Inspite of the tireless efforts of the Dravidian movement and numerous veteran leaders, untouchability continues to prevail in many States. Thanthai Periyar used to reiterate that Brahminism is the root cause of untouchability. Unless Brahminism is eradicated untouchability cannot be annihilated. He stressed this on 1st of May, 1969 at a public meet in Triplicane, Chennai.
The content of his speech was as follows in brief:
Dear comrades, cadres and well-wishers – even after 22 years since independence untouchability evil has not vanished completely. We cannot tolerate this injustice any longer. Our people were against the rule of foreigners but our grievances have not been redressed despite Independence, Republic status and democracy. Patriotism and national loyalty are commendable but we still live belittled and denigrated even after the exit of the British.
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Causes of the menace
Besides Brahminism, belief in god, religions, ancient scriptures, outdated customs, fabricated epics and cruel codes of conduct are also the causes of untouchability menace. The rulers in Delhi and the constitution are also obstacles preventing annihilation of untouchability. If Brahminism vanishes, all the other causes would also spontaneously vanish. Our State is now being ruled by the natives, but these rulers are unable to abolish untouchability. The ministers here are unable to abolish it by enacting a law because the rulers at Delhi have the powers to topple our State Government. This makes our people here remain silent spectators. In the recent elections of municipalities, the DMK has won 56 out of 73. Uncertainty prevails over 9 places. The Congress is at the lowest ebb. It needs revitalisation.
We are worried about the eradication of untouchability. Whoever helps us achieve it shall be heartily commended. If the ruling party grabs Municipal councils, it would be beneficial. If an opposition party grabs, it would only lead to disputes, and mutual recriminations. I wish our people extend their support to the DMK and organise felicitation meetings all over the State. People should urge upon the DMK to provide them with employment and other essential rights, proportionate to castes and religions. A people–friendly State Government always deserves the patronage of the public.
The untouchables and all the other downtrodden people should stop suffering silently and expose their inherent self-respect. Times have already changed to a great extent. Hence, the weak should stoop no longer. Safe guarding dignity is the need of the hour.
Employment for the downtrodden
The Scheduled Caste people must be placed in vital posts and positions. For example, if the applicants from the marginalised communities alone are appointed as inspectors, sub-inspectors and in other higher posts in the police department, the upper caste people would start respecting them. Gradually the untouchability menace would diminish. ‘Untouchable’ people should be given top priority in placement opportunities. There is no harm in doing this atleast on a trial-basis.
When the Congress was in power, they ignored the majority of downtrodden people and favoured the minorities such as brahmins, because they had cast their votes in favour of the Congress. The majority of marginalised people were totally ignored. The Congress has been punished for this injustice. Today the Congress remains powerless and inactive. Injustice to the downtrodden is punishable, indeed. Infact, this should be a lesson to every party that ignores the underprivileged classes.
Promoters of equality
Divisions such as Aryans and Dravidians; brahmins and non-brahmins – are all wilful strategies of brahmins who have imposed graded inequality. We insist on equality in society and brotherhood but brahmins are against equality. The birth based discriminations are all cunning tactics of brahmins to retain their caste supremacy forever. For centuries, our people have been suffering persecution by brahmins. Our people who are the majority as per population enumeration were isolated by brahmins as untouchables and impure entities.
The untouchables were not allowed even to go near the upper caste brahmins. Looking at an untouchable itself was avoided. The untouchables were denied temple entry and free movement on common roads and streets. The stigma of Sudras has kept our people belittled for centuries. These wicked fanatics babble that birth based discriminations were all preordained by the so called god. If god really exists, how could he make us all unequal? Dravidians are true promoters of equality whereas brahmins are against it. Unless brahminism is abolished how are we going to abolish untouchability?
Untouchables humiliated
Separate eateries, wells and secluded spots were allocated to the untouchables. The Scheduled Caste people could not worship in temples. They were not allowed to become literate. Education had been the sole right of Brahmins. Though our people have advanced in life today atleast to some extent by the efforts of Dravidian movement, we still have to go a long way for absolute emancipation.
Brahmins wanted the marginalised people to carry on with their family occupations. By our relentless struggle we were able to prevent it. The ways in which Brahmins arrogantly humiliated untouchable people would require an endless list.
Monopoly of Brahmins
In social life and in political field, Brahmins have been crushing the untouchables under their heels. Was any untouchable man placed in a coveted post or position? Has any untouchable man or woman been permitted so far to reach glorious heights in life? Upper caste supremacy of the Brahmins alone has been reigning supreme. They have been monopolising every field. Should we not put an end to this social injustice?
Most of the untouchables are involved in mean jobs but the Brahmins are in enviable careers. Those who work hard suffer but those who hardly work prosper. Is this not social injustice? The untouchables are treated worse than animals in most parts of the country by these Brahmins who are only 3 per cent of the population. 97 per cent of the population who are non-brahmins ‘exist’ as insignificant speck of dust. Can we allow this pitiable condition to continue?
Brahmin Conferences
Conferences are being held in several cities by leading Brahmin leaders and administrators but every conference is confined to discussion on protecting Sanatana Dharma, Varnashrama Dharma etc; — The orators urge upon all the Brahmins to establish Manudharma all over the country. No one talks about the need of an egalitarian, casteless society. Their resolutions are all aimed at ruining our downtrodden people. Some Brahmin leaders pretend to be kind to us and talk about the importance of unity. They do not mean what they say. They hide their true face behind a mask of empathy. Brahmins would never ever pity downtrodden, marginalised, untouchables in our society.
Awake and Protest
The renowned sage Thiruvalluvar says in ‘Thirukkural’ that all are equal by birth; disparity lies only in the nature of their occupation for survival. The woman sage Avvai says, “Castes are only two in number – male and female.” Most people have not read these words of wisdom. Hence they silently endure graded inequality dividing people into five different castes. Gullible people revere ‘Bhagwad Gita’ which has Krishna saying – “I generated the Sudhras. Four varnas are ordained by me.” Our own people ignorantly eulogise Brahmin myths. I urge upon them to awake and protest. A downtrodden man carries a Brahmin on a palanquin. Has any Brahmin ever carried an oppressed untouchable on a palanquin? It is high time the untouchables thought deeply over the dehumanisation by Brahmins.
Dire need of Self-Respect
The untouchables and all the other downtrodden people should stop suffering silently and expose their inherent self-respect. Times have already changed to a great extent. Hence, the weak should stoop no longer. Safe guarding dignity is the need of the hour.
Unique disparity
No other country divides people like Sudhras and Brahmins. Even among the rugged black Americans caste disparity does not exist. Inequality cannot be found even among the Eskimos. Why are we divided into different classes? Have we ever heard of untouchability in any of the American states or European countries? This unique atrocity prevails only here.
God and religion are in my opinion the root cause of all the merciless activities of Brahmins. Outdated religious scriptures and fabricated mythologies have made Brahmins look down upon our people. They were intruders into this country. 3000 years ago the Aryans were shepherds and cowherds in central Asia. Our people were isolated by these cultural invaders as untouchables.
I wish to conclude by reiterating that Brahminism should vanish if we do not want anyone to be called “Untouchable”. Brahminism had led to all sorts of dehumanisation. Let us raise our voice against it.
Source: ‘Viduthalai’
Translated by: M.R. Manohar
