On 28th June, 1931 Periyar delivered a speech at the Annual Day Celebration of a Dravidian Youth Association. The central idea of his speech was that nothing is impossible for today’s young men. They are fast and furious in accomplishing everything but the speed of action needs wisdom. Mere haste devoid of wisdom would be sheer waste. The excerpts from his speech are as follows:-
Dear young men, people all over the world know quite well that you are all the custodians of the world to come. Agile, active and aspirational youth like you can reform and transform our society by bringing about a lot of productive and positive changes. I would like to advise you all, to combine wisdom with your speed of action. Being wise is more important than being clever. Let me share my thought with you at this day of your Annual Day Celebrations.
Indubitable truth:
Without the involvement of the youth, no reformation is possible in the country. There is worldwide unanimity in this belief. Besides, it is an indubitable truth, because the hot blooded young men are selfless and fearless, caring for common good of the people. They are energetic enough to work hard relentlessly for the welfare of others. They are called “dare devils” by elders like us since their courage and willpower are truly amazing. The youth of this modern era possess excellent grasping power. If we give them a spark they can make it intense wild fire. Aged people crushed under the heels of family responsibilities can never match the speed of youth in action. They are all exhausted because age takes its own toll. Hence, the elders pin their hope on youngsters.
Struggle for survival:
Survival instinct makes most of our men cowards. They hesitate to enter public service out of fear. They ask themselves – “What would happen to my wife and children if I die suddenly serving others?” This general fear of survival makes people selfish. The fault lies in our women folk too. They keep shrieking – “How can I raise my children without male support? How can we survive if you are no more with us?” This cry of the wives cause cowardice in men. With the passing of time they become irresponsible morons, selfish entities, indifferent towards the sufferings of others. Enslavement of women is the cause of this particular hurdle. Since women have been denied for centuries, education equality and economic independence, they depend wholly on menfolk for their survival and existence. How can men think of social reformation when they themselves are bound by shackles of family responsibilities?
Fast and Furious Youth:
The problem with the youth is that they are not patient enough to weigh the pros and cons of any issue before leaping on it. They generally make quick but hasty decisions that invite troubles for public welfare in society. Most of our young men lack vigilance. They fail to foresee imminent dangers. They hastily jump to conclusions only to repent when it is too late. Therefore, I advise them to imbibe wisdom before striving for social reformations. Too much of innocence could make them gullible.
Youth are likely to move on the wrong direction by the misguidance of mischievous people around them. They waste their energy and precious time only to regret when it is too late. Therefore, I always keep cautioning them to look before they leap. By the negative influence of some people, young men generally lose their mind and fall a prey to undesirable reactions. Working for noble causes is like a vehicle on hectic speed. Speed thrills – but kills. Unbridled run would end up in head-on collision. Only wisdom can be applied like a brake. Lack of precaution would only lead to disasters. The youth should remember the maxim – “slow and steady wins the race” in life. Unwise actions can be compared only to digging one’s own grave.
Inflammable hearts:
The hearts of the youth are inflammable like petrol. Undesirable aspects in the world are like the fire. Its proximity would exhaust precious fuel of the youth. When I was in my youth I secretly desired to be eternally young because I had realised the capability that youth bestows on young men. I wanted to be young till my last breath. I wisely made use of my youth and made it serve me to a great extent. I am sure your parents are aware of this truth. They had watched my public services in my youth.
I had been leading my life as one of your own family members. So, at this moment I am patiently teaching you all the value of wisdom, like one who would patiently teach little children. I am alerting you all repeatedly just using different words and sentences, but my message to you is the same – make even haste a little bit slowly. That is true wisdom.
Fanatics all around:
Our country today overflows with communal fanatics, religious extremists and lethargic people who feed upon the food of others. Most of these selfish elements hoodwink gullible people in the names of caste and religion. They have soaked our people in blind faith making them crave for salvation in the other world which infact does not exist. Even on the political field our people are being taken for a ride in many ways. 90 persons out of a 100 do not realise that they are being deceived. Some others are there who make hay while the sun shines. They cleverly reap benefits exploiting even the manipulating elements. Our country today is at the bottom of this mess. Irrationalism has made our people superstitious. It is the duty of young men like you to reform them. People have become regressive by the ploys of communal and religious fanatics. This has hindered their advancement in life. Young men like you should make our people realise the meaninglessness of all the outdated irrational concepts. That would pave the way for complete social reformation.
Atrocities in rural belts:
Let me cite an example for the atrocities of fanatics around us. The most horrible one is untouchability. People steal, betray, kill and say lies but hesitate even to touch the glass of water brought to them by an untouchable human being. Such Scheduled Caste people continue to exist as unseeable and unapproachable. In most of the villages this dehumanisation remains unabated.
Our villages are all neglected to the core. Urban facilities must be extended to all the undeveloped villages. Rich business magnates landlords and multimillionaires deliberately curb the development of our villages. I urge you young men here to begin the noble task of transforming all the underdeveloped villages. Every reformation in society is the duty of the youth like you. I am sure you would make my dream come true.
Courtesy: ‘Kudi Arasu’ – 5th July 1931
Translated by : M.R. Manohar
