Akila
State Treasurer, Women’s Wing
Dravidar Kazhagam
In an era where women decked with heavy ornaments and silk bordered sarees were wrongly considered their rich heritage. Maniammaiyar adorned herself with utmost simplicity by not exhibiting herself even a little bit like them.
Inspired by Thanthai Periyar’s principles of self- respect and equality to womanhood in particular, which was just a dream and never had been a reality, AMMA ..as she is respectfully called by the cadres of Dravidar Kazhagam came forward to attend on Periyar’s health upon the able advice of her father Kanagasabai!
Thanthai Periyar’s vision of a social reformation, a casteless society and liberation of women from the dormant clutch of manhood being her pre-dominant concern, AMMA, not only safe-guarded Thanthai Periyar’s health, after the demise of Nagammaiyar, his wife till his ninety-five years of age, but also supported him in his protests, struggles and in all his ideological ventures with true devotion.
Without any hesitation, after the death of Periyar, AMMA adeptly assumed the leadership of the organisation and ably administered the work left behind by Periyar.
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For about ten years after the passing away of Nagammaiyar, Periyar suffered much since there was no one to attend on him for routine day to day needs. At this situation Thiru.Kanagasabai offered Maniammaiyar’s services. Periyar had his own family property and funds of the movement. He was looking for someone who could protect all the property after his life time and succeed him for the continuous welfare of the movement.
Maniammaiyar was almost like his adopted daughter but because of the legal hurdle Periyar had to marry her since she was entitled for property as his wife. This was undeniably an arrangement only to safeguard property – not for conjugal purposes. It was an unavoidable move in the interest of the welfare of the reputable movement. Maniammaiyar played the role of a loyal custodian – not the role of a wife like normal women.
Thus, only to entrust the property, and ensure the welfare of the movement Thanthai Periyar decided to legally wed Maniammaiyar, since as per law, an adopted daughter had no property rights. The purpose was clear, yet, AMMA, had to bear offensive abuses filled with contempt and cruelty.
Being a woman her disciplined desire to serve rightfully a person who struggled for an unbiased society was only targeted by painful humiliation.
Unperturbed, she emerged with an incredible inner strength, fortitude and courage and had succeeded in being the first ever unmatched woman leader of a rationalistic organisation.
She is and she will be remembered undoubtedly as a woman of inspiration for all those who wish to aspire on a social front.
ANNAI MANIAMMAIYAR.. with all spirits of greatness and gratitude should be hailed…
“Long Live Maniammaiyar!
Long live Maniammaiyar!”
