DMK Leader's Remarks Spark Heated Debate Over Women's Education in North vs Tamil Nadu
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A recent statement by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran has ignited a heated debate over the status of women's education in North India versus Tamil Nadu. Speaking at the Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women in Chennai, Maran claimed that girls in several northern states are often discouraged from pursuing education and careers, instead being expected to remain at home and do household work. In contrast, Tamil Nadu actively promotes women's education and empowerment. Maran praised the ruling DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin, describing Tamil Nadu as the 'best state in India' and the present administration as a continuation of the Dravidian movement's emphasis on social justice and women's education. He credited social reformer Periyar with laying the foundation for girls' education in the state. However, Maran's remarks have drawn attention for their broad generalisation about northern states, sparking debate over regional stereotyping and the realities of women's education across India. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who distributed laptops to 900 final-year students as part of the Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil scheme, highlighted the role of education in empowering women and contributing to society. The scheme aims to provide laptops to 10 lakh students across Tamil Nadu this year, with ₹2.5 crore allocated for the initiative at the college. Stalin urged students to use the devices for academic purposes and quoted Periyar's words, 'Vessels should be taken away from girls and books should be given instead.' He expressed his wish for the students to achieve even more than men in their fields, emphasizing the importance of education in empowering women.
