Kamal Haasan Slams NEET and Sanatana Ideology, Calls Education the Ultimate Equaliser

Actor and political trailblazer Kamal Haasan delivered a potent sociopolitical critique on Sunday, asserting that education alone possesses the might to "break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatana ideology." Speaking at the 15th anniversary of actor Suriya’s Agaram Foundation, Haasan fiercely condemned the NEET medical entrance exam, portraying it as an impediment to equitable access to higher education, particularly for marginalized communities across Tamil Nadu.

"Since 2017, this has denied education to so many children." Mr Haasan said, highlighting the exclusionary consequences of the exam. Despite the tireless efforts of organizations like Agaram Foundation, Hassan emphasized that systemic change is not achievable through charity alone. "Even Agaram Foundation can't do anything about it. Only education can give the strength to change the law. Education is not just a weapon in this war, it is the chisel that can sculpt the nation," he declared passionately.

In a vehement critique of the prevailing political ethos, he further stated, "Don't take anything else in your hands. You will not win that way. Majoritarian idiots will defeat you. Knowledge will be lost. We need to collectively hold together." His words reflect a deep concern over the erosion of democratic values and the vilification of dissenting intellect.

Haasan’s remarks come amidst Tamil Nadu’s continued opposition to NEET. The exam, critics argue, disproportionately benefits affluent urban students who have access to premium coaching facilities while severely disadvantaging meritorious students from rural areas and government schools.

Hassan’s reference to “Santana” aligns him with a controversial political debate. In 2023, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin compared Sanatana Dharma to "diseases caused by mosquitoes," accusing it of perpetuating caste-based discrimination. While this ignited national uproar and legal challenges, the Supreme Court eventually directed that no new cases be pursued.

During the event, actor Suriya reflected on the foundation’s transformative journey. “More than 6,000 students from extremely humble backgrounds have received an education and gone on to achieve great things. Many were orphans. Today, our former students are running the programme with empathy and social awareness.”

For nearly a decade, Tamil Nadu relied solely on Class 12 scores for medical admissions, with an exemption from entrance exams approved by the former President Abdul Kalam under the UPA regime. However, the current central government has refused to extend such exemptions, triggering fervent debates.