Controversial spiritual speech in Chennai schools sparks Outrage

A speech by spiritual orator Maha Vishnu at two government schools in Chennai has stirred controversy, igniting a debate on spirituality versus superstition in educational institutions.

In a video, Maha Vishnu reportedly stated that disabilities and deformities in the present life are due to misdeeds from past lives. A differently-abled teacher is seen in the video objecting to these remarks, leading to an argument with the speaker.

The incident has caused public uproar, prompting the school education department to transfer the headmistresses of both schools where the speech took place.

School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has ordered an inquiry, emphasizing that schools should foster scientific thinking, not superstition. He confirmed that strict action would be taken against those responsible for arranging the talk and said that the speaker had overstepped his bounds.

The event has also drawn political criticism, with the AIADMK accusing the ruling DMK of promoting spirituality in schools to curry favor with the BJP. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan referred to it as part of a "secret pact" between the two parties, which the DMK has denied.

The controversy comes shortly after the DMK justified introducing Hindu faith-related programs in temple-run colleges and organized a conference on Lord Muruga.

The ruling party's recent invitation to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for the release of a Rs 100 commemorative coin in honor of late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi also fueled speculation about closer ties between the DMK and BJP. However, Chief Minister MK Stalin clarified that the coin release was purely a government event with no political implications.