Feature Image Credits: Deccan Herald
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi delved into the issue of caste-based social discrimination that still persists in various parts of the state during a speech. He also touched upon the controversy surrounding Sanatan Dharma, emphasizing its enduring nature.
RN Ravi addressed the audience at the Siva Kulathar Cultural event, organized by the Tamizh Seva Sangam in the Ozhugacheri hamlet near Anaikkarai in Thanjavur. He lamented the prevalence of caste-based discrimination, describing it as “shameful.” He pointed out that instances of caste discrimination were still occurring in the state, even as the government claimed to prioritize social justice and equality. Ravi drew attention to the troubling practice of youth wearing caste-based wristbands to identify their backgrounds.
The Governor highlighted various distressing incidents, including members of Scheduled castes being barred from entering temples, contamination of water tanks with human excreta, and discrimination faced by minority community children in schools. He stressed that these harmful practices could only be eliminated through social reform rather than exploiting them for political gains.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi at an event yesterday said, "Our Constitution is not against 'dharma' ..it is the people who want to break this country, they have given a distorted interpretation of secularism. We have to understand the true meaning of secularism in our… pic.twitter.com/TY024btXmW
— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2023
Ravi emphasized that ‘Bharatiya Dharma’ had the potential to promote social and spiritual equality among citizens and bring about societal reform. He asserted that the concept of Bharat, founded on the principle of equality, had faced threats in the past, particularly during the British era and later through divisive vote bank politics.
#WATCH | Thanjavur: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi participates in the 'Tamil Seva Sangam' program.
He says, "In Rig Veda, our sages revealed the basic principles of 'Dharma' which defines Bharat and which created Bharat. These principles created a culture, a civilisation where… pic.twitter.com/MbVTMYU5Vl
— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2023
In his speech, the Governor also addressed those who sought to “eradicate Sanatana Dharma”. He noted that such efforts had persisted across generations but would not succeed, as Sanatana Dharma was not confined to temples but deeply ingrained in the DNA of all Indians.
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