Periyar 146 - 2024 Birth Anniversary

Any form of injustice - Be it caste based oppression, unjust political dominance, religious fanaticism, linguistic imperialism, gender inequality, economic disparities, irrational beliefs - history will resonate with one name as the opposing force.

The name is “Periyar” 

The uncompromising nonconformist whose ideologies shattered the unjust practices that plagued the society in the name of purity.

சாதிய ஒடுக்குமுறை, அரசியல் ஆதிக்கம், மதவெறி, மொழி திணிப்பு, பாலின சமத்துவமின்மை, பொருளாதார ஏற்றத்தாழ்வு, மூடநம்பிக்கைகள் - எந்தவித அநீதி நடப்பினும், வரலாறு ஒரு பெயரை அதை எதிர்க்கும் விசையாய் உச்சரிக்கும்.

"பெரியார்"

புனிதம் எனும் பிம்பத்தின் பின்னால் கட்டமைக்கப்பட்ட அனைத்து அநியாயங்களையும் அடித்து நொருக்கிய சமரசமில்லா சண்டைக்காரன்.

HBD Periyar !!!

“Periyar - A Study in Political Atheism” by Karthick Ram Manoharan

This book is a study of the work and ideas of Periyar E.V.Ramasamy, the renowned social reformer of Tamilnadu. This is not a biographical text on the life of Periyar, but is an extensive study that analyses his revolutionary criticism of religion and presents the idea of “political atheism”. The book is split into thematic sections which provide insightful perspective on the impact of Periyar’s ideologies in the political spectrum in Tamilnadu. 

The book points out Periyar’s fallout with congress after demanding proportional representation of non-brahmins in the party. His demand and he voicing out against caste inequalities were viewed “too radical” by the leaders. This conflict and Periyar’s realisation of social elitism that existed in congress led to the emergence of Self Respect Movement. 

When Indian leaders took an approach of Indian / Hindu nationalism to tackle the colonial structure and demand freedom from British, the “Dravidians” who were considered native to this land resorted to tackle the brahminical hegemony with the Aryan - Dravidian differentiation. Though there were forerunners to Periyar on this front like Iyothidasar, Karthik Ram Manoharan explains how the medium and message put across by Periyar with its simplicity gained him the popularity that he enjoys even today. 

This book also discusses in detail how Periyar drew inspiration from socialism that was gaining prominence during his times and at the same time points out his skepticism on the role of communism in India. This criticism from Periyar on communists in India was largely owing to their priority over class antagonisms over caste antagonisms and again the brahminical dominance in the communist party at that time. Periyar’s arguments also included that communism in India would be yet another tool in the hands of priestly class to cement their dominance. Periyar was also against the concept of state. However, as per my reading of Lenin’s “The State and Revolution”, it argues how complete communism can be achieved only in stages with gradual withering away of the state and how the stage of complete communism will be devoid of any form of antagonism not only the class antagonism, so this view is debatable.

The research of Karthik Ram Manoharan provides an interesting insight on how Periyar’s retelling of Ramayana was a significant strategy towards resisting and demystifying Aryan dominance. Periyar’s projection of Ravana as anti-caste hero was a strategy to counterpose the image of the Aryan icon Rama who upheld the  “Varna” system. Karthik draws parallel of this approach of Periyar with anarchists like Balkunin. 

The book also points out the inconsistencies in Periyar’s writings over a period of time which is currently levelled against Periyar in television debates. However, this book also stands to clarify these inconsistencies as individual statements that were reactionary and his true standpoint needs to be viewed from the coherence derived from the arguments that find a repetition in his thoughts and writings. 

Karthick Ram Manoharan

In the final chapter, the book brings out how Periyar’s ideology is relevant even today. This work by Karthik Ram Manoharan is a brilliant research that puts forth detailed analysis on how Periyar’s ideas to separate religion and politics changed the course of politics in Tamilnadu as an alternate to the Hindu nationalism.

What happened to Buddha will not happen to Periyar!

There are theories and historical texts that point to the conversion of Buddhist signs and symbols into brahminical signs and symbols. The mythological story that links a white elephant with the birth of Gautama Buddha in later stages was used a symbol of Buddha by Buddhist monks who led a nomadic life to propagate the Buddhist principles and they installed those statues under Bodhi trees and mountain caves. 

Buddhism that does not acknowledge the existence of supreme god or deity focuses on achieving enlightenment instead. The Dravidian people who were used to idol worship started worshipping these symbols installed by Buddhist monks. People were attracted to the Buddhist principles which employ a radical approach in pointing out that they can overcome their sorrows by changes to their lifestyle and actions, instead of branding one’s sufferings as the consequence of one’s deeds in previous births. 

There are arguments that the Buddhist symbol - elephant under the Bodhi tree or on the shores of a riverbank was later used to create Vinayakar, a Hindu god in an attempt to rob its popularity and slowly convert Buddha as a harmless icon to their own ideology.

A week back, there was a picture circulated in social media by right wing extremists which depicted Periyar as a pig carrying urine bag in its hand - a futile attempt to mock him and his ideology. As a personality who was open to criticism and who takes ridicule and mockery head on, this would have been welcomed by him had he been here. The response to the same would have been at his satirical best. 

Who knows, they might continue on this path to convert Periyar into customised versions of the boar avatar “Varaha”. But, what happened to Buddha will never happen to Periyar!

His preachings to the general public were uncompromisingly forthright and were formed on the basis of rationalism, empiricism and at the same time were in simple terms. He stood against brahminical supremacy, caste hierarchies, racial inequality, gender inequality and acknowledged economic disparities in his criticism. So, they can never rob his revolutionary theory of its substance and make it their own. He can never be converted into a harmless icon - he will stand tall as a symbol against any form of oppression.

Even if they manage to achieve it, theirs would be the first group to celebrate an atheist as a godly figure. 

Even after his death, his principles are being received with most savage malice and most furious hatred from the right wing; he continues to stand tall no matter how many stones they pelt at him. Remembering our Periyar on his death anniversary!!

Remembering Periyar E.V.Ramasamy on his birth anniversary

"Periyar" E.V. Ramasamy, a social reformer from Tamil Nadu is known for his unyielding propaganda against caste inequalities and gender based discrimination. Though some of his speeches and writings are misinterpreted today for misleading the masses and his principles are convieninetly misquoted "anti-hindu" as against "anti-casteist", he still remains as the icon of social justice in Tamil Nadu. Confining Periyar as an atheist has been an ongoing conscious attempt at diluting his ideology which encompasses annihilation of caste, gender equality, women empowerment, questioning of superstitious beliefs, rationalism and self-respect. Periyar, being an extremist, questioned the fallacy of age-old beliefs and enlightened the masses to be rational and believed that reason is the guiding light.

Periyar's voice against untouchability and caste discrimination reverberates till date. His simplistic writings on the injustice of caste-based system that garners attention of any common man makes it difficult for casteists to convert him into a harmless icon, the only other option is to tarnish his image which is what is happening now.

Periyar’s book “Why were women enslaved?” is an insightful perspective into the unfair and unequal treatment women receive in our society. Periyar lists down the aspects and ideologies that curtail the freedom of women and in turn lead to a woman’s life always being dependent on the male counterpart.

The fallacious inveterate beliefs that confine women are dealt with uncompromisingly forthright counter arguments, no matter which religion or ideology preaches them. The book gives a fitting end by stating the enslavement of women can end only when unnecessary pride in the masculinity of the opposite gender withers away or gets abolished.

There are some extreme views put forth in this book, which are debatable, but one cannot ignore  or brush aside the facts emphasized here. Periyar's ideology on women empowerment needs to be spread to the masses. 

Remember that these thoughts were put together in words 100 years back during a time when they would have been received with the most savage malice.

"I do not say you should believe what I have said because it alone is certain. Accept such ideas as can be accepted, with the help of your reason, after a sound inquiry. Reject the rest" - Periyar

Let us read him, understand him and subject his thoughts to inquiry. We can criticise him on the ones which we deem unacceptable and accept only those which feel right in the light of reason!

Why were women enslaved? (பெண் ஏன் அடிமையானாள்?)

Periyar’s “Why were women enslaved?” is a insightful perspective into the unfair and unequal treatment women receive in our society. Periyar lists down the aspects and ideologies that curtail the freedom of women and in turn lead to a woman’s life always being dependent on the male counterpart.

 

The word "கற்பு" (Karpu) in Tamil has been used to attach a purity tag to a woman in terms of virginity and chastity. The same tag doesn’t apply to a man and is free to have any number of extramarital affairs. Periyar voices out for gender equality in this context with arguments that break down how Indian society has used this purity to ensure women remain as slaves to the chauvinistic males. 

Periyar talks about financial independence for women in this book. To bring this to action, he had promoted the campaign for amendment of legal acts to grant women the right to inherit ancestral property which was confined to male heirs at that point of time. This would ensure a woman’s freedom from the clutches of the household and her dependence on her husband. 

The book also emphasises on divorce, remarriage and widow remarriage to counter the enslavement of women that stems out of the institution of marriage and its moral obligations. There had been practices in Hindu religion to confine widows inside the houses and forcefully suppress their desires and feelings - in fact there have been castes who go to the extent of shaving a widow’s head for the rest of their life. This would occur no matter how old is the widow, considering child marriages were abundant during that time. The stats and figures outlined in this book about the number of widows in 1920s (some were 1 year-old babies) are shocking and present to us the pitiful state of our society 100 years back. 

Periyar puts forth his view on legalisation of prostitution and recognising sex workers with dignity instead of showing contempt towards them and branding them as immoral. He draws parallel between prostitution and other professions which involve dishonesty but considered with high regard. His blunt and honest approach towards injustice that women suffer at the hands of men and the society they live in is what makes this an impactful read. 

The fallacious inveterate beliefs that confine women are dealt with uncompromisingly forthright counter arguments, no matter which religion or ideology preaches them. The book gives a fitting end by stating the enslavement of women can end only when unnecessary pride in the masculinity of the opposite gender withers away or gets abolished.

There are some extreme views put forth in this book, which are debatable, but one cannot ignore  or brush aside the facts emphasized here. Periyar's ideology on women empowerment needs to be spread to the masses. 

Remember that these thoughts were put together in words 100 years back during a time when they would have been received with the most savage malice.

There is a reason why Periyar can never be converted into a harmless icon - his simplified writings and the undeniable truth in them have the power to reach the masses and enlighten them for a better future.

I read this book in Tamil, but wanted to write about it in English so that it reaches readers outside TN as well.

அஜயன் பாலாவின் "நாயகன் பெரியார்"

திரு. அஜயன் பாலா எழுதிய "நாயகன் பெரியார்" நூலை Amazon Kindle-ல் இன்று படித்தேன்.

பெரியாரின் வாழ்க்கையில் நடந்த முக்கிய நிகழ்வுகளைத் திரட்டி ஒரு சிறு வாழ்க்கை வரலாறாக இந்நூலைத் தொகுத்திருக்கிறார். பெரியாரின் பொது வாழ்க்கையோடு நில்லாமல் அவரது சொந்த வாழ்க்கையையும், அதில் அவர் சந்தித்த இழப்புகளையும், உளவியல் ரீதியான அழுத்தங்களையும், அதிலிருந்து எவ்வாறு மீண்டு வந்தார் என்பதையும் விளக்குகிறது இந்நூல்.

பெரியார் அவர்கள் காந்தியக் கொள்கைகள் மீது கொண்ட ஈர்ப்பால் காங்கிரஸில் இணைந்தாலும், பின்னாளில் நாட்டு விடுதலையை விட சமூக விடுதலையே பிரதானமென காங்கிரஸில் இருந்து விலகி சுயமரியாதை இயக்கம் துவங்கியதின் காரணத்தையும் விரிவாக எடுத்துரைக்கிறார் எழுத்தாளர். அதில் பெரியாரின் கொள்கைப் பிடிப்பு தெளிவாய் தெரிந்தது.

பெரியார் முன்னெடுத்த போராட்டங்களில் அவரது மனைவி நாகம்மையார், சகோதரி கண்ணம்மா ஆகியோரின் பங்களிப்பே பெரியார் பெண் சுதந்திரத்தை கொள்கைப் பரப்புரைகளோடு நிறுத்தாமல், அதை சொந்த வாழ்விலும் கடைப்பிடிப்பவர் என்பதற்கு சான்று. இவ்விரு பெண்களின் போராட்ட குணமும் இந்நூலில் இடம்பெறுகிறது.

தேர்தல் அரசியலில் இருந்து விலகி, சாதிய ஒழிப்பு, பெண் விடுதலை, பகுத்தறிவு கருத்துக்களை மக்களிடம் கொண்டு சேர்த்து இச்சமூகத்தை சுயமரியாதை மிக்கச் சமூகமாய் மாற்றிய தலைவனுக்கு இந்நூல் ஒரு "tribute". 

கவிஞர் கலி.பூங்குன்றனின் "பெரியார் இல்லாவிட்டால் தமிழகம்?"

தந்தை பெரியாரைப் பற்றிய திரிபு பிரச்சாரங்களை தினம் தினம் ஊடகங்களில் கூவும் வலதுசாரிகளுக்கு, அவற்றைத் தகர்த்தெறியும் வரலாற்று ஆவணங்களை மேற்கோள் காட்டி பதில் கூறும் நூல்.
சாதி ஒழிப்பு, சமூக விடுதலை, தீண்டாமை எதிர்ப்பு ஆகியவற்றில் அம்பேத்கரும் பெரியாரும் ஒத்த நிலை எடுத்ததை பல இடங்களில் இந்நூலிலும் உணர்ந்தேன்.


தமிழ் மொழிப் பற்றிய பெரியாரின் கருத்துக்களின் அர்த்தத்தை மாற்றி உலாவும் விமர்சனங்களுக்கும் விளக்கம் தருகிறது இந்நூல்.
இன்றளவும் பெரியார் ஏன் தமிழகத்தின் தவிர்க்க முடியாத விசையாக இருக்கிறார், கடவுள் மறுப்பு என்ற ஒற்றை காரணத்தைக் கொண்டு ஏன் மக்களிடம் இருந்து அவரை விலக்க முடியவில்லை என்பவற்றிற்கு இந்நூல் கூறும் பெரியாரின் தொண்டு சான்று.