The ‘Vishwakarma’ scheme of the BJP headed Union Government is like old wine in a new bottle. It differs in noway from the ‘Hereditary Education System’ imposed long ago by C. Rajagopalachari. Periyar had condemned it as an injustice. On 10th March, 1954 he spoke at two public meetings voicing his protest against the unjust system. The excerpts are as follow:
My dear cadres, volunteers, well wishers and the elders in the venue, I have come to address you inspite of the scorching hot weather and my declining health condition. My topic today is ‘Hereditary Education Scheme’ imposed by Rajaji. He is bent upon preventing the upliftment of downtrodden people. During the British rule we had a Communal G.O. that ensured employment opportunities for us. The current brahminist government has thrown it overboard. We suffered a lot before the British rule and today, after their leaving us, we are once again in the same pitiable condition. The British rule was kind enough to legally prohibit using derogatory terms to abuse low caste people. The present government monopolised by Brahmins has begun degradation of low caste people.
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Our people lack food, clothing, shelter and education but the Brahmin coteries are seen immersed in pleasures, comforts and even luxuries. The hereditary education system would ruin us completely. Hence I have decided to wreak vengeance on the merciless government headed by Brahmins. I am ready even to face the gallows, fighting against these fanatics. Within a couple of months I must achieve my objective.
Long ago, most of you silently endured sufferings, leading a meaningless life, doing odd jobs and enjoying festivals and celebrations. You people used to babble that everything is an act of god and the effect of your destiny. Alteast you have now realised that your destiny lies in your efforts for progress. The credit goes to the British who made our people read and write. Literacy has led to some improvement.
Once the son of a farmer had to be a farmer, the son of a cobbler had to be a cobbler. The children of a blacksmith, potter, barber, washerman, weaver, carpenter, locksmith, goldsmith and a fisherman had to undertake the occupation of the parents. Today, youngsters hate hereditary occupations. We were all suppressed and stifled by communal fanatics. The attitude of our people changed in the period of the British rule. The current brahminist government is really threatened by the awareness of our people. We are no longer the gullible muck that we were, long ago. We must now move to the next stages by fighting collectively against social injustice. Nobody else is bothered about your upliftment and progress except our Dravidar Kazhagam.
Mission possible
Brahmins expect our people to be in an occupation as per our caste. If downtrodden low caste people acquire education and get placement in career, it would be disrespect to these selfish Brahmins. The British made even a low caste man an assembly member. A scheduled caste man occupied the coveted position of a district collector. Many of the marginalised people were offered lucrative posts in offices. The British were magnanimous in treating us. They motivated our people to think deeply and plan for the future of their children. But today this brahminist rule has become an obstacle for us. We made even the British quit India. Driving away these Brahmins and their rule is not an impossible mission.
The British had a strong army, arms, ammunitions, guns and aircrafts. These Brahmin rulers have nothing. Getting rid of them is not difficult for us. Therefore be ready to attack our rivals. We ourselves are an invincible force.
Transformation – dire need
Most people here are hypocrites pretending to be involved in public service. They do not mean what they say and do not say what they mean. Identify them and be alert. Everyone of you must vigorously propagate our views and policies. These fanatics and self centred people have denigrated us and made us all more or less barbarians. It is high time we woke up from our slumber. I expect you all to think and decide yourselves. Analyse every issue with a spirit of enquiry. It is not enough if you read what I write against the Hereditary education scheme. You must also read what my opponents write disagreeing with me. Ask yourself who is right and who is wrong. Sharpen your brain and raise the level of your intellect. The literacy the British have given us would help us analyse every problem with a balanced state of mind.
I want you all to think over and understand advancement in science and technology. What made the invention of loud speakers, radio, telegraph, motors and aircrafts absolute necessities? Study about all these developments in society. Read as much as possible. I sell the low-priced books of our movement with this purpose. I address people in public meetings restlessly, only to transform you people.
Time to protest
We find only downtrodden people as labourers working like bulls. Not even two Brahmins are found working as scavengers, cobblers, farmers or woodcutters. If man is destined to carry on with all such occupations that need physical efforts, why is it that we do not find Brahmins in these occupations? Our people strive as policemen taking care of law and order, but no Brahmin comes forward to work as a police constable. Downtrodden people alone have been labourers for many generations.
These Brahmins have made most of our people worship non– existent gods and goddesses. There is vulgarity and obscenity in all the tales woven around gods like Krishna. Our people worship all the idols with blind faith. It is a pity that even in this modern year of 1954, these Brahmins treat us as gullible people of illegitimate birth. Should we not resist and voice our protest against the ill-treatment meted out to us?
Welcome warfare
I am not a coward to stoop. I have so far faced 13 cases and have been imprisoned in all those 13 cases. I am ready to face all the dire consequences. All the cadres in our movement are dare devils. I never mince words. I speak my mind. Some people call me a bundle of contradictions. They say I am not consistent in my views. Views are bound to change according to the changing situations in life. Changes are inevitable. The warfare today is between the Aryans and the Dravidians. I have given the brahminist rulers three months’ time to drop the Hereditary education scheme. The caste supremacy of brahmins must be annihilated. We shall not rest until this objective is achieved.
Faulty systems
We build houses, we toil in the field, we grow food, we weave. The society exists by our blood-and sweat. And yet, we endure degradation. This must change. We must selflessly work for the welfare of others. We must fight against unjust laws. Trust me. We can emerge in future, the noblest people in the world if we transform ourselves in every possible manner.
The current system of education is baffling indeed. Classes are held for half a day. Private coaching classes are prohibited. Schools with the strength of less than 30 students are asked to pull down the shutters. Teachers in excess are to be terminated. One teacher has to take care of five classes. I have seen these government orders. The policies of education are all unacceptable. The entire system is faulty. The government is indifferent towards us.
Continuous atrocities
Recently there was an attempt by miscreants to set our abode in Trichy on fire. The culprit was caught red-handed. It was found out that a group of Brahmins had planned to destroy our building, but so far no action has been taken against the hooligans.
The atrocities of Brahmins are on the rise. The only solution is to force these Brahmins quit. Once they shrieked at the British- “Quit India!” –and the British too quit quietly. Why can’t we scream at these Brahmins similarly- “Quit our land”?
In the ancient days waging a war was a matter of pride. Many brave women sent off their husband and sons to the battlefield, wishing them victory. All of us need that kind of warfare spirit in society. Ignore cowards. Be prepared as brave warriors and soldiers to crush the rivals.
Our cadres must be ready to sign in blood and assure participation in the warfare. This war is not only to scrap the hereditary education scheme but also to wipe off every stigma on us, such as sudhras, untouchables, low caste people etc; This is the right time for our fight. We are in the “Now or Never” stage. I urge you all to become the vanguards on the battle field and also to fight along with us. Thank you.
Source:‘Viduthalai’ 19.03.1954
Translated by Prof. M.R. Manohar
