‘Denied Education To Many': Kamal Haasan Slams NEET, Talks About Breaking ‘Sanatana' Ideology

News18

3 days ago

Last Updated:
Kamal Haasan's remarks come as the Tamil Nadu government continues to oppose the NEET system, arguing that it disadvantages rural and government school students
Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan issued a strong critique of the NEET medical entrance examination, saying that it has denied education to many children.
Speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of actor Suriya's Agaram Foundation on Sunday, he noted the transformative power of education, describing it as the only force capable of challenging what he termed 'dictatorship and Sanatana ideology."
'Since 2017, this has denied education to so many children," Haasan said, referring to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
'Even Agaram Foundation can't do anything about it. Only education can give the strength to change the law. Education is not just a weapon in this war; it is the chisel that can sculpt the nation."
The MNM leader also issued a caution against reactionary politics. 'Don't take anything else in your hands. You will not win that way. Majoritarian idiots will defeat you. Knowledge will lose. We need to collectively hold together," he said.
Haasan's remarks come as the Tamil Nadu government continues to oppose the NEET system, arguing that it disadvantages rural and government school students—particularly those from marginalised communities—who often cannot afford private coaching.
The state government contends that NEET has undermined social justice and equitable access to medical education. Meanwhile, the Centre, led by the BJP, maintains that the exam standardises admissions and curbs the sale of medical seats.
During the same event, actor Suriya spoke about the Agaram Foundation's work over the years.
'More than 6,000 students from extremely humble backgrounds have received an education and gone on to achieve great things. Many were orphans. Today, our former students are running the programme with empathy and social awareness," he said.
Tamil Nadu had abolished entrance examinations for medical courses for nearly a decade, relying instead on Class 12 marks.
During the UPA tenure, the state received an exemption from NEET with the assent of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. That exemption was withdrawn after the BJP-led government at the Centre took over.
'Sanatana' Row
Haasan's reference to 'Sanatana" aligns with an ongoing political row in the state.
In 2023, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin sparked national controversy after calling for the eradication of 'Sanatana Dharma', equating it with caste-based discrimination.
His comments led to multiple legal complaints across the country before the Supreme Court intervened to prevent further FIRs.
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.