The Blackshirt cadres, who mobilised subscription for ‘Viduthalai’, present them to the beloved leader Asiriyar (Chennai – 1st June 2024).
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‘Viduthalai’ is the world’s only Tamil Rationalist Daily. ‘Viduthalai’ means ‘Liberation’. It was started as a bi-weekly magazine in 1933 by the South Indian Liberal Federation, popularly identified as Justice Party. Periyar was entrusted with the responsibility of publishing a Tamil Daily, ‘Dravidan’. It could not continue its journey. In 1937, prior to Periyar becoming the President of Justice Party, ‘Viduthalai’ came to the fold of Periyar.
It was continued as a Daily. In 1944, when Dravidar Kazhagam was formed by the merger of Justice Party and Self-Respect League, ‘Viduthalai’ became its official organ. ‘Viduthalai’ had the service of Anna (endearing form of C.N.Annadurai) and Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi as its Sub-Editor. Both were disciples of Periyar but they chose the political path of contesting elections and assuming authority to rule. Both the leaders became the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu later after the formation of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in 1949. In 1962 K.
Veeramani was entrusted with thewhole responsibility of ‘Viduthalai’ as its Editor and Publisher. From 1962 till date Asiriyar K.Veeramanihas been discharging the responsibility of ‘Viduthalai’ amidst turbulent waves of opposition and financial constraints. The commitment of bringing ‘Viduthalai’by Periyar was like this: Even if no support forth comes for ‘Viduthalai’.
I would write, compose, edit, print and finally read it. The commitment shown by Periyar is sustained by Asiriyar K.Veeramani who has been continuing the mission for the past 61 years, an unprecedented one in journalistic field. The 90 year – journey of ‘Viduthalai’ could be possible only through the support of the cadres of Periyar Movement and the well-wishers.
The 90 year journey of ‘Viduthalai’ has done a lot of things for the welfare of the people. To be specific, to the oppressed people and changed the society topsy turvy. Most of the demands raised and the appeals made through the editorials of ‘Viduthalai’ drew the attention of the rulers and were accomplished as demanded. Reservation is the key meant for the downtrodden people to come up in life with due education and getting employed suitably.
Certain nuances that could not be understood both by the political rulers and the bureaucrats have been explained by ‘Viduthalai’ that saved the depressed people from the catastrophe. The journey of ‘Viduthalai’ with continue to educate and enlighten the people.
‘Viduthalai’ 90th Birth Anniversary Celebration
90th Birth Anniversary of ‘Viduthalai’ was celebrated with grandeur on its birthday i.e. 1st of June (2024) by ‘Viduthalai’ family at Periyar Thidal, Chennai. Asiriyar Dr. K. Veeramani, President, Dravidar Kazhagam presided over the celebration. The DK cadres, who were on the task of mobilising subscriptions from the public, donated them profusely to the leader, K. Veeramani.
The compilations of vital passages of ‘Viduthalai’ since its inception are periodically released. The first volume of it was released earlier. The Volume II & III covering the period January to March 1937 were released at the celebration. Dravidian scholar K.Thirunavukkarasu released both the volumes and Prof. Suba.Veerapandian received the first copies. After the lectures delivered by both, Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani delivered his presidential address.
All the state level, district level functionaries of various wings of Dravidar Kazhagam participated in the celebration as a domestic function. The enthusiasm shown by the blackshirt cadres is the proof that ‘Viduthalai’ will march further on its mission with much more vigour, by contextualising its role to the current environment.
