Felicitating top scorers of Classes 10 and 12 in Tamil Nadu, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay called on young people and their families to defend democratic ideals, resist divisions based on caste and religion, and refuse monetary inducements for votes.

Addressing a packed audience in Chennai, Vijay pointed out that democracy gives equal opportunities. He urged them to ask everyone in their home to perform their democratic duty. “Ask them to elect good, trustworthy people who have not indulged in corruption. Don't get the idea of division based on caste and religion. Never allow such things to disturb your mind,” he said.

Making a passionate case against identity-based discrimination, he added, “Does nature, like the sun or rain, have a caste or religion? We need to reject religion and caste like we avoid drugs.”

The TVK leader emphasised that democracy thrives on the foundations of equality and liberty. “Keep your mind democratic. Only when there is democracy, will there be freedom in this world and in all the fields in this world. Keep caste, creed and religion away as we keep drugs. Don't go near ideology based on caste, creed or religion,” he said.

Vijay also took a sharp stance against what he called the caste-labelling of social reformer Periyar. Referring to a recent question in a civil services exam, he said, “Recently, there was a question regarding Periyar’s caste in the UPSC exam. We strongly condemn this.”

His remarks drew loud applause, especially from students and parents who cheered his call for a more inclusive, egalitarian future.