During his twenty days tour through Australian cities, Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani visited Sydney in the State of New South Wales. On 13th March, 2025, he was interviewed by Sydney Broadcasting Services (SBS) in their Studio. With the assistance of Kulasekaram Sanjayan, the interviewer Raymond Selvaraj invited Asiriyar’s response to his questions.
Raymond Selvaraj: Sir, we are immensely pleased by your maiden visit to Australia. Having a chat with you at SBS Studio is a matter of great pleasure. Please tell us about your long journey adhering to Dravidian ideology as the heir of Periyar. What were your experiences in the political sphere of India, especially Tamil Nadu? Your given name was Sarangapani. Tell us how you became Veeramani.
Dr.K.Veeramani: I would like to begin with a little correction. Being the heir of Periyar is different from being the heir of his ideology. I shall agree with you and accept if you could rather call me as the heir of Periyar thought and ideology. I was inspired by Periyar thought infact when I was just a nine – year old little boy.
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Change of name
Becoming the ideological heir of Periyar caused a change in my given name. His ideology was inculcated in me by my teacher Dravidamani. He made me learn Periyar thought besides usual text book subjects. As Periyar thought is a sum-total of rationalist outlook, language affinity and Dravidian culture, my teacher changed my name as Veeramani. This was not in my case alone. Most of the cadres of Periyar during that period changed their given names into pure Tamil names. My given name Sarangapani was infact a North Indian name. Hence my teacher renamed me as Veeramani. This was the background. Later, many leaders of the Dravidian movement too changed their given names into pure Tamil names.
My maiden speech
I spoke on a stage for the first time in my life in 1943 at Cuddalore Town in Tamil Nadu. I was then just a ten-year-old little boy. Infact it was prepared and given to me by my teacher Dravidamani, but that was well-begun. Later, I was able to deliver long, impromptu, extempore speeches in improvisatory style on my own.
Most students of my age and I used to read regularly periodicals such as ‘Kudi Arasu’, ‘Viduthalai’, ‘Dravida Nadu’ and ‘Pagutharivu’. We learnt much about Periyar through this reading habit.
My intimacy with Periyar
A conference of Dravidian Movement was held in 1944, in South Arcot district in Tamil Nadu. This was the event where I met Periyar for the first time. I must rather say I saw him for the first time because I was then a ‘nobody’ and hence to say that I “met” him would be too big a word. I was then just an ordinary student, but the sight of Periyar captivated me. I was given a chance to deliver a speech. Arignar Anna commended it and praised me that I was probably fed the milk of Periyar’s rationalism.
I was introduced to Periyar later in the same year during a meeting at Cuddalore. Thiru A.P. Janardhanam said to Periyar – “This boy was moulded and shaped by Dravidamani. He is inspired by our ideology. He is able to speak effectively on a stage.” Periyar made me come near him and spoke to me affectionately. He enquired about my family and asked me which class I was studying in. I said – “Ayya, I am in the fourth standard.” I stood like a terrified mouse before a lion. I was mesmerised by Periyar instantly at that moment.
During that meeting, a few lumpens created disturbance. An uncouth ruffian prevented Periyar from continuing his speech. All the cadres raised voices in fury against that lumpen but Periyar did not lose his temper. He allowed the ruffian to say what he wanted to say. I was amazed by the patience of Periyar.
A miscreant hurled a footwear at Periyar when he rode a rickshaw. In 1971, at the same spot Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi erected a statue of Periyar. I was then the General Secretary of Dravidar Kazhagam. I delivered the welcome address. Renowned poet Karunanandam wrote thus:
“A footwear once on Periyar hurled –
Has become today his statue hailed!”
This statue still exists in Cuddalore. An inscription beside it reads – “It was here that a footwear was hurled on Periyar in 1944. It was here that his statue was installed in 1971.
Having witnessed all such incidents that speak volumes about the glory of Periyar – I, who was Sarangapani once, am continuing my journey as Veeramani, following in the footprints of my mentor.
Raymond Selvaraj: Even at the age of 92, you have undertaken a tour through Australia. Tell us about the secret of your youthful activities and vitalised energy, Sir.
Dr.K.Veeramani: The secret lies in my never being conscious of my old age. There are three stages in ageing – biological age, physiological age and psychological age. I have always been in the third slot because I work restlessly with an optimistic attitude. My unflinching resolve and unswerving patience keeps me active at all times. I shall rust if I rest. This is the secret of my energy. Even at the age of 90, Periyar used to travel long distance and deliver long speeches enduring multiple biological complications.
I am selfless at all times. People in self-respect movement never confine themselves to a small circle of family, children and home. I believe “every place on this earth is ours and every one is our kith and kin.”
I welcome old age
Yes, that is because we gradually mellow with the advancement of age. We measure up moving from one stage to the other. Fifty years back I used to read the printed speeches of Periyar and absorb them to the level of my intellect. Today when I read them all again, my understanding widens and also deepens. Hence, old age is something to be welcome.
Some of you have come from Sri Lanka and some others from various other parts of the world. Meeting you all here at one spot gives me immense pleasure. I feel, we have known one another for quite a long period. I did not suffer from jet-lag flying from one state to another in Australia. As I am knee deep in public life I never feel exhausted.
My Supporting Pillar
My wife Mohana has always been the supporting pillar in my life. She was chosen for me by Periyar. I accepted his choice without any hesitation. Ours was also an intercaste marriage. She has been shouldering all the family responsibilities leaving me free to go ahead with my public services. She has been an ideal wife allowing me to be immersed in my ideals. Besides, I have loyal cadres and faithful followers. Hence I have nothing to worry about.
My sufferings
As a ‘MISA’ prisoner I endured inexplicable sufferings in prison cells. The painful Emergency period days were horrible. Once when I was touring through the U.S., someone asked me – “which was the best part of your life?” I replied – “The days when I was brutally tortured in ‘MISA’ imprisonment cell.”
We were treated as if we were cattle. No other suffering in my life was worse than that. Once the condition improved a little, I spent my time in the cell reading and writing. I believe, our mission in life determines every move of ours. We can never arrive unless we travel. Thanks for your interest in my health. I shall certainly feel much younger when I go back to India.
Raymond Selvaraj: Why is it that the works of Periyar have not been nationalised yet? Is there any specific reason?
Dr.K.Veeramani: If they are nationalised they are likely to be tampered with by toxic forces. The reprint and sales may be curbed. Chances of interpolations in the original text are also there. Misinterpretations and other sorts of gimmicks may also take place.
We have ourselves been publishing reprints of most of the books as low-priced editions. Outsiders may not consider bringing out low-priced volumes. Moreover, we permit others to translate and publish Periyar’s works if we get specific requests from them; but we always lay a condition that there should be no interpolation, deletion or omission. There is always a chance everywhere today for distortion and disinformation.
Upper caste supremacy
The upper caste fanatics have denigrated our people by the stigma of ‘Sudhras’. We have always been avoiding the word ‘brahmins’ when we speak or write in Tamil. The usage of the term ‘brahmin’ cropped up only by the impact of north Indian language. Infact, we have never opposed brahmins as individuals. We oppose only brahminism that belittles people. This is a vital part of Periyar thought. Our movement adheres to his principle. We never treat any brahmin as our rival. We are only against upper caste supremacy and the graded inequality imposed by fanatics.
Even today there are mischievous elements who try to tarnish the image of Periyar by vituperative criticism. Periyar thought is the source of inspiration and guidance to many States. Hence, envious people attempt to malign his name and fame. But this can never ever happen. Periyar has been globalised. The entire world has been Periarized. His glory has spread over all the world countries.
Periyar Thought
Periyar International Inc. in America, founded in Chicago continues the spread of Periyar Thought. New Century Book House obtains our permission and publishes books related to Periyar thought. Gandhi founded Navjeevan Trust but it was not nationalised because of the fear that his views could be tampered with by interpolations and omissions.
The youth of the modern era are curious to learn much about Periyar. Long ago, people in the Northern part of India looked down upon Periyar contemptuously owing to lack of understanding. Today there is a drastic change. They have understood Periyar thought. They evince interest today in learning much more about him.
Periyar should not be seen merely as an opponent of god and brahminism alone. There are many more virtues of his to talk about, such as his humanism and protest against superstitions, enslavement of women etc; Eminent Space Scientist Dr.Mayilsami Annadurai says –
“I reached glorious heights in life
by the impact of Periyar thought.
He used to advise people not to
languish like bulls in oil-Press,
but to be like race course horses.
Motivated by his words I worked
hard and achieved much in life.”
In brief, I wish to reiterate that we do not want Periyar thought to be tampered with. It should be spread perfectly as it was.
Raymond Selvaraj: Do you believe that problems of social injustice, the need for caste annihilation and racial identity are still relevant to the present day society?
Dr.K.Veeramani: All the principles of Periyar are still relevant to the present day societies. People from the oppressed groups are today I.A.S. and I.P.S. officers. This proves social justice. Some politicians are taking advantage of caste system for electoral benefits. Suffixing caste names with the names of individuals has stopped. Periyar’s services were like putting centuries into a capsule. By the impact of Periyar thought today we find emancipation of women. I believe all the principles of Periyar are relevant even to the present times.
Raymond Selvaraj: Why is it that destructive criticism against Periyar is suddenly on the rise?
Dr.K. Veeramani: The more he is criticised the more his name and fame get honoured. Envious people are those critics. The truth is that they are infact scared even by the very utterance of the name ‘Periyar’. The world has realised that Periyar thought is needed for all times.
Raymond Selvaraj: Your Movement has always stood away from contesting elections. Could you please tell us about it?
Dr.K. Veeramani: Ours is a people’s movement – not a political party. We do not care about posts and positions or electoral benefits. Other political parties who contest elections do not hesitate to compromise. We shall never ever compromise. Therefore Periyar made it a principle that none of our Dravidar Kazhagam Movement should even think of contesting elections.
Raymond Selvaraj: Why are intercaste marriages leading to brutal murder of the couples?
Dr.K. Veeramani: There are sporadic incidents of such murders. We do condemn them severely. We need stringent laws to curb this atrocity. The rulers in power should enact appropriate laws. Social activists and like minded people must propagate our protest against such killings by arrogant people in society. The Supreme Court should chalk out remedial measures. However, I can firmly say that such murders are like sporadic accidents. There is no need to exaggerate and magnify. The State of Tamil Nadu is certainly a haven of peace, compared to other States.
Raymond Selvaraj: How are we to avoid even those sporadic accidents?
Dr.K. Veeramani: We have been urging the Union Government to devise ways. On our part we are striving through our speeches and writings. We believe the impact of Periyar thought would annihilate this grievance very soon.
Raymond Selvaraj: Please comment on the rule of Dravidian Parties in Tamil Nadu for the past fifty years.
Dr.K. Veeramani: There is no place for caste fanaticism or religious extremism in Dravidian movement. All the Dravidian stalwarts have promoted at all times equality and brotherhood. Therefore, Dravidian parties have been ruling alternately in Tamil Nadu. The prime reason is that Dravidian parties have the common mission of establishing a casteless society. Like counterfeit coins, there are people who pretend to be people – friendly. These fake ideologists soaked in hypocrisy can never dream of their rule in Tamil Nadu. Dravidian Parties have been ruling for five decades only by the mandate of the people.
Raymond Selvaraj: Why did Periyar say that Tamil is a barbaric language?
Dr.K.Veeramani: He felt that Tamil had not grown on a par with English as a scientific spirited and rationalistic language. He was interested in Tamil letter reforms and implemented it. He had no hatred at all towards Tamil language. Only persons responsible for the cause of reformation of a language can critically comment on it. No direct meaning of such criticism is to be reckoned. Today the print medium adheres to the letter reforms recognised by the Tamil Nadu State Government. Periyar thought was misunderstood by small people.
Raymond Selvaraj: How do you feel, Sir, about this maiden tour of yours through Australia?
Dr.K.Veeramani: I am impressed especially by the importance you people give to humanism. I commend the services of Periyar Ambedkar Thought Circle, Australia (PATCA). I urge you all to believe that “Every place on the earth is ours. Every one is our kith and kin”. Similarly, stress at all times that we are all equal by birth. The difference lies only in our occupations. Insist always on unity in diversity. At the same time do not forget that unity is not uniformity. Thanks for interviewing me at S.B.S. Studio. My visit to Sydney would certainly be memorable.
Courtesy: ‘Viduthalai’
Compiled by : V. Kumaresan
