Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s Speech : tate Minorities Commission’s Minorities Rights Day Celebration in Trichy.

Dear Friends and Esteemed Guests,

I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone gathered at the Minorities Rights Day Celebration at Jamal Mohamed College, Trichy. Observing the current circumstances faced by the nation, the event’s focus on the welfare of minorities, the upholding of democracy, and faith in secularism is both timely and essential.

The Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission, under the leadership of Minister for Minorities Welfare, Thiru. Raja Arulanandam, has been tirelessly working for the welfare of minority communities by addressing their concerns and implementing impactful measures. I congratulate him and his team for their dedicated efforts.

From its inception, the Dravidian Movement has consistently prioritized the welfare and empowerment of minority communities. Under the leadership of trailblazers like Periyar and Arignar Anna, the Dravidian movement has upheld secular values and the rights of minorities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their grievances addressed.

Key Initiatives Highlighted

Reflecting on historical milestones, several initiatives were introduced during Kalaignar Dr. Karunanidhi’s tenure, such as:

• Establishment of the Department for Minorities Welfare in 1989.
• Creation of the Tamil Nadu Minorities Economic Development Corporation in 1999.
• Launch of the Urdu Academy in 2000.
• Introduction of 3.5% reservation for Muslims under the Backward Classes category in 2007.
• Establishment of the Directorate of Minorities Welfare in 2007.
• Many more initiatives aimed at the welfare and development of minority communities.

The Dravidian Model of governance has consistently worked toward equitable development. Recent initiatives under our government include:

• Reviving educational aid for Muslim students, discontinued by the central BJP government, through Tamil Nadu Waqf Board funds.
• Establishing women’s self-help groups for Muslim and Christian women, offering financial support totaling several crores.
• Allocating funds for repairing places of worship and expanding welfare schemes in minority-dominated districts.

Standing Against Oppression

Our government remains committed to protecting the rights of minorities. Tamil Nadu has vocally opposed anti-minority policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and other discriminatory measures. We have also stood against judicial decisions that threaten secularism and actively work to preserve communal harmony.

A Call for Unity

Given the prevailing challenges in India, it is imperative for minorities to unite and work together to protect their rights and identity. The Dravidian Model will always support this cause, emphasizing inclusivity and equality.

Tamil Nadu stands as a beacon of hope for secularism and communal harmony, ensuring that minority rights are upheld in all circumstances. I pledge that our government will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard these principles, fostering a society where everyone can thrive without fear or discrimination.

Thank you!
(Release by: Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai)