Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi found himself embroiled in a contentious debate when he questioned the authenticity of Robert Caldwell's seminal work, 'A Comparative Grammar of Dravidian or South-Indian Family of Languages'. The Governor made these remarks during a commemorative event honoring the 192nd birth anniversary of social reformer Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal.
Governor Ravi asserted that figures like Caldwell, alongside others, were enlisted by the British colonialists to target vulnerable segments of society, asserting that they lacked formal education and were recruited by entities such as the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG) to serve imperial interests in India.
Highlighting Caldwell's educational background, the Governor remarked that Caldwell, who purportedly failed to complete his formal education and lacked even basic schooling, authored what he deemed to be a spurious publication on Dravidian languages. He alleged that missionaries, under the guise of educational endeavors, systematically closed down indigenous schools and restricted access to education solely to those who embraced Christianity.
Furthermore, Governor Ravi suggested a deliberate campaign orchestrated by colonial powers to erode indigenous cultural and religious practices, citing historical instances of missionary activities aimed at converting the Indian populace to Christianity. He posited that the British colonial administration strategically employed policies to undermine traditional institutions, citing legislative measures such as the Charter Act of 1813 as evidence of such intent.
Criticizing the Dravidian movement, the Governor lamented what he perceived as its alignment with colonial interests, accusing its proponents of undermining India's indigenous cultural heritage. He bemoaned the observance of Independence Day as a "Black Day" by certain factions, asserting that such sentiments were emblematic of a larger agenda aimed at subverting the ethos of Sanatana Dharma.
In contrast, Governor Ravi extolled the virtues of Sanatana Dharma, characterizing it as an inclusive philosophy that transcends religious divisions. He opined that the world at large views Sanatana Dharma as a beacon of unity amidst religious plurality, emphasizing its enduring relevance in contemporary society.
