Thu Oct 23 18:26:26 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text followed by a news article written based on the summary:
Summary:
On October 23, 2025, Tamil Nadu Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services Palanivel Thiaga Rajan launched the book “Manual for Social Democracy” in Madurai. The book, created by the State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu, promotes inclusive education and aims to eradicate caste discrimination. Speakers at the launch emphasized the importance of values, morals, and brotherhood in education, highlighting the role of teachers and the potential for children to be a force for change. The event also acknowledged the continued presence of caste-based discrimination, even after a century of the self-respect movement, and called for its abolishment.
News Article:
Tamil Nadu Minister Launches “Manual for Social Democracy,” Aimed at Inclusive Education and Eradicating Caste Discrimination
MADURAI, October 23, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, launched the “Manual for Social Democracy” today in Madurai, a book designed to promote inclusive education and tackle the persistent issue of caste discrimination. The launch, organized by the State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu, took place at the Kalaignar Centenary Library.
Minister Rajan, addressing the audience, underscored the long-standing importance of inclusive education in Tamil society as a driver of growth and development. He lamented the continued prevalence of caste-based discrimination, stating that its persistence despite a century of the self-respect movement raised serious questions about progress. He further stressed the need to focus on instilling values and morals in education, prioritizing the development of humane and fraternal citizens over mere employment prospects.
I.S. Parveen Sulthana, Vice-President and Director of World Tamil Sangam, received the first copy of the manual, quoting Periyar’s assertion that women’s liberation is intrinsically linked to the abolition of caste. P.B. Prince Gajendra Babu, General Secretary of the State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu, highlighted the role of curricular development and shared insights from interactions with students who expressed a strong desire to abolish the caste system. He emphasized the crucial role teachers play in fostering social change.
The event also featured speeches from MUTA president P.K. Periyasami Raja, writer S. Thamizhselvan, and representatives from various teacher and student organizations. The “Manual for Social Democracy” aims to serve as a guide for educators and policymakers in their efforts to create a more equitable and just society.
First Piper 