Home Blog Page 620

Dravidian Model: Roof Of Newly Renovated Dindigul Govt School Classroom Collapses Injuring Seven Students

A section of the roof in a fourth-grade classroom at Dindigul Corporation Middle School collapsed, injuring seven students who were immediately taken to Dindigul Government Hospital for treatment. The incident has raised concerns among parents, especially since the building underwent repairs just a month ago.

The school, which serves students from grades 1 to 8, has an enrollment of over 400 children. The classroom buildings were originally constructed in 2009 during the DMK government and have been in use since then. Over the years, several structural issues emerged, including cracks and damages in multiple areas. In response, the school administration alerted the Dindigul Corporation, which initiated repair work three months ago, including wall restoration and painting. The fourth-grade classroom was among the recently repaired structures.

On 7 March 2025, while classes were in session, more than 40 students were inside the fourth-grade classroom when the roof suddenly collapsed, injuring seven students, including Mohammed Shakeel, Anto, Gautham, Akhilesh, Tharun, and Ajay. Teachers promptly rescued the injured and transported them to the hospital. Following the incident, Corporation officials and local police arrived at the school, leading to a tense situation in the area. Concerned parents have demanded immediate measures to ensure student safety. In response, the Dindigul Corporation suspended Assistant Executive Engineer Thiagarajan.

Former AIADMK Minister Dindigul C. Sreenivasan, who visited the school, attributed the collapse to substandard, profit-driven construction work. He emphasized that the renovation, which cost ₹1 crore, was poorly executed and called for strict action against the contractor and Corporation officials responsible.

On the other hand, DMK Rural Development Minister I. Periyasamy, who visited the injured students at the hospital, defended the government’s efforts in school infrastructure development. He stated that after Chief Minister Stalin took office, substantial funds were allocated to improve school buildings. He clarified that the roof that collapsed was not part of recent renovations but an older repair where improper plastic adhesion caused the failure. While reassuring that Tamil Nadu schools are well-constructed under the current administration, he acknowledged the mistake and assured that an investigation would be conducted, with necessary actions taken against those responsible.

This is not an isolated incident; similar cases of government school ceilings collapsing on students have been recurring over the past few years under the DMK government.

  • On 3 March 2024, three students from a government school near Vaniyambadi were seriously injured when the roof of a newly inaugurated classroom gave way. The collapse occurred at a panchayat union primary school in Shankarapuram, Tirupattur district.
  • On 27 August 2024, three students were injured when a section of the ceiling plaster fell on them during class at a government-run school in Krishnagiri. The accident raised significant concerns about the safety and structural integrity of the building, which had only been opened two months ago with MPLADS fund.
  • In July 2024, a ceiling of a newly constructed Panchayat Union Middle School near Kanchipuram collapsed, where the building, completed three months prior.
  • In August 2024, another ceiling of a classroom at a government school in Thiruporur collapsed, injuring five female students and sparking protests from parents who questioned the quality of the construction

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

How Pastor Bro. MD Jegan Twists Faith, History, And Fear To Push Religious Conversion

In the 21st century, when people of diverse faiths generally coexist harmoniously, some missionaries persistently disrupt this peace by repeatedly delivering messages subtly designed to influence their spiritual seekers and use them as a means for conversion. One such example is Bro. MD Jegan of Heavenly Ladder Ministries. At first glance, he may appear to be like any other pastor preaching the teachings of God; however, a closer examination of his rhetoric reveals an intolerance toward those who practice other religions—implying that individuals outside his faith cannot be saved.

A review of his series of videos suggests a pattern where he distorts historical facts, aligning everything with biblical narratives, ultimately implying that ‘only Christians will be saved.’

Bro MD Jegan, the leader of Heavenly Ladder Ministries, seems to focus more on religious conversion than embracing secular values. In one of his videos, he explicitly urges Christians to engage with Hindus who approach them with friendliness, using these interactions as opportunities for proselytization.

During a gathering, he stated, “Have you noticed a good quality in Hindus? A Hindu visits Tirupati or Palani, and when he returns, he brings laddus to share with. Some among us refuse to accept them, while others do. One group believes in love with the laddu, ‘We can eat anything with Sthothiram (praise).’ Another group, more zealous for Jesus, will not eat such offerings. But he (Hindu) will go to Tirupati next year and eventually, he say, ‘I’ll offer this to you but you wont receive it,” again the next year he will visit Tirupati. When he returns he will bring a laddu for you, do you know what will he say? ‘I didn’t get this from the top; I bought it separately just for you.’ He has been thinking of you when he visited Tirupati thinking, ‘They wouldn’t eat when giving to everyone,’ Look at the love he has for us! Remember, more than the laddu he has, the lord whom you poses has the potential to provides eternal life. He is necessary for his (Hindu’s) soul. Has it ever occurred to him (Hindu) that he should give it to you. You decide yourself that they cannot be saved (converted). Just sow the seed that must be sown, cast it upon the waters, and one day, it will surely bear fruit.”

His message promotes religious conversion, urging Christians to use friendly interactions as opportunities to proselytize Hindus rather than embracing harmony and secularism.

Then, in a calculated move, he shamelessly uses a YouTube title and thumbnail proclaiming, “9 Crore Indians are going to die? But Christians will survive!” This immediately raises the question: is he intentionally fearmongering by implying that only those who convert to Christianity will be spared, while others will perish? Rather than sharing the gospel or spreading Jesus’ message, the video appears to reveal his underlying hostility toward people of other religions and his frustration that they do not embrace Christianity.

In another video, Bro MD Jegan discusses a recent research article predicting that by 2030, 90 million Indians could be pushed into poverty. Seizing the moment to captivate the audience at the prayer meeting, he draws a biblical parallel, stating, “Just as the Bible foretold.” He then recounts the story of Elijah being fed by ravens at the Brook of Cherith, where God commanded the birds to bring him bread and meat daily. Through this narrative, he subtly implies that faith in God alone is the ultimate solution to overcoming poverty. But if divine intervention is the only answer, then what is the purpose of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? And what about the efforts India is making to combat poverty through policy, innovation, and economic reforms?

In another video, Bro. MD Jegan claims that Tamil Nadu’s distinct nature is due to the influence of Christianity, particularly because of the arrival of Thomas the Apostle. He argues that this Christian influence is the reason why even powerful rulers like the Mughals and Emperor Ashoka were unable to dominate the state.

Bro. MD Jegan claims, “Tamil Nadu state has always been a headache to India. Not just now, but throughout history —both before and after independence. Tamil Nadu has always means as a headache. Just check out the history I’m saying this from the Mughals and Ashokan period,  even who conquered vast parts of India, could not conquer two regions which is Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can verify this on any map. I believe the reason for this is that Thomaiyar (Thomas the Apostle, a disciple of Jesus Christ). Thomaiyar’s first set foot in Kerala and last foot in Tamil Nadu. These two regions have remained unconquered by anyone, and this two steps is remembered even today. If we wish to protect this two steps, then by uniting our efforts, Tamil Nadu can be a precedent to India.”

The missionary Bro. MD Jegan does not stop at religious conversion efforts but also delves into conspiracy theories about international politics, specifically targeting Israel. He claims that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been aiding Israel in acquiring holy sites, including Bethlehem, which is currently under Palestinian Authority control.

In a video, Jegan suggests that Israel’s alleged demolitions of mosques and an impending war could be signs of biblical prophecy. He states, “Trump starts this war to capture this place (Bethlehem) What is the sign for both you and me? This war, what will happen—we will see all that later. Tomorrow, if the Lord wills, we will see. But if you ask me, what is the sign for you here? This place of worship you see it there now will disappear from that place. There are two reasons for that. It will disappear by either of the reason. One is that it will disappear in this war, it may fall . Someone might demolish it. Israel has already demolished 500 mosques in the Gaza Strip alone. Maybe this will be the last one to destroy. Otherwise, a great earthquake will come to Israel in our time. How do I know? Ezekiel 38:19 says: ‘On that day, there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.’ If it is a great earthquake, it must be at least a magnitude of six. Be careful, because if a major earthquake happens, this place of worship might collapse. There is a possibility of one war and one earthquake—these are two signs that Jesus spoke about. When you see this destruction, it means that the age of the Church has ended.” His statements attempt to link geopolitical events with biblical prophecy, pushing the narrative that Israel’s actions and natural disasters are signs of an imminent apocalyptic event turning the blame on Israel.

In conclusion, Bro. MD Jegan of Heavenly Ladder Ministries distorts historical facts, exploits geopolitical events, and frames interactions with people of other faiths as opportunities for proselytization; he undermines the spirit of coexistence that is essential in our diverse, pluralistic society. The examples of Bro. MD Jegan’s rhetoric serve as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and vigilance in the face of narratives that seek to divide rather than unite.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Hindu Munnani Successfully Thwarts Islamic Conversion Attempt In Panaiyur Village

Hindu Munnani has successfully foiled another alleged religious conversion attempt by a group of individuals from Madurai who visited Panaiyur village, a predominantly Hindu area.

According to reports, a group of ten individuals arrived in the village in an auto-rickshaw and engaged in door-to-door preaching. They were allegedly singing Islamic devotional songs accompanied by drums while distributing holy water and amulets, urging locals to visit mosque. Concerned residents alerted Hindu Munnani, which promptly intervened and confronted the group. Citing laws against forced conversions, the Hindu Munnani members successfully stopped the activity and sent the individuals back.

Following the incident, Hindu Munnani issued a statement via its official account, saying, “Religious conversion thwarted. Ten individuals from Madurai arrived in an auto-rickshaw and went door to door, singing Islamic songs accompanied by drums offered water and amulets to Hindus, urging them to visit mosques and attempted converting to Islam in Panaiyur village, a Hindu-majority area. Upon learning of this, Hindu Munnani officials rushed to the scene, confronted the Islamic conversion group, and sent them away. As a result, the conversion attempt was halted in Panaiyur village.”

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

NSA Invoked Against Prime Suspect Imtiaz In Tirunelveli Theatre Petrol Bomb Attack During ‘Amaran’ Film Screening

Imthiaz, Prime Suspect In Petrol Bomb Attack Targeting Theatre Screening Amaran Film, Arrested In Tuticorin

Following the recommendation of the Madurai Anti-Terrorism Squad and Tirunelveli City Commissionerate, the National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against 42-year-old Imtiaz, who was arrested for inciting and orchestrating the petrol bomb attack at Alangar Theatre on Nethaji Road, Melapalayam, Tirunelveli. The attack took place during the screening of the Tamil movie Amaran and was allegedly aimed at disrupting religious harmony.

Tirunelveli City Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Vinoth Santharam, along with the Madurai Anti-Terrorism Squad and Additional Superintendent of Police Kuppusamy, recommended NSA action against Imthiyas. Based on this recommendation, Tirunelveli City Police Commissioner Santosh Hadimani approved the move, leading to his preventive detention at Palayamkottai Central Prison.

Background 

On January 2024, authorities arrested Imtiaz, the key suspect in the petrol bomb attack that occurred in the early hours of 16 November 2024. During the screening of Amaran, unknown individuals hurled three petrol bombs at Alankar Theatre. Fortunately, no casualties or major property damage were reported.

Initially, the case was investigated by local police under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Vijayakumar, leading to the detention of two suspects. The case was later transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Squad, with a special team led by SP Ramesh Krishnan conducting a thorough probe in the Melapalayam area.

Investigations revealed that the attack was ideologically driven. Imthiyas, a resident of Al-Amin Nagar in Melapalayam, was identified as the mastermind behind the bombing. Authorities confirmed his alleged affiliation with a terrorist organization and his involvement in other pending cases.

After evading arrest for a significant period, Imthiyas was finally apprehended in Athur, Tuticorin district. Several individuals had already been arrested in connection with the attack, including Syed Mohammed Buhari, Mohammed Yusuf Rasheen, Kola Badusha, Sirajuddin, and Nisar—all from Melapalayam.

Authorities continue their investigation, focusing on uncovering further links and networks associated with the incident.

(With inputs from Thesubeditor Tamil)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

University Of Madras Cancels Controversial Lecture On Spreading Christianity In India After Public Outrage

The University of Madras has now cancelled a controversial lecture titled “How to Spread Christianity in India” and “Why Need This Margam” following a massive public backlash.

The event, scheduled under the Sir S. Subramania Ayyar Endowment Lectures by the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, sparked outrage for its blatant religious proselytization under the banner of a secular, taxpayer-funded institution.

The official invitation stated that the lecture that was supposed to be delivered by Er. K. Siva Kumar, went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism. Many questioned how such overtly religious topics, which have no connection to history or archaeology, were approved in the first place. The invitation explicitly promoted Christian evangelism, raising serious concerns about academic neutrality and the university’s role in religious advocacy.

Netizens expressed their shock and disapproval, with many criticizing the university for endorsing a program that seemingly sought to propagate a specific religion rather than focus on historical or archaeological discourse. Some sarcastically questioned whether the university was promoting fundamentalism, while others labeled the event as “absurd” and “bizarre.” The backlash intensified as many pointed out the inappropriate use of a public institution for religious propagation.

In response to the mounting outrage, the university’s Department of Ancient History and Archaeology issued an official letter on 7 March 2025, announcing the cancellation of the event. The letter, signed by Dr. J. Soundararajan, Head of the Department, cited “administrative reasons” for the cancellation but failed to address the core issue of how such a lecture was approved in the first place.

After the issue gained traction, the Registrar of Madras University sent a letter to the Tamil Nadu Governor’s office about the “unauthorized conduct” of the lecture.

The letter stated that the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology has not obtained any permission from Madras University to conduct the Endowment lecture on the said topics.

“In view of this, we instruct the concerned individual to cancel the endowment with immediate effect”, the letter said.

While the cancellation of the lecture may have diffused immediate tensions, the controversy has undoubtedly raised serious concerns about the role of public institutions in maintaining secular academic spaces.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Manipur: Joint Ops By Army, Other Forces Lead To Recovery Of 114 Arms, Explosives

The security forces after the expiry of the 15-day deadline to surrender looted and illegally-held arms and ammunition, further stepped up their search operations in 10 of the 16 Manipur districts and recovered 114 weapons, IEDs, grenades, various ammunition and other war-like stores, officials said here on Saturday.

A Defence spokesman said that in a series of joint operations during the past 24 hours, Army, Assam Rifles, various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Manipur Police recovered 114 weapons, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), grenades, various ammunition and other war-like stores. The joint operations were conducted in the hill and valley districts — Bishnupur, Senapati, Thoubal, Jiribam, Chandel, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching.

The security forces also destroyed several bunkers in Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts. In Nepali Basti of Bishnupur district, an operation by the Indian Army and Manipur Police resulted in recovery of seven weapons consisting of two Carbines, two Pistols, two Rifles and one improvised mortar, ammunition and other war-like stores.

Similarly, in Chandel district, a search operation resulted in recovery of 55 weapons comprising nine 12-bore Single Barrel Rifles, twelve Muzzle Loaded Rifles, one 12mm Single Bore Shotgun, one Single Barrel rifle, 32 Improvised Mortars of various calibres, four IEDs, grenades, ammunition and other war-like stores.

In Senapati district, on receipt of information about the presence of arms and ammunition, the Assam Rifles, in coordination with Manipur Police launched a joint operation in general area Taphou Kuki and recovered four weapons comprising two bolt-action single-barrel guns, one double-barrel gun and one 12 Bore Single Barrel Rifle.

As many as 15 weapons were recovered by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police from Gothol areas in Churachandpur district. In the mixed populated Jiribam district, a joint operation of Assam Rifles and Manipur police in Ankhasu village resulted in recovery of nine improvised mortars (Pompi). In Imphal East district, in the areas of Pourabi, Sawombung and Kalika, Indian Army and Manipur Police launched operations and recovered six weapons.

Manipur Police also arrested two cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) militant outfit and recovered some arms and ammunition from them. The Defence spokesman said that the joint operations to recover the remaining looted arms and ammunition would continue in both valley and hilly districts.

Police officials said that responding to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal till March 6 around 1,023 arms and a huge cache of ammunition have been surrendered by various organisations and individuals in five valley districts, five hill districts and mixed populated Jiribam districts since the Governor made the appeal for the first time on February 20.

According to various reports during the ethnic riots between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023, more than 6,000 different types of sophisticated arms and lakhs of pieces of different types of ammunition were looted from the police stations and outposts by the mobs and militants of both communities.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Part-Time Politician “Joseph” Vijay Who Called For Establishing Tamil As ‘Language Of Worship’ Attends Arabic-Language Iftar

Full-time actor-turned-part-time politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) hosted a grand Ramzan Iftar at the YMCA grounds in Royapettah, Chennai, on Friday (7 March 2025) attended by nearly 3,000 people, including imams from 15 local mosques. Vijay, dressed in white and wearing a skullcap, participated in the prayers before breaking fast alongside Muslim attendees. Reports suggest he observed a full day of fasting and followed Islamic prayer customs before hosting the feast. The event was positioned as a display of brotherhood and inclusivity, with Vijay personally thanking attendees for their presence.

 

However, Vijay’s participation in Arabic-language prayers starkly contradicts one of the key resolutions passed at TVK’s recent party meeting in Panaiyur, Chennai. Among the 26 resolutions adopted, TVK called for Tamil to be established as thelanguage of worshipin Tamil Nadu. This raises a fundamental question: will Vijay’s demand for Tamil worship extend to non-Hindu communities, or is it merely an attempt to reshape Hindu traditions alone?

Currently, Hindu temple traditions in Tamil Nadu already incorporate Tamil hymns such as Thevaram and Naalayira Divyaprabandham alongside Sanskrit chants. Meanwhile, Islamic prayers, including the five daily azaans, are conducted exclusively in Arabic. If Vijay truly believes in linguistic uniformity, why does his party’s resolution not challenge the use of Arabic in Islamic worship?

TVK’s resolutions, which include opposition to NEET, the Governor’s role, One Nation One Election, and the Waqf Bill, largely mirror the DMK’s political playbook. However, Vijay’s selective application of theTamil as the language of worshipproposal suggests that this resolution is yet another attempt to interfere with Hindu religious practices while leaving other communities untouched.

Vijay’s actions at the Iftar make it clear that his push for Tamil in worship is not about linguistic pride but a politically motivated stance aimed at selectively reshaping traditions. Will he extend his demand for Tamil worship beyond Hindu temples, or is this yet another instance of double standards at play?

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah Arrested Over Three-Language Policy Signature Campaign In Chennai, Released Later

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary Dr. S.G. Suryah was arrested for organizing a signature campaign titled ‘Equal Education is Our Right’ in support of the three-language policy in state education. The initiative aimed to bridge the educational gap between government school students and those in private matriculation and CBSE institutions—an idea strongly opposed by the ruling DMK.

Suryah was booked under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 along with Sections 126(2) – (intentionally prevents another person from moving in a direction) and 192 (intentionally provokes others to commit a riot) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

On 5 March 2025, the Tamil Nadu BJP launched the campaign ‘Samakalvi Engal Urimai’ (Equal Education is Our Right), advocating for the implementation of the three-language formula outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The campaign was inaugurated in Chennai by former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and ex-Union Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan. A dedicated website has also been launched to collect digital signatures.

BJP State President K. Annamalai stated that the party planned to hold multiple public meetings across Tamil Nadu and conduct door-to-door visits to gather support. The goal was to secure one crore signatures by the end of May and submit them to the President of India. To facilitate participation, the BJP also launched the website puthiyakalvi.in for online signature collection.

As part of this drive, BJP members engaged with the public directly to gain support. However, tensions escalated when senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan attempted to gather signatures at Chennai’s MGR Nagar market, where police intervened, leading to chaos.

Similarly, another signature collection effort took place outside the Government Higher Secondary School in Karapakkam, near Sholinganallur, where BJP members discussed the three-language policy with students. This led to allegations that BJP members were coercing government school students into signing by allegedly offering them biscuits. In response, the Chennai District Child Protection Welfare Committee filed a complaint.

As a result, the Kannagi Nagar police registered cases under four sections against BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary S.G. Suryah, along with BJP councilor Sundaram, Mohan Kumar, Kotteeswaran, and Anbarasan. Following the arrest, BJP workers staged a protest outside the police station, demanding their own arrests as well, arguing that they too had participated in the campaign. The situation escalated into a heated confrontation with the police, requiring intervention from Chemmancheri Assistant Commissioner Vaishnavi, who eventually dispersed the crowd.

SG Suryah and others who were arrested were subsequently released at 10:30 PM.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu: Govt ITI College Students Lured Into Drug Trade By Gang, Brutally Beaten Over Profit Distribution, Perpetrators Arrested

A viral video from Chidambaram showing ganja peddlers torturing government ITI students into selling drugs has led to the arrest of key suspects. The clip captures a group of drug-addicted youths locking students in a room and assaulting them. The arrested individuals are identified as Vimalraj, Siva, and Vinothkumar.

Udappu Siva and Vinoth kumar, both residents of the Omakulam area in Chidambaram, were part of a ganja-selling network led by Vimalraj. The group was heavily involved in drug consumption, packaging, and distribution as their full-time operation. Another key figure in the gang, Naveen Raj, played a significant role in their illegal activities. Initially, they sold ganja locally, but due to increased police crackdowns, they began recruiting ITI students who were already into drugs, pushing them into the business.

Two such students became entangled with the gang and were given ganja packets to sell at government ITI college campus. Believing they could earn easy money, the students managed to make a significant profit. However, instead of handing over the earnings to the gang, they attempted to keep it for themselves. This enraged the gang members, leading to violent altercation.

The students were lured to a rented room, where they were brutally assaulted. The gang locked the door, slapped them repeatedly, and tortured them. Shockingly, Vimalraj, the gang leader, filmed the ordeal while laughing. During the assault, the gang issued death threats, warning the students that if they failed to return the money, they would be killed. At one point, they even seized the students’ mobile phones and menacingly declared, “Tell whoever you want. Even if I go to jail, I’ll come out and cut you up.”

Although the incident occurred two months ago, the release of the video has caused public outrage. This is yet another incident that shows the rising drug menace among the youth in Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu.

Following investigations led by Police Inspector Ambedkar, authorities have arrested 11 individuals, including Siva and Vinothkumar for their involvement in harassing students. Udappu Siva has been detained under the Goonda Act, while the primary suspects, Vimalraj and Shivaraj, remain on the run. A special task force has been assembled to track them down.

(With Inputs From News 18 Tamil)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Tax-Payer Funded Madras University To Hold Lecture Titled “How To Spread Christianity In India”

The University of Madras, one of India’s oldest public universities has found itself at the center of bizarre, surprising, flabbergasting, and even grotesque controversy due to a recent decision that has left many in shock.

The university’s Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, under the Sir S. Subramania Ayyar Endowment Lectures, has scheduled a lecture on the topic: “How to Spread Christianity in India” and “Why Need This Margam” which translates to “Why We Need This Religion”

The official invitation, which has gone viral, explicitly promotes these topics under the university’s banner. It reads, ”

UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS
DEPARTMENT OF ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
Cordially invites you to the SIR S. SUBRAMANIA AYYAR ENDOWMENT LECTURE 2024-2025
To be delivered by Er. K. Siva Kumar, B.Ε., Μ.Β.Α Chief Engineer, Hyderabad
Topics:

  1. “How to Spread Christianity in India”
  2. “Why Need This Margam”
    Date: 14.03.2025 (Friday) | Time: 02.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
    Venue: MODERN LECTURE HALL, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai – 600 005
    All are welcome
    Dr. J. Soundararajan
    Associate Prof. and Head I/C, Chairperson – School of Historical Studies
    Department of Ancient History & Archaeology
    University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai – 600 005.”

What has particularly shocked the public is that these religiously charged topics are being hosted by the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, rather than a department dedicated to theology or religious studies. The move has sparked outrage, as it appears to promote proselytization under the guise of historical and archaeological discourse, raising questions about academic neutrality and the role of public institutions in religious advocacy.

This unprecedented incident has left many bewildered, with critics questioning how a secular tax-payer funded institution could veer into blatant Christian proselytization rather than focusing on its core disciplines of history and archaeology.

Several netizens took to social media to criticize the university, questioning its decision and expressing their outrage. One user sarcastically asked, “Fundamentalism? Fanaticism?” while another pointed out, “How on earth are these topics related to archaeology? This is getting crazier by the day!” Others reacted with disbelief, calling it “absurd,” “weird,” and “What is this nonsense?” The backlash continued as many questioned the academic relevance of such lectures under a history and archaeology department.

https://twitter.com/0Truth_Triumph/status/1897987711484465215

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.