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Rewrite the History of Vaikom Agitation
The article appeared in February 2016 issue of The Modern Rationalist on Rajaji’s letter expressing concern over the imprisonment of Periyar for his leading role in Vaikom agitation, is a beam of light on truth. The present socio-political leaders with ulterior motives, twisted and adulterated history. Even a degree level student of History cannot say what happened at Vaikom during those days? Who gave leadership? Which of the leaders were arrested and imprisoned? He will be in dark. Periyar does not find a place in Vaikom History appearing at present or available to a student of history.
Vaikom agitation in Kerala during 1924-25 was not a struggle within the Hindu Community, for temple entry. It was the agitation of the low caste Hindu’s to use the ‘otherwise public’ roads round the temple. Otherwise means people of other religious and Savarna Hindus had been walking freely through those streets. Hence it became an issue of human rights, and the struggle started by low caste Hindus with the co-operation of progressive citizen from higher castes.
Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam representing the Ezhava Community forming 30 per cent total population of Kerala State; Indian National Congress, the champion of National Freedom Movement all were in the forefront. Gandhi warned the non-Hindu leaders of Congress not to participate in the agitation in tune with his thinking that it was a case of the Hindus only. The Vaikom Movement fared a setback.
It was at this juncture, Periyar E.V.R. leader of Tamil Nadu Congress was specifically invited to lead the struggle. Suspending his party campaign in his State, Periyar rushed to Kerala to take charge of the movement and the struggle attained momentum.
It is a historical fact that without Periyar’s involvement, the struggle would end as an utter failure. But present day socio-political leaders in Keralal forget these facts. Irrespective of their poltical allegiance, they try to erase the truth from the memories of the people. To get true history, one has to resort to researches.
In waging war against the caste forces, sufficient materials should be made available. It amounts to the rewriting of true history on the basis of research.
– Kainakary Vikraman
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
