Tulu Actor Shobharaj Pavoor receives threats, insults for his Facebook post on fuel price hike
Mangaluru: Tulu actor, director Shobharaj Pavoor received threats and insults on social media for publishing a Facebook post about the rise in fuel price on Tuesday.
Shobharaj’s Facebook post that read, “NAMO… we were deceived… Petrol Dhaga Dhaga…. Diesel Bhaga Bhaga”, was published on Tuesday. Since it received threatening and insulting comments, Shobharaj had to delete the post.
Several individuals calling themselves BJP and Sangha Parivar’s members have posted comments threatening and insulting Shobharaj for the post he published.
A Facebook account going by the name BJP Manjeshwar posted a comment that read, “When the Country is progressing so much, itching dogs like you barking for a few biscuits show what is your origin”, in a comment below Shobharaj’s post.
Another account named Sandeep Siddakatte commented, “Isn’t he the same man who cheated people by asking them for money to release a film and did not release a film”, he wrote in Tulu.
Ravindra Nayak’s comment reads, “Did you need this? If you want to taunt politically join politics, leaving that is such a propaganda necessary?” he questioned in Tulu.
Shobharaj Pavoor then published a Tulu post clarifying his previous post, but the clarification post also received insults, threats in the comment due to which Shobharaj deleted his posts.
Shobharaj’s Clarification post in Tulu read-
“I had presumed that NAMO meant Namma Modi, I had voted looking at Modi’s face. With the authority that from the petty change money that I have been earning, I have been paying my taxes, and with the common knowledge that we can post our respective thoughts on our Facebook walls, I have posted my status…
If my status has hurt anybody’s sentiments, forgive me…
Your comments have not caused me any sadness, as I have not seen any of them…
If my personal decision does end up affecting those producing my movies, be it my producers or you, by causing hurt, trouble, or instigating violence, then I would like to withdraw such a decision…”
-Shobharaj Pavoor
“Shobharaj Pavoor is a talented actor belonging to the Tulu Theatre Industry. Recently, he had stood out with his performance as a Tulu cinema actor and director. Politically, he had been supporting Narendra Modi. Voted for him. It is surprising to see that, for speaking opposing the petrol price hike and writing one post against Modi, overnight he has been turned into a traitor. On Facebook, Modi supporters are actively hunting for him. Along with intolerant ridiculing, threats, Shobharaj Pavoor’s new film that is ready for release is being harshly threatened with a boycott and delay.
Because of this Shobharaj has even deleted his first post and published an apology post, clarifying his earlier post in Tulu. Despite this, dissatisfied Modi supporters have continued to issue threats overnight via hundreds of accounts below the clarification post. Now Shobharaj has deleted his apology post and resorted to silence. Months before, when Tulunadu’s people’s favourite actor Arvind Bolar had made a satire on fake astrologers, Modi supporters had conducted a similar online attack until the actor submitted to silence.
This is rampant. This kind of heavy-handedness to ensure that Tulunadu’s artists, writers, folks from cultural theatre do not raise their voice against BJP, its government, and Parivar for any reason, is extremely dangerous. This current state is a reflection of the entire country. During such a serious situation, Tulu Theatre Industry, Cinema Industry, Writers, Artist must stand in support of Shobharaj Pavoor. Conscious citizens must raise their voices. Otherwise, life is sure to become unbearable.”
-Muneer Kaatipalla
ಶೋಭರಾಜ್ ಪಾವೂರು ತುಳುರಂಗ ಭೂಮಿಯ ಪ್ರತಿಭಾವಂತ ನಟ. ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ತುಳು ಸಿನೆಮಾಗಳಲ್ಲೂ ನಟ, ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾಗಿ ಮಿಂಚುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ರಾಜಕೀಯವಾಗಿ...
Posted by Abdul Muneer on Tuesday, 2 February 2021
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
