Tamil Nadu Chief K. Jayas Vijay initiates resolution to introduce Tamil Thai Vazhthu as state anthem in official events

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special video message through his official Instagram account on the occasion of National Handloom Day, which is celebrated on August 7. In his message, he called for economic support for India's traditional weaving community, recalling the country's history, the struggle for independence, and the foundations of the self-reliance movement.

At the beginning of his video address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled an important historical moment. He stated: 'Friends, we must not forget August 7, 1905. It was on August 7, 1905, that the movement for self-reliance for the country's independence began, and the foundation of Self-Reliant India was laid. The citizens of the country fought a huge battle against the British, and every citizen joined in.'

Addressing the youth and residents of the country directly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi compared celebrating Friendship Day to how Handloom Day should be celebrated on August 7, with the same enthusiasm. He emphasized that the true meaning of celebrating this day lies in supporting the poor families of weavers who create beautiful and diverse fabrics by hand on looms in their homes.

To help the poor brothers and sisters-weavers become economically prosperous and realize the dream of 'Self-Reliant India,' the Prime Minister urged citizens to participate in a special digital campaign. He made an earnest appeal to all citizens to purchase any product or fabric made using the handloom method. Then, they must create a short video or reel featuring this handwoven item and publish it on social media to showcase the skill, potential, and labor of Indian weavers to the world.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi wished all citizens a Happy National Handloom Day on August 7.

The head of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party, Asaduddin Owaisi, sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh Deputy Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Wednesday regarding his statements about madrasas.

Owaisi stated that people who use 'chairs' spew poison to remain politically relevant. He also noted that the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad, studied at a madrasa, as did Munshi Premchand and Raja Ram Mohan Roy, adding this to his statement as a Member of Parliament from Hyderabad.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader in Karnataka, B.I. Vijendra, sent a letter to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, urging him towards a joint approach in resolving the long-standing dispute over water in the Cauvery River. He emphasized that the river should unite people, not divide them.

This appeal came amid escalating tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) demanded that Karnataka release 3500 cubic feet of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. This demand sparked protests in Karnataka, while the DMK party approached the Supreme Court requesting enforcement of the water release order and resolution of the accumulated deficit.

In his letter, Vijendra noted that disagreements between neighboring states are natural occurrences, but they must be resolved through dialogue and statesmanship. He wrote: 'As neighboring states, disagreements are inevitable. What matters is how we resolve them.'

Referencing a previous resolution of the dispute surrounding the Thiruvalluvar statue in Bengaluru, Vijendra pointed out that former Karnataka Prime Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and former Tamil Nadu Prime Minister M. Karunanidhi demonstrated that complex issues can be settled when the greater public interest prevails. He added: 'Their maturity showed that even complex issues can be resolved when the broader interests of our people prevail. It is in this spirit that I appeal to you today.'

The head of the Bharatiya Janata Party stated that the Cauvery is a vital source for millions of people in Bengaluru and many cities in the Cauvery basin, including both Kannadigas and Tamils residing in Karnataka. He stressed: 'While inadequate and irregular monsoons create immense pressure on farmers and citizens, their concerns cannot be ignored.'

Vijendra also strongly requested Vijay to reconsider the Mekedatu dam project proposed by Karnataka. He argued that this project would help meet Bengaluru's drinking water needs without affecting Tamil Nadu's rightful share of the Cauvery waters. He wrote: 'I also urge you to consider the Mekedatu project in a spirit of cooperation. It can significantly address Bengaluru's drinking water needs without jeopardizing Tamil Nadu's legitimate water requirements.'

He concluded his appeal with the hope that Vijay would adopt a 'statesmanlike position' that protects Karnataka's interests while respecting Tamil Nadu's interests. The letter stated: 'I sincerely hope that you will take a statesmanlike position that protects the true interests of Karnataka while respecting the interests of Tamil Nadu, and helps strengthen the historical bond between our two states. May the Cauvery unite our people, not divide them.'

What is the Cauvery water dispute?

The Cauvery water dispute is one of the longest inter-state river disputes in India, involving Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. It centers on the division of the Cauvery River's waters, which serve as the primary source of drinking water and irrigation for millions of people.