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Dravidian Model Exams: First TNPSC, Now School Tests Push Pro-DMK Narratives, Students Forced To Write Essay Praising Karunanidhi In Exam

The Commune

The infusion of Dravidian ideology, which has often surfaced in TNPSC exams despite factual inaccuracies, has now extended into the academic sphere of Tamil Nadu’s 10th standard students. It appears that the DMK has been strategically attempting to embed its ideology in the minds of students—whether they aim for government jobs or simply to excel academically—suggesting that understanding or praising Dravidian principles is essential for academic success.

The recent controversy erupted following a question in the Tamil Nadu 10th standard public exam that asked students to write an eight-mark essay praising the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and DMK leader M. Karunanidhi. The question read: “Describe and write under the title ‘Multifaceted Kalaignar’ using the titles of Kalaignar’s struggle—Kalaignar’s oration, Kalaignar’s drama, screenwriter, and lyricist.” This prompt, which inaccurately linked Karunanidhi, who had no role in the Indian freedom struggle, has sparked widespread debate and criticism.

Many critics argue that instead of addressing pressing issues like administrative inefficiencies and irregularities within the education department, the government is focusing on instilling Dravidian ideology in students.

In response, Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah criticized the DMK government, particularly School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh, through his official account on X, stating, “What kind of freedom fighter is Karunanidhi, that such a question is being asked in the 10th standard public examination? Isn’t it enough for School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh to be the head of his grandson’s fan club and a slave to his father? Should questions as this asked about Karunanidhi in public exams? Is this cabinet just there to spread the glory of the Karunanidhi family? You lack the strength to fix the crumbling schools in rural areas, and should be ashamed to impose lessons about Karunanidhi on students.”

Earlier Attempts To Dravidianize State Competitive Exams

During the examination held on 13 July 2024, TNPSC included a question that stated, “Who is certified as, “Socrates of South Asia” by UNESCO a unit organisation of United Nation?” perpetuating the propaganda endorsed by DMK and other Dravidianist organizations, aiming to portray E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (EVR) as an international leader. Despite repeatedly debunking of this falsehood, with the UNESCO itself putting statement that no such award was given EVR, TNPSC persists in promoting it.

In July 2024, the TNPSC faced strong criticism for portraying Tamil Nadu freedom fighter Vanchinathan as a criminal in the assassination case of Robert Ashe during India’s struggle for independence, which is seen as aligning with colonial British perspectives.

In the recently concluded Group 1 examination held on 13 July 2024, TNPSC included a question that states, “Who was the first accused in Ashe murder’s case?.” This question has offended many individuals and sparked criticism of the TNPSC on the internet and social media.

This new narrative was crafted by Dravidianists to portray Ashe as a “crusader for social justice” while depicting Vanchinathan as a casteist Brahmin. They claim that Vanchinathan was provoked by Ashe’s wife, Mary Lillian Patterson, who allegedly helped a pregnant outcast woman in need of urgent medical care pass through the agraharam. According to this version, Vanchinathan killed Ashe to protect the Brahminical establishment. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and this narrative has been debunked due to the lack of conclusive proof.

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