(This letter, addressed to the cadres of the Periyar Movement, was written by Annai E.V.R. Maniammaiar ten days after the passing of Thanthai Periyar on 24 December 1973. It was published in the Viduthalai daily on 4 January 1974.
The letter highlights the enduring legacy of Thanthai Periyar, particularly his tireless efforts and the challenges he undertook, while also outlining the future direction of the Movement. Following his demise, this legacy was upheld and carried forward by E.V.R.Maniammaiar as the Movement’s leader, and later further strengthened under the guidance of Asiriyar Dr. K. Veeramani.
Overall, the letter offers valuable insight into the nature of the rationalist movement and the vital role played by its cadres and members. In many ways, it stands as a model for humanist movements across the world.)
With a firm resolve, I have begun from today to live my life in the path shown by Ayya (Thanthai Periyar) —working tirelessly to the extent of my ability throughout my lifetime, spreading his life-breathing principles among the people, and living with humanity, culture, truth, and discipline as he demonstrated. I have made a decision to live without any personal attachments, selfishness, or emotional bonds, and to lead a life filled with contentment and compassion for humanity.
Commitment to Principles from a Young Age
From my early youth—from the day I became aware—I was drawn to his ideology and became deeply devoted to it. I even discontinued my schooling midway, unable to complete it properly. Shortly after my father’s death, I entrusted myself to Ayya. I dedicated myself entirely to his service, safeguarding his well-being as if it were my own eyes. I saw myself as a mother to him, and in my heart, I regarded him as a small child, finding joy in protecting him from any harm.
He, in turn, never addressed me by name. Until his last breath, he would call me “Amma! Amma!” countless times every day. Though I can no longer hear that childlike voice, my heart continues to hear it inwardly.
“Thanthai Periyar said,
“I was born a human and have already lived longer than expected. Why waste the remaining days? As long as I live, I must serve people. That is my wish and my principle.”
Periyar would emphasize the lack of education, critical thinking, and rationality among people, and stress the need for more individuals to come forward for social reform. He acknowledged that such work brings no profit, only opposition, yet insisted it must be done”
A Moving Incident
I lived with him inseparably for 30 years, 3 months, and 13 days. From September 11, 1943, until recently, I had never been separated from him. However, for about a year, due to nature’s cruelty, I had to be apart intermittently.
On September 17, 1972, in Erode, his birthplace, his birthday was celebrated with unprecedented grandeur. A statue of him was unveiled, and people gathered like an ocean. I too shared in that joy. But that night, around 11 PM, perhaps unable to bear the emotional intensity, I experienced severe chest pain for the first time.
Ayya was more shaken than I was. Later, when I recovered, I heard from others how worried he had been. I went to him and reassured him:
“You need not fear. I survived for a reason. I will not leave you so soon. This heart that endured ridicule and criticism could not bear today’s joy— that’s all.”
He then said something that still remains in my heart:
“It is difficult to overcome nature. If something had happened to you today, I could have borne it. But I feared that all the arrangements I made—facing criticism and opposition—would go to waste if you left before they were fulfilled.”
He shed tears as he said this. I responded firmly, almost with mock anger:
“How can you be so weak? You speak philosophy about death to others, but if you behave like this, what meaning does it hold?”
He smiled in his characteristic way and calmed himself. That moment deeply moved both of us—it is unforgettable.
How He Relieved My Burdens
At times, minor disagreements would arise between us, mostly due to my concern for his well-being. But nothing ever caused lasting hurt. If I became upset, he would soon come forward to ease my distress.
To others close to him, he would say:
“This Amma has lost her patience lately. After her illness, she keeps things in her heart and has become weak. She takes on all burdens herself and suffers.”
Through his wisdom, affection, and even humor, he would gently remove the weight from my mind and encourage me again.
Let Us Spread the Ideology Everywhere
Though he is no longer physically with us, he has not left us. He lives within our actions and thoughts. We must carry forward his work without deviation—spreading his ideas and principles across the world, from cities to villages.
Only if we complete the work he left unfinished can our love, gratitude, and respect for him have true meaning. I humbly request our comrades and Tamil people to join in this effort.
Appeal to Mothers
Especially mothers must prepare themselves to take up this work wholeheartedly. Consider it part of your daily duties and dedicate at least some time each day. If we do this, much of what he left unfinished can be completed even before his centenary, and it can continue for generations.
Ayya’s Tireless Spirit
Many would plead with him to rest, concerned about his health due to constant travel. But he would respond humorously yet firmly:
“I was born a human and have already lived longer than expected. Why waste the remaining days? As long as I live, I must serve people. That is my wish and my principle.”
He would emphasize the lack of education, critical thinking, and rationality among people, and stress the need for more individuals to come forward for social reform. He acknowledged that such work brings no profit, only opposition, yet insisted it must be done.
He would say:
“I may live only a year or two more. But at least I must prepare people to think. The youth will take it forward.”
The Responsibility Before Us
Now, he has placed a great responsibility upon all of us. Will we merely carry it, or fulfill it? He has gone into eternal rest, leaving us in deep sorrow, as if silently asking us to prove ourselves.
He remains with us, observing whether we continue with discipline, truth, and unity.
A Call to the Tamil People
Dear Tamil people, dear mothers—if we truly love him, let us follow his path, strengthen ourselves, and continue his work without fail. Let us ensure his vision lives on.
On December 3rd, I left Tiruchirappalli with him and others for conference work and reached Chennai on the 4th. After a month, I now depart again, bidding farewell at his memorial, (Chennai) as he told me to rest and not accompany him anymore.
With courage drawn from the support of our comrades, I return without turmoil, though with a heart filled with quiet sorrow.
Greetings.
– “Viduthalai”, 04.01.1974
