'Insensitive towards Tamil Nadu': Kanimozhi urges Centre to change UGC NET exam date coinciding with Pongal

DMK's Kanimozhi Karunanidhi wrote to the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday urging an immediate change in the exam dates for the UGC NET, which has been scheduled on the day of Pongal, January 15 and 16.

Kanimozhi posted the letter on X (formerly Twitter) which stated, "This lack of consideration is becoming a pattern, as we recently had to fight for a date change when the CA exams were also scheduled on Pongal. I strongly condemn this appalling decision by the BJP-led Union Government, as it shows complete insensitivity towards the sentiments of Tamil Nadu."

"Pongal is not just a festival; it is a celebration of Tamil pride and identity. This is not mere negligence—it is a deliberate affront to our cultural heritage. Once again, the Union Government has exposed its blatant disregard for our state and its people. I demand the immediate rescheduling of the exam to respect the cultural values of Tamil Nadu and ensure no student is forced to choose between their education and their tradition," she wrote.