Actor-politician and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan championed education as the sole weapon to dismantle dictatorship and systemic oppression during a powerful speech at the Agaram Foundation’s 15th anniversary celebration in Chennai.
Speaking at the event organized by actor Suriya’s education-focused charity, Haasan emphasized the transformative power of knowledge, particularly for marginalized communities, and sharply criticized the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for limiting opportunities for underprivileged youth.
His remarks, delivered at a private college, underscored the need to prioritize learning over confrontation to achieve lasting societal change.
Kamal Haasan, the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder, addressed a diverse audience, including actors Suriya, Sivakumar, Karthi, director Vetrimaaran, ISRO scientist Dr. P Veeramuthuvel, and CPM MP Su Venkatesan, at the Agaram Foundation event.
The foundation’s flagship ‘Vidhai’ program, which supports first-generation learners from marginalized backgrounds, was the focal point, with over 6,700 students having benefited from financial aid, mentorship, and academic guidance.
Haasan stressed that education is the only tool capable of breaking systemic barriers, urging attendees to embrace knowledge as a means to challenge authoritarianism and promote social equity.
His comments echoed Tamil Nadu’s ongoing resistance to NEET, which he argued has denied education to thousands since its implementation in 2017, particularly affecting rural and government school students who lack access to costly coaching.
The Tamil Nadu government, aligned with Haasan’s views, has long opposed NEET, citing its bias against underprivileged youth and its undermining of social justice in medical admissions.
Haasan highlighted how even organizations like Agaram Foundation face legal constraints in supporting students beyond a certain point due to policies like NEET.
He called for deeper public investment in education to empower communities and change restrictive laws, stating, “Knowledge alone will seem defeated, but we must hold on to it firmly.”
His remarks resonated with the audience, which included former students now contributing to the foundation’s mission, showcasing a cycle of empowerment through education.
Haasan’s speech also touched on his recent conversation with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, where he advocated for fewer restrictions on NGOs. He noted that organizations like Agaram seek permission to work, not financial aid, and Stalin assured steps were being taken to facilitate their efforts.
This dialogue reflects Haasan’s broader push for systemic reforms to support educational initiatives. The Agaram Foundation, praised by Haasan for embodying “unconditional love” akin to a mother’s care, has become a beacon of hope, with 4,800 students currently enrolled in higher education.
Suriya, emotional during the event, shared stories of transformed lives, including a former student who approached him in the U.S., symbolizing the program’s far-reaching impact.
Some praised his alignment with Tamil Nadu’s anti-NEET stance, while others criticized his reference to “Sanatan” ideology, echoing a 2023 controversy involving Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who linked it to caste discrimination.
Haasan’s remarks, which avoided direct confrontation but urged reliance on reason, aimed to steer clear of such polarizing rhetoric. Instead, he focused on education’s role in sculpting a just society, warning against the pitfalls of majoritarian ignorance that could derail progress.
Haasan’s political journey, marked by his recent Rajya Sabha induction on July 25, 2025, adds weight to his advocacy. His Chennai speech, delivered in Tamil to enthusiastic applause, reinforced his image as a socially conscious leader.
The Agaram Foundation event also honored contributors, with mementos presented to educational institutions and individuals supporting the cause.
Vetrimaaran and Veeramuthuvel lauded the foundation’s work, with the latter urging students to give back to society. Haasan’s call to action, emphasizing education over violence, aligns with his long-standing commitment to social service, seen in his support for Suriya’s initiatives since 2019.
As Tamil Nadu continues its fight against NEET and systemic inequities, Haasan’s words serve as a rallying cry for knowledge-driven empowerment, urging marginalized communities to seize education as their path to liberation.
