Delhi Government Launches Laxmi Scheme: Information on Receiving a Monthly Payment of 2500 Rupees

Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron faced criticism from some South Africans after sharing memories of the violence she experienced in her childhood in the country. On the podcast The Interview Podcast, she recounted that every room in her home was equipped with steel security doors due to safety concerns.

The actress, who was born in South Africa, made these remarks while describing life in the country during the turbulent final years of apartheid. Theron stated that their home had steel doors in all rooms, and if someone entered through the front door, the kitchen was also protected by a steel door that needed to be opened.

She explained that such extensive security reflected the violence her family lived through at the time. Theron described it as 'meaningless violence,' similar to that which cannot be dialogued with, noting that the country was on the brink of civil war, which caused fear.

These statements sparked criticism on social media among parts of the South African population. Critics accused the actress of unfairly negatively portraying the country and argued that her description lacked broader historical context.

Among the critics was Dylan Miles, who stated that Theron's words reflect the perspective of someone shielded from the realities faced by most Black populations during apartheid. Miles noted that 'she was deeply privileged and protected. It looks like a very white supremacist worldview.' He added that while she calls it 'meaningless violence,' it was actually Black people fighting for liberation from people like her.

Peyman Pirán also criticized Theron's comments, stating that they fail to acknowledge the historical context of the struggle against apartheid. Pirán warned that 'from now on, Charlize Theron is on my boycott list for calling the fight against colonialism and apartheid 'meaningless violence.' If you cannot distinguish between the violence of the oppressed and the violence of the oppressors, then you are part of the system.'

Theron was born in Benoni, Gauteng, in 1975, and spent her childhood in South Africa before moving abroad to build a career as a model and actress.

A video from Udaipur, Rajasthan, is circulating widely on social media. The footage shows women in colorful attire walking through a market, carrying large pots on their heads, and then pouring dirty water in front of shop windows. The initial reaction of many observers was based on the assumption that the women were dissatisfied with the shopkeepers or were holding some kind of protest.

However, it turned out that this is not an act of conflict or objection, but rather part of a centuries-old folk tradition of the Mewar region. Local residents believe that performing this ritual pleases the god Indra and helps bring good rains. Therefore, every year during the monsoon season, this unique rite is celebrated with great enthusiasm, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

In many parts of Rajasthan, when rainfall decreases or the monsoon weakens, people perform various folk rituals to appease the god Indra. The tradition involving women in Udaipur and its surroundings pouring dirty or stagnant water from pots onto shops and markets is also based on this belief. Local residents are convinced that this custom of breaking pots is a way of praying for good rain, and there is no anger or dispute involved. Shopkeepers are aware of this tradition and consider it auspicious; in some places, they even greet the women during this event, accompanying them with jokes.

During this ritual, the women dress in traditional Rajasthani attire and come out in groups, carrying large pots on their heads. Drums and nagaras sound, folk songs are performed, and the entire area is immersed in an atmosphere of celebration. Children, the elderly, and bystanders also participate in this event. The video that went viral on social media captures exactly such a scene: women moving through a busy market with pots and pouring water in front of shops. Although this may seem strange to those seeing it for the first time, for the locals, it is a cultural tradition that has existed for many years.

In an arid region like Rajasthan, rain has always played a vital role in life. Therefore, numerous folk rituals are conducted here to appease the god Indra. Sometimes special worships are held, sometimes processions are organized, and sometimes women and children wander through villages or towns singing folk songs. The goal of these traditions is not only religious faith but also the unification of people.

The Mewar region is known throughout the country for its colorful folk festivals and cultural events. Traditional events such as Gangor, Mewar Utsav, and greenery-related events are still celebrated with great enthusiasm here.

This video, which went viral on Instagram and other social media platforms, has been viewed by millions of users. Many users initially misinterpreted what was happening and asked why the women were pouring dirty water into the shops. However, residents of Udaipur and Rajasthan explained in the comments that this is an ancient folk tradition to summon rain and that it is not done with ill intent. Some viewed it as a wonderful example of India's cultural diversity, while many foreign users were also surprised by this unusual practice.

Kevin Chaplin decided to leave a successful career in banking, despite reaching a high executive position in one of South Africa's largest financial organizations. However, this step was driven by a desire to fulfill a more significant calling, which has helped thousands of young South Africans find employment, start their own businesses, and gain hope through the work of the South African Ubuntu Foundation and the Amy Foundation.

Today, Chaplin serves as the Executive Chairman of the South African Ubuntu Foundation and the Executive Director of the Amy Foundation. These two organizations focus on promoting social cohesion and providing youth with the necessary skills for a successful life.

Reflecting on the decision that changed his life, Chaplin noted that he never stopped loving banking. He told IOL: 'I loved banking. What motivated me every day were my clients and employees, and the opportunity to change their lives.'

Nevertheless, after many years in the corporate world, he began asking a deeper question: 'I constantly asked myself: 'What would God want me to do on a larger scale?''. This question became the impetus for his journey, leading to his resignation from the board, the creation of the South African Ubuntu Foundation, and the subsequent saving of the Amy Foundation from closure.

The decision to save the Amy Foundation helped over 2,551 young people find jobs and supported the creation of 306 youth-owned enterprises. Chaplin discovered that despite democratic progress in South Africa, people remain divided along racial, cultural, religious, and linguistic lines.

Believing that interconnectedness between different communities is key to building a stronger South Africa, he spent a year developing what became the South African Ubuntu Foundation. Before its launch, he met with the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu to share his vision. Chaplin said: 'Arch, you tell the world we are the Rainbow Nation, but it is not true. Everyone still lives separately. No one truly steps out of their comfort zone.'

He left his position and founded a foundation to promote social cohesion, ethical leadership, and dialogue between communities. The goal was to break down barriers, unite people, accept each other, and help create a successful, vibrant society where everyone is respected, grows together, and builds a better world.

Just three months after launching the foundation, Chaplin faced another fateful opportunity. The Amy Foundation, then known as the Amy Bikhul Foundation, was on the verge of closure due to lack of funding. Instead of letting the organization disappear, Chaplin decided to take it over. When Amy's mother said, 'I have no choice. There is no money. I am going to close it,' he replied, 'No, I will take it on.'

Although he was offered to merge it with the Ubuntu Foundation, Chaplin felt that the organizations served different purposes. He explained: 'The Ubuntu Foundation is designed to unite business leaders and communities. And the Amy Foundation is for youth.'

Nearly two decades later, this decision transformed thousands of lives. The Amy Foundation grew from supporting just 100 young people with a staff of 10 to providing annual assistance to about 2,000 young people through educational programs, vocational training, mentorship, and employment programs.

Over 2,551 young people found employment, and 306 youth-owned businesses were launched with the foundation's support. Chaplin believes these achievements were made possible by patience, strong partnerships, and a dedicated team.

Unlike traditional training centers, the Amy Foundation prepares youth for workplace realities by combining technical training with life skills. Chaplin emphasized: 'We are not just a training organization; we teach attitude, punctuality, business ethics, business etiquette, life skills, and readiness for retail.'

He noted that these qualities have earned the trust of employers, many of whom now specifically hire graduates of this organization, knowing they are job-ready. Chaplin's philosophy is also reflected in his book 'CAN DO: Making the Impossible Possible,' which is based on the lessons of his personal and professional journey, advocating for resilience, leadership, and self-belief.

Chaplin advises youth to believe in themselves and not let anyone tell them they cannot achieve anything. He believes that success is built on honesty and relationships, as one cannot know how those relationships will help you in the future. For him, the greatest measure of success is watching how one opportunity can transform an entire family.

Acknowledging the ongoing problem of high youth unemployment in South Africa, Chaplin insists on the urgent need to bridge the gap between school education and employer requirements by equipping youth with practical skills, confidence, and career counseling. His plans include expanding the Amy Foundation's Youth Skills Centre in Rondebosch, Cape Town, as well as increasing the reach of the South African Ubuntu Foundation.