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The book revolves around social, historical and political issues but discusses in a lucid and clear style a widely debated question in Tamil Nadu: ‘Was Periyar an enemy of Brahmins?’
The sanatan coteries look at Periyar only as an atheist and as an enemy of Brahmins, ignoring all the other dimensions of Periyar. They blow these two aspects into alarming proportions. Chozha. Nagarajan’s book (ªðKò£˜ Hó£ñí˜èO¡ âFKò£?) helps readers get a true perspective of Periyar. The objective of this book of 118 pages, published by Discovery Book Palace, is undeniably a fitting reply to the Sanatan elements who have an erroneous view of Periyar.
The author describes all the atrocities of the communal fanatics and explains how society degenerated and why a reformer like Periyar was needed. This makes readers realize why Periyar is needed for all times.
After explaining why Periyar was vital for an oppressed society, the author describes the period he lived in. Under ten short topics, he depicts the period of Periyar, using quotes from several eminent personalities. V. Ramasamy Iyengar has Praised Periyar thus: “Periyar always accomplishes what he decides to accomplish. No one in TamilNadu has such an unflinching resolvle.” According to the author, Ramasamy Iyengar (Va.Ra) had commended Periyar as the pride of future. This proves how an eminent Brahmin had rightly recognized Periyar.
The author has quoted compliments of several Brahmins such as Rajaji, Kalki, Sudhananda Bharathi and S.S. Vasan who had great respect and regard for non-brahmin Periyar. They are not words of flattery but sincere appreciation of the virtues of Periyar.
Periyar was against treating widows in an inhuman manner. He was against brahmin widows getting tonsured and quarantined. He used to say “Such Brahmin widows would praise me and my views. I am not an enemy of Brahmins. Why do they hate me?”
The author highlights the belief of Periyar that “Truth would ultimately triumph.” He stresses the fact that Periyar was against Brahminism – not brahmins. He never treated individual Brahmins as enemies. He protested only Brahminist atrocities. The book thus explodes many myths surrounding the image of Periyar.
The author regrets, most Brahmin women who derived benefits from the reformatory activities of Periyar, hesitate to frankly commend his policies. Periyar fought for the rights of women of all castes but not all have boldly hailed him so far.
When it was known that a chitpawan Brahmin called Nathuram Godse had killed Gandhi, Periyar could have easily instigated people to revolt against all the Brahmins, had he so desired. The State would have immersed in violent riots and bloodshed.
The author explains how violence was averted then by Periyar. If people stood away from violent attack against all the Brahmins, it was because of Periyar, according to the author Nagarajan.
The author says that Sirungeri Sankarachari had also commended Periyar as a humanist and an unbiased social reformer. The book comprises verbal bouquets of many Brahmins showered on Periyar.
The author concludes his book by saying that Periyar stood at all times for social Justice, casteless society, universal brotherhood, equality and humanism. The book helps readers understand every thought of Periyar as clear as crystal. During the present era when religious fanaticism and caste disparity are predominant, Chozha Nagarajan‘s book has come out at the right juncture. It is noteworthy that the author has offered references to many articles written by Periyar, which begin with the words- “My dear Brahmin friends….”
The book undeniably highlights the truth that Periyar was never an enemy of Brahmins. He was only against Brahminism and Brahminist atrocities.
Courtesy: ‘Theekkathir’- Tamil Daily.
