l Vaikom Struggle was started on 30th March 1924 for the right to walk on the streets surrounding the Mahadeva temple in Vaikom, in the then Princely state of Travancore, presently Kerala. The struggle was against the social malady of unapproachability, worse form than untouchability.
l When the struggle was started, all the local leaders, otherwise known as Sathyagrahis were arrested within a week’s period. From the imprisoned leaders appeal was made to Periyar E.V.Ramasamy, who was then the President of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee to come to Vaikom and lead the struggle.
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l Periyar came to Vaikom wherein a royal welcome was given by the officials of the Princely State stating that it was the order of the King to accord to his friend Periyar. The King used to stay in the guest house of Periyar in Erode, while the transit of his train journey to Chennai (then Madras) and other places in the North. The king had experienced the hospitality of Periyar. That was why the King ordered to accord a warm welcome to Periyar. Periyar replied to the officials that he had not come to Vaikom as guest but to continue the agitation against the Princely State and asked to convey his regards to the King.
