Governor RN Ravi expressed his displeasure over the lack of emphasis on the contributions of freedom fighters in school and college curricula, stating that the history of India’s freedom struggle has been overly condensed and attributed to only a select few.Speaking at the 128th birth anniversary celebrations of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, organized by Akhil Bharatiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad and Aram IAS Academy in Anna Nagar, Chennai, Governor Ravi remarked:
“Learn more about Netaji and the sacrifices made for India’s independence. After the country gained freedom, the history of the freedom struggle was shortened, and the contributions of countless individuals were neglected in records. Across the nation, innumerable people gave their lives for independence.”
He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s significant role, saying, “The Tamil soil has sacrificed many lives for freedom. Ignoring the names of these martyrs from history is a disservice to their legacy.”
Drawing comparisons, he said, “Just as Americans enslaved African people, during the freedom struggle, our people were exiled. Such events are missing from school and college textbooks, depriving the younger generation of understanding the value of freedom.”
Sharing his experience in Tamil Nadu, he stated, “When I became Governor, I was given a list with fewer than 40 freedom fighters’ names. I did not believe it. After thorough research, I discovered over a thousand names of individuals who fought for freedom, not just for independence but with a vision to make India a leading nation.”
Encouraging students, Governor Ravi said, “Opportunities abound for students. Think big and aim high. A decade ago, there were only 300-400 startups in India. Today, with over 1.6 lakh startups, India stands as the world’s third-largest startup hub. Growth has no limits. Excel in any field you choose, as your success will contribute to the growth of your home, community, and nation.”