Periyar’s rational light now shines across the world: TN CM after unveiling portrait in Oxford
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has said social reformer Periyar’s (E V Ramasamy) rational light now shone across the world and the Self-Respect Movement he launched a century ago redefined freedom, causing chains to fall and dignity to rise.
Unveiling a portrait of the renowned social reformer at Oxford University’s St. Antony’s College, on September 4, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Self-Respect Movement, during his ongoing tour of the UK to attract investments to the state, Stalin highlighted the progressive legacy of Periyar.
The portrait was painted by Thotta Tharani, an Indian art director, painter and production designer.
The Chief Minister emphasised the movement’s global impact on social justice and lauded Periyar’s advocacy for rationalism, gender equality, and anti-caste reforms.
“It is a lifetime honour to unveil the portrait of Periyar at Oxford University - an institution synonymous with knowledge, human rights, and dignity. This unveiling is proof that Periyar’s rational light now shines across the world beyond Tamil Nadu’s borders,” he said at the event.
"Self Respect Movement - A revolution that redefined freedom! Chains fell, dignity rose. Thanthai Periyar’s Self-Respect Movement shattered fundamentalisms, awakened dignity, nurtured scientific temper, and made us a guiding light of social transformation," Stalin said in a post on the social media platform ‘X’.
“At Oxford, I spoke with pride as heir to Periyar’s legacy, honouring the revolution that turned centuries of subjugation into the eternal anthem of Self Respect. We aren’t just celebrating history; we are guiding tomorrow,” he further said.
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4 children test HIV positive in MP govt hospital; contaminated blood transfusion suspected
Satna/Bhopal (PTI): Four children suffering from thalassemia have tested HIV positive at Satna District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh allegedly due to contaminated blood transfusions, officials said on Tuesday.
The case is four months old and an investigation is underway into it, an official said.
Officials suspect the use of contaminated needles or blood transfusions for the spread of infection to the children.
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MP Health Minister Rajendra Shukla told reporters in Bhopal that he has ordered a probe into the matter and sought a report.
“It is also being investigated whether the blood transfusion took place in other hospitals also or only in the government hospital,” he said.
The affected children, aged between 12 and 15 years, received blood transfusions from the hospital's blood bank, as per an official.
Devendra Patel, in-charge of the blood bank at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel District Hospital in Satna, said four children have tested HIV positive and an investigation is underway to determine how they got infected.
"Either an infected needle was used or a blood transfusion occurred. These are the two main reasons I believe. Blood transfusion seems to be the most likely cause," he told PTI Videos.
All these children suffer from thalassemia, and some have received 80 or 100 blood transfusions, he said.
A family member of one of the affected children said that their child was found to be HIV positive during a routine checkup about four months back, and he has been receiving medication, but it had proven to be of no use.
After taking the medication for HIV, the child starts vomiting, feels low and becomes ill, he said.
After the four children were detected with HIV infection, their family members were also tested and the results came out negative, he added.
The Opposition Congress targeted the government over the matter and demanded the resignation of Health Minister Shukla.
Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, Congress MLA and former minister Sachin Yadav claimed such incidents were continuously occurring in Madhya Pradesh.
Earlier, a case of toxic cough syrup came to light in Chhindwara, followed by incidents of rat bites at hospitals in Indore and Satna, and now children have been given HIV-infected blood, he said.
"The health minister is unable to manage the department. He should resign. A murder case should be filed against those responsible for the Satna incident," Yadav said.
Senior Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma termed it a failure of the government. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's government has no connection with ground realities, he charged.
"Somewhere rats are roaming in hospitals, somewhere children are being given HIV-infected blood. Instead of preventing HIV, you are spreading it. Mohan Yadav should wake up from his slumber. Children are the nation's heritage and should be taken care of," he added.
