I would not have bothered so much to oppose religious extremism and to deny the existence of God, if this blind faith in them had not caused unbearable discriminations and obstacles in society. I had to oppose because the deceptive faith curbed the liberty of our people that ultimately cropped up inequality in social life.
Most people are involved in spreading deceptive faith in the name of God and religion. They do so for their survival in order to eke out a living. Believe me, I could pity such people and allow them to carry on with their undesirable activity but when I find the lives of common people adversely affected, I am compelled to raise my voice of protest.
God and religion are words which do not make any sense. Only a lunatic would waste his time and energy fighting against those concepts, but I have decided to fight because belief in God and religion has become harmful to society. One who truly cares for the welfare of people cannot avoid striving to annihilate the deceptive faith. Hence I am vigorous in my protest against it.
– Thanthai Periyar in
‘Kudi Arasu’ – 20.11.1972
