Tamil actor Suriya is facing heavy backlash for criticising certain proposals in the draft National Education Policy (NEP).
Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebrations of Sri Sivakumar Educational and Charitable Trust/Agaram Foundation on Saturday, 13 July, the actor said the Draft NEP sought to impose an entrance examination and the three-language formula in Tamil Nadu.
“The focus is not on quality education and equal accessibility,” he said.
“How will they attend classes? I myself find it challenging to teach third language to my kids,” he had said.
State Information Minister Kadambur Raju and senior BJP leaders H Raja and Tamilisai Soundararajan slammed the actor over his comments.
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan backed the actor and slammed the state and Centre.
Kamal Haasan took to Twitter and said, “I agree with many of the points Suriya raises. Suriya has my support.” He strongly condemned ‘the autocratic attitude of Centre and state.’ “Suriya has every right to talk about education. Suriya's family has done a lot for educational development of the poor,” he added.
Suriya had also criticised the present state of government schools. “Schools being handled by single teachers are currently closed, and children studying there cannot make choices based on such policies. Three languages are imposed in early education, and government school students are most vulnerable to imposition of languages. There are not enough teachers in government schools and almost 30 percent of students study without any guidance of teachers. How is it then that one expects such students to appear for NEET or even write six semesters and all?” he said.
BJP National Secretary H Raja accused Suriya of ‘disturbing peace.’
“While speaking about the draft, Suriya has said that ‘if we keep quiet’ NEP will be implemented. Can he speak like that? Doesn’t that mean that he wants to disturb peace?” he asked.
“When they talk about a third language, it is optional. Where is imposition here? We need to play an important role in saving the people of Tamil Nadu from the groups that are trying to dupe the people.”H Raja, BJP National Secretary
Suriya’s fans took to social media to show support with the #StandWithSuriya trending on Twitter.
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