Principals of 2 institutions transferred after ‘Mahavishnu’ creates chaos in Tennessee government schools

CHENNAI: Chief minister MK Stalin on Friday ordered immediate formulation of guidelines for implementation of syllabus in government schools after controversial remarks by a “spiritual speaker” on karma, rebirth and the link between past sins and disabilities sparked outrage.

Stalin said he had issued orders to formulate and issue new guidelines regulating various curricula in schools in the country so that “our children, who are the future generation of the state, receive progressive-scientific ideas and values.”

He added that the path of learning is the path of development. “High-quality textbooks given to students contain scientific ideas that students need to learn. Teachers themselves can tell students about the ideas that are needed to sharpen their minds and face challenges. The school education department will take steps to provide teachers with social education and training in this regard,” he added.

“Only the ideas of individual and social development and living in accordance with values ​​should be instilled in students. Over the past three years, I have consistently emphasized the importance of education and the need to develop scientific thinking at numerous events,” he said.

Transferred heads of institutions

Amid a backlash after videos of a speech by Mahavishnu, founder of the Paramporul Foundation, went viral on social media, the state has transferred the principal of Ashok Nagar Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School and the principal of Saidapet Government Model School.

In his speech, Mahavishnu accused the British of destroying the Gurukulam and stated that with the help of mantras one can make it rain fire, cure diseases and even fly.

“If God were gracious, everyone should be born equal. We are born rich or poor, criminal or hero, why such differences? What you get in this life is based on what you did in your previous life,” he told the students.

“Action against Mahavishnu for insulting Tamil teacher”

School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who finds himself in a politically embarrassing situation, announced that police would take action against Mahavishnu for insulting Sankar, a visually impaired Tamil teacher who had questioned his views.

He told reporters that a committee headed by the director of the school education department is to investigate the matter within three or four days.

While AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswamy alleged that the school authorities allowed the speaker to lead the programme due to his links with ministers, other political parties, including allies DMK, TNCC and CP, and also PMK condemned the incident.