A government college in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvarur district, the Thiru Vi Ka Government Arts College, has found itself at the centre of a heated debate after issuing a circular inviting students to express their opinions (mainly opposing views) on Sanathana Dharma. The event was planned to be held on the birth anniversary of late politician Annadurai. The circular, which went viral on social media platforms, has triggered accusations of pushing the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s stance against Sanathana Dharma into educational spaces.
The controversy began when the college initially issued the circular on 12 September 2023, requesting students to deliver speeches on their opposition to Sanathana Dharma as part of the observance of Annadurai’s birth anniversary on 15 September.
Worsening…… Thiru Vi Ka Govt Arts College, Thiruvarur, principal sends circular to college students to share their views on opposing Sanatana Dharma, on Annadurai's birthday on 15th Sep, 2023. pic.twitter.com/qEv0TcSjKv
— रंगा – ரங்கா Iyengar (@ranganaathan) September 13, 2023
However, following the uproar and backlash from parents and internet users, the Arts College backtracked and issued a follow-up notice on 13 September. In this “clarification”, the college emphasised that students were not obligated to give speeches; instead, the circular also said that participation was voluntary. They also stated that the discussions trending on social media regarding the college’s stance were not accurate.
The initial circular had raised concerns about the mixing of political agendas with educational institutions and the potential infringement on students’ freedom of expression.
This incident occurs amidst the ongoing controversy fueled by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who has been at the center of the storm for his statements regarding “eradicating Sanathana Dharma.” The controversy has been further exacerbated by other members of the DMK who persist in making offensive remarks about Sanathana Dharma, keeping the issue alive and unresolved.
Critics argue that it appears that the current ruling administration has made efforts to sustain the controversy by instructing government colleges to engage in discussions on the topic and requesting female students to express their views on the matter.
Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.