In a powerful reaffirmation of its foundational principles, the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) asserts that the ideology of social revolutionary Periyar E.V. Ramasamy is more critical now than ever. A senior leader of the movement, reflecting on a history of struggle, imprisonment, and ideological battles, stated that the fight for caste eradication, women's independence, and equality continues with undiminished vigour.
A Legacy Forged in Struggle and Resilience
The leader drew parallels between past and present challenges, recalling how Periyar himself faced defamatory attacks and oppressive government measures aimed at halting his movement. The resilience was further tested during the Emergency. Then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's government was dismissed for refusing to support it, a stand taken to save democracy at all costs.
This period saw widespread imprisonment of DK members. The leader recounted a poignant memory of the present Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, then a youth, being arrested just a month after his wedding and thrown into a cramped cell. Eight people were confined in an 8x8 foot room with only two muddy pots—one for drinking water and the other for urination. "We have been trained and prepared to face the worst," the leader stated, adding that such experience generates wisdom to be passed on.
Periyarism: The Essential Remedy for Modern India
Fifty years on, the leader emphatically declared that Periyar and his philosophy hold greater relevance today. While earlier opponents were intellectually honest, the current challenge comes from forces seeking to perpetuate caste and varnashrama dharma in the name of Sanatana. "The only remedy is Periyar," the leader asserted, describing him as a social scientist, not a 'baba', whose selfless legacy the DK upholds.
On the relationship with its political offspring, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the leader used the metaphor of a "double-barrel gun" or sappers and miners working in tandem. The DK performs the sentry duty of social propaganda and peaceful agitation, while the DMK handles the political arena and legislative work. This synergy is crucial as, despite capable administration, the state government faces constraints from the Union government, yet DMK won't compromise on state's rights.
When asked who better syncs with Periyar's ideologies between DMK and AIADMK, the response was unequivocal: "This is like asking which is brighter, black or white." The DMK follows in the true footsteps of Periyar, the leader affirmed.
Beyond Borders: Periyar's National and Global Footprint
Addressing the perception of Periyar being limited to Tamil Nadu, the leader strongly countered that his influence cannot be reduced to a regional framework. During his lifetime, Periyar was invited to North India by B.R. Ambedkar, M.N. Roy, and other national leaders. His ideological interventions were central to social justice politics.
Today, Periyar-Ambedkar study circles exist across India and internationally, with his writings being read globally. Both Periyar and Ambedkar are widely engaged with by the youth, and any attempt to confine Periyar ignores history and present reality.
The leader dismissed attacks from certain quarters, stating that Periyar's movement is a non-violent, humanist movement opposed to the cultural conquest of Aryanisation. On the question of anti-Brahminism, the leader clarified, "Brahmanism is nothing but discrimination and dehumanization. We want to re-humanize; that is why we stand against brahmanism."
On Contemporary Politics and Torchbearers
Commenting on actor Vijay's political prospects and his cited ideologues including Periyar, the leader termed it "just a formula, not a principle for him." In contrast, figures like M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa were seen as having projected Dravidian philosophy as part of the movement.
The leader refused to engage with Seeman's politics of Tamil nationalism and anti-Periyarism, choosing to comment only on "people with a sound mind, with humanity." Responding to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's past criticism of Periyar, the leader said such attempts to distort his image would fail, noting that it was Periyar who reformed the Tamil script now accepted worldwide.
Finally, on grooming a successor, the leader stated that Periyarism is a political compulsion for any government aspiring to humanism and self-respect. "People require Periyar and DMK," nurtured by the ideals of Periyar and Annadurai. The movement, being social and scientific, ensures its continuity as science never fails, and every self-respecting person fighting for human empowerment is a torchbearer of Periyarism.
