THE Tamilnadu Platform for People's Unity (TNPPU) observes January 31 – the day Mahatma Gandhi was brutally assassinated in 1948 – as the Day of Anti-Heresy. This annual observance serves as a reminder of Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to India’s independence, communal harmony, and religious unity.

This year, the Anti-Heresy Pledge was taken in over 27 districts across Tamil Nadu, with some districts extending the program to taluk headquarters. In Chennai, the programme was held at Vinoba Hall, Thakkar Baba Vidyalaya, T Nagar, where leaders from various political parties, activists, and public figures reaffirmed their commitment to Gandhi’s ideals.

Among the attendees were Selva Perunthagai (Congress), Balakrishnan (CPI(M)), Advocate Arulmozhi (Dravidar Kazhagam), Prof. Haja Gani (TMMK), Prof. Karunanadhan, V Ponraj (former scientific advisor to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam), Bishop Devasahayam, Senior Advocate Mohammad Yousuf, Inamul Hasan, Balamurugan (IDRM), and S Kumar (TNPPU). The programme was presided over by G Udayakumar, TNPPU Coordinator, with Ramesh Kumar (Chennai Makkal Medai) delivering the welcome address and Bala Subramanyam (TNPPU) proposing the vote of thanks.

TNPPU firmly upholds the belief that all religions are like rivers flowing into the same ocean – a principle that has allowed diverse faiths to coexist peacefully in India. Communal harmony is not just a constitutional ideal but a cherished tradition of this land. Whenever this harmony is threatened, people have historically united, singing “Ishwar Allah Tere Naam” and declaring that all religions belong equally to the nation.

However, today, forces of intolerance are actively working to disrupt this harmony, particularly targeting Muslims and Christians. Their divisive campaigns include hate propaganda, vandalism, and the destruction of minority places of worship.

The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse remains a stark reminder of this threat. The bullets fired that day symbolise the ongoing attack on India's secular fabric. While the Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to practice their faith – or none –it also mandates a secular State that remains neutral in religious matters.

But, groups like the Sangh Parivar seek to erode this foundation, pushing for a Hindu Rashtra that endangers not just religious minorities but also the pluralistic essence of India. Their agenda threatens the unity of the nation and the fundamental rights of its people.

The Chennai programme received widespread media coverage across Tamil Nadu. In Madurai, the programme was led by Prof. Arunan, TNPPU coordinator, at Gandhi Mandapam, with Jayachandran (district coordinator) presiding. Similar gatherings took place in Coimbatore and other districts, where local leaders and citizens reaffirmed their commitment to Gandhi’s ideals by taking the Anti-Heresy Pledge.

The programme resonated deeply with the public, reinforcing the urgent need to protect secularism, preserve India’s cultural and religious diversity, and resist forces of division. Through these observances, TNPPU continues to honour Gandhi’s legacy, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of unity, peace, and justice.