Last Updated:
Kamal Haasan Demands SIT Probe In PSBB Sexual Predator Teacher Case; Flags 'caste' Decoy
Kamal Haasan urged the DMK-led Tamil Nadu govt to pay close attention to sexual harassment allegations levelled against a teacher from Chennai's PSBB school
Written By
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan has urged the DMK-led Tamil Nadu govt to pay close attention to sexual harassment allegations levelled against a teacher from Chennai's Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) school and asked the school administration to cooperate in the case. Rajagopalan was arrested on Tuesday after he was accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by several students and was also suspended by the school management. MNM's Kamal Haasan appealed to the Tamil Nadu govt to set up a special inquiry commission to probe these allegations with 'wartime urgency'. The actor-turned-politician further claimed that there were attempts being made by certain quarters to convert the issue into a 'caste problem' for short-term political gains and stated that the perpetrators should be punished irrespective of which caste they belong to.
Kamal Haasan wants inquiry commission to probe PSBB sexual harassment allegations
"We will ensure the safety of girl children," Kamal Haasan writes, adding in his letter "Allegations of sexual harassment in a number of other schools have surfaced in the wake of the outbreak. The Tamil Nadu government should immediately set up a special inquiry commission to investigate these allegations in the strictest war-time emergency manner."
He continues, "As a father of two girls, my anxiety about child protection is the same as it was 27 years ago. We are responsible for their safety. We need to listen to the problems and not suppress their fears and support them."
READ | Subramanian Swamy opposes Stalin's plea for release of Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts
He also alleged an attempt by political parties to bring out a caste divide over the matter, saying, "I see an attempt by parties (DMK, since the school is run by AIADMK and BJP supporters) to turn this problem into a caste problem for short-term political gain. There is a risk that if the problem is reversed the party crying foul might also end up brushing it aside." Then he goes on to say the perpetrators should be severely punished regardless of their caste.
He also alleged an attempt by political parties to bring out a caste divide over the matter, saying, "I see an attempt by parties (DMK, since the school is run by AIADMK and BJP supporters) to turn this problem into a caste problem for short-term political gain. There is a risk that if the problem is reversed the party crying foul might also end up brushing it aside." Then he goes on to say the perpetrators should be severely punished regardless of their caste.
READ | PSBB suspends teacher as DMK orders probe against CBSE school in sexual harassment charge
PSBB teacher arrested
After the allegations became public, police officers of the Crimes Against Women And Children Wing conducted enquiries and a complaint was received against the 59-year old teacher, city police said. Investigation revealed that the commerce-accountancy teacher had sexually harassed girls by sending lewd messages, a police release said. Also, a girl student of the same school was sexually harassed a few years ago by the same teacher and the parents had already complained to school authorities against the teacher for sending obscene messages and videos to students through WhatsApp, the release added.
READ | Ravichandran Ashwin disturbed by sexual predator teacher's case at old Chennai school PSBB
"The teacher was taken into custody for questioning and he was arrested. He was produced before a magistrate today and remanded to judicial custody. He is lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. A case has been registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and also the Information Technology Act," a police officer said.
"The teacher was taken into custody for questioning and he was arrested. He was produced before a magistrate today and remanded to judicial custody. He is lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. A case has been registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and also the Information Technology Act," a police officer said.
What happened at PSBB?
Several screenshots evidencing harassment and sexually inappropriate behaviour by the teacher had been doing rounds on social media with a growing clamour of immediate and responsible action against all involved. Reportedly alumni of the school have registered a formal statement to the school management requesting the immediate suspension of the teacher until a thorough investigation is conducted in the matter. After the shocking incidents came to light, several celebrities too have taken to social media demanding action against the teacher.
Chinmayi Sripaada in her tweet said: “To the students at PSBB - if you are being coerced or threatened to remove your testimonies, please don’t. You’ll receive legal help. Also - students usually don’t know what is appropriate and what’s not. That education never reaches them. So kindly refrain from shaming.”
First Published: 26th May, 2021 16:23 IST
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Last Updated:
PSBB School Sexual Predator Teacher Case: After Rajagopalan, Another Teacher To Be Probed
The Chennai Police is set to investigate another professor from Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) school after professor Rajagopalan was arrested earlier
Written By
Koushik Narayanan
In the latest development, the Chennai Police is set to investigate another professor from Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) school after professor Rajagopalan was arrested earlier after allegations of sexual harassment had been levelled against him. As per sources, another teacher's involvement in the sexual harassment case is suspected and is likely to be investigated by the police. Rajagopalan was arrested on Tuesday after he was accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by several students and was also suspended by the school management.
"The teacher was taken into custody for questioning and he was arrested. He was produced before a magistrate today and remanded to judicial custody. He is lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. A case has been registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and also the Information Technology Act," a police officer said.
What happened at PSBB?
Several screenshots evidencing harassment and sexually inappropriate behaviour by the teacher had been doing rounds on social media with a growing clamour of immediate and responsible action against all involved. Reportedly alumni of the school have registered a formal statement to the school management requesting the immediate suspension of the teacher until a thorough investigation is conducted in the matter. After the shocking incidents came to light, several celebrities too have taken to social media demanding action against the teacher.
READ | Ravichandran Ashwin disturbed by sexual predator teacher's case at old Chennai school PSBB
Chinmayi Sripaada in her tweet said: “To the students at PSBB - if you are being coerced or threatened to remove your testimonies, please don’t. You’ll receive legal help. Also - students usually don’t know what is appropriate and what’s not. That education never reaches them. So kindly refrain from shaming.”
Subramanian Swamy threatened to legally defend PSBB and accused the DMK of using goons & 'harassing' the school after 'one teacher misbehaved with a student'.
Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday, May 27, spoke to a local news channel where he clarified his stance on the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan School case. He reportedly said in the PSBB case, there is no impediment to a fair trial.
However, what was unexpected was that he said if it is found that the government is acting with specific intent and agenda, there is no other option but to 'dissolve' the current Tamil Nadu government to ensure a free and fair trial is carried out.
Following the barrage of allegations against the school's commerce teacher Rajagopalan, the police department has been swift to take action. Rajagopalan has also been sacked by the school until the duration of the trial.
READ | PSBB suspends teacher as DMK orders probe against CBSE school in sexual harassment charge
Swamy opined that there was nothing wrong with a serious investigation into the alleged incident at the school. But there has been a lot of hate and violence against that particular school, especially coming from the Dravidian party, he said, hinting at the DMK government in power in Tamil Nadu currently. He observed that allegations have been flying high on social media websites, and action by the government is being taken over by social media rumours, he said.
READ | Ravichandran Ashwin disturbed by sexual predator teacher's case at old Chennai school PSBB
Communities living in fear
Swamy piqued curiosity and speculations were rising after his recent tweet on Friday which stated that he would send a letter to the "best governor" of Tamil Nadu, Dr Banwarilala Purohit, on the fear and gloom prevalent all over in Tamil Nadu amongst Gyani & Tyagi Brahmins. 'It is reminiscent of the early stages of Nazi Germany when Jews began to be targeted and physically assaulted,' he stated.
While commenting on DMK's rise to power, Swamy said, 'After a long time, the DMK has come to power, and they did not win by a large majority, therefore, we must act decisively and clearly in all matters. Otherwise, the environment will be unsafe for many communities. If the government intends to crush the school administration with intent in this matter, Centre has no choice but to dissolve the regime,' he said. 'I will see to it that it gets done, he added.'
What happened at PSBB?
Several screenshots evidencing harassment and sexually inappropriate behaviour by a commerce teacher at PSBB school, Rajagopal, had been doing rounds on social media with a growing clamour of immediate and responsible action against all involved. Reportedly, alumni of the school have registered a formal statement to the school management requesting the immediate suspension of the teacher until a thorough investigation is conducted in the matter. After the shocking incidents came to light, several celebrities too have taken to social media demanding action against the teacher.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Over the years I have heard bits and pieces about Subramaniam Swamy and his tirades on many controversial issue both national and international. The last one year he has made headlines accusing the Maharashtra Govt of not investigating Sushant Singh Rajputs Death claiming SSR was Murdered.
I just watched a Whats app Forward which is a Tamil Video where Subramanya Swamy is trying to undermine the newly elected DMK Govt headed by Stalin
Just out of Curiosity I did this search to find out all about Subramniam Swamy.
Representational image.
INDIA NEWS
The city police have received close to 100 complaints in the past week even as anonymous complaints rapidly accelerate on social media. Eight students have filed formal complaints that has led to the arrest of three teachers
By Divya Chandrababu
UPDATED ON JUN 03, 2021 03:48 PM IST
In what is now being termed as Chennai schools’ #metoomovement, there is an outpouring of students and alumni recounting sexual abuse they faced inside classrooms, on the sports field and during online classes conducted due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the city’s schools.
The city police have received close to 100 complaints in the past week even as anonymous complaints rapidly accelerate on social media. Eight students have filed formal complaints that has led to the arrest of three teachers on serious charges, including attempt to rape. The state commission for protection of child rights (SCPCR) has summoned the management of six top schools to appear for enquiry on different dates from June 4 to 10.
These schools include the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB), St. George’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Shenoy Nagar, Chettinad Vidyashram, Kendriya Vidyalaya- CLRI, Maharishi Vidya Mandir and Sushil Hari International Residential School, said SCPCR chairperson, Saraswathi Rangaswamy.
This has created a cascading effect where students from across Tamil Nadu have begun calling out their teachers for sexual abuse and approaching the SCPCR and police with complaints.
The beginning of the movement
It started just a week ago, when M Kripali, a Mumbai-based alumna from a Chennai school, PSBB, began to share screenshots on Instagram stories of juniors from her school sharing sexual abuse they faced from G Rajagopalan, their commerce teacher.
“A student at PSBB reached out to me on Instagram asking me if I or anyone I know went through it while we were studying,” says Kripali, who was not sexually abused at school. “But I was bullied, and slut shamed by the teachers. Regarding this case, I’ve witnessed him (Rajagopalan) cracking inappropriate jokes, which was normalised by our teachers so we students didn’t do much. I asked the student if she wanted me to post what she said on my stories and get more evidence against him since she had mentioned she wanted to take legal action. That one story of mine brought forward many.”
Kripali has also been summoned by the SCPCR and has been facing backlash—supporters of Rajagopalan, and people from other schools are circulating her pictures and posting nasty comments on social media. “I can’t stop them. Neither can they stop me. My only goal was to help the students in any way possible.”
Also Read | Kuwait’s MeToo moment: Women denounce harassment, violence
The allegations against Rajagopalan, 59, outlined how he had asked a student out for a movie, sent a porn link to a class group, showed up to an online class wearing just a towel wrapped around his waist, touched girls and regularly passed sexual innuendos.
Sexual harassment case: Committee grills school authorities for 3 hours
Published: Jun 05,202105:54 AM
Management of Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) Senior Secondary School including its principal Friday appeared before the Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights in connection with a sexual harassment case. This is the second time the school authorities were appearing before the commission after its Commerce teacher G Rajagopalan was arrested based on complaints from girl students.
Members of the committee probing the sexual harassment case at PSBB school in Chennai
Chennai:
Commission chairperson Saraswathi Rangaswamy said the inquiry lasted for three hours. “The management cooperated well. Once the inquiry is completed, a report will be sent to the government. Till then we may not be able to disclose the details,” she said.
Meanwhile, a communique from the school management to parents asking them to be present during the online classes evoked criticism. In a circular, the management of the school said: “To make our online classes more secure, as a new initiative this year, we would request parents to come forward to be present during the online classes of their respective wards. A monthly roster would then be made and shared. The volunteer could log in at a time convenient to them on the specified date”.
S Arumainathan, president, Tamil Nadu Parents-Teachers Association (TNPTA) wondered how come the management of the school could add parents to the online classes. “This is totally against the guidelines of the government. With parents already under severe pressure after sexual harassment case getting reported in the school, they (management) are adding further burden by involving them in online classes,” he added.
KR Nandhakumar, general secretary of Tamil Nadu Private Nursery, Primary, Matriculation, Higher Secondary, and CBSE Schools Association, said parents should not be involved in the online classes. “This is practically not possible,” he said adding “recording the online classes as per the guidelines of the government was more than enough to curb harassment irregularities”.
PSBB Sexual Complaint: Me and my daughter Madhuvanthi are just trustees- YG Mahendramovie news
Highlights:
BSPB Sexual complaint against school teacher Rajagopalan
I am a PSPB. Did not run the school- Y.G. Mahendran
YG asked the school dean to conduct an investigation. Mahendran’s letter
Chennai KK BSPB in the city Rajagopalan, a teacher working at the school, has been accused of sexually harassing students. Some of the affected students have reported it on social media. 
BSPB Teacher sexual harassment of schoolgirls: Chinmayi seeks justice Singer Chinmayi and actress Lakshmipriya Chandramouli, who saw what was happening to the students, have voiced on social media that Rajagopalan should be punished. A person who knew Chinmayi told him that Rajagopalan had sexually harassed his daughter who was studying in that school. But he did not want to complain about Rajagopalan as he did not want to drag his daughter’s name. BSPB After seeing the name YG. There was talk that the school was run by Mahendran and his daughter Madhuvanthi. In this case, he and his daughter did not run the school, but just the trustee. Mahendran explained.
He added that his brother and his wife run the school. In this case, he has sent an email to the school administration.
In that email he said,
K.K. Nagar BSPB I was shocked to see complaints being reported on social media that a school teacher was abusing her students. Seeing that the media is asking me for an explanation. I ask why the dean did not inform us about this as the parents have said that there is no response to the complaint to the management.
The school administration is taken care of by the dean and the head teacher. It is your job to discover what that is and to bring it about. If the teacher made a mistake he should be severely punished. If not, explain what really happened to the parents and students.
Set up a committee to investigate if necessary. Nothing like this has happened since this school was started. It is in the best interest of the school that the Dean and Y.G. I am writing this email to Rajendra. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Y G Madhuvanthi: PSBB is my school because I studied there. I don't run it
Responding to trolls and mounting criticism over the sexual harassment allegations levelled against a teacher in the school, she posted a video on YouTube
Daniel Thimmayya
Edex Live
YG Madhuvanthi (Pic: newindianexpress.com)
As the social media storm stemming from the allegations of sexual harassment made against a teacher of the PSBB Senior Secondary School began to build, Y G Madhuvanthi remained quiet and restrained for the most part - even as Twitter users trolled her endlessly, referring to it as 'her school' and linking it to her general political and religious stances. Madhuvanthi is State Executive Committee Member of the BJP.
Late Monday night, a video of hers was posted on a YouTube Chanel and she tweeted it tagging several people who had been involved in the issue - the sum total of her message was that she and her father Y Gee Mahendra were deeply concerned about the allegations and wanted justice to be served. She also clarified that though the school was founded by her grandmother Dr Y G Parthasarathy, she did not play any role in the administration of the school. "To all my trolls, you keep saying that this is my school. You're right. It is my school because I studied there. I don't run the school. Like me there are thousands of students who has studied there, passed out of there and continue to study there. It is all of ours. This is definitely a disgusting thing and the right legal action should be taken. There is no second thought about that either for me or my father."
In her message, she said, "A disgusting incident has come to my notice. A student has placed a strong allegation and complaint against a teacher in this school. The news reached me and my father, Y Gee Mahendra on Sunday night. My father is not part of the management, he doesn't run the school and he is one of the trustees. As soon as he got it, he sent off a very strong email at midnight to the Dean and Director and the management calling for strong action."
READ ALSO: Chennai police arrest PSBB School teacher accused of sexual harassment under POCSO Act
A major pain point for both of them was that this was tarnishing the name and legacy of the late Dr YGP, who founded the school and built it up, "My grandmother Mrs YGP created this great institution with blood, sweat and hard work and no harm should come to her legacy. If it does we will not be silent."
A lot of the social media chatter has extended to accusatory messages about the school's religious slant, something that she chose to address, "In this context, to bring in discussion along caste, community and religious lines - to point out whether one is a brahmin, non-brahmin, kshatriya, Vaidhya, sudra, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh - is bad politics. I must request the government also, whatever action you take must be correct and my family will support this fully. At this point, we have heard that the teacher has been suspended and we believe that this is the right step - as it will give students and parents confidence."
The news that the teacher had been arrested came shortly after. She added," "At the same time, let us not be swayed by the politics based on caste and religion played by fringe groups who have vested interests. This involves a girl's life so please take it seriously. The school management has to answer for this and I am certain they will, both as a granddaughter of Mrs YGP and as an alumni."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
What I Learned About Caste While Discussing the PSBB Incident With Family, Friends
Achintya Anita Gurumurthy May 28, 2021
Over the past two days, my Twitter timeline has been inundated with unspeakable horrors committed against young students in several ‘elite’ schools in Chennai. After accusations regarding sexual harassment and predatory behaviour about a teacher from Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) surfaced, student testimonies regarding experiences of casteism and misogyny flooded social media.
One student recounted her harrowing experience dealing with vicious Brahminism in PSBB – where she had to confront extreme caste violence and bigotry in the form of rape threats. She painstakingly highlighted the extent of impunity her Brahmin classmates exercised in harassing her, with the open backing of teachers.
Another student highlighted his experience of being bullied for bringing eggs in his dabba (tiffin box), being publicly chastised and made to sit on the floor to eat his lunch. These instances of Brahminical disciplining were only the tip of the iceberg, with several student testimonies spilling over social media and alumni discussions over the next couple of days.
Profoundly disturbed by these experiences, I resolved to understand the Brahminical ideology in the liberal institutions that I had grown up in. These are “alternative” schools in Bengaluru that advocate for holistic and democratic learning. These are the very spaces that continue to be riddled with the same caste contradictions that characterise Indian liberalism today. While I owe a big part of my critical and free thinking to the cushioning and perspectives these institutions have given me, the PSBB incident did open up the uncomfortably intimate aspects of elitism that I had to confront. My cultural and social capital afforded to me by my caste position had enabled me to experience school as a space without fear – a privilege not available to all.
And so, I asked on my Instagram story, whether we would be able to call out “alternative” institutions in Bengaluru for the “Brahminical dens” that they are.
Castelessness is caste-blindness
Among the responses I received, all of them requested me to attach and send student testimonies.
Upon sharing the deeply problematic and painful experiences that had already emerged on social media about private schools in Chennai, I readily shared link upon link, eager to prove the veracity of my argument.
However, following this, I was repeatedly asked to explain what I meant when I called these schools “Brahminical dens”. What is so phenomenally unsettling, and indicative of the caste character of these elite private schools, is the unabashed defence by parents and students from the institutions I had named. To me, the caste character of these institutions was apparent. And I was pretty sure, it was more than evident to any reasonable person.
What was troubling however, was that the liberal, English-speaking, fair-minded, Brahmin uncles and aunties, kept requesting me for testimony upon testimony, so that their thirst for proof and evidence could be satisfied. It appeared to me, that the business of collating such stories of oppression with utter fascination, was to get a front row ticket to the trauma of others.
Also read: On Realising My Inherent Casteism at an Art Collective
Much of my education was ‘casteless’. It reproduced urban myths, including the oft-repeated “caste does not exist anymore” and that it is the system of reservations that keeps it alive. I barely recall B.R. Ambedkar or Periyar’s name in my history classes, and my civics classes on fundamental rights breezed swiftly past the question of untouchability. It surprises me that much before I came to read about anti-caste movements in my country, I had already learned the term “creamy layer” from school. These instances barely scratch the surface about the embedded Brahminism in my school curriculum.
When the video of actress Madhuvanti Arun surfaced, proclaiming that caste-based division of labour is natural – I recognised how similar her mannerisms and confidence closely resembled many of the Brahmin women in my family, and those who taught me. As far as I can recall, the teachers in the elite schools I went to were mostly Brahmin women. Today, I recognise the double role that women in such a position of power play in caste society – in appropriating the labour of Bahujan women, and rationalising Brahminical control in their conversations with other Brahmin women. However as a child, my caste blind experience of schooling prevented me from correctly characterising my own social location, along with the positionality of my family, friends, teachers and school.
In my school, like several others, the day would often start with chanting Sanskrit shlokas. We would be expected to recite a Sanskrit prayer at the dining hall as well, before we consumed our purely vegetarian lunch. Many boys in my class wore the poonal thread, and many of us were engaged in the traditional pursuits of “classical” music and dance. In my modern school, caste was repeatedly naturalised – by intertwining older “cultural” practices into the pedagogy along with the scientific new.
The structure of private education, premised on profit revealed to me, quite unsurprisingly, that all schools (liberal or conservative) maintain and reproduce casteism in similar ways. The deeply pervasive nature of Brahminical ideology, coupled with the political economy of private schools clearly indicate the urgency required in dismantling such an exclusionary system, in order to protect marginalised children from the clutches of Brahminical oppression.
Achintya Anita Gurumurthy is a law student who is interested in Marxist and Ambedkarite theory.
Featured image credit: PSBB’s official website
In the latest development, the Chennai Police is set to investigate another professor from Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) school after professor Rajagopalan was arrested earlier after allegations of sexual harassment had been levelled against him. As per sources, another teacher's involvement in the sexual harassment case is suspected and is likely to be investigated by the police. Rajagopalan was arrested on Tuesday after he was accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by several students and was also suspended by the school management.
PSBB teacher arrested
After the allegations became public, police officers of the Crimes Against Women And Children Wing conducted enquiries and a complaint was received against the 59-year old teacher, city police said.
After the allegations became public, police officers of the Crimes Against Women And Children Wing conducted enquiries and a complaint was received against the 59-year old teacher, city police said.
Investigation revealed that the commerce-accountancy teacher had sexually harassed girls by sending lewd messages, a police release said. Also, a girl student of the same school was sexually harassed a few years ago by the same teacher and the parents had already complained to school authorities against the teacher for sending obscene messages and videos to students through WhatsApp, the release added.
"The teacher was taken into custody for questioning and he was arrested. He was produced before a magistrate today and remanded to judicial custody. He is lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. A case has been registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and also the Information Technology Act," a police officer said.
What happened at PSBB?
Several screenshots evidencing harassment and sexually inappropriate behaviour by the teacher had been doing rounds on social media with a growing clamour of immediate and responsible action against all involved. Reportedly alumni of the school have registered a formal statement to the school management requesting the immediate suspension of the teacher until a thorough investigation is conducted in the matter. After the shocking incidents came to light, several celebrities too have taken to social media demanding action against the teacher.
READ | Ravichandran Ashwin disturbed by sexual predator teacher's case at old Chennai school PSBB
Chinmayi Sripaada in her tweet said: “To the students at PSBB - if you are being coerced or threatened to remove your testimonies, please don’t. You’ll receive legal help. Also - students usually don’t know what is appropriate and what’s not. That education never reaches them. So kindly refrain from shaming.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Last Updated: 28th May, 2021 15:35 IST
Subramanian Swamy threatened to legally defend PSBB and accused the DMK of using goons & 'harassing' the school after 'one teacher misbehaved with a student'.
Written By
Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday, May 27, spoke to a local news channel where he clarified his stance on the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan School case. He reportedly said in the PSBB case, there is no impediment to a fair trial.
However, what was unexpected was that he said if it is found that the government is acting with specific intent and agenda, there is no other option but to 'dissolve' the current Tamil Nadu government to ensure a free and fair trial is carried out.
Following the barrage of allegations against the school's commerce teacher Rajagopalan, the police department has been swift to take action. Rajagopalan has also been sacked by the school until the duration of the trial.
READ | PSBB suspends teacher as DMK orders probe against CBSE school in sexual harassment charge
Swamy opined that there was nothing wrong with a serious investigation into the alleged incident at the school. But there has been a lot of hate and violence against that particular school, especially coming from the Dravidian party, he said, hinting at the DMK government in power in Tamil Nadu currently. He observed that allegations have been flying high on social media websites, and action by the government is being taken over by social media rumours, he said.
READ | Ravichandran Ashwin disturbed by sexual predator teacher's case at old Chennai school PSBB
Communities living in fear
Swamy piqued curiosity and speculations were rising after his recent tweet on Friday which stated that he would send a letter to the "best governor" of Tamil Nadu, Dr Banwarilala Purohit, on the fear and gloom prevalent all over in Tamil Nadu amongst Gyani & Tyagi Brahmins. 'It is reminiscent of the early stages of Nazi Germany when Jews began to be targeted and physically assaulted,' he stated.
While commenting on DMK's rise to power, Swamy said, 'After a long time, the DMK has come to power, and they did not win by a large majority, therefore, we must act decisively and clearly in all matters. Otherwise, the environment will be unsafe for many communities. If the government intends to crush the school administration with intent in this matter, Centre has no choice but to dissolve the regime,' he said. 'I will see to it that it gets done, he added.'
DMK won because it piggybacked on Periyar party: Swamy
Swamy continued his attack on the DMK and was reportedly heard saying Periyar's DK (Dravidar Kazhagam) was acting as the backbone of the Stalin-led party. He slighted the party for piggybacking on Periyar's name and winning the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Elections 2021. He also added that a large portion of the win should be credited to MK Stalin's wife, Durga, who was very devout and visited a lot of temples. 'He should use this opportunity in a good way,' he said.
'Similarly, the school administration should stop being arrogant after this incident. The investigation should be conducted honestly without bias. Even if there is a drop of suspicion in it, I will prevent the trial from taking place in Tamil Nadu. I know the legal tricks for that, said Subramaniam Swamy.
Swamy continued his attack on the DMK and was reportedly heard saying Periyar's DK (Dravidar Kazhagam) was acting as the backbone of the Stalin-led party. He slighted the party for piggybacking on Periyar's name and winning the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Elections 2021. He also added that a large portion of the win should be credited to MK Stalin's wife, Durga, who was very devout and visited a lot of temples. 'He should use this opportunity in a good way,' he said.
'Similarly, the school administration should stop being arrogant after this incident. The investigation should be conducted honestly without bias. Even if there is a drop of suspicion in it, I will prevent the trial from taking place in Tamil Nadu. I know the legal tricks for that, said Subramaniam Swamy.
What happened at PSBB?
Several screenshots evidencing harassment and sexually inappropriate behaviour by a commerce teacher at PSBB school, Rajagopal, had been doing rounds on social media with a growing clamour of immediate and responsible action against all involved. Reportedly, alumni of the school have registered a formal statement to the school management requesting the immediate suspension of the teacher until a thorough investigation is conducted in the matter. After the shocking incidents came to light, several celebrities too have taken to social media demanding action against the teacher.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Over the years I have heard bits and pieces about Subramaniam Swamy and his tirades on many controversial issue both national and international. The last one year he has made headlines accusing the Maharashtra Govt of not investigating Sushant Singh Rajputs Death claiming SSR was Murdered.
I just watched a Whats app Forward which is a Tamil Video where Subramanya Swamy is trying to undermine the newly elected DMK Govt headed by Stalin
Just out of Curiosity I did this search to find out all about Subramniam Swamy.
Subramanian Swamy (wiki)
Subramanian Swamy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of parliament, Rajya Sabha | |
| Assumed office 26 April 2016 | |
| Constituency | Nominated |
| In office 1988–1994 | |
| Constituency | Uttar Pradesh |
| In office 1974–1976 | |
| Constituency | Uttar Pradesh |
| Minister of Commerce and Industry | |
| In office 10 November 1990 – 21 June 1991 | |
| Prime Minister | Chandra Shekhar |
| Minister of Law and Justice | |
| In office 10 November 1990 – 21 June 1991 | |
| Prime Minister | Chandra Shekhar |
| Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
| In office 1998–1999 | |
| Preceded by | A. G. S. Ram Babu |
| Succeeded by | P. Mohan |
| Constituency | Madurai |
| In office 1977–1984 | |
| Preceded by | Rajaram Gopal Kulkarni |
| Succeeded by | Gurudas Kamat |
| Constituency | Mumbai North East |
| President, Janata Party | |
| In office 1990–2013 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 September 1939 Mylapore, Madras Presidency, British India (present-day Tamil Nadu, India) |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party (2013–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1974–1977) Janata Party (1977–2013) |
| Spouse(s) | Roxna Swamy (m. 1966) |
| Children |
|
| Alma mater | University of Delhi (BA) Indian Statistical Institute (MA) Harvard University (PhD) |
| Occupation | Politician, economist, statistician |
| Website | Official Blog |
Subramanian Swamy (born 15 September 1939) is an Indian politician, economist and statistician, who serves as a nominated Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Before joining politics, he was a professor of Mathematical Economics at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.[1] He is known for his Hindu nationalist views.[2] Swamy was a member of the Planning Commission of India and was a Cabinet Minister in the Chandra Shekhar government. Between 1994 and 1996, Swamy was Chairman of the Commission on Labour Standards and International Trade under former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. Swamy was a long-time member of the Janata Party, serving as its president until 2013 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[3]
He has written on foreign affairs of India dealing largely with China, Pakistan and Israel. He was nominated to Rajya Sabha on 26 April 2016.
Domestic policy
LGBT rights
in 2018, when the Indian Supreme Court decriminalised gay sexual acts, Swamy criticised the ruling, saying "It could give rise to an increase in the number of HIV cases."[139][140]
Kashmir
in September 2008, Swamy stridently retorted against the contentions of some Indian columnists who voiced their opinions in favor of "peacefully" surrendering Kashmir to Pakistan. He said,
- "I would say that the silent suffering majority of India wants none of this. The 'Kashmir issue,' in fact, can no more be solved by dialogue either with the Pakistanis or the Hurriyat, leave alone the constitutional impossibility of allowing it to secede. [...]Kashmir, in fact, is now our defining identity. It is a touchstone for our resolve to preserve our national integrity. The population of that State may be majority Muslim but the land and its history is predominantly Hindu. for our commitment to the survival of the ancient civilisation of India and the composite culture that secularists talk of, we have not only to win that coming inevitable war but also resolve never to part with Kashmir. [...]
- Pakistanis often cite the United Nations resolutions on Kashmir to argue for a plebiscite. This obfuscates the fact of accession of the State to India. The legality of the Instrument of Accession signed in favour of India by the then Maharaja of J&K, Hari Singh, on 26 October 1947 has to prevail anyway.[141]
Tamil Nadu politics
Swamy is well known for his critical views against the "Aryan versus Dravidian" politics of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, calling it as the theory forwarded by the British.[142] He has been a staunch opponent of the armed rebel group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.[143][144][145][146] He also urged the Indian government not to support the US led resolution condemning war crimes in the Sri Lankan Civil War, citing it as one-sided and not in the interest of India.[147][148] Swamy moved the court and got the order restoring quota for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in colleges in the state.[149]
Swamy obtained Supreme Court Stay against the implementation of Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP). He believes that it would hurt the sentiments of people who believe that this shallow land connecting between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka was built by Lord Rama. He strongly opposes the implementation of SSCP citing that implementing this scheme will be a criminal offence under section 295 Indian Penal Code.[150][151] He wrote letters to Prime Minister of India in June 2009 asking him to stop the project[152] and had informed the Supreme Court on 14 October 2015 that the government may not continue with the Sethusamudram Project.[153]
Hindu nationalism
Swamy has made several statements in the past that reflect on his Hindu nationalist position.[3][154][155] He has called for the creation of an "enlightened secular democracy which redresses all historical wrongs done to Hindus."[156] He has claimed that India is the world's most ancient civilization that consists of "an organic cultural core which is Hindu in character."[157] He has also claimed that the Hindu foundation of India is what makes India distinctive in the world.[157]
Muslims
After the 2011 Mumbai bombings, he wrote an controversial editorial wherein, as a response to Islamic terrorism,[158] he called for the removal of 300 mosques built at sites of Hindu temples.[159] and for the disenfranchisement of Muslims unless they "acknowledge that their ancestors were Hindus".[160][2][161] After the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard voted to have his classes removed for "demonising" Muslims, his regular Harvard summer teaching sessions were cancelled because of this article.[162][2]
In a 2020 Vice interview, he stated that under the Indian constitution, "Article 14 guarantees equality of equals" and that "there is no such thing as equal rights, they [Muslim immigrants] are not in an equal category." He added, "We know that where the Muslim population is large, there is always trouble."[163][164] He later claimed that this had been misinterpreted in a tweet stating, "One fake quote is that I had declared Muslims are not equal to Hindus under Art. 14."[165][166]
Conspiracy theory
in September 2020, Swamy said that India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had "unearthed huge evidence" to prove in court that Bollywoodactor Sushant Singh Rajput's death was "murder by conspiracy."[167] Swamy also said there had been "systematic destruction" of evidence in the case.[167] Two weeks before, Swamy had said the Mumbai Policewere "complicit" in the murder, that Dubai was "involved," and that "the Bollywood Cartel remains to be identified and made as 'accessory before the murder'."[168] in October 2020, after a medical board from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) ruled out murder, stating that the actor died by suicide, a team of scientists associated with Microsoft Research, India released an independent report, "Anatomy of a Rumour: Social media and the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput." They wrote, "Perhaps the most interesting case is that of sitting parliamentarian Subramanian Swamy, once a central player in the policy circles, now wilfully [sic] mongering deceit, and also the most popular Twitter handle in wordclouds [sic] of trolls."[169] In December 2020, after more than four months of investigation, the CBI sent Swamy a 3-page letter stating it was looking into all aspects of the case "in a thorough and professional manner using latest scientific techniques," and that "no aspect has been ruled out," but making no mention of Swamy's conspiracy theories.[170]
Now here is the Video that Triggered this desire to find out more about Subramaniam Swamy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Padma Seshadri School - Sexual Harassment case
Hindustan times News:
Representational image.INDIA NEWS
The city police have received close to 100 complaints in the past week even as anonymous complaints rapidly accelerate on social media. Eight students have filed formal complaints that has led to the arrest of three teachers
By Divya Chandrababu
UPDATED ON JUN 03, 2021 03:48 PM IST
In what is now being termed as Chennai schools’ #metoomovement, there is an outpouring of students and alumni recounting sexual abuse they faced inside classrooms, on the sports field and during online classes conducted due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the city’s schools.
The city police have received close to 100 complaints in the past week even as anonymous complaints rapidly accelerate on social media. Eight students have filed formal complaints that has led to the arrest of three teachers on serious charges, including attempt to rape. The state commission for protection of child rights (SCPCR) has summoned the management of six top schools to appear for enquiry on different dates from June 4 to 10.
These schools include the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB), St. George’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Shenoy Nagar, Chettinad Vidyashram, Kendriya Vidyalaya- CLRI, Maharishi Vidya Mandir and Sushil Hari International Residential School, said SCPCR chairperson, Saraswathi Rangaswamy.
“We inspected each of these schools and they have confirmed that they have received complaints from multiple students,” she added.
This has created a cascading effect where students from across Tamil Nadu have begun calling out their teachers for sexual abuse and approaching the SCPCR and police with complaints.
The beginning of the movement
It started just a week ago, when M Kripali, a Mumbai-based alumna from a Chennai school, PSBB, began to share screenshots on Instagram stories of juniors from her school sharing sexual abuse they faced from G Rajagopalan, their commerce teacher.
“A student at PSBB reached out to me on Instagram asking me if I or anyone I know went through it while we were studying,” says Kripali, who was not sexually abused at school. “But I was bullied, and slut shamed by the teachers. Regarding this case, I’ve witnessed him (Rajagopalan) cracking inappropriate jokes, which was normalised by our teachers so we students didn’t do much. I asked the student if she wanted me to post what she said on my stories and get more evidence against him since she had mentioned she wanted to take legal action. That one story of mine brought forward many.”
Kripali has also been summoned by the SCPCR and has been facing backlash—supporters of Rajagopalan, and people from other schools are circulating her pictures and posting nasty comments on social media. “I can’t stop them. Neither can they stop me. My only goal was to help the students in any way possible.”
Also Read | Kuwait’s MeToo moment: Women denounce harassment, violence
The allegations against Rajagopalan, 59, outlined how he had asked a student out for a movie, sent a porn link to a class group, showed up to an online class wearing just a towel wrapped around his waist, touched girls and regularly passed sexual innuendos.
More than a 1,000 alumni from the school wrote to the management demanding action against him. The school dismissed charges that they had not acted on previous complaints against Rajagopalan, who had taught there for two decades. School authorities said they had received no complaints, but suspended him.
The issue escalated with political leaders calling for action. The school education department also swung into action and chief minister chief minister MK Stalin has ordered a committee to be formed to frame guidelines for the conduct of online classes and directed that online classes be recorded and reviewed regularly.
The city’s crimes against women and children wing arrested Rajagopalan on May 24. He was booked under under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Indian Penal Code’s Sections 354 A (sexual harassment) and 509 (insulting modesty of a woman) as well as provisions of the Information Technology Act related to publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form and that containing sexually explicit act.
The domino effect
The action against him emboldened students to share their experience of abuse.
On Monday, a martial arts instructor, E Kebi Raj, 41 was arrested following a complaint by a college student. He is booked under sections 376 r/w 511 (attempt to rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act.
A day before that, an athletic coach and superintendent in the GST Commissionerate in Chennai, P Nagarajan, 59, was arrested after an athlete complained that he had touched her inappropriately while administering physiotherapy.
Since the complaints came up on social media, the police approached several of the complainants and counselled them to register a formal complaint to proceed with the case. “Third parties were helping the victims by highlighting the complaints and predicament through forums. At times, we had no knowledge of the complainant so it was a laborious process to filter through the social media posts and identify victims,” said Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner, Greater Chennai City Police.
Social media was also agog with instances of abuse of which students had heard. So the personal number of H Jayalakshmi, deputy commissioner, crime against women and children, was released so victims could call her directly and their identity would be protected as mandated by law. “That yielded good results. Her task was cut out,” Jiwal said.
The investigation processes
It took a lot of convincing before a victim became the first person to register a formal complaint against Rajagopalan. Now, at least five victims have lodged complaints against him, including a man.
After receiving a complaint, police maintain that the identity of the complainant is protected. In some cases, in plain clothes, they meet the victims in their homes or any other place of their comfort and timing to take their statements as required by POCSO Act.
After verifying complaints, they immediately inform the division officer to register a case. Police have seized Rajagopalan’s phone and laptop as he had left behind a digital footprint, an officer on condition of anonymity said. “In cases registered so far, we have been able to gather prima facie evidence quickly because a lot of team members were pressed into service,” said Jiwal.
The team has drawn up a plan of action post arrest. “We want the cases to reach their logical end through speedy investigation and by way of filing a charge sheet at the earliest. If investigation against the accused is proven, we want him to be brought to justice as soon as possible. It shouldn’t stop with registering an FIR.”
Complaints have also been made about sexual abuse that victims were subject to many years ago. “But these are serious offences and there have been case laws to investigate and enquire,” said Jiwal adding said that they are following a Delhi court’s order in February 2021 on the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani against former Indian minister MJ Akhbar who filed a defamation case against her. The ruling had crucially noted that a “woman has the right to put her grievance even after decades.”
The complainants
Twenty-two former students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, CLRI in Chennai complained to the school’s management of sexual abuse by a Hindi teacher who still teaches there. The complaints span students from several batches that span over 18 years.The former students recalled that the Hindi teacher held their waist, touched their backs and often in front of other students. Several of them also said that they switched to Sanskrit to avoid this Hindi teacher.
A former student shared that on her 14th birthday, she had gone to a class to distribute chocolates where he grabbed her buttocks. Her friend saw this and asked her what it was. “I was embarrassed. That’s how I remember feeling,” said one of the complainants. “The PSBB incident is what triggered me to complain. My motivation is that children should no longer be exposed to this man.”
The school management has asked the complainants on June 1 to come to Chennai for an internal enquiry slated for June 2. Several of them aren’t in the city and given the pandemic-induced lockdown, they wouldn’t be able to travel either. They have requested for virtual conduct of the enquiry. “I don’t have faith in the management, they are making this difficult for us and don’t seem to be invested in finding the truth,” said one of the complainants. The school has set up a four-member committee for enquiry.
Failure of multiple stakeholders
The due process or the system that has dissuaded children from reporting sexual abuse has led to them taking to social media.
“This episode shows that the entire system has failed,” says Andrew Sesuraj, state convener, Tamil Nadu Child Rights Watch who is also helping connect police and victims. “It shows that parents never gave their children the confidence that they can share this with them. The schools didn’t have a safe space for children to speak up and those who spoke were silenced. None of the children seem to have contacted the 1098 Childline.” He proposes that the state should make a child protection mechanism that is child-friendly, transparent and accountable mandatory in every school, wherein every teacher and staff member is made to sign an undertaking against child sexual abuse.
The issue escalated with political leaders calling for action. The school education department also swung into action and chief minister chief minister MK Stalin has ordered a committee to be formed to frame guidelines for the conduct of online classes and directed that online classes be recorded and reviewed regularly.
The city’s crimes against women and children wing arrested Rajagopalan on May 24. He was booked under under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Indian Penal Code’s Sections 354 A (sexual harassment) and 509 (insulting modesty of a woman) as well as provisions of the Information Technology Act related to publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form and that containing sexually explicit act.
The domino effect
The action against him emboldened students to share their experience of abuse.
On Monday, a martial arts instructor, E Kebi Raj, 41 was arrested following a complaint by a college student. He is booked under sections 376 r/w 511 (attempt to rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act.
A day before that, an athletic coach and superintendent in the GST Commissionerate in Chennai, P Nagarajan, 59, was arrested after an athlete complained that he had touched her inappropriately while administering physiotherapy.
Since the complaints came up on social media, the police approached several of the complainants and counselled them to register a formal complaint to proceed with the case. “Third parties were helping the victims by highlighting the complaints and predicament through forums. At times, we had no knowledge of the complainant so it was a laborious process to filter through the social media posts and identify victims,” said Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner, Greater Chennai City Police.
Social media was also agog with instances of abuse of which students had heard. So the personal number of H Jayalakshmi, deputy commissioner, crime against women and children, was released so victims could call her directly and their identity would be protected as mandated by law. “That yielded good results. Her task was cut out,” Jiwal said.
The investigation processes
It took a lot of convincing before a victim became the first person to register a formal complaint against Rajagopalan. Now, at least five victims have lodged complaints against him, including a man.
After receiving a complaint, police maintain that the identity of the complainant is protected. In some cases, in plain clothes, they meet the victims in their homes or any other place of their comfort and timing to take their statements as required by POCSO Act.
After verifying complaints, they immediately inform the division officer to register a case. Police have seized Rajagopalan’s phone and laptop as he had left behind a digital footprint, an officer on condition of anonymity said. “In cases registered so far, we have been able to gather prima facie evidence quickly because a lot of team members were pressed into service,” said Jiwal.
The team has drawn up a plan of action post arrest. “We want the cases to reach their logical end through speedy investigation and by way of filing a charge sheet at the earliest. If investigation against the accused is proven, we want him to be brought to justice as soon as possible. It shouldn’t stop with registering an FIR.”
Complaints have also been made about sexual abuse that victims were subject to many years ago. “But these are serious offences and there have been case laws to investigate and enquire,” said Jiwal adding said that they are following a Delhi court’s order in February 2021 on the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani against former Indian minister MJ Akhbar who filed a defamation case against her. The ruling had crucially noted that a “woman has the right to put her grievance even after decades.”
The complainants
Twenty-two former students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, CLRI in Chennai complained to the school’s management of sexual abuse by a Hindi teacher who still teaches there. The complaints span students from several batches that span over 18 years.The former students recalled that the Hindi teacher held their waist, touched their backs and often in front of other students. Several of them also said that they switched to Sanskrit to avoid this Hindi teacher.
A former student shared that on her 14th birthday, she had gone to a class to distribute chocolates where he grabbed her buttocks. Her friend saw this and asked her what it was. “I was embarrassed. That’s how I remember feeling,” said one of the complainants. “The PSBB incident is what triggered me to complain. My motivation is that children should no longer be exposed to this man.”
The school management has asked the complainants on June 1 to come to Chennai for an internal enquiry slated for June 2. Several of them aren’t in the city and given the pandemic-induced lockdown, they wouldn’t be able to travel either. They have requested for virtual conduct of the enquiry. “I don’t have faith in the management, they are making this difficult for us and don’t seem to be invested in finding the truth,” said one of the complainants. The school has set up a four-member committee for enquiry.
Failure of multiple stakeholders
The due process or the system that has dissuaded children from reporting sexual abuse has led to them taking to social media.
“This episode shows that the entire system has failed,” says Andrew Sesuraj, state convener, Tamil Nadu Child Rights Watch who is also helping connect police and victims. “It shows that parents never gave their children the confidence that they can share this with them. The schools didn’t have a safe space for children to speak up and those who spoke were silenced. None of the children seem to have contacted the 1098 Childline.” He proposes that the state should make a child protection mechanism that is child-friendly, transparent and accountable mandatory in every school, wherein every teacher and staff member is made to sign an undertaking against child sexual abuse.
This committee should include children and parent representatives and child rights activists
Vidya Reddy of Tulir- Centre for Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Abuse reiterates an aspect that several victims have shared that they do not want to file a police complaint.
Vidya Reddy of Tulir- Centre for Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Abuse reiterates an aspect that several victims have shared that they do not want to file a police complaint.
The POCSO Act mandates reporting sexual crime against a child under Section 19(1) and failure to do so is a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Act.
“It’s either going to the police for criminal action or no other recourse, which I find problematic when you’re dealing with children,” says Reddy.
“It’s either going to the police for criminal action or no other recourse, which I find problematic when you’re dealing with children,” says Reddy.
“We have to understand that not all adults who have been abused as children and those who are now posting on social media may want to be entangled in the criminal justice system. We must also offer a space which provides acknowledgement and retribution by keeping a victim’s best interest in mind.”
Reddy cites the examples of the US and UK, where they involve child protective services and educational services to evaluate and assess a child sexual abuse complaint. They respond appropriately and involve the criminal system, if required.
“India has blindly imported mandatory reporting without certain structures and processes accompanying it,” says Reddy.
Reddy cites the examples of the US and UK, where they involve child protective services and educational services to evaluate and assess a child sexual abuse complaint. They respond appropriately and involve the criminal system, if required.
“India has blindly imported mandatory reporting without certain structures and processes accompanying it,” says Reddy.
“This has become counterproductive to what was originally envisioned. It has driven down reporting. Children who are victims of sexual violence and require abortions do not go to hospitals because of mandatory reporting. So in the case of sexual abuse in schools where only punitive action is considered, it is detrimental to the child’s wellbeing.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sexual harassment case: Committee grills school authorities for 3 hours
Published: Jun 05,202105:54 AM
Management of Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) Senior Secondary School including its principal Friday appeared before the Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights in connection with a sexual harassment case. This is the second time the school authorities were appearing before the commission after its Commerce teacher G Rajagopalan was arrested based on complaints from girl students.
Members of the committee probing the sexual harassment case at PSBB school in Chennai
Chennai:
Commission chairperson Saraswathi Rangaswamy said the inquiry lasted for three hours. “The management cooperated well. Once the inquiry is completed, a report will be sent to the government. Till then we may not be able to disclose the details,” she said.
Meanwhile, a communique from the school management to parents asking them to be present during the online classes evoked criticism. In a circular, the management of the school said: “To make our online classes more secure, as a new initiative this year, we would request parents to come forward to be present during the online classes of their respective wards. A monthly roster would then be made and shared. The volunteer could log in at a time convenient to them on the specified date”.
S Arumainathan, president, Tamil Nadu Parents-Teachers Association (TNPTA) wondered how come the management of the school could add parents to the online classes. “This is totally against the guidelines of the government. With parents already under severe pressure after sexual harassment case getting reported in the school, they (management) are adding further burden by involving them in online classes,” he added.
KR Nandhakumar, general secretary of Tamil Nadu Private Nursery, Primary, Matriculation, Higher Secondary, and CBSE Schools Association, said parents should not be involved in the online classes. “This is practically not possible,” he said adding “recording the online classes as per the guidelines of the government was more than enough to curb harassment irregularities”.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
YGPs grand Daughter Madhuvanti enters the fray
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PSBB Sexual Complaint: Me and my daughter Madhuvanthi are just trustees- YG Mahendra
Highlights:
BSPB Sexual complaint against school teacher Rajagopalan
I am a PSPB. Did not run the school- Y.G. Mahendran
YG asked the school dean to conduct an investigation. Mahendran’s letter
Chennai KK BSPB in the city Rajagopalan, a teacher working at the school, has been accused of sexually harassing students. Some of the affected students have reported it on social media.
He added that his brother and his wife run the school. In this case, he has sent an email to the school administration.
In that email he said,
K.K. Nagar BSPB I was shocked to see complaints being reported on social media that a school teacher was abusing her students. Seeing that the media is asking me for an explanation. I ask why the dean did not inform us about this as the parents have said that there is no response to the complaint to the management.
The school administration is taken care of by the dean and the head teacher. It is your job to discover what that is and to bring it about. If the teacher made a mistake he should be severely punished. If not, explain what really happened to the parents and students.
Set up a committee to investigate if necessary. Nothing like this has happened since this school was started. It is in the best interest of the school that the Dean and Y.G. I am writing this email to Rajendra.
Responding to trolls and mounting criticism over the sexual harassment allegations levelled against a teacher in the school, she posted a video on YouTube
Daniel Thimmayya
Edex Live
YG Madhuvanthi (Pic: newindianexpress.com)
As the social media storm stemming from the allegations of sexual harassment made against a teacher of the PSBB Senior Secondary School began to build, Y G Madhuvanthi remained quiet and restrained for the most part - even as Twitter users trolled her endlessly, referring to it as 'her school' and linking it to her general political and religious stances. Madhuvanthi is State Executive Committee Member of the BJP.
Late Monday night, a video of hers was posted on a YouTube Chanel and she tweeted it tagging several people who had been involved in the issue - the sum total of her message was that she and her father Y Gee Mahendra were deeply concerned about the allegations and wanted justice to be served. She also clarified that though the school was founded by her grandmother Dr Y G Parthasarathy, she did not play any role in the administration of the school. "To all my trolls, you keep saying that this is my school. You're right. It is my school because I studied there. I don't run the school. Like me there are thousands of students who has studied there, passed out of there and continue to study there. It is all of ours. This is definitely a disgusting thing and the right legal action should be taken. There is no second thought about that either for me or my father."
In her message, she said, "A disgusting incident has come to my notice. A student has placed a strong allegation and complaint against a teacher in this school. The news reached me and my father, Y Gee Mahendra on Sunday night. My father is not part of the management, he doesn't run the school and he is one of the trustees. As soon as he got it, he sent off a very strong email at midnight to the Dean and Director and the management calling for strong action."
READ ALSO: Chennai police arrest PSBB School teacher accused of sexual harassment under POCSO Act
A major pain point for both of them was that this was tarnishing the name and legacy of the late Dr YGP, who founded the school and built it up, "My grandmother Mrs YGP created this great institution with blood, sweat and hard work and no harm should come to her legacy. If it does we will not be silent."
A lot of the social media chatter has extended to accusatory messages about the school's religious slant, something that she chose to address, "In this context, to bring in discussion along caste, community and religious lines - to point out whether one is a brahmin, non-brahmin, kshatriya, Vaidhya, sudra, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh - is bad politics. I must request the government also, whatever action you take must be correct and my family will support this fully. At this point, we have heard that the teacher has been suspended and we believe that this is the right step - as it will give students and parents confidence."
The news that the teacher had been arrested came shortly after. She added," "At the same time, let us not be swayed by the politics based on caste and religion played by fringe groups who have vested interests. This involves a girl's life so please take it seriously. The school management has to answer for this and I am certain they will, both as a granddaughter of Mrs YGP and as an alumni."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Achintya Anita Gurumurthy May 28, 2021
Over the past two days, my Twitter timeline has been inundated with unspeakable horrors committed against young students in several ‘elite’ schools in Chennai. After accusations regarding sexual harassment and predatory behaviour about a teacher from Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) surfaced, student testimonies regarding experiences of casteism and misogyny flooded social media.
One student recounted her harrowing experience dealing with vicious Brahminism in PSBB – where she had to confront extreme caste violence and bigotry in the form of rape threats. She painstakingly highlighted the extent of impunity her Brahmin classmates exercised in harassing her, with the open backing of teachers.
Another student highlighted his experience of being bullied for bringing eggs in his dabba (tiffin box), being publicly chastised and made to sit on the floor to eat his lunch. These instances of Brahminical disciplining were only the tip of the iceberg, with several student testimonies spilling over social media and alumni discussions over the next couple of days.
Profoundly disturbed by these experiences, I resolved to understand the Brahminical ideology in the liberal institutions that I had grown up in. These are “alternative” schools in Bengaluru that advocate for holistic and democratic learning. These are the very spaces that continue to be riddled with the same caste contradictions that characterise Indian liberalism today. While I owe a big part of my critical and free thinking to the cushioning and perspectives these institutions have given me, the PSBB incident did open up the uncomfortably intimate aspects of elitism that I had to confront. My cultural and social capital afforded to me by my caste position had enabled me to experience school as a space without fear – a privilege not available to all.
And so, I asked on my Instagram story, whether we would be able to call out “alternative” institutions in Bengaluru for the “Brahminical dens” that they are.
Castelessness is caste-blindness
Among the responses I received, all of them requested me to attach and send student testimonies.
Upon sharing the deeply problematic and painful experiences that had already emerged on social media about private schools in Chennai, I readily shared link upon link, eager to prove the veracity of my argument.
However, following this, I was repeatedly asked to explain what I meant when I called these schools “Brahminical dens”. What is so phenomenally unsettling, and indicative of the caste character of these elite private schools, is the unabashed defence by parents and students from the institutions I had named. To me, the caste character of these institutions was apparent. And I was pretty sure, it was more than evident to any reasonable person.
What was troubling however, was that the liberal, English-speaking, fair-minded, Brahmin uncles and aunties, kept requesting me for testimony upon testimony, so that their thirst for proof and evidence could be satisfied. It appeared to me, that the business of collating such stories of oppression with utter fascination, was to get a front row ticket to the trauma of others.
Also read: On Realising My Inherent Casteism at an Art Collective
Much of my education was ‘casteless’. It reproduced urban myths, including the oft-repeated “caste does not exist anymore” and that it is the system of reservations that keeps it alive. I barely recall B.R. Ambedkar or Periyar’s name in my history classes, and my civics classes on fundamental rights breezed swiftly past the question of untouchability. It surprises me that much before I came to read about anti-caste movements in my country, I had already learned the term “creamy layer” from school. These instances barely scratch the surface about the embedded Brahminism in my school curriculum.
When the video of actress Madhuvanti Arun surfaced, proclaiming that caste-based division of labour is natural – I recognised how similar her mannerisms and confidence closely resembled many of the Brahmin women in my family, and those who taught me. As far as I can recall, the teachers in the elite schools I went to were mostly Brahmin women. Today, I recognise the double role that women in such a position of power play in caste society – in appropriating the labour of Bahujan women, and rationalising Brahminical control in their conversations with other Brahmin women. However as a child, my caste blind experience of schooling prevented me from correctly characterising my own social location, along with the positionality of my family, friends, teachers and school.
In my school, like several others, the day would often start with chanting Sanskrit shlokas. We would be expected to recite a Sanskrit prayer at the dining hall as well, before we consumed our purely vegetarian lunch. Many boys in my class wore the poonal thread, and many of us were engaged in the traditional pursuits of “classical” music and dance. In my modern school, caste was repeatedly naturalised – by intertwining older “cultural” practices into the pedagogy along with the scientific new.
The structure of private education, premised on profit revealed to me, quite unsurprisingly, that all schools (liberal or conservative) maintain and reproduce casteism in similar ways. The deeply pervasive nature of Brahminical ideology, coupled with the political economy of private schools clearly indicate the urgency required in dismantling such an exclusionary system, in order to protect marginalised children from the clutches of Brahminical oppression.
Achintya Anita Gurumurthy is a law student who is interested in Marxist and Ambedkarite theory.
Featured image credit: PSBB’s official website
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
