A government school in Chennai's Ashok Nagar triggered a row after it came to light that a "spiritual awakening" class was held at the school for students on Thursday as part of the Teachers' Day celebration. The session, reportedly organised by the Paramporul Foundation (NGO), had a speaker conduct sessions on "past sins" and "rebirth".
The video of the session, which went viral on social media, shows the speaker, identified as Mahavishnu, making controversial remarks about rebirth and life struggles, though he was reportedly instructed to deliver a lecture on "self-confidence" to the students. The speaker reportedly made remarks suggesting that the students' current lives were shaped by divine forces as a consequence of sins committed in their past lives. One of the teachers objected to the content, which led to a heated argument between the staff member and the speaker.
The video of the incident soon went viral, triggering widespread protests from various quarters. Many questioned the Education Department over holding such a session at a government school. SFI and DYFI activists held a protest march against the Education Department.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: DYFI and SFI protest in Chennai and question the Department of Education, over 'Spiritual Awakening Classes' held in Government Girls Higher Secondary School. The session was conducted by an NGO. pic.twitter.com/FTbJi39QxE
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2024
The DMK government immediately embarked on a damage control mode and transferred the principal R. Thamilarasi. The principal has been transferred to Government Higher Secondary School, Kovilpathagai, Thiruvallur district.
State education minister Anbil Mahesh visited the school and met the staff member who voiced protest against the session. "We have formed a committee to inquire on who all are involved in this and how it happened. The probe will also focus on who gave the permission for the event. Further action will follow”, the minister said.
The minister also addressed the students in an event organised on the topic of 'Education-the best weapon to spread equality."
Chief Minister M K Stalin too addressed the controversy, without directly mentioning the school or the event. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the government-issued textbooks had the best scientific ideas.
"The teachers themselves can bring out the best ideas needed to face future challenges with confidence and sharpen their knowledge. Actions will be taken by the School Education Department to provide the necessary innovative training, and social education with appropriate departmental experts and scholars," the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
