News Tamil Nadu

Ashok Nagar Govt Girls School HM Transferred Amid “Motivational Speaker” ‘Paramporul’ Mahavishnu’s Speech Controversy

September 6, 2024
The Commune

Amid the controversy surrounding a government girls’ school in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, where a motivational speaker gave speech on rebirth, karma, and philosophy, the School Education Ministry has ordered the transfer of the Headmistress. This decision has sparked protests from teachers in response to the transfer.

The incident unfolded during the Teacher’s Day celebration on 5 September 2024, when motivational speaker Mahavishnu was invited as the chief guest and delivered a speech covering rebirth, karma, and philosophy. His remarks reportedly offended Dravidianists and Periyarists, leading to widespread outrage and criticism directed at Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh.

In response, Minister Anbil Mahesh visited the school to investigate the matter. After reviewing the situation, he addressed the press, warning that severe action would be taken against the speaker involved. The DMK minister announced that an investigation is underway to determine whether the fault lies with the school headmistress or the departmental officials and emphasized that appropriate action will be taken within two to three days.

On the same day, Tamilarasi, the Headmistress of Ashok Nagar Government Girls Higher Secondary School, received an order to transfer her to Kolvil Padhagai Government School in Tiruvallur District.

Background

Mahavishnu, a motivational speaker from the Paramporul Foundation, was invited to talk in the Ashok Nagar and Saidapet area government schools. During his speech, Mahavishnu stated that ancient Indian education systems, like Gurukulams, were destroyed by British rule, leading to the loss of powerful knowledge once written on palm leaves (olaichuvadu). He asserted that reciting specific mantras could heal bodies, cause “rain of fire,” or enable one to fly, alluding to mystical powers lost over time. He then stated that social inequalities and people’s circumstances—whether rich, poor, criminal, or heroic—were the result of actions in their previous lives.

A school staff member objected to the content of Mahavishnu’s speech, pointing out that the speaker was invited for a motivational talk, not a spiritual discourse. This led to a heated argument, with Mahavishnu questioning the teacher how a child will live a proper life without knowledge about past life karma. A video of the incident, later uploaded to Mahavishnu’s YouTube channel, went viral, triggering widespread criticism among Dravidianists.

Students’ reactions to the speech also raised alarms. Some reportedly broke down in tears, with one student stating, “We were thinking that there is someone above us. But now I understand that God is within us.” Another student commented, “I realized that beyond basic education, there is something beyond the reach of knowledge.” These statements have heightened concerns over the speaker’s influence on impressionable young minds.

Critics argue that while motivational speeches in schools are meant to inspire students, they should promote a scientific outlook and not delve into religious or spiritual doctrines. Social activists and education advocates have called for stricter oversight in government schools to ensure such events do not compromise the core values of the educational system.

Politicians and Dravidianists condemned the school administration for allowing such sensitive topics to be addressed before children.

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