therefore, students and young people should stay away from drugs and instead set goals and strive towards them. Activities of Vidyadhanam Trust are meant to encourage you on this journey towards such goals," the governor added. Arlekar emphasized that nation-building remains the primary objective of education and commended St Kuriakose Elias Chavara's contributions towards advancing higher education. The ceremony, conducted in the college auditorium, saw participation of K V Thomas, managing trustee of Vidyadhanam Trust and Kerala govt's representative in Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi University vice-chancellor C T Aravindakumar, Sacred Heart institutions manager Fr Varghese Kachappilly CMI and other college administrators.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Governor urges youngsters to stay away from drugs
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has urged youngsters to stay away from drugs. He was speaking after handing over the St. Chavara Excellence Awards instituted under Vidyadhanam Trust, an initiative of K.V. Thomas, the Kerala government's special representative in Delhi, to students of Sacred Heart School of Communication, the media department of Sacred Heart College, here on Wednesday. Addiction to drugs will not only affect one's future but also that of the family and society as well. Hence, the youth should stay away from drugs. Instead, they should set goals and strive towards achieving them. Activities of Vidyadhanam Trust serve as motivation in that journey, said Mr. Arlekar. Mr. Thomas, Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor C.T. Aravindakumar, Sacred Heart Institutions manager Father Varghese Kachappilly, Sacred Heart College Principal C.S. Biju, and Sacred Heart School of Communication director Babu Joseph were present.
