Book on the Span of ‘80’ in ‘90’ of Asiriyar, released in the event (27th June 2023)
Dr.K. Veeramani, the President of the Dravidar Kzhagam (DK), was felicitated at an event held on 27th June, 2023, in Chennai upon his completion of 80 years in public life and services. The event was given the caption ‘80 in 90’ to imply that he has spent eighty years of his ninety year life till this date, in public life and services. Numerous celebrities,well wishers, leaders of several political parties and media personnel attended the event.
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Significant Greetings of Hon’ble M.K.Stalin
The President of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru.M.K. Stalin could not participate owing to inevitable prior commitments, but he had sent his message of greetings to Asiriyar K. Veeramani. The excerpts from his message are as follows:
“Respectful Asiriyar Veeramani reigns supreme today as the model for leadership qualities. He has a proven track record of 80 long years in public life. The principal aim of the Dravidar Kazhagam is that every human being should have the right to live with self respect and dignity. If an individual has to lead a dignified life, the people who lead a movement with that objective must be people who consider racial respect greater than self respect.”
An icon of leadership qualities
“The prominent leadership quality of the Dravidar Kazhagam is to use all the abuses, brickbats and vituperative comments hurled at it by its rivals as manures and grow as a large tree, giving in return cool shade and delicious fruits, even to those opponents. Asiriyar has been leading such a magnanimous party- the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK).”
“80 years of public life by the age of 90 is a matter of pride that could rarely be found in any movement other than the Dravidar Kazhagam. However, we do have certain exceptions like Kalaignar who had spent 80 years of his 94 year lifetime, in public life and services. Professor K. Anbaghagan, in his 96 year long lifetime, had spent almost the same number of years in public life and services. Today our beloved, respectful Asiriyar too has acquired similar pride.”
“In the Dravidian Movement which is more than a century old, Asiriyar was able to spend more than three fourth of a century in public life and services. This is a matter of great pride for us. Besides, society has also reaped a harvest of benefits through his services.”
Major social changes by Periyar
Thanthai Periyar was an unparalleled social reformer and a revolutionary who brought about incredible changes in society .Unitl the age of 95 he struggled and proved that social reform is possible only through selfless work. His tireless propagating tours caused amazing awareness of people and led to major social reforms in his life time itself.
Arignar Anna converted most of Periyar thoughts as legally enacted laws and pleased him during his lifetime. Periyar thoughts were enacted as laws by Kalaignar, not only during Periyar’s lifetime but also after that.Kalaignar implemented welfare schemes and made many of Periyar’s dreams come true.
Two trains- one destination
The Dravidar Kazhagam(DK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK) are like two trains running fast on two different tracks of self respect and social justice but both towards the same destination. Our mode of functioning may slightly differ but our target is the same.
Asiriyar was just a 10 year old boy when he stood on a table and delivered a speech at a public meeting. His voice for self respect heard on that day continues to reverberate thunderously even today. I wish, his voice keeps resonating forever. It is in fact the wish of us all.
Absolute trust earned
Asiriyar earned in our movements, not only appreciation from Periyar but also his absolute trust. As his true disciple, Asiriyar has not breached it till this moment.
The Dravidar Kazhagam was grown by Periyar like a huge banyan tree. Asiriyar has not only protected it but has also caused the growth of many new aerial roots from its branches. Asiriyar has been rendering invaluable services to safeguard that tree, which is sure to exist for later generations too.
Marvelous Achievements
Asiriyar’s 80- year long public life is undeniably a marvelous achievement, especially his editorship of the Tamil rationalist daily ‘Viduthalai’ for more than six decades. Commending all the achievements of his, I sincerely express my veneration to him, besides my hearty greetings.
I recall with gratitude the manner in which he stood by me and saved my life when I was tortured in a prison cell during the Emergency days. He has always been rushing to my rescue whenever I faced severe crisis. I seek at all times, the advice, guidance and suggestions of Asiriyar who is the leader and the President of our Parent movement. He has always been extending his invaluable support and strengthening my arms.
We are at this moment suffering from an undeclared emergency. There is a dire need of unity- not uniformity for our remedial measures. A strong co-ordination and collective efforts are required at this crucial moment. It is now that we need Asiriyar’s guidance the most! We need his guidance not only for political life but also for our routine lovable life. I look at him with sheer amazement and admire how even at the age of 90, he carries on with his service with the stamina of youth. His vitality and enthusiasm are astonishing.
‘The Periyar World’
An amazing wonderland is being constructed as ‘The Periyar world’ by Asiriyar’s efforts. I wish it gets inaugurated by Asiriyar himself. His noble task of Globalizing Periyar should be accomplished successfully. May Asiriyar live longer and continue guiding us. I conclude conveying once again my hearty greetings and best wishes to Asiriyar Veeramani. Thanks to everyone.
Kali Poongundran, Vice – President – DK
Asiriyar has been the editor of the Tamil Rationalist daily ‘Viduthalai’ for 61 years. This is an achievement of historical significance, which no other editor in the world of journalism can be proud of. He is second to none in such an achievement. It is noteworthy that Asiriyar was just 29 when he wielded the editorship of ‘Viduthalai.’ Periyar would have ceased the publication if Asiriyar Veeramani had not conveyed his consent to accept that responsibility. ‘Viduthalai’ issues come out of the press everyday like swords used in a warfare. Especially for this, every Tamil citizen owes Asiriyar Veeramani a deep debt of gratitude.
R. Mutharasan, State Secretary
Communist Party of India – (CPI)
Asiriyar Veeramani’s co-ordinating perfectly and bringing all together people of different political ideas on the same wave length of thought, is a Himalayan task, but Asiriyar has accomplished it. Today we have united with collective efforts to face all challenges. Asiriyar’s contribution to this achievement of ours has been really vital. Most of us are involved in electoral politics and are likely to contest elections but the Dravidar Kazhagam has always stayed away from electoral politics because it is not a party, but a movement. However, he has been offering us his guidance, views and suggestions. He is always very particular about who should not come to power, rather than about who should come to power. May Asiriyar have a much longer life to lead us all as usual.
Thol.Thirumavalavan, M.P.,
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)
Many people used to say that the Dravidar Kazhagam would not exist at all after the lifetime of Periyar but Asiriyar disproved it and led the movement successfully. Numerous educational institutions, charity homes and hospitals were established by his efforts and patronage. The movement has grown in leaps and bounds. He popularised the slogan for the movement- “Globalise Periyar-Periarise the Globe.” In accordance with it he has commenced establishing the wonderland ‘PERIYAR WORLD’ at Siruganur near Trichy. Asiriyar’s achievements are all marvelous.He calls his tasks “Periyar Mission”. Ambedkar did not have such a national level mission. After Periyar, Asiriyar has been striving to achieve this noble mission. As the disciple of Asiriyar he has been marching ahead gloriously carrying forward the torch handed over to him.
Trichy N.Siva M.P.,
Propaganda Secretary (DMK)
At the age of 10- Asiriyar spoke in a public meeting. At the age of 11- He greeted a couple at their wedding. At the age of 13- He delivered a speech at a conference. At the age of 27- He became the general Secretary of the DK movement. At the age of 29- He became the editor of ‘Viduthalai’ At the age of 45- He became the President of the movement. The DK movement added honorific prefixes with names- like Thanthai, Arignar, Kalaignar, Professor and Asiriyar. People teaching in a school are called teachers, but for us Veeramani is our teacher (Asiriyar). Even at the age of 90, Asiriyar has a youthful look and appearance. We must thank his wife for this. Asiriyar is our treasure, but his wife Mohana Amma is its protector.
Suba Veerapandian, Gen. Secretary,
The Dravidian Tamil Federation (DTF)
On 27th June, 1943 a public meeting was convened in Cuddalore to collect contributions for the paper ‘Dravida Nadu’, that was being published since March 1942. A sum of Rs.103/- was collected during the meeting. 80 years ago it was equivalent to several lakhs. During this Meeting at Cuddalore, Asiriyar Veeramani delivered his first public speech. He was a 10 year old little boy trained and moulded by his school teacher Dravida Mani. A stool was placed on a table for his convenience. He stood on it and delivered his maiden speech. Later, on 8th April – 1945, the first conference of Ramnad district DK was held at Karaikudi. 11 year old Veeramani, our beloved Asiriyar today, was one of the speakers in that conference. I heard about all these from my father. He used to recall and tell me about such interesting occurrences. My father used to admire the manner in which the little boy spoke. I am thrilled to realise that that little boy is today our Asiriyar Veeramani. He would be Asiriyar for us forever.
