Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin delivered a powerful address in Trichy on Friday, issuing a stern appeal to the creative community and highlighting twin challenges facing society: drug abuse and communal disharmony. The CM flagged off an 'Equality March' against drug abuse led by MDMK chief Vaiko from Trichy to Madurai, using the platform to call for collective societal action.
A Call for Responsible Art and Parental Vigilance
Speaking at a meeting organized at the Thennur Uzhavar Sandhai ground, Stalin directly addressed the art industry, including films and digital content creators. He urged them to create their works with a deep sense of responsibility. "Explaining the ill effects of drugs is fine, but glorifying it will destroy an entire generation," the Chief Minister cautioned. He emphasized that parents, while being affectionate, must not remain silent spectators if their children deviate onto the wrong path.
Stalin pointed to a modern peril, warning that the lure of 'easy money' earned through social media platforms like YouTube could easily drag youths toward destructive choices. He called on teachers, influencers, and most importantly, family members to play a proactive role. The CM insisted that siblings and relatives should regularly monitor and interact with young people in their families, helping them offload burdens and preventing them from choosing wrong paths.
Combating the Twin 'Addictions': Drugs and Communal Hate
Stalin broadened the discourse to another critical issue, linking the awareness march to the need for communal harmony. He stated that caste and religious conflicts have become a significant concern, exacerbated by hate speech. "Even union ministers and those in responsible positions are engaging in hate speech to instigate clashes between two groups," he alleged.
The CM accused divisive forces of destroying the country's unity and peace for their personal ideology, creating an atmosphere of fear among minorities and scheduled caste communities. He contrasted the present with the past, noting that recent Christmas celebrations saw violence in many parts of the country. "We have celebrated together but now divisive forces are working to pull people apart," Stalin lamented. He criticized the misuse of spirituality, saying some groups use it to create fuss (vambu) instead of teaching love (anbu). The Chief Minister urged people to prevent both 'drug addiction' and 'communal addiction' from taking root in Tamil Nadu.
Political Echoes and a Health Concern for Vaiko
Stalin underscored the importance of such awareness walks in making drug abuse a subject of discussion among the youth. He also made a personal request to the march's leader, MDMK chief Vaiko, expressing concern for his well-being. "Vaiko should refrain from engaging in such hard walks in future. It's my request; your health is important to us," Stalin said, showcasing a note of personal regard amid political camaraderie.
Earlier, VCK chief and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan, in a veiled attack, spoke about forces supporting Sanatana while wearing the masks of Dravidam and Tamil Nationalism. He called for unity to defeat such divisive politics in the ensuing assembly election. Thirumavalavan defended Dravidam, stating it was the reason for the survival of the Tamil language, and credited leaders like Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar Karunanidhi for protesting Hindi imposition, which he said preserved Tamil Nadu's linguistic identity.
Throughout his speech, CM Stalin reiterated that the Tamil Nadu government is providing all necessary support to the union and other state governments in the concerted effort to tackle the scourge of drug abuse, emphasizing that state and central agencies must work hand-in-hand to prevent drugs from entering the country and being smuggled across states.
