Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has highlighted the state’s Dravidian education model as a system focused on equity, accessibility and measurable learning outcomes, combining technological innovation with welfare-driven policies to enhance student dignity and performance.
Speaking at the India Today Roundtable Tamil Nadu 2026, Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi described the state’s Dravidian education model as a comprehensive framework centred on equity, access, and measurable learning outcomes. He explained that the first phase of the model focused on increasing enrolment in government schools, while the second phase prioritised improving educational quality through state-level assessments that track foundational literacy and numeracy.
The Tamil Nadu government has invested significantly in educational infrastructure, constructing more than 9,000 classrooms, upgrading laboratory facilities, and introducing artificial intelligence-based learning initiatives through the TN-SPARK programme. Additionally, a specialised academic nurturing scheme has assisted more than 40 per cent of slow learners in improving their academic performance.
Poyyamozhi defended the state’s two-language policy, arguing that additional languages should remain optional rather than compulsory. He warned that enforcing a three-language policy and introducing early public examinations could increase academic pressure and failure rates among young students.
The minister also emphasised the importance of welfare initiatives, particularly the breakfast scheme, noting that it has contributed to improved student attendance and enhanced dignity in classrooms. According to him, more than 100,000 government school students have gained admission to premier educational institutions in recent years.
He further stated that the Dravidian education model is practical rather than ideological and stressed the need for consultations with state governments before implementing national education reforms to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
