Kamal Haasans NEET Remarks Spark Sanatan Dharma Debate

Kamal Haasan, a well-known Indian actor and Rajya Sabha MP, finds himself at the centre of another controversy. His recent speech at the Agaram Foundation’s 15th anniversary event, where he criticised the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), has sparked a major debate. Haasan declared that education is "the only weapon that can crush the chains of dictatorship and Sanatan,” a statement that has resonated strongly in political and religious circles.

The term "Sanatan Dharma," traditionally representing "eternal truth," has increasingly become a politically charged term, often used interchangeably with Hinduism. This semantic shift has fueled intense debates about faith, education, and political ideologies. Haasan's comments have reignited these discussions, prompting scrutiny of his past statements which have been critical of Hindu religious and cultural practices.

For instance, in 2019, he referred to Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, as India's first terrorist. In 2018, he questioned the sanctity of certain Brahminical symbols. These past remarks have further fueled the current controversy.

This incident is not unique to Haasan. Several other political figures have employed "Sanatan Dharma" as a focal point in their political narratives, frequently criticising aspects of the religious tradition.

This includes statements by Jitendra Awhad, Udhayandhi Stalin, and others, suggesting the term has become a contentious element in Indian political discourse, highlighting the complex intersection of faith, politics, and identity.