Innocent supports Smriti Irani

Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, at the centre of a controversy over her educational qualification, today received support from Malayalam actor and Marxist supported Independent MP, Innocent, who felt intelligence and knowledge are gained not from books alone.

Observing that the raging controversy over the educational qualification of Irani was "unnecesary", Innocent told reporters here "intelligence and knowledge are gained not from books alone... we can learn several things from our daily life".

Education is not a criteria for becoming a politician. Practical experience is more important than education, the ace Malayalam film actor, who humbled Congress veteran P C Chacko from Chalakudy in his maiden electoral foray told reporters at a meet-the-press programme here. "What she is doing and how she is doing only needs to beseen," he said, adding the Prime Minister was aware of her capabilities which was why she was given the portfolio.

K Kamaraj, who was Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, did not have much of an education, the actor recalled. Innocent said he was only eighth standard pass. "Education needs only memory power. While success in life depends on intelligence and practical knowledge." There are instances of persons who are uneducated setting up units and employing educated persons, he said.

Innocent, who has no plans to give up acting, said he intends to do three films a year.