Mahishasura represents great identity of Dalits: Jayan Malpe
Flower-laying program for Mahishasura held in Malpe
Udupi: The history of India reflects a conflict between Brahmins and Dalits, said Jayan Malpe. He emphasised that Mahishasura represents the great identity of Dalits while speaking at the flower-laying program for Mahishasura, organised by the Ambedkar Yuva Sena Udupi district unit at Saraswati Bayalu Theater, Malpe, on Sunday.
Jayan Malpe criticised the portrayal of Mahishasura in Indian mythology, asserting that the Puranas and epics have misled Dalits by depicting him as a demon. He argued that those who opposed Vedic doctrines were often labeled as demons in ancient texts. "Mahishasura is not a demon but a great savior," he stated.
Harish Salyan, the founder-president of Ambedkar Yuva Sena, highlighted that Vedic literature often portrayed figures like King Bali, Ravana, Narakasura, and Mahishasura in a negative light. He stressed the importance of rejecting traditional mythology and reinterpreting history to reflect the true identity of Dalits.
The program was attended by various Dalit leaders, including Bhagwan, Satish Kappettu, Prasad Malpe, Arun Salyan, Sadhu Chitpadi, Sushil Kumar, Raviraj Lakshminagar, Vasant Ambalapadi, Sadhakar Nergi, Yogesh Malpe, Suresh Thottam, Vinaya Balaramanagar, former Municipal Council vice-president Sandhya Tilakraj, Purnima Nanda, Pramila Harish, Sada V Pain Jayaraj, and Chitrakshi Kadike.
Ganesh Nergi, the President of Ambedkar Yuva Sena, Udupi District, stated that due to the enforcement of the Election Code of Conduct, the flower-laying program was held symbolically. "Next year, Mahishasura Dasara will be celebrated at the village levels across Udupi district," he added.
Deepak Kodavoor extended a warm welcome to the attendees, while Gunavanth Thottam delivered the vote of thanks.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
