MDMK opposes Centre's attempt to 'saffronise' education

NDA ally MDMK today opposed any proposed changes by the HRD Ministry in the education system as suggested by the RSS, alleging these were part of efforts by BJP to 'saffronise' it after the party came to power.
Referring to a recent meeting of representatives of RSS affiliated organisations with HRD Minister Smriti Irani, MDMK founder leader Vaiko alleged that after the BJP came to power, efforts were being taken to not only change the education system, but also 'saffronise' it.
Observing that Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal had suggested an education system to replace the existing one as recommended by the Kothari Commission, he said it was the RSS outfit's long cherished dream to push through religion oriented Hindutva education, make Sanskrit compulsory and call for change in the system.

"The Centre's idea to implement RSS' recommended system of education is condemnable. The HRD Minister should not try to change the syllabus recommended by the Kothari Commission and implement the RSS' suggested education system," he said in a statement.
He also referred to RSS-affiliated Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas president Dinanath Batra's reported statement that the time has come to change the education system after Modi became PM and Home Minister Rajnath Singh's reported comment that the education system should be changed.
"A senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu holding a national post has also said those who accept Modi's leadership should accept Hindutva. These are examples of the dangerous way India is proceeding onto," Vaiko said.

Representatives of RSS-affiliated organisations and BJP leaders had recently met Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani in Delhi, apparently concerned over removal of certain anomalies in history books of the country.
The meeting was also part of BJP's measures to ensure better co-ordination between the government and the party and its affiliated organisations for improving the education sector.