Library Movement in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu's transformation as a model knowledge society flows from its continuous investment in the library movement. The state boasts of 4661 libraries under the Directorate of Public Libraries alone along with numerous specialised libraries across the state.

Tamil Nadu Through A Data Prism

Do you know that Tamil Nadu's economy was second from the bottom in the 1950s? Today, Tamil Nadu is second from the top and some of its achievements are compared to that of Scandinavian countries. This is a phenomenal transformation story.

Empowerment Through Education

Tamil Nadu has an education policy that is in line with the historical legacy, the present situation and future aspirations of the State. Its efficacy flows from its commitment to improve access, equity, and quality of education. It has a method to address issues related to on-field implementation of policy, understanding learning outcomes and employmentready skills.

Fostering Global Tamil Unity

Historically, Tamils have ventured abroad for trade, expeditions and also to settle abroad. A large number of Tamils migrate to foreign countries for economic reasons, globalization and in search of employment. The State has created a Commissionerate to ensure the welfare of all Non-Resident Tamils.

Return to Ideology

IT was in 1960 that the end of ideology was announced in a book called The End of Ideology: On the Exhaustion of Political Ideas in the Fifties by Daniel Bell where the American writer argued that political ideas had lost their grip on people’s imagination and emotions.

A Civilisational And Cultural Incubator

Cultural inheritances in Tamil Nadu are nurtured and cultivated by creating institutions for learning and practice of different forms of arts and crafts.

The centre for Sunrise Industries and Startups

Tamil Nadu has recognised the stellar role Startups play in solving crucial problems with original and unique models. Further, they are a proven source of fuel for innovation, job creation and ultimately the economy.

Tamil Nadu Tops in Gross Enrolment Ratio: Unpacking the Success Story

Opening colleges in remote corners has paid off for Tamil Nadu as it has a gross enrolment ratio (GER) of 51.3% in higher education, almost double the national average. In fact, the state's GER exceeds the National Education Policy's target of 50% to be achieved in the year 2030.

Free Breakfast And A Healthy Society

The free breakfast scheme launched in Tamil Nadu for school children is not a freebie but a duty of a state that is committed to the welfare of its citizens.

The Dravidian Transformative Journey

J Jayaranjan, Vice Chairman, State Planning Commission, delves into the transformative journey of Tamil Nadu over the past century in this insightful interview. He also speaks about the pivotal role played by education and economic reforms in reshaping the state's landscape. Through a historical lens, the economist sheds light on the policies and initiatives that have contributed to Tamil Nadu's remarkable growth, positioning it as a frontrunner in social and economic progress in the country.

Gender Justice Defines Affirmative Actions

Gender Justice has been an integral part of the social justice quest of the Tamil Nadu government. This lofty dream is realised through series of affirmative actions implemented over the last five decades.

A Trillion Dollar Dream

Tamil Nadu, the second-largest economy in India, boasts a significant contribution to the country's economy, accounting for approximately 9.6% of its GDP. Its march towards a trillion-dollar economy by 2030 is based on investment-led growth, focusing on agriculture, credit, infrastructure, and skill development.

The Man Who Shot Deewaar

Most of Yash Chopra's iconic films, including Deewaar, Kabhi Kabhie and Silsila were shot by the prolific Kay Gee

Acting Away Oppression

Virendra Ganvir uses theatre as a medium to confront the societal inequalities associated with manual scavenging

Bonding with the Bonds

The revelation of donor-recipient connections in electoral bonds may cause discomfort to the BJP-the biggest beneficiary. But many others are looking for cover, too

"We need ideas, patience, and hope"

Over the last few years, several human rights organisations have been demanding the release of former Delhi University professor Gokarakonda Naga (G N) Saibaba. On March 5, 2024, the Bombay High Court acquitted Saibaba along with Hem Mishra, Mahesh Tirki, Vijay Tirki, Prashant Rahi, and Pandu Narote.

The Iron Harvest

The farming community has always been given great significance when it comes to poll promises and manifestoes. But many of their issues have never been resolved

The Young and the Restless

Nearly two crore young voters will cast ballots for their next government this year. One of their major issues - unemployment

The Female Factor

Female voters are set to outnumber male voters by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections in India. Yet, the number of women in the political domain remains woefully low

The Politics of New Castes

With the Prime Minister announcing the poor, women, farmers, and the youths as new caste categories, it would be interesting to see its impact on the upcoming General Elections

The Runaway Groom

Tribal communities in the country have had interesting and unique wedding customs, but most have gone extinct with time

Truly Traditional

As the trend of lavish five-day weddings becomes the norm, many are going back to the roots to revive lapsed traditions

Bridal Bling

Bridal wear has gone extravagant with custom-made couture created by leading Indian designers

Cupid Inc

Most professional matchmakers operate like big businesses today - super-organised, digitally savvy, keen to extend their reach beyond Indian shores

Flash Back

From staged to candid and back-wedding photography has come a full circle

Destination PARADISE

Destination weddings have picked up pace in Kashmir. Though it's an expensive affair, but that has not stopped people from pouring in to the Valley to do wedding recces

Exotic Locales, Offbeat Weddings

Young couples are now exploring the idea of stepping outside the traditional mandaps and scouting for unique destinations in India and abroad

Band, Baaja, Business

Glitzy, opulent weddings popularised by Bollywood inspire real-life marriage ceremonies, making them all look the same, drowning out local customs, cuisines, and contexts

Wed in India

MY middle-class family has watched too many clips of the spectacular weddings of celebrities that even have the power to change social media algorithms. My aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces have now started to hire choreographers to train them to dance on stage in locations other than home so they can have a destination wedding tag. That’s the trend.

The 'Cool Girl' Burden

Neoliberalism and new femininities: The intensification of beauty standards for women in the digital age