'Dravida' word omission: MK Stalin urges Centre to recall TN Guv RN Ravi amid row over state anthem

PTC Web Desk: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticised Governor RN Ravi after the word 'Dravida' was omitted from the state anthem, 'Tamil Thai Vaazhthu,' during a recent event in Chennai. The incident occurred during the Hindi Month Valedictory function, which the Governor attended.

MK Stalin questioned the Governor’s intentions, asking if he would dare to omit a word from the national anthem and called this omission an insult to the state and the Tamil language. He demanded that the Union Government immediately recall Governor RN Ravi, accusing him of having a "Dravidian allergy" and acting against the state's values. According to Stalin, removing the word 'Dravida' is a violation of Tamil Nadu’s laws and undermines the unity of the state's diverse communities.

In response to these allegations, the Governor’s office clarified that RN Ravi was merely attending the function and had no part in the omission of the word 'Dravida.' The Governor's media advisor, Thirugnana Sambandam, posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the omission occurred due to a mistake by the troupe reciting the anthem. He added that the issue was brought to the attention of the event organisers immediately and that they were asked to address it.

What is the Controversy About?

The controversy revolves around the omission of the word 'Dravida' from the state anthem of Tamil Nadu during an official event attended by Governor RN Ravi. The term 'Dravida' has significant cultural and political importance in Tamil Nadu, representing the Dravidian identity and heritage of the state. The Chief Minister believes that the omission was a deliberate act of disrespect towards Tamil Nadu's identity and has called for the Governor's removal. However, the Governor's office has insisted that it was an accidental mistake by those reciting the anthem, not a deliberate act by the Governor himself.