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On the occasion of Teachers' Day on September 5, Mahavishnu of Paraamporul Foundation was invited to deliver a motivational speech at a government school in Mylapore district.
The video allegedly shows the speaker spreading “superstitious and anti-science” rhetoric to students
A school in Chennai is facing backlash after a video of a “controversial” speech by a motivational speaker on campus surfaced on social media. The video allegedly shows the speaker spreading “superstitious and anti-scientific” rhetoric to students.
On the occasion of Teachers' Day on September 5, Mahavishnu of Paraamporul Foundation was invited to deliver a motivational speech at a government school in Mylapore district. In his speech, he claimed that spells could be used to bring rain and traffic from one place to another. When a school teacher objected, he responded to her in a threatening manner.
The video sparked outrage among people and politicians. Social media users believe that schools are places of education, not spiritualism.
A protest was held in front of the Government Girls High School in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, demanding action to allow spiritual awakening classes in schools. School principal Tamira Rasi was transferred to Tiruvallur district on Friday.
School education chief executive Maas met with protesters and pledged action. After the uproar on social media, Education Minister Ambir Mahesh also said strict action would be taken against those involved.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin ordered the school education department to formulate guidelines for holding any event in government schools and conduct programs aimed at improving the scientific literacy of students.