Even State governments are abetting instigation of hatred against minorities: Stalin

The minorities in the country are facing an unprecedented crisis, with even State governments abetting the instigation of hatred against them, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said in Chennai on Friday.

“We are launching programmes for every section of society. But at the national level, hatred is being instigated in several States. Governments are abetting this,” Mr. Stalin said.

He was speaking at the valedictory of the centenary celebrations of Good Shepherd Convent. “The boisterous behaviour of forces intending to disturb India’s religious harmony would not last long. While in school, all of you should develop the quality of treating everyone equally without any caste or religious divide,” he said.

In a comment that also had a political flavour, Mr. Stalin said students should not look for role models on Instagram. “Reels are not reality. Likes and views are not the real swag. Along with your studies, do play. Take care of your health,” he said.

“If Tamil Nadu is to remain a haven for equality, you all should grow up with such thoughts. That is why I have to talk about politics and give you such advice even at a school function,” Mr. Stalin said.

Calling upon students to pursue higher education after school, Mr. Stalin said, “AI has created a revolution. But don’t think ‘why should we study as we have AI after all’. You should use any technology for developing yourself, and not stop your thinking process.”

At the Secretariat earlier in the day, Mr. Stalin virtually laid the foundation for various projects undertaken by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department at a cost of ₹124 crore. He launched the renovation of nine temples that are over a 1,000 years old at a cost of ₹32 crore. He also virtually inaugurated 14 projects implemented at a cost of ₹51 crore.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated infrastructure built by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation and the Tamil Nadu Warehousing Corporation at a cost of ₹60 crore. He inaugurated buildings constructed for the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department at a cost of ₹104 crore.

He also handed over appointment orders to about 800 newly recruited road inspectors, and candidates selected by the Medical Services Recruitment Board and the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission for the Health Department.