Tamil Nadu: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay on Friday, honoured Class 10 and 12 toppers from 88 constituencies in a felicitation event held at a private resort in Mahabalipuram.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay urged students to stay away from exam-related anxiety and cautioned the public against accepting bribes for votes.

Recognition for academic excellence

In the first phase of this initiative, students who excelled in their Class 10 and 12 board exams were awarded certificates and cash prizes. Speaking at the event, Vijay extended his congratulations to the students and their families.

"My dear young leaders and parents. Greetings to everyone. Yes...Young leaders and parents - how are you all? Very, very happy to meet you all. Congratulations on this beautiful achievement," he said.

Beyond exams: A call for confidence

Addressing the topic of academic pressure, Vijay reminded students that education is important, but it should not cause undue anxiety.

"Education is achievement. I won't deny that. But that doesn't mean we need to achieve a particular subject. Don't get anxious by thinking about something repeatedly. Why am I saying this? Is NEET only a world? Beyond NEET, many things are there to achieve, and this world is big," he said.

He further stressed the importance of democracy: "Have democracy. If democracy exists, then only this world and various fields can be with freedom."

Appeal for responsible voting

Vijay urged the audience to uphold their democratic responsibilities and choose honest candidates.

"Proper democracy gives equal opportunities. As a first step for this, ask everyone at home to do their democratic duty. Doing your democratic duty is not a big deal, it is a simple thing. Ask them to elect good people, trustworthy people and those who haven't done any corruption so far. As simple as that. This is their duty," he said.

Reiterating his earlier stand, Vijay warned against vote-buying practices.

"Two years back, I said in a similar event that we shouldn't encourage money for votes. Follow that. You could see next year what is going to happen. They are going to drop money in vehicles. All that money is stolen from you. What are you going to do? You all know what to do. I don't need to make you realise," he added.

Condemns caste and religious divides

Vijay cautioned students not to be influenced by caste and religious divisions.

"Don't go by the idea of division based on caste and religion. Never allow such things to disturb your mind. Are farmers harvesting seeing caste and religion? Is a businessman selling products seeing caste and religion? Does nature like the Sun and Rain have caste and religion? How we avoid drugs, like that we need to keep religion and caste so far away. That is good for everyone," he said.

Response to UPSC controversy

Reacting to a recent controversy regarding a UPSC examination question referring to Periyar by his caste name, Vijay expressed strong condemnation.

"In recent times, Thanthai Periyar was painted with caste. In the UPSC exam, they have asked a question regarding Periyar with the caste name. We strongly condemn this," he said.

Vijay also urged students to adopt a scientific mindset and remain confident in the face of future challenges.

"Don't be emotional about everything. Have a scientific and technical approach. Now we have AI, and we need that approach to face the AI world. The sky is vast and white, and you have strong wings. So feel free to fly like a bird with courage and confidence," he concluded.

ANI inputs