Respected Leader, Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) President Ayya Veeramani, dignitaries on the stage, comrades, and brothers and sisters from across Tamil Nadu — my warm greetings to you all. I am deeply honoured to participate in this grand centenary celebration of the Self- Respect Movement — the living heartbeat of Tamil Nadu’s social justice journey. I am proud to be here not only as the Chief Minister or DMK President, but as a self-respective Tamilshaped by Periyar’s rationalist legacy.
The Continuity of the Movement
The Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) is the continuation of the Self-Respect Movement. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is the extension of DK. If Tamil Nadu today stands tall — asserting its rights, promoting rationalism, upholding social justice and self-respect — it is because the Self-Respect Movement took deep root a hundred years ago.
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Salute to the Black Shirts
Across Tamil Nadu, families have gathered here — the black-shirted warriors who stand guard for this land’s dignity and justice. A black-shirted comrade, filled with self-respect and rational thought, possesses the strength to uplift an entire village. The black shirt is not just attire; it is a symbol of defiance against oppression. It embodies courage, discipline, and sacrifice. So, to every black-shirted comrade here — my salute! That salute is a mark of respect for Periyar’s thought and for the ideals of the Dravidar
Kazhagam.
The Vision of Periyar
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy lived to see his ideas take shape during his lifetime — a privilege few revolutionaries have had. He carried
the burden of reform until his final breath, believing that only rationalism and self-respect could liberate this society. It was Periyar’s tireless struggle that inspired Dravidian leaders to bring those ideas into governance. Perarignar Anna enacted the Self- Respect Marriage Act. Kalaignar Karunanidhi ensured that people of all castes could become temple priests. Today, as their successor, I continue that journey — through policies on social justice, gender equality, and welfare for marginalized communities.
There are organized attempts to reverse the progress of science and rationalism and to reimpose religious orthodoxy and social hierarchy. Across India, this regression is being carefully engineered. But Tamil Nadu stands as the fortress against it — guarded by the Dravidian Model. That is why some ask, “Why does this Stalin keep saying ‘Dravidian Model’ again and again?” I say it precisely because it unsettles those who wish to destroy it. Let them burn with jealousy — I will keep saying it proudly! Soon, we will speak of Dravidian Model 2.0
From Ideology to Policy
Our government has implemented policies rooted in Dravidian ideology:
l Issuing orders enabling people of all castes
and even women to become temple priests.
l Declaring Periyar’s and Ambedkar’s
birthdays as days of public pledge-taking.
l Removing the colonial word “colony” from
government housing schemes, replacing it
with terms of dignity.
l Renaming hostels previously categorized
by caste into Social Justice Hostels.
l Urging the Prime Minister to remove caste
suffixes from names and to end with “R,”
ensuring respect in official identity.
These are not symbolic gestures — they are
steps toward equality.
Seeds of Change in a Century
Some ask, “What has changed even after a hundred years of the Self-Respect Movement?” Their question comes not from concern, but from arrogance. They say, “For a thousand years we built this structure — you cannot dismantle it.” Our answer: We have planted the seeds of change. The Dravidian Model government is nurturing those seeds — building a society of equality, justice, fraternity, and rationalism. We are not just celebrating history; we are continuing the revolution.
Facing Opposition with Action
From the time of Periyar, opponents have tried to bury the movement. When Periyar passed, they said the movement was finished. Then Anna rose. After Anna, they said it would die — but Kalaignar carried it forward. After Kalaignar, they said it would end — yet here I am, with the people’s support, continuing the Dravidian journey. They spread lies and propaganda about me daily, but I never react with words — only with deeds. I respond through governance that embodies the ideals of rationalism and equality.
The Meaning of Opposition to DMK
When someone says, “I don’t like the DMK,” what do they mean? It means they dislike:
l children from oppressed communities
getting an education,
l those same children becoming IAS and IPS
officers,
l reservation and social justice,
l people of all castes entering temples,
l women priests,
l equality, Tamil language, and the self-
respect of Tamils.
They cannot bear to see Tamils walking with
their heads held high.
Those who oppose the Dravidian movement are those who wish to snatch away the hard-
won rights of the people — and push Tamil
Nadu and India a century backward
Defending the Dravidian Model
There are organized attempts to reverse the progress of science and rationalism and to reimpose religious orthodoxy and social hierarchy. Across India, this regression is being carefully engineered. But Tamil Nadu stands as the fortress against it — guarded by the Dravidian Model. That is why some ask, “Why does this Stalin keep saying ‘Dravidian Model’ again and again?” I say it precisely because it unsettles those who wish to destroy it. Let them burn with jealousy — I will keep saying it proudly! Soon, we will speak of Dravidian Model 2.0. The coming election is not merely political — it is a societal election to preserve Tamil identity and self-respect.
Opposition Parties and Tamil Nadu’s
Progress
For ten years, Tamil Nadu suffered under the leadership of the AIADMK, a party without ideology. With the people’s mandate, we
restored the state’s dignity and prosperity within four years. Today, the BJP — which despises the word “Dravidian” — and the AIADMK — whose leader himself said, “I don’t even know what Dravidian means” — are conspiring to take over Tamil Nadu once again. We must defeat them completely — root and branch. Only the secular, progressive alliance that believes in social justice, equality, and rationalism can safeguard Tamil Nadu’s future. Let us ensure that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam returns to power for a seventh term!
Commitment to Self-Respect and
Rationalism
This centenary conference of the Self-Respect Movement is not just a commemoration — it is a pledge-taking platform. Let this gathering of black-shirted comrades vow to spread the seeds of rationalism and self-respect across Tamil Nadu. Let us affirm together: “We will never let Tamil Nadu bow its head!” “We will fight and we will win!” Tamil Nadu will stand proud, Tamil Nadu will
fight, and Tamil Nadu will triumph!
Donation to “Periyar World”
The Chief Minister announced: “The DMK will contribute Rs.1.5 crore (15 million rupees) to the ‘Periyar World’ project.” He said: “Ayya Veeramani has been tirelessly building the ‘Periyar World’ at Siruganur, Trichy — a global knowledge repository to take Periyar’s thoughts and the history of the Dravidian movement to the world. Our government had already honoured him with the Thagaisal Thamilar (Eminent Tamil) Award, and he generously donated the prize money to the project, ‘Periyar World’. How can the DMK stay away from such a noble initiative? Therefore, I have decided to donate my one month’s salary. Our DMK Ministers, MPs, and MLAs — a total of 157 representatives — will also contribute their one month’s salary. Together, this amounts to Rs.1.5 crore.
We offer it with gratitude, pride, and love to Periyar World!”
Conclusion
Periyar sowed the seeds of equality and reason a century ago. Today, under the Dravidian banner, those seeds have grown into a mighty tree sheltering all Tamils. Let us continue that journey — with rationalism as our compass, self-respect as our armour, and Tamil pride as our flag. “We will never let Tamil Nadu bow its head. Tamil Nadu will fight. Tamil Nadu will win!” Thank you. Nandri. Vanakkam
