Those fuelling religious conflict are enemies of the nation, says Vaiko

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko, on Saturday, said those who attempt to create conflict in the name of religion are the sole enemies of the country.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of The Quaide Milleth College for Men at Medavakkam, Mr. Vaiko said Quaide Milleth Muhammad Ismail was a symbol of honesty, simplicity, and discipline and the college named after him stood as an example of secularism. He also recalled various important events in the life of the late leader and his contributions during his several-decade-long political career.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) polit bureau member G. Ramakrishnan said teachers should impart critical thinking to students. He also alleged that the Centre had diluted the powers of institutions such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor of VIT, emphasised the importance of improving the standards of higher education and said India’s progress depended on health and education. He also spoke extensively about economic inequality in the country and measures to overcome it.

Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani, in his virtual address, recalled his association with the college and the important role played by the institution in imparting higher education and discipline to students. S. Sathik, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras, hailed the contributions of Quaide Milleth and recalled the late leader’s emphasis on making Tamil a national language when he was a member of the Constituent Assembly.

An exhibition of rare photographs of Quaide Milleth was also inaugurated. Rev. Bishop V. Devasagayam of the Church of South India; P.A. Khaja Mohinudeen Baqavi, president of the Tamil Nadu Jamathul Ulama Sabai; M.G. Dawooj Miakhan, secretary and correspondent of the college; and M. Amuthul Thawab, principal of the college, were among those present.