Controversy erupted over the celebration of “triple flop” Dravidianist director Pa. Ranjith’s birthday at a Tamil Nadu government school in Pudukkottai district.
The incident occurred on 6 December 2024, two days ahead of Pa. Ranjith’s birthday. The event, organized by the ‘Neelam Cultural Centre,’ an organization headed by the director, was held at Jagathambal Government Higher Secondary School, disrupting the students’ regular studies for the day.
Adding to the controversy, the event was presided over by Pudukkottai district DMK Mayor Thilagavathi Senthil. The incident has drawn widespread criticism from educators and the public, who have questioned how the school management allowed such a program, especially in light of previous directives from the DMK Education Minister Anbil Mahesh that schools should be used strictly for educational purposes.
Activist and advocate Rajendran has filed a formal complaint with the Education Secretary, demanding an inquiry into how permission was granted for the event and calling for strict action against the school in-charge and the organisers of the meeting.
சர்ச்சையில் நீலம் பண்பாட்டு மையம்#PaRanjith #Neelam #hatepolitics #PrivateSchool #TamilJanam pic.twitter.com/z8LM3K97zJ
— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) December 13, 2024
The incident has sparked significant outrage and criticism, primarily because the event’s organizers, the ‘Neelam Cultural Centre,’ previously provided a platform to Gana singer Isaivani, who faced backlash for her controversial song “I Am Sorry Iyyappa,” which disrespected the Hindu deity Lord Ayyappan. Despite widespread condemnation from various religious communities, the Neelam Cultural Centre did not express remorse or issue an apology for hurting the sentiments of devotees. Instead, they doubled down by openly supporting Isaivani. Adding to the controversy, despite multiple cases filed against Isaivani, the DMK government has not taken any action to arrest her, further aggravating public anger.
Pa. Ranjith, the head of the Neelam Cultural Centre, has faced widespread criticism for his consistent portrayal of anti-Hindu sentiments and his efforts to promote the Dravidianist ideology of his political patrons for personal and professional gain. Through his films, he promotes his personal “woke” ideological views, often setting poor examples for the younger generation. His portrayals frequently present misguided perspectives on love and relationships, particularly influencing how males perceive and approach females, sparked resentment among various sections of the public.
In his movie “Attakathi”, he even included dialogues that framed pre-marital sex as an “achievement.” For instance, when a character advises the protagonist about his love life, he says, “You should first go and have sex; then she will not go away.”
In his recent film Thangalaan, there was the usual Dravidianist stereotyping of Brahmins as vile and cunning and de-Hindufying village deities.
In Kaala, he subtly weaves anti-Hindu sentiments, portraying Hinduism and its symbols as inherently oppressive. The movie’s villains are given distinctly Hindu names, reinforcing negative stereotypes associated with the religion. Ranjith contrasts Hindu traditions with Buddhist and Communist ideals, favoring the latter as symbols of compassion and justice. Hindu icons like Ram and Krishna are used to depict antagonists, while Marxist symbols and EVR are praised. The film tries to pit Buddhists against Hindus by showing bowing to elders, as hierarchical, while Buddhist traditions are celebrated. Ranjith’s portrayal of characters and symbols paints the Hindus in a negative light while valorizing Communist and Buddhist beliefs.
Ranjith, although he proved worthy of a filmmaker in ‘Madras,’ a political film that traversed the landscape of Dravidian politics, his other film, ‘Sarpatta Parambarai’, peddled Dravidian propaganda. One should also note that Ranjith had also supported Udhayanidhi Stalin for his ‘eradicate Sanathana Dharma’ remarks.
Educationists and activists have expressed outrage, questioning how a government school could promote an individual known for propaganda, religious hatred, and distorting narratives and facts, thereby setting a poor example for students.
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