CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Thursday said his government will celebrate the centenary year of the Vaikom Satyagraha to honour the memory of social reformer and DK founder Periyar E V Ramasamy, who fought for people's rights and succeeded in leading revolutions, and propagated the principles of social justice.
Making a statement under Rule 110, the chief minister said the state government would commence the centenary year celebrations on March 30. Various initiatives would be taken up for the public and students to know the history, purpose and victory of the struggle.
"I am participating as a special invitee along with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Kerala government's centenary year celebrations on April 1. We will pay respects to the commemorative pillar installed by the Tamil Nadu government," Stalin said.
The Malayalam translation of writer Pazha Adhiyaman's popular 'Vaikom Struggle' book would be released. It is the joint initiative of Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation (TNTESC) and a Kerala publishing house. It would also be released in Telugu, Kannada and English.
A special programme would be organised by the Tamil Nadu government on November 29 in which chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and several dignitaries would participate. The annual 'Vaikom Award' will be presented to individuals or organisations who work for the welfare of the oppressed in other states and make a significant difference.
The state government would allocate 8.14 crore to renovate Periyar memorial in Vaikom and build a new memorial in Aruvikutti, where the reformist was imprisoned initially. A special commemorative stamp would be released and programmes relating to Vaikom struggle would be held at educational institutions, besides competitions for students. A 64-page book and audio in Tamil and English would be released for students, while Tamilarasu, the state entity, would release a souvenir.
The chief minister said the Vaikom struggle of 1924-25 held an important place in the history of social reforms in India. "It is the pioneer of all the temple entry protests in India. It is no exaggeration to say that it was the first step for the oppressed to get equal rights," the chief minister said. Former chief minister O Panneerselvam, besides the AIADMK, BJP, PMK and the DMK allies welcomed the slew of initiatives announced by the chief minister.