Thu Oct 02 19:22:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, speaking at Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, criticized the state’s handling of social issues, particularly the safety and treatment of Scheduled Castes (SCs). He alleged rising discrimination and inability for SCs to move freely, contrasting the situation negatively with Kerala. Ravi claimed India strayed from Gandhian ideals after independence, leading to economic decline, and praised the application of these ideals since 2014 for recent economic progress and poverty reduction. He urged citizens to embrace cleanliness, reject discrimination, and promote Swadeshi, felicitating Gandhians, sanitation workers, and essay competition winners.
**News Article:**
**Tamil Nadu Governor Criticizes State’s Record on Caste Discrimination at Gandhi Jayanti Event**
**CHENNAI, October 3, 2025** – Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi used the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on Thursday to sharply criticize the state’s record on protecting Scheduled Castes (SCs), alleging a decline in their safety and well-being.
Speaking at the Gandhi Mandapam in the Raj Bhavan, Ravi claimed that “SCs are facing increasing problems, including not being able to walk freely on the streets and students being divided in classrooms.” He contrasted this situation unfavorably with Kerala, stating, “This is not the situation in Kerala.” Ravi further stated that it disrespects the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Governor also commented on India’s economic trajectory, asserting that the nation’s deviation from Gandhian principles after independence led to economic decline. “At the time of independence, India was the sixth-largest economy in the world. But, by forgetting Gandhi, over the next six to seven decades, India slipped into poverty,” he stated. He credited a return to these principles since 2014 for the country’s recent economic growth, claiming it has moved from the 11th to the 4th largest economy and reduced poverty significantly.
Ravi concluded his address by urging citizens to pledge to maintain cleanliness, reject all forms of discrimination, and embrace Swadeshi (self-reliance) as a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
During the event, Governor Ravi felicitated nine Gandhians for their contributions to society, along with sanitation workers from the Gandhi Mandapam and winners of a State-level essay competition held in honor of Gandhi Jayanti. He also paid floral tributes to a portrait and bust of Mahatma Gandhi.
First Piper 