Controversy Erupts as Tamil Nadu Governor Urges Students to Chant 'Jai Shri Ram'

Governor's Remarks Spark Outrage

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Governor, RN Ravi, has found himself at the center of a heated debate following his comments encouraging college students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram.' This incident has prompted the State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN), a coalition of education professionals, to accuse him of breaching his constitutional oath and undermining secular values. They have called upon President Droupadi Murmu to dismiss him from his position.

The SPCSS-TN criticized Ravi for not adhering to the Constitution and failing to honor its principles and institutions. PB Prince Gajendra Babu, the General Secretary of SPCSS-TN, stated, 'Ravi must be removed from the Governor's office immediately for intentionally violating Article 159, which pertains to the oath taken by the Governor of India.'

Ravi was the chief guest at a government-aided college in Madurai, where he was present to award prizes during a literary competition.

During his speech on April 12, he requested the students to chant the name of a specific deity (Jai Shri Ram) three times.

The Indian Constitution establishes the nation as secular, emphasizing that education should also reflect this principle. It is the fundamental duty of every citizen to uphold the Constitution and respect its ideals, including the national flag and anthem, while fostering a spirit of inquiry and reform.

By urging students to chant a religious phrase, Ravi is accused of failing to uphold the Constitution's values. The SPCSS-TN has formally appealed to the President to take action against him.