NEP will also dismantle our pluralistic culture: Tamil Nadu CM releases 'NEP Ennum Madhayaanai'

Chennai, May 17: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has officially released NEP Ennum Madhayaanai ("The National Education Policy 2020: A Rogue Elephant"), a book that critiques the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The book, authored by Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, critically examines the implications of the NEP on India's education system.

In his speech, Stalin also expressed his concerns about the National Education Policy, accusing the Central government of attempting to "saffronise" education.

He criticised the NEP for its potential to dismantle the reservation system and undermine India's pluralistic culture.

He said, "The battle between the Dravidian and saffron models has been ongoing for two thousand years. Knowledge is our weapon. The NEP will destroy reservations. Only as long as reservation exists can the oppressed and the backward communities access higher education. The NEP will also dismantle our pluralistic culture. The Union Home Minister himself has said that Sanskrit will grow because of the NEP. The true intent behind the National Education Policy is to destroy regional languages like Tamil. The only way to resist this is to bring education into the State List. The Union government is engaging in coercive actions against state governments. For the sake of empty politics, the Union Government has withheld funds that rightfully belong to the Tamil Nadu Government."

CM Stalin shared his personal connection with the author, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

"Anbil Mahesh is the son of my dear friend. Both Udhayanidhi Stalin and Mahesh have grown before my eyes, and seeing their exceptional performance fills me with pride," he remarked.

Stalin reflected on the long-standing friendship between their families, recalling the late Anbil Dharmalingam and Poyyamozhi's enduring legacy in Tamil Nadu's political history.

"Even today, thinking of Poyyamozhi brings tears to my eyes. When I heard of his passing, I rushed from Theni, overwhelmed with emotion. His death felt like losing one of my own children," Stalin recalled.

Praising Anbil Mahesh for his work in the School Education Department, Stalin highlighted the various initiatives introduced by the Minister, including "Education at Your Doorstep," "Model Schools," "Hi-Tech Schools," and international programmes for students and teachers. "Anbil Mahesh's leadership has truly marked a golden era for education in Tamil Nadu," Stalin stated.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also spoke at the event, describing the book as a timely and crucial contribution.

"This book reveals the reality of the NEP and its many drawbacks," Udhayanidhi said. "Just like a rogue elephant causing destruction without realising it, the NEP is damaging our nation. Our Chief Minister has been leading the charge to protect education for all."

At the release event, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Digvijaya Singh, received the first copy of the book. The event also saw participation from former Supreme Court Judge Justice V. Gopala Gowda, former ISRO Director Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with key DMK leaders.

The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, seeks to upgrade India's education system, with the aim of implementing a slew of reforms.

Reader Comments

R

Rajesh K.

While I support educational reforms, forcing Hindi/Sanskrit on Tamil Nadu is wrong. Each state has its own linguistic heritage that must be respected. The Centre should focus on improving learning outcomes rather than language politics. 🏫

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Priya M.

As a teacher from Mumbai, I see both sides. NEP has good ideas like vocational training but implementation is too centralized. Why can't states adapt it to local needs? Education should unite, not divide our diverse nation.

A

Arjun S.

Tamil Nadu's education system is already one of the best in India. If NEP threatens their successful model, the Centre should listen. Federalism means respecting state expertise too. #CooperativeFederalism

K

Kavita R.

The book's title is too harsh! NEP has flaws but calling it a "rogue elephant" shows bias. We need constructive debate, not political drama. Reservation concerns are valid though - must protect opportunities for all communities.

S

Suresh V.

Why is everything seen through political lens? As an engineer, I welcome NEP's focus on coding from Class 6. But yes, regional languages must be preserved. Can't we have both modern skills and cultural roots? 🤔

M

Meena P.

Withholding funds from TN is unacceptable! Education is too important for political games. Centre and states must work together - our children's future is at stake. Appreciate CM Stalin standing up for Tamil identity while keeping debate civil.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.