Periyar International hosted a significant dual event on Thursday at the Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram, Chennai — the presentation of the 2025 K. Veeramani Award for Social Justice and the official release of the book Periyar in Australia.
The programme, held at 6 PM, saw a large and diverse gathering of activists, academics, public representatives,and supporters of the rationalist movement.
The event began with a welcome address by Dr. R. Meenambal, Secretary of Periyar Medical Mission. The proceedings were presided over by S. Rajarathinam IAS (Retd.). The book Periyar in Australia was released by Dr. Soma Ilangovan, Director of Periyar International (USA), and was formally received by Dr. N. Ezhilan, MLA, who also offered a brief academic reflection on the
publication.
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Dr. G. Olivannan delivered a bilingual linking address in Tamil and English and formally introduced the awardee. The award citation was read by Dr. Soma Ilangovan. To resounding applause, eminent author, documentary filmmaker, and social activist Vidya Bhushan Rawat received the K. Veeramani Award for Social Justice 2025. The honour included a citation, and a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000. The award was formally presented by Dr. Soma Ilangovan in the presence of Asiriyar Dr. K. Veeramani.Rawat’s daughter, Vidita Priyadarshini, also received a ceremonial shawl as a mark of respect.
“This lack of understanding is often exploited by regressive forces,” he warned, calling for greater dissemination of Dravidian principles. He emphasized that “Tamil Nadu, Periyar, and the Dravidian model today provide the only clear and progressive path to safeguard democracy and equality.”
A Continuing Legacy of Social Reform
Prior to the award presentation, Dr.Ilangovan offered a visual presentation racing the history of Periyar International, established in 1994. Since the award was instituted in 1996, 22 leaders of social justice have been honoured — beginning with former Prime Minister V.P. Singh and most recently Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in 2022. Rawat now joins this legacy of distinguished recipients.
Tamil Nadu’s Rationalist Model Offers
India Hope”: Awardee
Delivering his acceptance speech, Rawat strongly endorsed the Dravidian movement, noting that its philosophy represents a practical roadmap for equality, dignity, and constitutional values. He observed that while Periyar, Ambedkar, and Phuleremain towering figures in social reform history, the northern regions of India have yet to fully grasp the transformative model
pioneered in Tamil Nadu.
“This lack of understanding is often exploited by regressive forces,” he warned, calling for greater dissemination of Dravidian principles. He emphasized that
“Tamil Nadu, Periyar, and the Dravidian model today provide the only clear and progressive path to safeguard democracy
and equality.”
Dr. K.Veeramani Calls for Global
Expansion of Rationalist Thought
In his keynote address, Dravidar Kazhagam President K. Veeramani said the Periyar movement’s mission is global and not
restricted to Tamil Nadu. “We do not travel abroad for leisure — we travel to spread Periyar’s philosophy,” he stated.
Reflecting on the momentum of Periyarist initiatives abroad, especially in Australia where an international conference recently took place, he remarked that ideas rooted in equality and reason resonate globally when given the right soil.
He reiterated that the struggle for social justice remains essential as long as caste exists. “Just as the body needs immunity
against disease, society needs Periyar and Ambedkar to resist superstition, dogma, and injustice,” he said.
Dr.K. Veeramani also noted that although the award currently carries his name, he wishes for it to eventually bear Periyar’s
name.
Contribution and Closing
MLA Dr. N. Ezhilan announced a contribution of Rs. 1,00,000 toward the development of Periyar World, describing himself as “a
lifelong student of Periyarism.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by R. Tamilselvan, State President of the Rationalist Forum. Numerous leaders, scholars, and members of the public attended
