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Sengol: The emblem of Independence and India’s Chola dynasty heritage

Sengol is a golden sceptre is some 76 years old. The British handed over the Sengol to Indian leaders to marks the transition of power from Britain to newly-independent Indians.

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Sengol: The emblem of Independence and India’s Chola dynasty heritage

By Pratik Agrawal

The inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday has already become a controversy with at least 19 opposition parties objecting over the decision and choosing to boycott the event.

The Narendra Modi-led government today has announced the installation of the Sengol, a Chola staff or sceptre, in the new Parliament marking it as a highlight of a often forgotten episode in India’s history.

The step taken by the Union government has not just put the spotlight on the Chola dynasty but has zeroed in on the old rulers of Tamil country. After its defeat in Karnataka, the BJP lost its lone hold in South India.

The decision to install the Sengol, which traces its origin to the Chola dynasty, is being seen as the BJP’s attempt to appeal to Tamils and create fresh influence for the party among the state’s voters.

What’s the Sengol?

Sengol is a golden sceptre is some 76 years old. The British handed over the Sengol to Indian leaders to marks the transition of power from Britain to newly-independent Indians.

Months before the people of the country were to listen to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s Tryst with Destiny speech, the last Viceroy of India, Lord Loius Mountbatten, asked Nehru a question that baffled him.

Mountbatten asked Nehru how would he symbolize India’s attaining independence. Puzzled, Nehru could not think of anything better than to seek the advice of C Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, the first and last Indian Governor-General.

Rajaji, an erudite scholar of history, customs and civilisation, suggested to Nehru that during the Chola dynasty in Tamil tradition, the high priest (Rajaguru) of the state would hand over a sceptre to the new king during his coronation, symbolising his assumption of regal office.

Nehru warmed to Rajaji’s suggestion that a sceptre be handed to him to mark the change in one’s destiny from being a subject of the British king to a free, independent leader of India. He assigned the task to Rajaji to arrange such a sceptre.

Rajaji then contacted Thiruvaduthurai Aadheenam, the prominent mutt in Mayiladuthurai, the heartland of the Chola dynasty. The 20th Guru Sri La Sri Ambalavana Desika Swamigal, then seer of the mutt, took over the responsibility for making the golden sceptre despite his ill-health.

The seer assigned the task to Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers in Madras (now Chennai). The owner, Vummidi Bangaru, was entrusted with the job due to his expertise. Finally, the Sengol studded with jewels was ready with a bull (nandi) on top as a symbol of strength, truth and righteousness. The Sengol cost Rs 15,000 back then.

The seer sent a delegation from the mutt on a special plane arranged by the government to Delhi with the Sengol. He also sent a congratulatory note to Nehru with the delegation.

The Sengol was then taken to Mountbatten, who handed it back to the team, led by Sri La Sri Kumaraswamy Thambiran, whence Ganga water was sprinkled on it and was handed over to Nehru in a procession.

Finally on August 14, 1947 at 11:45 PM, exactly 15 minutes before India attained Independence and Nehru started his historic address, Tryst with Destiny, the delegation presented the Sengol to Nehru in the presence of Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President.

Sengol was presented with the chanting of the Kolaru Pathigam by Manickam Odhuvaar and Nadaswaram played by TN Rajarathinam. Kolaru Pathigam are hymns from Thevaram, originally composed by Shaivite saint Thirugnana Sambandar.

The Sengol not only marked India’s Independence, but also marked the birth of the nation as a union of the North and the South.

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Home Ministry convenes emergency meeting amid rising security concerns after Pahalgam terror attack

After the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, the Home Ministry convened a high-level meeting in Delhi as intense security operations unfold across Jammu and Kashmir.

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Amid heightened security concerns following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Ministry of Home Affairs convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Key officials attending the meeting include Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director Generals of the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, and the National Security Guard (NSG), along with senior representatives from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Meanwhile, extensive counter-terrorism operations are ongoing at multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir. Sources familiar with the matter noted that, due to the sensitive nature of these operations, no specific updates are currently being disclosed.

In a related development on Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at 13 locations in the Doda district, targeting terrorist hideouts and individuals suspected of links to terrorist activities.

Additionally, Srinagar Police carried out a series of extensive searches across the city. These operations focused on the residences of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and associates linked to banned terrorist outfits, as part of ongoing investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to a police statement, searches were conducted at the homes of 63 individuals. These operations were executed in accordance with legal procedures, under the supervision of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses, aiming to collect evidence such as weapons, documents, and digital devices to thwart any potential conspiracies threatening national security.

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Family Man 3 actor Rohit Basfore found dead near Guwahati waterfall

Actor Rohit Basfore, part of Family Man 3, was found dead at Garbhanga Waterfalls. Initial police reports cite accidental drowning, but further investigation is ongoing.

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In a tragic turn of events, actor Rohit Basfore, known for his role in the upcoming third season of The Family Man, was found dead near the Garbhanga Waterfalls in Guwahati on Sunday, April 27. The incident has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and among fans.

According to police reports, Basfore had gone on a picnic with nine colleagues when the mishap occurred. Officials from Rani Police Outpost stated that he allegedly fell into the waterfall around 2 pm. The authorities were alerted by 4 pm, and a rescue operation led by the SDRF team resulted in the recovery of his body at approximately 6.30 pm.

Initial findings suggest that Basfore died by accidental drowning, with the police currently not suspecting foul play. However, the final confirmation on the cause of death will depend on the awaited post-mortem report. Despite the preliminary conclusions, Basfore’s family members have voiced concerns over possible foul play, prompting further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

In recent weeks, Rohit Basfore had shared glimpses from the set of Family Man 3 on his social media, expressing excitement about his experience. He posted photographs alongside co-actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Dalip Tahil, reflecting on his enthusiasm for learning and acting.

The Family Man series, a creation by Raj & DK for a leading OTT platform, stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role of Srikant Tiwari. The popular thriller debuted its first season in 2019, followed by a second season in 2021, and has gained a loyal fanbase awaiting its third chapter.

As the investigation continues, friends, fans, and colleagues mourn the untimely loss of a budding talent whose career was just beginning to blossom.

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PM Modi to chair crucial security meeting after Pahalgam attack

PM Modi will chair crucial security and cabinet meetings tomorrow to assess national preparedness after the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead in Jammu and Kashmir.

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PM Modi

In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a series of crucial meetings tomorrow to review India’s security preparedness.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the nation’s apex body for national security decisions, is scheduled to convene around 11 am. This will be the second high-level review since the tragic incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the CCS meeting, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by the Prime Minister, will also gather to discuss political and strategic issues. Senior leaders, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Health Minister JP Nadda, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will participate in the deliberations.

Later, the Cabinet’s Economic Affairs Committee will meet, culminating in a full cabinet session.

During the previous CCS meeting, held two days after the attack, the government placed security forces across the country on heightened alert and vowed strict action against those responsible. Measures taken included suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, halting SAARC visas, closing the Wagah-Attari border, and downgrading diplomatic ties with Islamabad.

Additionally, Pakistani nationals residing in India were asked to return to their country, with a slight extension given to those holding medical visas until Tuesday. In retaliation, Pakistan announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the historic Simla Agreement.

As tensions between the two countries escalate, tomorrow’s meetings are expected to chart the next course of action amid rising security concerns.

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