University syllabi in Tamil Nadu neglects freedom fighters, says Governor RN Ravi

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi expressed disappointment on Tuesday over the state university syllabus, which he claimed glorifies British colonial rule while neglecting local freedom fighters.
Speaking at the release of The Battles of Panchalankurichi by P Senthilkumar, Ravi highlighted the omission of Tamil Nadu’s historical figures like Veerapandiya Kattabomman and the Marudhu brothers, who led early resistance movements against British rule.
He argued that this educational oversight diminishes the contributions of these heroes to India’s freedom struggle and called for a revision in the curriculum.
“As Governor and Chancellor of state universities, I sought the history, political science, and literature syllabus for BA and MA students,” Ravi said.
“I was shocked to find that the 19th-century history of Tamil Nadu in these syllabi praises the British while ignoring our freedom fighters. This is shameful for a nation that owes its existence to the sacrifices of these martyrs.”
Ravi criticised the syllabus for allegedly fostering a narrative that celebrates the British for providing a “sense of social justice” and establishing a positive legacy in Tamil Nadu.
He condemned this portrayal as misleading, noting that it ignores the brutal exploitation and oppression inflicted by colonial rulers, including the forced migration of over a million Indians to British colonies as labourers.
“The true history of our freedom movement is yet to be written,” Ravi said, adding that generations have been taught an oversimplified version of India’s independence, focusing on non-violent resistance while “sidelining the sacrifices” of countless lives lost in the struggle.
“An impression has been created that we achieved freedom solely through hunger strikes and peaceful protests. But if that were the case, what about the thousands who laid down their lives?” he asked.
Ravi also spoke against “intellectuals” who, he claimed, equate Shakespeare with Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, suggesting a selective approach to Tamil heritage that sidelines freedom fighters while emphasising Dravidian historical figures.
“Our syllabus emphasises the Dravidian movement in the 20th century, with scant mention of those who fought for independence,” he said, urging efforts to “write a more truthful account of our national freedom movement.”
He argued that presenting a skewed version of history not only disrespects the memory of freedom fighters but also undermines national pride.
As part of a move to correct the historical narrative, The Battles of Panchalankurichi has been published in Tamil, Hindi, and English, aiming to bring the story of local resistance leaders to a wider audience and rekindle pride in Tamil Nadu’s heritage.
Governor Ravi concluded by underscoring the importance of honouring the past to secure the future: “A nation that forgets its heroes and martyrs has no future. We must remember them with gratitude and ensure their sacrifices are never erased from public memory.”