The DMK’s tenure in power has been marked by efforts to shape educational materials and public spaces to reflect its political ideology, a trend that has drawn both praise and criticism.
In 2011, during J Jayalalithaa’s tenure as Chief Minister, there was a contentious push to remove references to former CM and DMK President M. Karunanidhi from school textbooks. The rationale was to prevent potential political bias from influencing young minds. This move included deleting eulogies to Karunanidhi and his daughter, Kanimozhi, who was embroiled in the 2G scam.
Karunanidhi, who had composed verses for Tamil literature, found it disheartening to see his contributions discarded once his political influence waned.
In contrast, the DMK Government under M K Stalin has taken a different approach, passionately honoring Karunanidhi’s legacy by naming various projects and buildings after him. There was even an ambitious proposal for a pen memorial at Marina, costing an estimated Rs 81 crores. However, public backlash and legal challenges led to the project being put on hold.
Moreover, the DMK government has been accused of incorporating Dravidian ideology into school and college textbooks, raising concerns about impartiality and the politicisation of education.
The Government have raised further eyebrows. Dindigul I Leoni, known for his controversial and often inflammatory remarks, particularly targeting the Hindu community, was appointed to head the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation. Leoni’s past affiliations with the DMK and his history of making lewd and sexist comments have sparked criticism over his suitability for the role.
Similarly, Suba Veerapandian, known for his anti-Hindu rhetoric, especially directed towards the Brahmin community, was appointed as a member of the Advisory committee to the TNTES. These appointments have fueled concerns about the potential influence of individuals with divisive agendas on educational policies and materials.
Adding to the controversy, Missionary Father Mariasusai’s inclusion in the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has stirred debate. Father Mariasusai openly admitted to introducing lessons on Christianity across various grade levels during his tenure in the syllabus framing council. His appointment has raised questions about the impartiality of educational governance and the potential promotion of religious agendas within the curriculum.
Furthermore, the composition of the State Development Policy Council (SDPC), with prominent DMK supporters like Prof. J Jayaraman and Professor Rama Srinivasan as permanent members, has sparked concerns about political influence in decision-making processes.
The Tamil Nadu school Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi announced the inclusion of a chapter on the life and contributions of the late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in the Tamil textbook for class IX students. This decision, revealed during a session of the state Assembly in 2023, signifies the state government’s efforts to commemorate Karunanidhi’s legacy and ensure that future generations are acquainted with his role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
The initiative builds upon previous efforts undertaken by the Stalin-led Dravidian government to honor Karunanidhi’s centenary celebrations. Last year, a chapter about Karunanidhi was introduced in class IX Tamil textbooks, and now, as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations, a detailed chapter has been incorporated into the class X textbook. This chapter, spanning five pages, provides an extensive account of Karunanidhi’s multifaceted contributions across various domains, including oration, political activism, and creative pursuits in film and literature.
While supporters laud the Government’s commitment to recognising Karunanidhi’s achievements and preserving his legacy, critics have raised concerns about the implications of glorifying a controversial figure. Some detractors argue that the inclusion of chapters on Karunanidhi overlooks his alleged involvement in corruption scandals and divisive politics.
DMK supporters justify the Government’s decision by saying it would help students of the current generation learn and introspect about the work done by their own people. It will be an opportunity to get to know their leaders.”
Earlier in 2011, the newly introduced Samacheer Kalvi (Tamil Nadu uniform system of school education or Equitable Education System) textbooks had additional reading material about Karunanidhi, which the AIADMK government deleted completely.
In a statement, Tamil Nadu BJP state vice president Narayananan Thirupathi said, “Karunanidhi is an ordinary politician. He might have done something for power, position and party. It would be a blunder to add his life in school curriculums that will be read by future generations of students. I am not saying this because of Karunanidhi , but it would not be right for the students to take any politician as a role model during their studies.” He also warned, “if the ruling party adds chapters on their leaders, the next government that comes to power may delete or add negative sides of the leaders in the lessons. It would totally ruin the image of the leaders and the party. It is nothing but misused of official powers. Can it have the guts to add portions from famous lyricist Kannadasan’s Vanavasam (which talks about the darker hidden side of Karunanidhi). He was a close friend of Karunanidhi in their early days working in the film industry”.
Former school education minister and AIADMK literary wing secretary Vaigaiselvan condemned the ruling DMK government, saying unnecessary sections of the textbook would be removed once the AIADMK comes to power. He said, “without political interference, the curriculum will be modified to include areas such as literature, prose, art, etc which are needed for the students. The inclusion of the biography of former CM Karunanidhi in the class 10 Tamil text book should be seen as a political move. Although Karunanidhi is multifaceted in playwriting, screenwriting, drama, story, politics and literature, it is not welcome to deliberately include sections about him in school textbooks”. Another AIADMK leader, D Jayakumar, promised, “With AIADMK coming to power, the syllabus will be revised and revived”.
Chairman of TNTB and ESC Dindigul I Leoni told the media that given Karunanidhi’s centenary celebration, his biography section had been added to the class ten Tamil textbook based on the public’s request to include it like other leaders. It is also part of the fulfilment of DMK’s poll promise.
One critic says, “If the chapter was added bowing to public demand, why can’t it introduce prohibition law ending TASMAS sales that ruins the life of lakhs of people, causing health hazards, create law and order problems, generating more widows leaving future of lakhs of children of drunken men?
