The inaugural ceremony of the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library at Vaikom, a landmark event jointly organised by the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments, was noted for the active participation of Thanthai Periyar followers from both states.
Published Dec 12, 2024 | 7:50 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 12, 2024 | 7:50 PM
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and other dignitaries at the inauguration of the renovated memorial of E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, popularly known as Thanthai Periyar, at Vaikom in Kottayam district, Kerala, on December 12, 2024.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, established in honour of Dravidar Kazhagam founder EV Ramasamy, at Vaikom in Kerala’s Kottayam district on Thursday, 12 December.
After paying rich homage to the legacy of Periyar, Stalin said the day should be marked in golden letters in history.
“Once, the Vaikom temple denied entry (to untouchables), but today, the land houses a memorial for Periyar. A land that once jailed Thanthai Periyar now garlands him with honour. This is Periyar’s true victory,” he said to thunderous applause.
“However, I feel sad because Kalaignar Karunanidhi is not here to witness this (moment),” the Tamil Nadu chief minister said.
The inaugural ceremony of the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library at Vaikom, a landmark event jointly organised by the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments, was noted for the active participation of Thanthai Periyar followers from both states.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was also present.
During the event, Stalin honoured Kannada writer and Vaikom Award recipient Devanuru Mahadeva. Dravida Kazhagam President K Veeramani was the distinguished guest.
Thanthai Periyar was a prominent leader of the Vaikom Satyagraha movement. As part of the centenary celebrations of the Vaikom Satyagraha, Stalin allocated ₹8.14 crore last year for the renovation of the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Library.
Stalin highlighted the historic significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha, describing it as a pivotal moment not only for Kerala but for the entire nation in the fight against social injustice.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others at the inaugural.
He emphasised that the movement, led by Periyar, marked a crucial victory in the struggle for the right to movement for all communities, and its impact extended far beyond the region.
Stalin pointed out that it was after hearing Periyar’s views that Gandhiji visited Travancore, and the Satyagraha inspired many subsequent movements for social equality.
Acknowledging the progress made by Kerala and Tamil Nadu in various areas, Stalin noted that there were still challenges to overcome, particularly in addressing caste, class, and gender discrimination. He urged for continued efforts toward change, stressing that the idea of equality must grow without demeaning any individual.
In recognition of Periyar’s enduring legacy, Stalin also commended the Kerala government for its full cooperation in constructing the Periyar Memorial.
Pinarayi Vijayan emphasised the importance of mutual support between Kerala and Tamil Nadu in addressing their respective challenges, describing their collaboration as a true example of cooperative federalism.
He highlighted that cooperation was not merely a matter of words but demonstrated through actions.
He pointed out that in an era marked by ongoing interference in state rights, including financial autonomy, it was essential to strengthen cooperation among more states. Referring to the solidarity seen during the Vaikom Satyagraha, he expressed hope that its spirit of unity would continue between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The chief minister also spoke about Periyar’s commitment to the dignity of individuals, noting that states too must uphold their dignity, as the times demanded.
He expressed confidence that Kerala and Tamil Nadu would continue to move forward with the kind of cooperation that current circumstances require. Vijayan further stated that the renewal of the Periyar Memorial exemplifies this spirit of collaboration, and he hoped that both states would continue to deepen this partnership in the future.
E.V. Ramasamy, better known as Periyar, is regarded as one of India’s most influential social reformers.
A key figure in the Vaikom Satyagraha, Periyar was instrumental in the movement for the right of lower-caste people to walk the public roads surrounding the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple.
What began as a local issue in Kerala soon gained national attention, symbolising a broader struggle for social equality.
On 13 April 1924, Periyar took charge of the Vaikom Satyagraha, drawing thousands of people to the town. The Travancore administration, under orders from the king, arrested and imprisoned him at Arukkutty jail.
Upon hearing of his arrest, his wife Nagamma travelled to Vaikom to support the movement. She led efforts to raise awareness about the importance of the Satyagraha, actively involving women in the protest.
Nagamma was not just a passive bystander but a key partner in Periyar’s efforts, including her active involvement in the Vaikom movement.
Periyar’s contributions went beyond this movement. He advocated significant reforms such as raising the marriage age for women, allowing women to choose their husbands, and supporting divorce rights.
After his release from jail, Periyar continued to lead the struggle, defying the Travancore administration’s orders. As a result, he was imprisoned once again. He and other Satyagrahis were released only after the king’s death.
Periyar’s leadership in the Vaikom Satyagraha was a pivotal moment in India’s fight for social justice, laying the foundation for many of the country’s future reform movements.
Kerala’s Cooperation, Ports, and Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, Fisheries, Culture, and Youth Welfare Minister Saji Cheriyan, Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister AV Velu, Tamil Nadu Information Minister MP Swaminathan, MP Adv. K. Francis George, MLA CK Ash, State Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, District Collector John V Samuel, Vaikom Municipality Chairperson Preetha Rajesh, and Municipal Councilor Rajasekharan addressed the audience.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
