A programme to award school students for their best inventions as part of an entrepreneurship initiative was held on 14 November 2024 at the Anna University campus, with School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi as the special guest to commemorate Children’s Day. However, the event drew sharp criticism after the minister presented a certificate to his own son, Kavin, raising allegations of nepotism and favoritism.
Kavin, an 8th-grade student at an international curriculum school in Alwarpet, Chennai, was among the recipients. Eyebrows were raised when news spread that he was allegedly hand-picked to be part of the project team for the sake of his father. The minister’s public gesture of patting his son on the shoulder and expressing pride further fueled speculation about the fairness of the selection process.
In an interview that has since gone viral, Kavin’s candid remarks raised even more questions. When asked about the project, he admitted, “It is not my idea; it is my group mates’ idea. I did not help much with the project.” Shockingly, he also revealed that he only learned about the project the day before the event, adding, “I don’t know how to react to winning the prize. I am a little happy to receive it from my father.”
The project, described as a biotech insurance startup aimed at streamlining loan disbursements and insurance, was supposedly a team effort. However, Kavin’s disinterest and lack of involvement highlighted concerns over why he was included in the first place. Critics wonder if the minister used his position to secure undue recognition for his son, undermining the integrity of the programme meant to celebrate genuine student innovation.
Social media users have expressed outrage, with one comment summarizing public sentiment: “Holy moly. He was drafted in to receive the prize just because of his father? This undermines the hard work of other deserving students.”
👀 Holy moly. He was drafted in to receive the prize just coz of his father?
I appreciate and respect this boy’s honesty in expressing his bemusement and disinterest in taking credit for someone else’s achievement! https://t.co/ZLobFsgXgJ
— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) November 15, 2024
In another interview, the boy is seen saying he does not study Tamil and that he was learning French which he found to be difficult.
While Minister Anbil Mahesh has not yet responded to the allegations, the incident has sparked calls for transparency and accountability in such programs. Many are demanding an investigation into the selection process to ensure that awards are granted based on merit and not political influence.
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