Protests are not anti-national: Educationists

Speaking at an event at Press Club here, M Naganathan, former Economics professor at Madras University and former Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Commission (SPC), Tamil Nadu, said, “Those who are supporting NEET have the right to express their views freely. However, those opposing it are being questioned. Educationist like Prince Gajendra Babu, who has been working in the field of education for years, has been protesting against NEET based on some data but then, he is the one being attacked.”

He added, “This is people’s agitation and one person cannot be blamed for it. This agitation has people’s support. It’s unfair to blame an individual for it.” Many have called these protests anti-national. R Manivannan, a professor from Madras University, said, “We think that the state government is completely indifferent to the realities of the state. While in principle, it supports the NEET processions but in reality, it is supporting the Central government.” 

He further said, “We want to support the student struggle against NEET. There is nothing anti-national about it. In fact, the whole principle of disrespecting the diversity is reflected in the NEET policy. What we are advocating only strengthens national unity.”