Governor RN Ravi further elaborated that social reform in Tamil Nadu had been overshadowed by political agendas, which prioritized power over equality. He expressed regret that, unlike Kerala, where reformist saints had successfully mobilized society to embrace progressive values, Tamil Nadu’s social movements were co-opted by political entities, leading to fragmented efforts and a lack of sustained change.
He emphasized that education alone was insufficient to eradicate caste-based discrimination, pointing out that literacy does not automatically translate into social justice. “We may have high literacy rates, but awareness and practice of equality in daily life are lacking,” the Governor said, stressing that social reform requires both knowledge and active ethical commitment from the community.
Governor Ravi also called on civil society, religious leaders, and educational institutions to take a proactive role in promoting inclusivity and eradicating caste prejudices. He argued that all segments of society, including political parties, must prioritize human dignity over narrow political gains.
Highlighting the moral responsibility of the state, the Governor urged authorities to implement strict measures to protect Dalits from harassment and violence. He insisted that accountability mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure that perpetrators of caste-based crimes are brought to justice promptly and fairly.
Finally, Governor Ravi appealed to citizens to internalize the values of equality and fraternity in their daily interactions. He stressed that only through collective awareness, social responsibility, and ethical conduct could Tamil Nadu overcome the deep-rooted social divisions that continue to plague the state.
