Title: Historical Facts Debunk the DMK’s Narrative on Education in Tamil Nadu
Subtitle: British Colonialism, Not Sanatana Dharma, was Responsible for the Decline in Education
Date: [Insert Date]
In a recent speech at the Sanatana Abolition Conference, Minister Udayanidhi controversially shared that the policy of Sanatan is to discourage the pursuit of education. This statement comes amidst a continued narrative by the DMK and other personalities, claiming that Sanatana Dharma denied education to the majority of people. However, historical evidence proves otherwise.
During a college graduation ceremony in Tuticorin district, Speaker Appavu asserted that only seven percent of people in India had access to education in the past due to Sanatana Dharma. These claims are echoed by the DMK and others who argue that it was Christian priests who brought education to the masses, leading to equality in society.
Such claims are not based on facts, but rather a misrepresentation of history for political gains. The British, during their colonial rule, were responsible for the decline of education in India, not Sanatana Dharma. The Christian missionaries, supported by the British government, indeed played a role in the education system, but their efforts cannot be credited with the universalization of education.
It was Mahatma Gandhi who, during the Round Table Conference in London in 1931, highlighted the degradation of the Indian education system under British rule. Although he was unable to extensively document the Indian education system due to his involvement in the freedom struggle, Gandhian scholar Dharampal later took up the task.
Dharampal collected documents during his visit to Britain and published the book “The Beautiful Tree: 18th Century Indian Traditional Education.” The findings reveal that during the British rule, there was widespread availability of education across Indian villages. These schools mainly catered to non-Brahmin students, with Brahmins constituting only a small percentage.
Contrary to the notion that Sanatana Dharma denied education to certain castes, historical records show that education was accessible to all in Indian society. Scottish records even attest to Indians’ recognition of the importance of education and their willingness to sacrifice for it.
Furthermore, the British education system itself had a religious focus and was limited in its outreach until the mid-19th century. The British government’s decision to prioritize the English language and education suppressed the traditional Indian education system. As a result, literacy rates plummeted to just 6% by 1891.
It is time for Dravida-Communists to acknowledge these historical facts and refrain from perpetuating false narratives. Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage and the contributions of Sanatana Dharma cannot be overshadowed by distortions of history. Let us celebrate the true legacy of education in our region and work towards a more inclusive and accurate understanding of our past.
As Vice President of the Tamil Nadu BJP, Professor P. Kanagasabhapathy calls on the DMK and the Left to embrace the truth and stop spreading misinformation about our traditional education system.
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