Prez Murmu to visit Siddaganga Math on April 1; Pontiff calls it ‘moment of pride’ for Tumakuru
Tumakuru (Karnataka) (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu will visit the renowned Siddaganga Math on April 1, in what is being described as "a moment of pride" for Tumakuru, its pontiff Siddalinga Swamiji said on Sunday.
Murmu will visit the math to take part in the 119th birth anniversary celebrations of Shivakumara Swamiji, who passed away at the age of 111 on January 21, 2019.
Addressing a press conference, the pontiff outlined the schedule and preparations for the visit, which will see the participation of several dignitaries, including Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and V Somanna, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar and other senior leaders.
“The president’s visit on April 1 is a matter of pride for Tumakuru. It will be the first time a president is visiting the district and the second time a woman president is visiting the math,” Siddalinga Swamiji said.
He said Murmu would first visit the gadduge (memorial) at the math, where she would perform rituals before proceeding to the main stage for the formal programme.
"Upon arrival in Tumakuru, she will first visit the memorial, perform 'aarti' and 'puja', and then proceed directly to the stage. No further events are planned after the stage programme," he further said.
The programme is expected to last about an hour to an hour-and-a-half between 11 am and noon, with arrangements being made in coordination with the district administration.
Cultural events, including a veena recital and vachana (devotional poetry) singing by 119 women, will follow the main function, while dasoha (free community meal) will continue as in previous years, he said.
Swamiji also urged the media not to raise the issue of conferring the Bharat Ratna on Shivakumara Swamiji during the visit.
“Please do not bring it up. We should not seek such honours… This matter should not come to the notice of the president in any way,” he said.
He added that security protocols would be strictly enforced, with restrictions on carrying items such as umbrellas and water bottles into the venue, and appealed to the public to arrive early and cooperate for the smooth conduct of the event.
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TN polls: DMK promises Rs 8,000 'Illatharasi' coupon scheme for women
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin on Sunday released his party's manifesto for the April 23 Assembly elections, and announced providing the "Illatharasi" coupon scheme worth Rs 8,000 for women to buy/replace household electronic goods.
He promised to implement a number of welfare measures in different sectors including education, industry and farming should the DMK return to power and described his party's set of poll promises as a "superstar.".
He said the coupon for women could be used to buy household appliances like TV, refrigerator, washing machine, mixie, microwave oven, induction stove or replace them.
"This new Illatharasi scheme will be implemented. Under this scheme, the women of families who don't come under the income tax bracket would be provided a one-time coupon worth Rs 8,000 to purchase these electronic goods from the shops in their places of residence," Stalin said.
'Illatharasi' in Tamil literally translates to the "queen of the house," and in effect refers to a women head of the family.
Announcing a slew of welfare measures targeting women, girl students, farmers and fishermen, he said "I have mentioned a few as a highlight."
"Usually in Tamil Nadu elections the DMK election manifesto is the hero, but now Dravidian model 2.O's poll manifesto is the superstar," Stalin, who is confident of winning over 200 seats out of 234 in the April 23 election, said.
Expanding the coverage for treatment under the CM Health Insurance scheme to Rs 10 lakh by increasing the annual income ceiling, hiking pension for elderly, widows and spinsters above 50 years to Rs 2,000 per month, doubling the monthly grant under the Kalaignar Magalir Urumai Thogai (monthly assistance) to Rs 2,000 and adding new eligible women under this scheme were some of the other promises the ruling party made.
Expanding the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme till Class 8, and providing free modern electric pump sets without any meters to more than 20 lakh farmers receiving free electricity were among the numerous announcements.
The DMK chief assured to enhance the procurement price of paddy to Rs 3,500 per quintal and the procurement price of sugarcane to Rs 4,500 per tonne.
About 10 lakh new concrete houses will be built under Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam housing scheme and various other housing schemes towards a hut-free Tamil Nadu by 2030.
Skill training will be imparted for five lakh youth who have completed higher education and they will also receive Rs 1,500 per month upon enrolment and completion of 6-month training under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme, he said.
The state will ensure foreign investment of Rs 18 lakh crore aiming to create 50 lakh jobs in five years. The monthly higher education grant of Rs 1,000 to students under Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes will be increased to Rs 1,500. About 35 lakh free laptops will be provided to all college students.
Establishing four future-ready global cities around Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli apart, about 50 Semmozhi Poonga's will be constructed across Tamil Nadu, he said.
In his address, Stalin exuded confidence that the DMK is " going to form government for seventh time."
"This confidence is not just of the party workers but all of TN people, because no state government has made so many achievements. So many record schemes have been delivered. We have achieved double digit growth," he said
The DMK started its tenure in 2021 with a 10-year vision plan.
Today, 1.31 crore women were receiving Rs 1000 monthly assistance, he said. The BJP tried to stop it citing election but we realised the conspiracy and gave it in advance in February," the DMK chief added.
The manifesto was prepared by a team headed by party deputy general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Kaniozhi and the team members included two state ministers. Stalin felicitated them on the occasion.
