Atlas Ramachandran, Kerala-born businessman and film producer passes away in Dubai
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 3: A well-known NRI businessman from Kerala who once ran a chain of jewellery stores in Kerala and abroad, passed away due to age-related ailments in Dubai, UAE, on Sunday.
The demise of Atlas Group chairman M M Ramachandran, popularly known as 'Atlas' Ramachandran, was condoled by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other political leaders, including BJP state president K Surendran.
Ramachandran, who was 80 years old, was planning to revive his defunct jewellery business which had gone bottoms up after he was jailed in Dubai from 2015 to 2018 for failing to settle the outstanding amount of two bounced cheques worth USD 9.2 million.
As news of his death became public, social media was rife with comments by people who expressed their sadness over his demise and said they were expecting him to make a successful comeback.
People, on social media platforms, also said that he was a humble and innocent man who was betrayed leading to his downfall.
Vijayan, in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), said the businessman was active in public forums and cultural gatherings in Dubai and had close contacts with the non-resident Malayalis.
He also helped the poor, the Chief Minister said in the statement.
Expressing his condolences, he said Ramachandran, who was a jeweller and also a film producer, died before he could realise his desire to return to his native land of Kerala.
The businessman is well known for his tagline -- 'trusted institution of crores' -- and besides producing movies, has also acted in some.
Ramachandran, born in Thrissur district of Kerala in 1942, started his career as a bank employee before moving into the jewellery business, the CMO statement said.
Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said:"Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Atlas Ramachandran, Gulf based Keralite entrepreneur noted for contribution to philanthropy and culture. May his soul attain Mukti ":PRO, KeralaRajBhavan pic.twitter.com/lcLEKiPJTi
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) October 3, 2022
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Will you be ok if I visit Ayodhya Temple? Kharge slams Centre on its anti-SC/ST stance
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge has criticised the BJP government, alleging discrimination against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and accusing them of disrespecting President Draupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind regarding SC/ST issues.
Kharge mentioned that Murmu was not invited to the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the new Parliament House. He also claimed that Kovind was not allowed to lay the foundation stone of the new Parliament House.
Speaking at the 'Idea Exchange' program organised by Indian Express, Kharge responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusation that Congress stayed away from laying the foundation stone of the Ram Mandir due to political pressure.
Kharge questioned, "My people are still not allowed to enter many temples. Will it be tolerated if I go to Ayodhya then?"
Regarding PM Modi's statement about NDA getting 400 seats, Kharge said, "People are yearning for change. So, the dream of the third time will not be fulfilled." He warned against the BJP forming the government again, stating, "They are already talking about changing the constitution."
Responding to whether Congress should have participated in the inauguration of Ram Mandir, Kharge said, "That is a personal belief. Anyone can go there whenever they want. Modi is not a priest. Why should he take the lead in installing the Rama idol? They did it only for political purposes."
He questioned the timing, stating, "One third of the temple is not yet completed. Is it a political act or a religious act? Why are you mixing religion with politics?"
Kharge highlighted issues faced by SCs, such as restrictions in temples, water sources, educational institutions, and instances of discrimination. He asked, "If I had gone to Ram Mandir, would they (Modi-BJP) have tolerated it?"
