Mustafa Kamal Basha (1881-1938) was Turkish Field Marshal and a secularist political leader. He is hailed as the founding father of the republic of Turkey. During a court hearing when Quran was used in support of an argument by the advocates, Kamal Basha is believed to have seized it from them and hurled it shrieking that it is an outdated book which has no validity during the present times. Later he had erased Quran inscriptions from several pillars, walls and towers as a mark of anti-Islamic protest. It is told that he converted many mosques into museums. Kamal Basha revolted against religions and scriptures.
Our people who still cling to Manudharma codes should be inspired from Kamal Basha’s fearless rebellion. I am glad to note that it is happening all over our Madras Presidency and neighbouring districts. Our comrades have been agitating to ban outdated works which promote varnashrama Dharma and Manushastras. At some conferences they have been burnt by our cadres and the ashes immersed.
In the olden days, criminals used to be transfixed on a pointed stake and impaled. Nearly 8000 followers of Jainism were impaled long ago by anti-religious revolutionists. If a similar era could exist today, people who hail Manu Dharma shastra and varnashrama principles would have been punished by impalement, respecting the anti-religious sentiments of our people.
Self-respect should be proved by everyone by discarding totally all rubbish works related to outdated vedic principles and ancient myths. Religious fanatics must be exposed and punished. Only love towards living beings, truth and knowledge are to be cared for. I urge upon you all to fight collectively and abolish every irrational concept. Never endure anything which abuses yourself respect.
– Periyar in ‘Kudi Arasu’
