MDMK general secretary Vaiko releasing a book “Samoogapuratchiyil Dravida Iyakkaththin Kodai” penned by K. Nedunchezhian and R. Sakkubai in Tiruchi on Tuesday.— PHOTO: A. MURALITHARAN
The MDMK leader says the social evils are resurfacing
The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko on Tuesday said the rise of right wing and Hindutva forces had been posing a threat to the ideals and principles of Dravidian movement.
He was releasing the book Indhiya Samoogapuratchiyil Dravida Iyakkaththin Kodai penned by K. Nedunchezhian and R. Sakkubai at a function organised by the International Research Foundation on Tamil Language, Philosophy and Culture here.
Mr. Vaiko said a number of revolutionary leaders, particularly E.V. Ramasamy and C.N. Annadurai, toiled hard to liberate the people from the clutches of social evils, superstition, and aggression. A large number of people, mainly Dalits and oppressed sections, bore the brunt of onslaught by the upper caste and divisive forces, who treated them as slaves. They were all socially liberated by the Dravidian movement.
However, clear signs had emerged from the right wing activists and fundamentalists for destabilising the Dravidian ideology.
The social evils for which the Dravidian leaders fought had re-emerged, posing a danger to the tranquillity, peace, and harmony of the people.
If unchecked, it would pose a great danger to society.
Hence, time had come for launching a sustained campaign against the evil forces. The younger generations should be given exposure to the struggles of social revolutionaries, he said.
Rev. Fr. John Britto, Rector, St. Joseph’s College, spoke.