DMK and DK are like double-barrel guns preserving Periyar's ideals

How do you plan to keep Dravidar Kazhagam going?

For disciples of Periyar, it is an easy job. Whatever the crisis


and the trials and tribulations, we carry on and win battles. We are yet to win

the war, but we are ready. Periyar met with defamatory, highly individualized

attacks and baseless allegations. From oppressive and suppressive measures and

acts from govts of the day to put an end to his movement, Periyar faced it all

successfully.

During the Emergency, Kalaignar Karunanidhi was our chief

minister. His govt was dismissed because he didn’t want to support the

Emergency. He said democracy must be saved at all costs. We were imprisoned.

The present chief minister (M K Stalin) was a youth then. A month after his

wedding, he was arrested as well and pushed into my cell with bloodstains on

his clothes. In the cell, an 8*8ft room, eight people were thrown in, and two

muddy pots placed inside — one for urination and the other for drinking water.

We have been trained and prepared to face the worst. And

experience is the best teacher that generates wisdom, and lets us pass it on.

Now, 50 years on, how socially relevant is Periyarism? Has life

and politics in Tamil Nadu moved beyond it?

It is now that Periyar and his philosophy are more relevant.

Earlier, our enemies who were opposed to the ideologies of caste eradication,

women’s independence, equality and empowerment, were intellectually honest

people. But today, the Aryan forces which want to perpetuate caste and

varnashrama dharma in the name of Sanatana, don’t want equality.

The only remedy is Periyar. Because Periyar was a social

scientist. He was not a baba. He never aspired for anything. We are the

legatees.

You say this fight is still on to keep Periyarism alive. But is it

now being taken up by DMK rather than DK?

It is a double-barrel gun

It is a double-barrel gun, like sappers and miners. We (DK) will

do sentry duty. The political arena is limited. Even though the present govt

can deliver the goods and is capable of giving the best administration, Union

govt wants it to go with a begging bowl even for small change. But DMK won’t

compromise on state’s rights.

Periyar is the only medicine, ideology and principle. That is why

we (DK) are keeping Periyarism alive. Kalaiyadhu, Inaiyadhu (will not

disintegrate, will not merge) — Periyarism will continue with its own

individuality and independence.

Who is in better sync with Periyar’s ideologies? DMK or

AIADMK?

This is like asking which is brighter, black or white. DMK follows

in the true footsteps of Periyar. There are always political limitations for a

ruling party, but it cannot compromise on social principles. That is why the

most effective approach is for the social front to be taken care of through

propaganda and peaceful agitations by DK, while the DMK does what it can

through legislation.

Why is Periyar limited to Tamil Nadu? Why hasn’t Periyarism gained

traction like Ambedkarism across the country?

Periyar’s influence cannot be reduced to a regional or national

framework. Even during his lifetime, Periyar engaged beyond linguistic and

geographic boundaries. He was invited to North India not only by B R Ambedkar,

but also by thinkers such as M N Roy and other national leaders.

Periyar’s ideological interventions were central to the evolution

of social justice politics. Today, Periyar-Ambedkar study circles exist across

India and internationally. Periyar’s writings are read by people across states,

languages, and nations.

Both Periyar and Ambedkar are widely read, critically engaged

with, and followed by the youth in India and abroad. Any attempt to confine

Periyar within narrow boundaries ignores both history and present reality.

Is Periyarism under attack from dalit and Tamil nationalist

forces?

They are neither Tamils nor nationalists. Do they know the

definition of Tamil nationalism? This is all political humbug. As for dalit

intellectualism, it does not guarantee the right approach. Ambedkar himself

said, ‘when Periyar is available here, why are you coming to me?’ That is a

fitting reply to the so-called intellectuals.

Do you see any new torchbearers for Periyarism taking on the fight

for social justice?

Whatever be their political affiliation, everyone wants to be a

rationalist. They want to be people who aspire for social justice, who want to

do away with social injustice. Any self-respecting person is a torchbearer.

Whoever fights for human empowerment are all torchbearers of Periyar. It is not

our monopoly.

There is an allegation that Periyar advocated anti-Brahminism. Is

anti-Brahminism still relevant today?

Brahmanism is nothing but discrimination and dehumanization. We

want to re-humanize; that is why we stand against brahmanism. Periyar’s

movement is a non-violent, humanist movement and a strong opponent of cultural

conquest of Aryanisation.

How do you see Vijay’s political prospects? Periyar is one of his

ideologues.

For the experienced, who have seen people come and go from the

first to recent elections, this will be another interesting chapter, that’s

all. MGR and Jayalalithaa were not just cine actors, they projected Dravidian

philosophy. MGR got into the movement. He was a propagandist, so was

Jayalalithaa.

But Vijay has Periyar as one of his ideologues, besides Velu

Nachiyar, Anjali Ammal, Kamaraj and Ambedkar.

That is just a formula. That is not a principle for him.

What about Seeman’s politics of Tamil nationalism and

anti-Periyarism?

I will answer only about people with a sound mind, with humanity.

I don’t wish to waste time.

Nirmala Sitharaman had criticized Periyar, for calling Tamil a

barbaric language.

They want to shatter and distort the image of Periyar. Even a

thousand Nirmalas cannot destroy Periyar’s image. She is not an authority on

Tamil. Those who are, are not bothered because it was Periyar who reformed the

Tamil script, which is accepted all over the world. Language should be a

weapon. A word may have been quoted in different contexts; that is a fact.

Are you grooming a successor or do you consider DMK your successor

to carry on Periyarism?

Periyarism is a political compulsion for anybody who wants a good

govt, a govt of humanism and self-respect. People require Periyar and DMK,

nurtured by ideals of Periyar and Anna. Periyar’s movement is a social,

scientific movement, and science never fails.

Email your feedback with name and address to southpole.toi@

timesofindia.co

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Merry Christmas wishes, messages and quotes !