A controversy has broken out in Vellore district after several private Christian educational institutions in the Katpadi area were accused of compelling students to watch The Face of the Faceless, a newly released film depicting the life of a Christian nun.
A video showing a priest escorting students into a Katpadi cinema hall (Vishnu Cinemas) went viral on social media last week, sparking widespread debate and criticism. It is alleged that the children were shown the cinema over the weekend.
Hindu Munnani state executive member Mahesh said it was unlawful for private school administrations to take children to cinema theatres without obtaining parental consent. He questioned whether the Tamil Nadu government had approved or recommended the screening of a religious film for school students.
Mahesh said that the School Education Department must clarify its stance and urged the District Education Officer and School Education Minister to take disciplinary action against the schools involved.
Questions Over Consistency in Government Response
Hindu Munnani leaders also noted that in previous years, the School Education Department had taken strong action in government schools when speakers delivering spiritual or philosophical content were deemed inappropriate. They questioned whether the same standards would be applied to private Christian institutions alleged to be promoting religious content.
Motivational Speaker Mahavishnu Controversy
In September 2024, a controversy erupted in Chennai after motivational speaker Mahavishnu from the Paramporul Foundation addressed students at government schools in Ashok Nagar and Saidapet during Teacher’s Day celebrations. His talk included references to rebirth, karma, ancient Gurukula education, mantras with supernatural abilities, and philosophical ideas about past-life actions shaping present circumstances. A school staff member objected, saying he was invited only for a motivational session, leading to a heated exchange that went viral. Dravidian groups criticised the speech as unscientific, prompting School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh to visit the school, order an inquiry, and promise severe action.
Stark Contrast with September 2024 Incident
This muted response stands in sharp opposition to the government’s reaction to the Mahavishnu controversy. “You came to my area, spoke, and left; you have insulted my teachers. So, I’m stressing at this point that I will not let you off lightly,” the minister had famously declared, promising severe action.
Calls for Inquiry
The Hindu Munnani demanded an immediate investigation into how multiple Christian-run schools allegedly coordinated the screening and whether students were pressured to attend. It also sought clarification on whether fees were collected for the movie screening and if parents were informed in advance.
(Source: Dinamalar)
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