Kerala, Tamil Nadu CMs Celebrate Unity, Social Justice at Periyar Memorial Inauguration

GG News Bureau
Kottayam, 12th Dec. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin jointly inaugurated the renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Library at Vaikom, Kerala, on Thursday, commemorating the centenary of the Vaikom Satyagraha.

The leaders highlighted the legacy of E.V. Ramasamy, fondly known as Periyar, in abolishing caste-based discrimination and emphasized the continued relevance of unity and social justice.

Speaking at the event, CM Vijayan underscored the enduring collaboration between Kerala and Tamil Nadu as a symbol of cooperative federalism. He called for extending this unity to counter increasing interventions on states’ rights, particularly economic autonomy.

Stalin lauded the Vaikom Satyagraha as a milestone in India’s social justice movement, stating it inspired similar struggles nationwide. He noted Periyar’s pivotal role in the movement and Tamil Nadu’s significant contributions to the protest.

The Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25) was a historic campaign demanding access for lower castes to roads surrounding the Mahadeva Temple. Reformers like Periyar, Sree Narayana Guru, and B.R. Ambedkar were instrumental in its success.

The Tamil Nadu government funded the renovation of the memorial, reaffirming Periyar’s legacy as a pioneer of the self-respect movement, advocating rationalism and social equality.

Both leaders called for continuing the fight against modern-day disparities, echoing the values championed by Periyar and other reformers.