Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, outlines the Dravidian model as a philosophy rooted in equity rather than a mere slogan. Focusing on sustained justice, inclusive growth, and dignity through education, the model emphasizes bringing children into schools, reducing dropouts, and improving learning outcomes with school-specific assessments. Welfare initiatives such as free breakfasts support attendance while reinforcing social justice.
The model goes beyond basic infrastructure, incorporating technology, AI programs, high-tech labs, and structured teacher training. Special schemes like Theran help slow learners catch up, and Tamil Nadu’s approach to language education prioritizes choice over compulsion, advocating mother tongue and English as core, with additional languages optional.
Poyyamozhi stresses collaboration between the state and central government, cautioning against stress-inducing exams for early grades. Career guidance, model schools, and outreach programs have resulted in thousands of students gaining admission to premier institutions and international scholarships. The Dravidian education model combines measurable academic outcomes with social justice, local relevance, and political messaging centered on dignity, choice, and learning for every child.
