A new gaming app that is centred around “Dravidian principles” made its debut at the Chennai Comic Con, just in time for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Developed by Populus Empowerment Network (PEN) connected to MK Stalin’s son-in-law Sabareesan, the app, titled ‘Makkalin Mudhalvar’ (People’s Chief Minister), invites players to assume the role of a chief minister and navigate the complexities of governance. The game is targeted at youth aged between 16 and 25 and “aims to familiarise” users with the principles underlying the “Dravidian model of governance”.
Makkalin Mudhalvar rewards players for decisions aligning with Dravidian principles, emphasising values such as equality, empowerment, and secularism. Pooja Pradeep, a programme manager at PEN, speaking to India Today explained the game’s mechanics, stating that there were no wrong answers, however when one plays the game, it is evident that points are deducted for making logical choices while the player is rewarded when one makes a choice aligning with the Dravidian ideology.
DMK ideology enters gaming sphere with launch of its gaming app ahead of Lok Sabha polls. Program manager Pooja Pradeep says the game named 'Makkalin Mudhalvar' is designed to educate younger minds about Dravidian principles. Listen in. #ReporterDiary | (@PramodMadhav6) pic.twitter.com/Jh0c4ey1n9
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 18, 2024
As the virtual chief minister, players are tasked with upholding the core values of Dravidian ideology, reflecting historical Dravidian party stances. Pooja Pradeep told India Today that the “visionary approach” of Sabareesan Vedamurthy, the founder of Populus Empowerment Network (PEN), was reflected in the game.
We downloaded the app and tried working our way around it. Here are some screenshots in the introductory part – clearly peddling a divisive agenda, establishing the basis for ‘us and them’ narrative.
And thus the Dravidian model, the Dravidian way is introduced to the user. In what can be seen as a very good use of imagery to push the Dravidian ideology, one is reminded of how Dravidianists used art and imagery to peddle Nazi-style propaganda against the Brahmins.
Read further this article to understand how Dravidianists have for long used imagery to peddle their propaganda.
In all their artwork and imagery, the Dravidianists made use of what is known as the Picture Superiority Effect – a phenomenon in which imagery/pictures are remembered more than text or words. The same applies to this game as well. Use of AI to the best of their abilities to peddle the Dravidian propaganda.
Coming back to the game, the user plays the role of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and as soon as the CM takes up the position, a lady (probably State Secretary?) briefs the CM about the “current condition of the state”.
So once the introduction is done with, the player takes over as CM and the Dravidian principles of “Social Justice, Rationalism, Women’s Empowerment, Cultural Ethos, and Federalism” are briefed to the player.
You can see for yourself the type of content that is showcased here – unscientific religious beliefs, superstitions are irrational, calling the central government the Union and calling for autonomy – drilling into the brains of the user, the same language that the Dravidian government uses.
The instructions are given to the player and it suggests that if one follows Dravidian values, election can be won easily.
Following these screens, the task is given by different ministries say Education minister or the Health minister or a business leader who visits the CM for some thing or the other. As the player goes over these tasks, points are added or deducted based on the Dravidian principles each selection comes under.
Among these tasks was a task on a brand named “Bimool” which seems to be a wordplay on brand Amul – which was in the news recently as the DMK government opposed its entry into Tamil Nadu. So the Health Minister comes with a complaint or a problem that Bimool is setting up a factory in the state and this can be a problem for the people.
So, rationally thinking, if one clicks the first option to promote a competitive economy and allow the trade, the results are as below:
When one makes logical decisions, points start reducing as above – in the social justice and health fronts.
Here’s another example: The game also tries to pass off the freebie system (free bus travel for women in Tamil Nadu) as a positive principle – Women’s empowerment. Here are the screenshots. You can see at the top how the points reduce if you reject the idea of free bus travel for women scheme.
However, in reality it is evident that the free-bus scheme has not just led to pushing the exchequer in deep debt but has also led to women being mistreated.
As one progresses in the game, the CM is met with different ministers. For example, the Youth Minister comes up to the CM to ask how he can help youth reach their potential as the youth are tomorrow’s decision makers. The options you are given are: Host a Youth Wing Conference to raise awareness or Build their social skills by hosting a big charity event. It is to be noted that MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin, infamous for his remarks against Hinduism, is the Youth Minister and also the DMK Youth Wing Secretary.
Some of the choices are confusing but they are all aimed at achieving only that – confusion and to propagate the so-called Dravidian ideology. Targeting youth in the 16-25 age group can prove to be detrimental if they are exposed to such falsities are an impressionable age and at a time when they are probably going to vote for the first time.
Overall, this app seems to be a waste of time and energy and whose sole aim is to peddle Dravidianist propaganda among unsuspecting first-time voters who they presume to attract through gamification.
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