In a solemn address during the Nandanar Guru Pooja celebrations, Tamil Nadu’s Governor RN Ravi expressed his distress over the rising incidents of crimes against the Scheduled Castes and oppressed communities within the state. The governor, while participating in this significant event, stressed the urgent need to address these issues and combat the deeply rooted caste discrimination that still persists in society.
Governor Ravi conveyed his pride in being a part of the Swami Nandanar Guru Pooja, a revered saint from the Dalit community. Legend has it that Swami Nandanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars of the Saivite sect, experienced a divine miracle when the stone Nandi at Thirupungur temple moved aside to allow him to have darshan (a glimpse) of Lord Shiva.
In his address, Governor Ravi lauded Swami Nandanar as one of the brightest stars of Bharat’s ancient saintly tradition. He emphasised the significant contribution of individuals from Scheduled Castes to enriching, preserving, and propagating the all-inclusive Sanatan Dharma. Governor Ravi pointed out that in the ancient Vedic period, there was no caste system, highlighting the fundamental principles of Sanatan Dharma: the oneness of creation, the presence of the creator in every element of creation, and the recognition that all apparent diversities are manifestations of the same divine. He asked, “When the same divine is present in everyone, how can anyone be discriminated against?”
Despite more than 75 years of independence, Governor Ravi expressed deep concern about the persistent discrimination in society. He cited several recent incidents of social discrimination, including the shocking act of putting human feces in a water tank supplying drinking water to a Scheduled Caste colony, an attack on a well-performing student from a Scheduled Caste, and students refusing to eat food at school because it was cooked by a woman from a Scheduled Caste. In some parts of Tamil Nadu, students even wear caste bands in their schools, further highlighting the deep-rooted issues.
Governor Ravi also mentioned the case of Panchayat President Indumathi, who has been prevented from assuming office for the past two years due to her caste. He cited crime statistics indicating a low conviction rate for crimes against Scheduled Castes and highlighted the distressing fact that even in cases of rape, the conviction rate is merely 7per cent, leaving 93 per cent of rapists unpunished. He lamented the underrepresentation of Scheduled Castes in government jobs, except in Class 3 and Class 4 positions.
Governor Ravi emphasized that the persistence of discrimination is unacceptable and urged society to stop such practices, stating firmly that it contradicts the principles of Sanatan Dharma. He questioned the denial of permission for a class of people to enter temples in the state, emphasizing that such practices have no place in Sanatan Dharma.
Governor Ravi stressed the importance of living together as one united family (Kutumbam) without regional or caste discrimination. He acknowledged the leadership of a national figure who views the entire Bharat (India) as one family and called for unity and equal access to development and welfare schemes. He warned against divisive politics that seek to fragment the nation along regional, caste, and religious lines. He concluded by citing Mahakavi Bharathiar’s words, emphasizing the need to collectively work towards building a strong and capable Bharat.
Meanwhile, the struggle for Panchayat President Indhumathi, whose case was mentioned by Governor Ravi, continues. She won the local body election two years ago but has been unable to take office as the president of the Naikaneri Panchayat in Tirupattur district. She revealed that her election victory was unopposed in September 2021, but a legal challenge by the former Panchayat president, Sivakumar, prevented her from assuming her role. The DMK’s ally, CPM secretary K Balakrishnan, has recently submitted a petition demanding action from Chief Secretary Shiva Das Meena.
Tamil Nadu has witnessed incidents where Panchayat presidents belonging to Dalit community were not allowed to hoist the tricolour national flag on Independence Day and were denied the opportunity to chair Grama Sabha meetings. The twin tumblers system, a symbol of discrimination, still exists in some southern districts. Despite claims by the Dravidian model government of championing social justice and eradicating oppression, such incidents persist in society.
Governor RN Ravi’s passionate address during the Nandanar Guru Pooja celebrations sheds light on the urgent need to address rising crimes and caste discrimination against Scheduled Castes in Tamil Nadu. His call for unity, equal access to opportunities, and the eradication of discrimination resonates as a vital message for a more inclusive and just society.
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