A self-proclaimed motivational speaker, known as Mahavishnu, sparked outrage in Chennai, India, this week after delivering sermons promoting superstition and blaming disabilities on past life sins. These sermons were delivered during ‘Spiritual Awakening’ classes held within two government schools in Chennai, organized by an NGO called Paramporul Foundation.
Mahavishnu’s claims included the ability to control firestorms, cure illnesses, and teleport using mantras. He also attributed various physical handicaps and social inequalities to sins committed in previous lives. The speaker’s unscientific rhetoric drew criticism from a visually handicapped teacher who challenged his claims during the class.
Videos of the incident quickly went viral, leading to widespread public condemnation and protests. The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) staged a demonstration outside the Ashok Nagar Government Higher Secondary School, demanding strict action against the speaker.
The incident has also taken a political turn, with prominent leaders calling for action. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed concern and stated that the School Education Department would provide innovative training and social education to teachers. School education minister Mahesh Anbil Poyyamozhi assured that action would be taken against the speaker for insulting the visually challenged teacher and that such events would not be allowed to occur again in Tamil Nadu.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the influence of superstition in education and the need for promoting scientific thinking among students. The government’s response, including the transfer of two school headmasters and the assurance of action against the speaker, reflects the gravity of the situation and the need to address the issue of spreading misinformation in educational institutions.
