Chennai, Sept 18:
CPM state secretary P Shanmugam has urged the Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu to translate the principles of social reformer Periyar EV Ramasamy into action by taking concrete steps against caste discrimination, caste atrocities and untouchability.
Speaking after paying floral tributes to Periyar on his birth anniversary, Shanmugam said Periyar had encouraged people to question everything, promote rational and scientific thinking and develop self-confidence. He said Periyar’s ideas continued to have a significant influence on Tamil society.
However, Shanmugam questioned whether the present-day Dravidian movements were implementing Periyar’s principles in practice. He said leaders often referred to Periyar’s thoughts in their speeches but did not intervene constructively against caste discrimination and caste atrocities in the State.
He said caste discrimination, atrocities and untouchability were social issues that should be addressed beyond party politics. Political parties, whether in power or in the Opposition, should work together to tackle such practices and promote social unity, he said.
Shanmugam urged the major Dravidian movements to give greater attention to caste-based discrimination and atrocities, saying that concrete action against such practices would demonstrate their commitment to Periyar’s principles.
CPM senior leader and former MP T K Rangarajan and Chennai Central district secretary Selva were among those who participated in the floral tribute.