MYSORE: Karnataka medical education minister S A Ramdas on Thursday made a remark that could raise eyebrows. Speaking at the inauguration of a literacy campaign, he said the nuclear-family system has contributed to the rise in HIV/AIDS .

Living in a joint family eradicates the possibility of having extra-marital affairs. In olden times, elders in joint families would watch over children, teach them to be good, and prevent them from going astray. Nuclear families give way for affairs, Ramdas said without explaining how they promote HIV/AIDS.

The Ramayana teaches us to be loyal to our partner, the minister said, and gave Rama’s example.

Supporting primary education minister Visveswara Hedge Kageri , Ramdas said: “The concept of saffronization is nothing but teaching intellectual values to children through the Ramayana.”

Following the Ramayana is the best way to eradicate social evils; it would help to lead a good family life. Teaching the same in schools would benefit children.

Interacting with children, he advised them to become like M Visvesvaraya and increase their intellectual level. “Whoever studies in the English medium is not intelligent; children learning Kannada are not inferior.”

“Every day when you step out to go to school, seek blessings from your mother. It will benefit you in a big way,” he told the children.

