Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Political, Scientific Research Centre of Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University) and Madras Development Society jointly felicitated two international social justice stalwarts by conferring on them awards instituted in the name of Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi. The event was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on 10th January 2023 at Periyar Thidal, the headquarters of the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). Dr. K.Veeramani, the Chancellor of Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu presented the ‘Kalaignar Karunanidhi International Social Justice Awards’.
Dr. Paramasivam Pillai Vaiyapuri, the former President of Mauritius, was honoured with the Award for 2020 and Dr. Moses Veerasamy Nagamuthu, former Prime Minister of Guyana, for 2021.
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Dr. Paramasivam Pillai Vaiyapuri
Dr. Paramasivam Pillai Vaiyapuri accepted the Award, calling it prestigious. He said that Tamil Nadu is the land of his ancestors and hence it is a matter of great pride receiving the award for Social Justice here presented by K.Veeramani, the Chancellor of Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University). He conveyed his gratitude for the felicitation and honour by the Political – Scientific Research Centre and Madras Development Society. He expressed his wish for everlasting association and healthy relationship with all the organisers and the people of entire Tamil Nadu.
Dr. Vaiyapuri commended the services being rendered in the world of education by Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University). He hailed its contributions to Tamil language and culture. He praised Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi who strove for the welfare of the Tamils and their progress in life. Dr. Vaiyapuri admitted that the conferment of the Award motivates him to work much more vigorously to establish widespread social justice. He thanked all the felicitators for encouraging him to work relentlessly for the welfare of all the downtrodden people in Tamil Nadu. He assured joining hands with all the promoters of social justice in Tamil Nadu and strive synergetically.
Dr. Moses Veerasamy Nagamuthu
Dr. Moses Veerasamy Nagamuthu, former Prime Minister of Guyana thanked for the International Social Justice Award for 2021. He said that a void in his life has been filled by his interaction and cheerful talk with Dr. K.Veeramani. He commended Thanthai Periyar who fought throughout his life for the upliftment of the oppressed people, for social justice and women’s liberation.
Dr. Nagamuthu narrated how his ancestors migrated to Guyana from Malabar which was a part of Madras Presidency in the 1860s. He began his career in 1971 as a press reporter but gradually made public service his sole mission. He commended Asiriyar Veeramani as a source of inspiration for public service. According to Dr. Nagamuthu, Asiriyar endured innumerable brickbats hurled by his opponents but emerged invincible and is being rightly loved and respected by all the people.
He further said, “Caste discrimination is a deadly disease in today’s civilised world. Periyar fought vigorously to annihilate it. Asiriyar Veeramani carried on with the torch following in his footprints. We have to learn much from him. The history of his struggles is magnificent compared to our fights in Guyana. I have been active in politics since 1961. Our survival in Guyana depends largely on our oil-wealth and its export. We are against religious fanaticism and social injustice. We fight for human rights. We strive for federal governance, cultural unity and universal brotherhood. We shall always follow in the footprints of Periyar and Asiriyar Veeramani. We promise to be humanists for ever. My hearty thanks for the felicitation and the prestigious Award for Social Justice.”
Asiriyar’s tribute to the awardees
Congratulating the awardees, Asiriyar explained the origin of Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology and its proven track record covering more than twenty five years. He said that It commenced as the first women’s engineering college which made academicians raise their brows in surprise. When we signed memoranda of understanding with universities in America and Canada, they asked us in sheer astonishment, an engineering college exclusively for women? That is amazing!” Today it is on a glorious pedestal in the academic world.
Asiriyar narrated how Arignar Anna and Kalaignar Karunanidhi were moulded by the ideology of Thanthai Periyar as his disciples. They were able to rule the state as the Chief Ministers by their sincere adherence to the policies and principles of Periyar but Periyar himself was never interested in posts and positions. When such opportunities knocked at his doors, he stubbornly ignored every offer. He spent his life meeting people, enlightening them by his speech and drawing them out from the darkness of ignorance. He never ruled the state but guided the rulers at all times. He spread his noble thoughts by restless tours and tireless propaganda. Many people in Tamil Nadu scaled great heights by following his path but he remained selfless and humble throughout his life.”
Asiriyar added further, “We find progress in western countries largely based on economy but on our land the economic development is intertwined with societal advancement and amazing reformations. The recipients of Social Justice Awards at this event are in coveted posts and positions in their countries far away. But we are all like birds of the same feather. We have a common ideology, vision and mission. Ours is a cultural landscape.”
“Periyar was an unparalleled humanist. He could not proceed beyond a few years of primary education, but today we have numerous educational institutions founded in his name. There are many research centres today in India and other countries deeply probing into Periyar thought. Numerous books have been published and are still being published, revolving around the noble policies of Periyar.”
“Periyar was a great thinker who made his thoughts reach common people. He got his thoughts translated into action. He stood at the forefront and had his principles implemented, when no one came forward to shoulder that responsibility. That was his exceptional virtue. His views are of universal significance. Those seeds have sprouted as plants and trees with branches all over the world. The recipients of awards today are all obviously the outcome of those decades old roots. In that sense I believe we are all bound with one another.”
“In the early stage of 1929, Periyar toured widely in Malaysia and Singapore. A lot of Tamils used to work as bonded labourers there in rubber plantations, etc. Periyar used to meet them all in person and hear their grievances. He advised them to be loyal to the country which feeds them and to work without getting frustrated. People lived following his advice and progressed in life. Today Indian Tamils are found leading prosperous life. These countries have also advanced by the contributions of Tamils.”
“Periyar Thidal in Chennai should be a “Home away from home” for all of you. This land of your ancestors would always welcome you. I convey my best wishes to Dr. Paramasivam Pillai and Dr. Moses Veerasamy Nagamuthu who accepted the awards for Social Justice. I thank all the organisers, dignitaries and the audience for this historic award conferring event.”
– Compiled by M.R.Manohar
