Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan calls education the antidote to dictatorship, Sanatan Dharma

Actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan has said that education is the only effective tool to challenge dictatorship and Sanatan Dharma, which he linked to regressive social practices.

He emphasized that without education, efforts to bring change would be defeated by majoritarian ignorance.

At an event hosted by the Agaram Foundation in Chennai on August 3, Haasan said, “Education is the only weapon that can break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatanam.”

His comments follow similar criticism from other political figures, including NCP-SP leader Jitendra Awhad, who recently said, “There was never any religion called Sanatan Dharma. We are followers of Hindu Dharma.”

Haasan further urged young people to reject violence and focus on education as a means of empowerment.

“Don't take anything else in your hands, only education. We cannot win without it, because the majority can make you lose. The majority of fools will make you lose… That's why we must hold on to it (education) firmly,” he said.

He also criticized the introduction of NEET in 2017, arguing that the centralized entrance exam had reduced access to medical education for many students, particularly from marginalized backgrounds.

Speaking about his engagement with NGOs, Haasan said he recently spoke to Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin about the Agaram Foundation’s work.

“I told the chief minister that NGOs were not asking for anything like money; they're only asking for permission to work. He assured me that steps are being taken in that direction. I am proud to be involved in this cause,” he said.

He concluded by reflecting on what true leadership means. “Leadership isn't about staying in power; it's about making change happen, even if your name fades away with the waves.”

Haasan was sworn in as a Rajya Sabha member on July 25, taking his oath in Tamil.

His induction into Parliament marks a new phase in his political journey, backed by the ruling DMK-led alliance in recognition of MNM’s support during the 2024 general elections.