Commemorating the success of the Vaikom struggle, Government of Tamil Nadu had installed Periyar Statue, and Museum was established in 1994. Earlier the golden jubilee of Vaikom struggle was celebrated in 1975 wherein the then Prime Minister Mrs.Gandhi participated. In the concluding function, E.V.R.Maniammai, who had succeeded Periyar as President of Dravidar Kazhagam participated in it along with Asiriyar K.Veeramani, the present President.
The Centenary celebration commenced on 1st April 2023 at Vaikom which was organised by the Government of Kerala. Both the Chief Ministers, Pinarayi Vijayan and M.K. Stalin of Kerala and Tamil Nadu participated in it. On that occasion more monuments, depicting the Vaikom struggle were erected with pictures and sculptures that bring the memory of the days of the struggle to the current generation. One site, was donated adjoining the already existing Periyar statue, by Ms.V.N.Janaki, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who hailed from Vaikom, for the construction of the Memorial Hall. Many historical depicts were carved out to depict the sufferings and struggles of the participants in the Vaikom agitation.
Later, in December 2024, a brief event took place at the Periyar Memorial, Chennai where the body of Periyar was laid at rest – Periyar Thidal, headquarters of Dravidar Kazhagam. The Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu M.K.Stalin and Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala paid respect at the Periyar Memorial.
The conclusion of the Centenary was organised by the State Government of Tamil Nadu at Vaikom on 12th December 2024.
The concluded centenary event was signified with the renovation of the already existing Periyar statue, inauguration of photo exhibition and an exclusive library in the same location. All these monuments were inaugurated by the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and the structures would be maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu with the support of the Government of Kerala.
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Public Meeting
A mammoth public function took place in an auditorium, adjoining the boat yard (wherein Periyar landed at, to associate himself with the Vaikom struggle in April 1924). The meeting was attended by the massive number of DK, DMK cadres and well-wishers, from Tamil Nadu with a great commitment to make their presence in the Vaikom centenary. The welcome speech was delivered by Thiru.N.Muruganandam, I.A.S. Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani, President of the Dravidar Kazhagam, Chief Guest of the Centenary function delivered a brief address and thanked both the Chief Ministers for having initiated and conducted the Centenary of Vaikom struggle in a remarkable manner. Respectful M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, delivered the Presidential Address. Respectful Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, gave the Special Address (Excerpts of the speech of all the three leaders have been published in the same issue of ‘The Modern Rationalist’ – January 2025).
Honour of Vaikom Award
The State Government of Tamil Nadu as a mark of honour, while commencing the Centenary had announced honouring with ‘Vaikom Award’ every year those from the states other than Tamil Nadu who contributed for the cause of social justice. The First ‘Vaikom Award’ was conferred on the progressive social activist and writer from Karnataka, Respectful Devanura Mahadeva. It comprises a Citation and Cash Award of Rs.5 lakhs. The historic Vaikom Award was presented in the Centenary of Vaikom struggle by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Respectful Mr.Duraimurugan, Mr.A.V.Velu and Mr.M.P.Swaminathan, Ministers in the Tamil Nadu cabinet and Mr.V.N.Vasavan, Mr.Saji Cherian, Ministers in the Kerala Cabinet, Mr.K.Francis George, Member of Parliament, Vaikom Loksabha Constitutency, Ms.C.K.Asha, Member of Legislative Assembly, Vaikom, Mrs. Preetha Rajesh, Chairperson, Vaikom Municipality, participated in the historic celebration.
Ms.Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala, proposed vote of thanks.
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