Tamil Nadu observes Social Justice Day to mark Periyar's 147th birth anniversary
Political leaders and prominent dignitaries across Tamil Nadu gathered on Thursday to pay floral tributes to the legendary social reformer and Dravidian icon, Thanthai Periyar E V Ramasamy. The occasion marked his 147th birth anniversary, a day dedicated to commemorating his lifelong struggle for rationalism, self-respect, and the cause of social justice.
In the capital city of Chennai, various leaders assembled at Mount Road, also known as Anna Salai, to offer flowers at the statue of the revered reformer. The tributes served as a solemn recognition of his immense impact on the social and political fabric of the state.
Dignitaries pay homage in Chennai and Thoothukudi
Several high-profile figures were present in Chennai to honor the memory of the leader. Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabakar joined Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin to pay respects. They were accompanied by state ministers Aadhav Arjuna, Maria Wilson, and Raj Mohan, all of whom participated in the floral tribute ceremony.
The commemorations were not limited to the capital. In Thoothukudi, former Minister and DMK leader Geetha Jeevan also honored the legacy of the man popularly known as Thanthai Periyar. She garlanded his statue and offered flowers as part of the official birth anniversary observances held in the region.
M K Stalin calls for Social Justice Day celebrations
Ahead of the commemorations, former Chief Minister and current DMK President M K Stalin issued a special call to party members. In a post shared on the social media platform X, he urged all party cadres to observe September 17 with great enthusiasm. He designated the day as Social Justice Day, noting its dual significance as both Periyar's birth anniversary and the founding day of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Stalin provided specific instructions for the observance to ensure it was marked properly across the state. He requested that DMK comrades perform the following actions:
- Enthusiastically observe the birth anniversary of Father Periyar and the founding of the DMK.
- Garland the statue of Father Periyar to pay respects, as directed by the party headquarters.
- Take a formal pledge for Social Justice Day in all DMK offices.
- Renew and hoist party flags to commemorate the commencement of the DMK's 78th year.
The legacy of the Self-Respect Movement
Periyar is widely celebrated as the 'Father of the Dravidian Movement' and the 'Father of Modern Tamil Nadu.' His profound contributions have led to his birth anniversary being officially recognized as Social Justice Day annually. In 1925, he launched the Self-Respect Movement, which was designed to challenge Brahminical hegemony and advocate for the upliftment of non-Brahmin communities.
Through his journal, Kudi Arasu, Periyar championed the ideals of rationalism, gender equality, and various anti-caste reforms. These efforts helped foster a distinct Dravidian identity and laid the groundwork for the modern Dravidian Movement. The year 1925 stands as a turning point in this history for two major reasons.
First, the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu (which translates to The Republic) was launched in May of that year. Second, Periyar departed from the Indian National Congress (INC) in November. While many view his exit from the Congress as the formal start of his movement, the publication of Kudi Arasu had already begun shifting the social dynamics of the Madras Presidency months earlier.
Beyond seeking political gains through communal representation, the publication showed a deep commitment to social reform. After leaving the Congress, Periyar utilized the newspaper to take an unrestrained approach to his critiques. He used the platform to challenge both the INC and what he termed 'Brahminism,' a word he employed to describe the various horrors of Hindu caste orthodoxy.