During the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at Gandhi Mandapam in Chennai’s Guindy, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. He later toured the khadi exhibition and distributed prizes to students who participated in various competitions, honoring freedom fighters and sanitation workers.In his speech, Governor Ravi addressed several pressing issues, emphasizing Mahatma Gandhi’s relevance even today. He noted, “Some may consider Gandhi a traditionalist, but he was not. He spoke about principles that today’s youth should follow, even during his time.”
Governor Ravi also spoke about India’s progress in becoming self-reliant in technology and avoiding dependence on foreign countries, something Gandhi advocated for. He highlighted, “Gandhi wanted India to be self-sufficient, and today we are following the path he laid out.”
Reflecting on Gandhi’s call for cleanliness across the country, the Governor expressed his sorrow over the current state of the Gandhi Mandapam, which has become a dumping ground for liquor bottles.
The Governor then touched upon the increasing crimes against Dalits in Tamil Nadu, stating, “Even 75 years after independence, discrimination against Dalits has not ended. While crimes against Dalits occur across India, they are more prevalent in Tamil Nadu.”
He revealed that in the last three years, crimes against Dalits in Tamil Nadu have risen by 40%, adding, “In some places, Dalits are still not allowed to walk on the streets, enter temples, or cook meals for others in schools. We even hear disturbing news of sewage being mixed with water intended for Dalits.”
Governor Ravi also pointed out that 60 out of the 100 people who died after consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi belonged to the Dalit community. He remarked, “While many crimes are committed against Dalits, only 50% of those responsible are convicted.”
Concluding his speech, he said, “It pains me to see that while social justice is spoken about in Tamil Nadu, it is not truly practiced. True freedom will only be achieved when Dalits receive full social justice.”