The Centenary celebration of Vaikom struggle concluded at Vaikom itself on 12th December, 2024. Periyar Memorial and Library were inaugurated during the historic event. Gracing the occasion by his presence, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu delivered a speech recalling the century old agitation and thanking the Government of Kerala for honouring Thanthai Periyar. The content of his speech was as follows, in nutshell:
“Vanakkam to all the dignitaries present. Hundred years ago Thanthai Periyar was prohibited from entering Vaikom town and was also arrested. In the same Vaikom town, constructing a great memorial in his honour on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, today we are celebrating the valediction of the Vaikom struggle centenary. This is a matter of great pride.
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A bizarre ritual called “Yagam” was then held in Vaikom by fanatic rivals against Periyar. In the same place he is being felicitated today in this memorable event. It is indeed a victory of Periyar. A victory of Periyarism. A victory of Dravidian Movement. In the history of social justice, this day would be recorded in golden letters. We have scripted a glorious history through this celebration. I deem it a privilege of pride participating in this valedictory function, in the presence of the President of the Dravidar Kazhagam, Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani, my mentor and guide.
On 6th of March, 2024, the 200th Anniversary of the Breast Shield Agitation was held in Nagercoil. I participated in it along with Respectful Pinarayi Vijayan. We discussed celebration of Vaikom Centenary in a grand manner. He assured his cooperation and all the required help. On 1st of April 2023, the centenary commenced at an event organised on behalf of the Government of Kerala.
Upon his kind invitation I attended the inaugural event. He has reciprocated to our invitation and honoured us today on this occasion by his presence. He is one of the dynamic leader of eminence in India. He had been kind enough to grant us permission for the construction of Periyar Memorial and Library. At every stage he had been helpful to us in all respects. We owe him our debt of gratitude. I take this opportunity to convey our hearty thanks to him, to all the ministers and officials of Kerala for the unforgettable patronage till this valediction.
Kerala has always been hailed as ‘God’s own country’. The state reigns supreme in literacy, good governance and political awareness of people. It is an unparalleled state considered haven of tourism. People who visit Kerala would admire Periyar Memorial and Library. These structures would help all the tourists know the history of Vaikom struggle. They would understand how a century ago the slavery shackles of the oppressed people were broken by the outburst of agitators. For posterity, this memorial at Vaikom would be like a thought provoking lesson in history. This event is certainly an extraordinary occurrence.
Deva Nooru Mahadeva of Karnataka had been a renowned promoter of Social justice. He had been striving for the pride of Kannada language and the rights of the marginalised people. The prestigious Vaikom Award has been conferred on him today on this memorable occasion. He has been rightly honoured during this valedictory function.
Arignar Anna once hailed Vaikom struggle in glorious terms commending the vital role played in it by Thanthai Periyar. Like a one man army, Periyar spearheaded the struggle relentlessly and provoked people to rise against injustice and dehumanisation, according to the tribute paid by Anna. As he had commended, Vaikom struggle would be a source of inspiration for all the forthcoming generations in future. The posterity would be motivated to raise voice of protest against all sorts of social injustice. Vaikom struggle has set a precedent for non-violent agitations. The impact of this struggle would be everlasting.
The historic struggle commenced on 30th of March, 1924 when the marginalised Scheduled class people were prohibited from walking on the streets in the vicinity of Mahadeva Temple. Periyar arrived at Vaikom on 13th of April and led the struggle with great momentum. He suffered staying here for five months. He courted arrest twice and was imprisoned. He was not treated with respect as a political prisoner but was tortured by rigorous treatment. Thiru.K.P.Kesava Menon described Periyar’s sufferings in his book on ‘Vaikom Struggle’ – “Bandanathil Ninnu”. Gandhi had also commended Periyar’s role through his article in his journal ‘Young India’. Thus, Periyar was eulogised by numerous Stalwarts. Ultimately, the downtrodden people got the right to walk freely on all the common streets and roads in Vaikom and also all over the State.
The victory of Vaikom Struggle was celebrated on 29th November 1925. Periyar and Nagammaiar were invited. Periyar refused to preside over the event but attended honouring the invitation of the Government. He delivered a speech hailing the effect of the Satyagraha. Tamil scholar Thiru.Vi.Ka. called Periyar “Vaikom Warrior”. Rajaji also eulogised Periyar in glorious terms. Periyar’s wife Nagammiar and Sister Kannammal were also involved in ‘Vaikom Struggle’ as brave women – warriors. Babasaheb Ambedkar had admitted that Vaikom struggle inspired him to ignite the “Mahad tank” agitation in Maharashtra. In 1928, Dr.Ambedkar paid a glorious tribute to Thanthai Periyar. He commended Periyar for according top priority to social transformation all over the country.
Vaikom struggle was not confined to social reform in Kerala alone. It motivated all other social justice struggles that followed it. It paved the way for all the non-violent protests in Tamil Nadu and all other States in the country. Several temple entry agitations in various states and districts were successful by the impact of ‘Vaikom Struggle’ that served as the forerunner. Thanthai Periyar and the Self-Respect Movement started by him caused numerous social reforms subsequently.
Stalwarts like T.K. Madhavan, K.P.Kesava Menon, Kolappan, Mannathu Padmanabhan, George Joseph and Dr.Padmanabhan of Kerala played significant roles. Similarly, from Tamil Nadu, besides Periyar, Kovai Ayyamuthu, Emperumal Naidu, Thangaperumal, Nagammal and Kannammal made noteworthy contributions. The list would be endless. Many wellwishers offered generous donations. By the sweat and toil of all the noble hearts Vaikom struggle became a beacon light for posterity.
Vaikom struggle has taught us all an invaluable lesson that unity, solidarity and collective efforts are essential for any struggle for social justice. United – we stand. Divided – we fall. This is undeniably a universal truth. Compared with the past 100 years we have advanced and progressed socially, politically and economically, but this is insufficient in my opinion. We still have to go a long way to achieve all our objectives and fulfil our mission. Our fight should go on uninterruptedly to annihilate the discrimination between the rich and the poor, the lower caste and the upper caste, men and women. Our strife must be faster than it was in the past.
Advancement in science and technology has not been helpful in eradicating completely various discriminations prevailing in society. People should measure up and change mentally and emotionally by perfect awareness. The war for transformations must be waged in the minds of our people – not literally on any battlefield. Every change cannot be brought about by enacting new laws or amending existing laws. People should refine themselves and begin to treat equally all the fellow human beings.
A scientific temper and rationalist outlook are inevitable and indispensable for our people everywhere. A humanist outlook is necessary to become noble citizens. If all these happen satisfactorily, a new era would be born spontaneously. The thoughts of Thanthai Periyar, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sri Narayana Guru, Mahatma Jothiba Phule, Savithribai Phule, Ayyankali, Karl Marx and other great thinkers and their struggles should reach every man and woman for inspiration.
It is with this objective that our Dravidian Model Government in Tamil Nadu has declared ‘Everything for Everyone’ as not merely a political principle but as the prime principle of our Government itself. Gone are the days when people were isolated as untouchable, unseeable and unapproachable fearing impurity and pollution. Denial of free movement on streets cannot even be imagined of today. People of all castes are able to access sanctum sanctorum of temples everywhere.
From womb to tomb, people of all castes and creed enjoy absolute liberation. On a par with Tamil Nadu, the State of Kerala is also hailed today for several revolutionary and progressive welfare schemes and people-friendly measures. Celebrating Vaikom struggle is infact aimed at forming an absolutely egalitarian society. Let us march ahead on the path of this journey of ours.
Vaikom Victory is not an exclusive achievement like a closed chapter. It is the beginning for many more victories in the days to come. Let us strive for victory in all spheres and fields, smashing all obstacles and stumbling blocks. Let us all swear to strive with an unflinching resolve and unswerving patience in order to form a truly democratic society of equality, devoid of dominance and dictatorship.
Long live the glory of Periyar! Long live Periyar thought, his name and fame! I conclude with sincere thanks to every one of you.
Source: ‘Viduthalai’
Translated by: M.R.Manohar
