We are in the 21st century and alas, despite the hard work of social reformers since independence, social evils like untouchability and discrimination still prevail in India.
One such instance of bigotry came to light when footage of Tamil Nadu’s Forest Minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan surfaced on social media recently. The minister was on a visit to a temple at the inauguration of the rejuvenation camp for captive elephants in Theppakadu’s Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) located in the Nilgiris, reports DNA.
The viral video of the minister shows him asking the boy from a tribal community to remove his shoe’s buckle so that he can enter the temple. “Come here… come here…buckle…remove this buckle…” the minister said. He allegedly did so as he was having back pain, reports News 18.
#WATCH This is shocking VVIP racism. TN forest minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan calls two #Tribal boys and asks them to remove his slippers so that he can enter a shrine!!!#TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/DHHgNUWuWt
— The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) February 6, 2020
The minister’s actions did not go down well with the netizens and ultimately he was at the receiving end of backlash.
This is shocking VVIP racism. TN forest minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan calls two tribal boys and asks them to remove his slippers so that he can enter a shrine!!!#Mudumalai #VVIPRacism #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/FDD4Cbdkud
— Shilpa Nair (@NairShilpa1308) February 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/Jeitendra1/status/1225308428551118849?s=20
World Championship of Shamelessness. It would be very interesting to see what would happen if so called leaders would call their children or grand children in public and ask them to do the same thing.
— Hemant Vora (@HemantVora0566) February 6, 2020
The arrogance of an elected official.
— Mohan S. Menon (@nycmomo13) February 6, 2020
Pure atrocious behaviour from minister.!!
How a man without common sense prevail in the cabinet?!
Tamil Nadu should not accept this behaviour from anyone ,anytime.#dindigulsrinivasan— Noodles (@saravananbk05) February 6, 2020
A Tribal Boy was forced to remove the Cheppal of a Minister today. Atrocious Act of a Tamilnadu Forest Minister Dindigul Srinivasan should be booked under SC/ST PoA Act. The government officials who were silent spectators are equally liable and booked pic.twitter.com/6Gnr9LiLFh
— Pandiyanequity (@pandiyanequity) February 6, 2020
Shameful… Even if it's done without negative intentions, it's shameful
— MUSAAA (@NaraazF) February 6, 2020
Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan asked two tribal boys to remove his slippers to enter a shrine. Sack him from his position immediately. pic.twitter.com/icK5U1rDlH
— Saumya (@Saumyart) February 6, 2020
Politicians are to inspire and motivate the public. Such an act of utter arrogance from people in higher positions is downright insensitive and disappointing. What are your thoughts on the matter? Tell us!