Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi is facing mounting criticism from a prominent group of educationists who have petitioned President Droupadi Murmu to remove him from office, accusing him of violating the secular fabric of the Indian Constitution by urging students to chant “Jai Shri Ram” at a public event.
The incident occurred on April 12 during a function at a government-aided engineering college in Madurai, where Governor Ravi was the chief guest for a literary prize distribution ceremony.
According to the State Platform for Common School System–Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN), the Governor, during his speech, asked students to chant the religious slogan “Jai Shri Ram” three times. The group claims this act constitutes a serious breach of the constitutional duty to uphold secularism, particularly Article 159, which governs the oath of office for Governors.
In a strongly worded statement, SPCSS-TN General Secretary PB Prince Gajendra Babu accused Governor Ravi of misusing his position and turning a government-sponsored educational event into a platform for religious expression. “Education is a secular domain,” the statement emphasised, adding that Tamil Nadu’s curriculum exposes students to a variety of religious philosophies in an inclusive and non-partisan manner.
The group further alleged that students felt compelled to obey the Governor’s request out of respect and concern for their institution’s reputation, rather than personal agreement with the slogan. “Had they objected, it would have caused unnecessary embarrassment to the college authorities,” Babu stated.
The educationists also invoked Article 51A of the Constitution, which outlines citizens’ fundamental duties, including promoting scientific thinking and respecting the nation’s constitutional values. They argued that the Governor’s actions contradicted these principles and threatened to disturb communal harmony in the state.
Criticising Ravi’s understanding of Tamil Nadu’s educational system, the SPCSS-TN accused him of making ill-informed and divisive remarks. “His ignorance and arrogance only serve to mislead and create discord,” the group claimed.