KAMAL HAASAN’S COMMENT ON SANATANA DHARMA SPARKS CONTROVERSY
Background
At an event organised by actor Suriya’s Agaram Foundation in Chennai, Kamal Haasan, actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader, stirred a major controversy by saying,
"Education is the only weapon that can break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatana (Dharma)."
He linked this statement to the ongoing debate over NEET exams, arguing that law changes like NEET deny educational opportunities to deserving poor and rural students in Tamil Nadu.
Political Backlash
The Tamil Nadu BJP unit vehemently criticized Kamal Haasan, demanding an unconditional apology, claiming he had insulted India’s majority and cultural roots.
BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy accused Kamal of forgetting his family's Sanatana roots and called the remarks against Sanatana Dharma as adverse to India’s majority.
Other political parties, including allies of BJP in Tamil Nadu, also denounced his comments as divisive.
Kamal Haasan’s Standpoint
Kamal Haasan expressed concern about education accessibility and pointed to NEET as a barrier for many students especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He urged that education alone should be harnessed to remove oppressive structures, including what he referred to as “the chains of dictatorship and Sanatan.”
His remarks were part of a broader critique on educational policies and social structures perceived to perpetuate inequality.
Historical and Social Context
In Tamil Nadu, Sanatana Dharma is often viewed critically as it is associated with caste-based discrimination and social inequalities by many social reformers and political leaders.
Kamal’s comments resonated with similar remarks by Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin in 2023, which also triggered polarised responses and legal challenges.
Public Reaction
The controversy split opinions, with supporters praising Kamal Haasan for tackling sensitive issues, while critics accused him of disrespecting Hindu traditions.
The debate highlights the complex dynamics at the intersection of religion, politics, social justice, and education in Tamil Nadu.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly did Kamal Haasan say about Sanatana Dharma?
He stated that education is the only weapon that can break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatana (Dharma).
Q2: Why did his comment spark controversy?
BJP and others viewed it as an attack on Hindu traditions and the majority community.
Q3: Was Kamal Haasan criticizing Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism in general?
His criticism was specifically against Sanatana Dharma, which some view as linked to social discrimination, particularly caste.
Q4: How does this relate to NEET examinations?
Kamal argued that NEET restricts educational opportunities for poor and rural students; education is needed to change such laws.
Q5: Have there been similar controversies before?
Yes, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatana Dharma in 2023 also sparked widespread debate.
Q6: What is the BJP’s response?
They requested an apology from Kamal Haasan, accusing him of forgetting India’s cultural roots.
Q7: Is education widely regarded as a tool for social reform in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, many political leaders emphasize education as key to overcoming social inequalities.
Q8: How has the public reacted overall?
Reactions are mixed, with polarized views split between social reform advocates and defenders of tradition.
Published on: August 5, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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