On plea against college circular, Madras HC says Sanatan Dharma encompasses eternal duties to nation, king, parents, gurus, poor

With a political controversy over “Sanatan Dharma” already on a “boil”, a circular by a Tamil Nadu Government college inviting students to share their opinions through a speech on “Sanatan Dharma” is likely to stir another round of storm when the Special Session of Parliament begins on Monday.

Amid the intensifying political debate over Udayanhidhi Stalin’s assault on “Sanatan Dharma”, the Madras High Court on Saturday issued significant remarks.

The High Court said that the concept of “Sanatan Dharma” encapsulates a set of eternal duties, including duty to the nation, to the king, to one’s parents and gurus, and care for the poor, among others.

The comments came from Justice N Seshasayee, who was hearing a petition filed by one Elangovan, challenging a circular issued by a local government Arts College. The college asked students to share their thoughts on the topic “Opposition to Sanathana”.

According to the Justice, amid the ongoing turmoil over the Sanatan Dharma issue, an idea seems to have gained ground that Sanatan Dharma is solely about promoting casteism and untouchability. This particular notion is strongly rejected by the judge.

A senior official from the Union Education Ministry stated that they might issue a circular seeking clarification from the University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding the specific rules and regulations pertaining to debates, discussions, and speeches on matters of faith and religion.

The Sanatan Dharma controversy first erupted when Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi made a statement against Sanatan Dharma during an event in Chennai on September 3 that had led to a massive uproar in the political and social circles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to step in asking his party members and full Cabinet to counter such attacks made on the ancient religion of the universe.

The circular typed in Tamil language dated September 12, 2023, a copy of which is with The Pioneer, was issued by Thiruvalampuram Government College asking students for a speech on Sanatan Dharma to celebrate the birth anniversary of late DMK politician Arignar Anna on September 15.

Sources said, however, after protest from students and some parents within the college campus, a separate circular was issued the following day including the word “not mandatory” but “voluntary” for everyone to participate in it.

“Mandatory of not mandatory, the character of such a circular in an educational centre when already there is lot of controversy across the country, needs to be scrutinised,” said a UGC source.

The college had asked the students to present speeches on their views regarding Sanatan Dharma as part of the observance of Arignar Anna’s birth anniversary on Friday, September 15.

Not only this, sources confirmed that a DMK MLA from Thiuvarur, K Poondi Kalaivanan, asked students of a women’s college to speak at an anti-Sanatan Dharma event.

“We call our country Mother India. Feminism has been belittled by the Sanatana Vadis who have infiltrated our country. It was only after the conquest of Dravida that women rose. For example, women got the right to vote, the right to wear a blouse, the right to property, and the right to education,”  Kalaivanan said in his letter, a copy of which is with The Pioneer, addressed to the principal of Thiru Vi Ka Govt Arts College.

Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Ponmudy also made an anti-Sanatan remark at the same conference on September 2, in which Udhayanidhi affirmed that Sanatan Dharma should be eradicated.

“The INDIA bloc was formed to fight against the principles of Santana Dharma. We may have our

differences among us but the 26 parties in the alliance are united in the fight against

Santana Dharma but we need political power for that,” Ponmudy said.