Dr. K. Veeramani
President, Dravidar Kazhagam
All India OBC Students’ Association (AIOBCSA) conducted an online and offline mode National Seminar on 19th and 20th January 2024, under the caption “CASTE CENSUS”. Dr. K. Veeramani, President, the Dravidar Kazhagam participated as the Guest of Honour and delivered the Inaugural Address. His Speech was as follows:
Dear friends, Vanakkam. My hearty congratulations to All India OBC Students’ Association on organising this two-day National Seminar on ‘CASTE CENSUS’. It is a timely event, since we are now demanding and fighting for it. Our message must be circulated among youngsters in the student community, because it is their future which is likely to be affected if we do not achieve this objective. More than the older generation, the younger generation needs absolute awareness. It is really the right approach to have a two-day seminar on a very vital subject. I shower my hearty greetings to all of you for this right decision.
As pointed out by Mr.Kiran Kumar, the President of AIOBCSA in his Welcome Address, we are from Thanthai Periyar’s land of social justice, where social justice is not only propagated but also practised and protected. In his speech, the committed social worker Dr.Hari gave a detailed exposition and explained why our demand for caste census is just and also irrefutable. We appreciate and applaud your effort. We stand by it.
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In Tamil Nadu, a long time ago we answered many questions which are being raised today by other parts of India. The questions may confuse today’s youth a little bit, but they must become aware of the issue. In Tamil Nadu, we are all very particular about eradication of caste. We wish to abolish it. For Babasaheb Ambedkar and Thanthai Periyar, it was a lifetime goal and a mission to eradicate and annihilate the caste system, based on the Varna System. Why do these people insist that this system should be there? It may be a political anachronism but it is a social necessity. How are we to explain it and understand in its proper sense? That is very important. Let me explain at the outset.
I would like to quote certain parts from Dr.Ambedkar’s unpublished writings. The caption of Chapter – 2 in one of his essays is – “Untouchables and their numbers”. In it he narrates the history of census in India. This should be read by our student community because it answers many questions raised and pointed out by the present generation, and also by the so called progressives, who just pretend to be progressive. To quote from Dr.Ambedkar’s writings, the first general census of India was conducted in 1881. Besides listing the different castes and creeds and their numbers, adding them up to arrive at the total figure of the population of India, the census of 1881 did nothing more. The second census too was ineffective. The third census was taken in 1901. In all these census a new principle of classification was adopted – “classification by social precedence as recognised by native public opinion”.Ambedkar has quoted this sentence from the report itself. This was the sentence used by the census commissioner who was then holding the post. To this serious opposition was raised by the caste Hindus. They objected to the enumeration based on castes.
It is a long history. These people are actually frightened. You can understand it from the report. The upper caste people insist on the omission of the caste specification but they are the ones who observe caste in all their social functions, family functions and even in the matrimonial selections of brides and bridegrooms. It is a wonderful thing to be pondered over. They do not want caste enumeration because they are afraid, people would come to know who is enjoying what privilege. They are afraid, their social monopoly will be exposed. This is the motive behind their opposition. This is the reason that they go on opposing caste census.
These objections did not have an effect on the election commissioner. In his opinion, enumeration by caste was important, and also necessary. Ambedkar gives a beautiful and fitting explanation for that. He says – “whatever views be taken of the advantages and disadvantages, caste is a social institution. It is impossible to conceive of any useful discussion of the questions. In India, caste would be an important element. Caste is the foundation of the social fabric. It is still the best guide for changes in various social strata in Indian society. Hindus are using the term “caste” in the most erratic sense.” To understand this, one has to go through the facts and see whether his caste determines his religious, social, economic and domestic life. It is the pragmatic way to clearly understand the term ‘caste’, which chases a person from the cradle to the grave. Without doing it you cannot do justice to the society; to the people who have been denied their rights from time immemorial.
We have our own Constitution. We are in its 75th year. But we are not sure how far the assurances given by the Constitution have been fulfilled. Our learned founding fathers of the Constitution adumbrated many assurances which remain unfulfilled. The preamble of the Constitution specifies those assurances. All of you in the august audience know very well about them. It is needless to remind you. This is an unchangeable basic structure of the Constitution. It cannot be amended. No amendment can touch it. It is the basic foundation. The preamble says – “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, social, secular, democratic republic to secure for all its citizens justice – social, economic and political.” This second part of the preamble is very important.
So, the very objective of this constitutional philosophy is SOCIAL JUSTICE. It has been clearly adumbrated in it. Among the three kinds of justices assured in the Constitution, top priority is being given only to social justice. Then comes economic justice and it is followed by political justice. Why is it so? Because from social justice alone the other two justices crop up. They are sprouted from social justice. That is why our founding fathers like Ambedkar and others have very thoughtfully placed SOCIAL JUSTICE at the top.
How to achieve social justice? Reservation is the means. Therefore, there is demand for reservations, because throughout ages in the past, we have been suppressed and oppressed making us depressed. How to get out of it? What is the remedy? The remedy lies in reservation. All of you know the fundamentals. I need not explain in detail and take much time. I would stress that reservation is our prerogative. We have the right to demand reservation. It is infact the prerogative of the State; not only of the State but also of the Union Government; more than that, prerogative of the people who are being governed by the State. They have the duty to translate it into action. That is why the concept of reservation is there.
The first amendment to the Constitution was by the fight of Periyar. The Communal G.O. was then questioned by the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court. It was declared that it “ULTRAVIRES” the Constitution. Beyond legal power and authority, Periyar held a huge public agitation continuously for one year. The then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, being a true democrat, recognised it. He also told what would follow in future. The first amendment was legislated and Article 15(4) was inserted for the benefits of the socially and educationally backward classes. The word ‘caste’ was not mentioned there. But how to find out the socially and educationally backward? How to determine?
The caste system based on the Varnashrama Dharma and Manu Dharma denies the 3Rs by their social injunctions. They say you should not Read, Write and Recall to acquire knowledge. There is no equality. So, there cannot be equal opportunity among the unequals. Equality can be there only among the equals. But, how to equalise? That is why we have Article 15(4) and 16(4);one is for admissions and the other for appointments, but there is no ceiling or specific numbers. Article 16(4) clearly defines it as “adequate representation”.
How to achieve this adequate representation? Earlier, it was “fair representation” when Periyar was fighting for the justification of communal order of the period of 1928, the period of the Justice Party, Dravidian Party and Dravidian Government. In 1928, it was proportional representation. Three kinds of representations are to be noted. One is fair representation; fair in amount and quantity; the second is proportional representation; in proportion to caste etc; and the third is ‘adequate representation’. The word ‘adequate’ is of Latin origin. It comes from the word ‘adequatus’ – which means “till it is equalised.”
So, when there is social monopoly in education and when it moves from education to employment, we can say it is “adequate representation”. How are we to know all these clearly? What is “adequate”? It may differ from state to state; from situation to situation and from time to time. Yet, who is to decide about it? Who is the authority? That is the question here.
The Constitution has clearly given the right to the States. That is why in Tamil Nadu, by the Periyar Movement, the State is able to enjoy 69 per cent reservation. That too, not merely as the G.O; but as an Act. The S.C. is given 18 per cent, S.T. 1 per cent and B.C./O.B.C./M.B.C. all put together – 50 per cent. Hence, 18 + 1 + 50, 69 per cent is available and it is also included in the ninth (IX) schedule for permanent protection. This cannot be reviewed now even by the Court. This is the fact.
How are we to achieve this kind of social justice? That is more important. That is why we say that we want caste census. All the states are aware of the need. This demand is there everywhere. Those who are starving, need food. Those who are thirsty, need water. That is why the demand is there. But when we approach the courts the demand is being questioned. The courts are being dominated by the upper caste agents. There is no social justice of any kind on their part, and hence no reservation.
They pose a question very cleverly and constitutionally – “where is the quantifiable data?” They say “provide quantifiable data if you want this particular percentage.” These words are like weapons for them. Hence our demand for caste census is more than justified. This is the right time to insist on it, if we are really committed to social justice and if we particularly believe in the Constitution of India. If we truly wish that the constitutional provisions are implemented, then this is the time to fight for caste census. The question is – what is the way out? It is already being done. Even during previous census, the caste census was there. Castes exist everywhere; in matrimonial, social functions and festivals. It is obvious in our democracy. How are the electoral candidates being proposed? How are votes being cast? An outlook based on caste exists in every activity.
The demand for caste census is on the rise, but how to get it satisfied? It is infact a must. It is indispensable. It is inevitable. It is the only way out. It is the proper channel. Why do these people turn off the channel? This is a very important question.
Another thing I would like to stress is that enumeration of caste census is like taking a scan. We want a remedy for the disease; a treatment for cure. Before beginning their treatment medical practitioners check many aspects. They think of alternatives to be suggested. Even before performing a surgery, they plan carefully to make sure what is to be done and how it is to be done. In this Age of rheumatic surgeries, this is generally noticed. So, they advise us to get scanned. They pierce our body without waste of blood. Scanning enables them to do it.
Hence it is very clear that the need for caste census is also like scanning for perfect analysis in order to cure. The objective is equal opportunities for all. Social justice itself mainly means “everything to everybody”. We are not denying anything to the upper caste. We say, you take your share. Give us ours. Let the upper caste people confine themselves to the population and the percentage in reasonable proportions. But these upper caste people actually do not want the percentage to be known. This is the secret behind their hesitation. Who are the actual villains? Where are they hiding? We must find out. That is very important.
These people are easily caught. They pretend as if they are more progressive than all of us whose life-ambition is to eradicate caste system and birth based discriminations. Let me stress again that we are all for the annihilation of caste. We have been fighting throughout our life till this date for it; not just for eradication but absolute annihilation of the injustice – which means in brief, untouchability, unseeability and unapproachability. These evils are all unheard of in the whole world. It is sheer social pollution. We are allowed to have pets like cats and dogs, but not human beings near us. Is it not social injustice?
Caste is actually a dehumaniser. We all very well know this truth. We have been the first rebels to fight for abolishing caste. We set the precedent for this battle against social injustice.
Before annihilating it, we have to build a new bridge. That is the fact. But we cannot stop conveyance, travel and movements until the new bridge work is completed. So, what are we to do? We have to take diversion. We have to use another road until the bridge is ready for use. You may ask me, how long are we supposed to go on the diversion road? The answer is simple. As long as you cause delay in the construction of the new bridge!
You have no choice. This is my answer for the question posed by you. You can do nothing except taking a diversion. But how are we to complete the new bridge? What is the essential Chemistry? What is the major component required? That is caste census, my dear friends. It is more important.
We are not supporters of caste. We are at the forefront to abolish it and its inevitable unjustifiability. But it is like taking an antibiotic. This is what Periyar explained clearly to all those who could not understand it. The younger generation may say – “Sir, we are also for the abolition of caste. So, why should we mention even on application forms – SC/ST/BC/MBC etc;?”
My answer to them is this:
“Unless you do it, you cannot get back your rights. You will be exploited. You will be denied all fundamental rights.” – That is why I say it is like taking an antibiotic – medicine. On every antibiotic vial there is a warning that it is poisonous if consumed without medical advice. The doctor who prescribes an antibiotic does not intend to kill you. He does it only to cure you of your ailment. But it should be moderately used within a limit. Hence, caste wise enumeration also needs careful implementation for perfect cure of our social ailments. The answer for the question of quantifiable data lies in it.
We are shocked by the people who are outwardly social reformers but inwardly castiests. We are also shocked by those who are outwardly posing as progressive but are inwardly regressive.
The antibiotic poison is to kill the germs which are responsible for the disease but the consumption must be within the bounds. The limit is to be decided by the doctor – not by the patient. But how does the doctor decide the limit? By his expertise in the field. He knows the quantum of essential components. A similar situation is our demand for caste census. It is the excellent answer available.
It seems, we are being taken to the prison cell through the main front door, which is nothing but caste. The only way out of the cell is social justice path and it can be laid perfectly if caste census is accomplished all over the country. At this stage, we would like to ask these opponents, who started reservations? It is not us. It is not the backward people. It is not the SC/ST/OBC or MBC people. It is not the untouchable, unseeable and the unapproachable. It is not the suppressed, oppressed or the depressed.
Reservation was started by the upper caste people, the Varnashrama and Manudharma. They imposed the code that the head born, shoulder born and the thigh born alone must enjoy all pleasures and benefits.
Dr. T.M. Nair, one of the founders of the Justice Party once said – “I have never seen such a surgery. Graded inequality is worse compared to the surgeries I had performed in complicated cases related to child birth.” Dividing people based on birth was like a complicated surgery for Dr. T.M. Nair. That is what he had implied.
These people today want to replace Indian Constitution with Manudharma. This is the situation now. They prefer Manudharma to the progressive Constitution of India which was drafted by the committee members like Babasaheb Ambedkar and others. They oppose our Constitution and you now know why they oppose. Since they oppose it, we support caste census because justice is on our side. We have been the sufferers for centuries. To annihilate social injustice is the dire need today.
My dear friends, explain all these to the people. Our opponents have money power, muscle power and media power for control. But we can win by our mind power and the support of the people. This is the Age of Stalwarts like Periyar and Ambedkar. Let us all educate, agitate and organise by collective efforts. We must not stop with organising such symposiums. Let us all come to the field, fight jointly and educate the public. The opponents are only a few; we are many. We would get the support of all the people. We are sure to win. We do not need quantitative approach. We need only a qualitative approach. This is the right time to fight and achieve our objective – the implementation of CASTE CENSUS, the right path for social justice. Thank you dear friends.
