A seminar on ‘Social Justice’ was organized under the auspices of Karnataka State Backward Class Commission in 2016 at Bengaluru, commemorating the Birth Centenary of Devaraj Urs, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka and veteran stalwart of social justice.
Asiriyar K.Veeramani, President, Dravidar Kazhagam was one of the dignitaries to address at the seminar on “Need to Raise Reservation beyond 50%”. Along with him the other speakers were Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India, P.S. Krishnan I.A.S.(Retd), former Secretary to Government of India, Prof. Dr. Kancha Ilaiah and they spoke on other related topics.
During the tea-break, the dignitaries discussed among themselves after exchanging pleasantries for having availed an opportunity to address at the seminar. Informal discussion went ahead.
Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah asked thus: “Mr. Veeramani, recently I read the news of celebration of 93rd birthday by Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, the veteran leader of Dravidian Movement and the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. I know Periyar, the father of Dravidian Movement lived upto 95 years. You say you are in 83rd year.”
Asiriyar K.Veeramani intervened and told, “There is one more elder Dravidian leader Prof. K. Anbalagan who is at his 94th year“ (presently he continues in his 97th year). Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah again continued. “Many of the leaders of Dravidian Movement are living long! What is the secret of behind it?”
Asiriyar answered, “Nothing secret Sir. The similarity of thought process and action in all these leaders is rationalism. All of them are atheists . They don’t believe in any super power, to come and ordain longevity. They take care of their lives because their longevity depends on their rationalist outlook, duties and health care. They are the self people, confident public individuals, self reliant in their thought and action. Besides, they are meticulous adherents of medical doctors’ advice and prescription. That is the acknowledged fact about the longevity of rationalists.”
Asiriyar K.Veeramani after narrating the life style of rationalists, turned to the audience of the seminar, spotted out one black shirt cadre of Dravidar Kazhagam and asked him to come to the stage dais. The cadre by name V.M. Velu stood up from his seat and moved to the dais in galloping pace, climbing the 2 layers of the stair case in single step and came nearer to Asiriyar. Asiriyar introduced the cadre to the Justice and asked “Justice Sir, Can you guess this cadre’s age?” After a pause, Asiriyar K.Veeramani, President, Dravidar Kazhagam told the Justice, “the cadre is in his 96th year. He writes rationalist, reformative dramas, directs them and even does assume the role of acting.”
It was unbelievable for the Justice to meet a 96 year old rationalist cadre in black shirt who had walked briskly nay, rushed back to his seat.
Self Respectful V.M. Velu celebrated his birth centenary and lives actively at Bangaluru. Asiriyar Dr. K. Veeramani felicitated V.M. Velu at his birth centenary held on 29th December 2019.
