Biography of Periyar EV Ramasamy, Father of the Dravidian Movement - Soc...

Thus Spoke Ambedkar : “VAIKOM STRUGGLE”

 

COMING EVENTS CAST THEIR SHADOWS BEFORE !

by Modern Rationalist

 

 February 1, 2024

 

in 2024, January, 2024, Thus Spoke Ambedkar

 0

But the most outstanding event of the year concerning the struggle of the Depressed Classes was the satyagraha or the passive resistance sponsored by Ramaswami Naicker, a non Brahmin leader, at Vaikam in the Travancore State for vindicating the rights of the Untouchables to the certain roads to which they were forbidden entry. Its moral pressure and the spirit of righteous assertion had a tremendous effect, and the orthodox Hindus, for a while, regained their civic sense and sanity, and the road was thrown open to the Untouchables.
Another incident took place at this time. It shook both sensible touchables and self-respecting Untouchables. In March 1926 an Untouchable by name Murgesan entered a Hindu temple in Madras despite the customary ban on the Untouchables. He was discovered, arrested and convicted on a charge of defiling the Hindu temple.

Ambedkar was watching these developments very carefully. He referred to the Vaikam struggle, a few months later, very touchingly in one of this editorials, on the eve of the Mahad satyagraha. These were notable events. Coming events cast their shadows before!
(The following observation of Babasaheb
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was made immediately after the verdict of the Supreme Court of India, upholding the verdict of Madras High Court that invalidated Communal G.O. for the reservation in admission in higher education and employment in public services in Madras State. At that time Babasaheb was the Union Law Minister)

On invalidation of Communal G.O.
Meanwhile, some decisions of the High Courts and an important decision of the Supreme Court raised some vital points in connection with Article 15(1) and Article 29(2). The Supreme Court invalidated the Madras State Government’s Communal Order on admission of students to colleges and services. A series of court decisions nullified the Article 19(2) and Article 18 in respect of freedom of speech and property. So the Union Government moved the Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament stating that the Bill sought no other changes, but brought out what was implicit in the Constitution and gave effect to the intentions of that charter. Ambedkar rose in an expectant House to defend the Amendment. “Then slowly and deliberately,” observed the special correspondent of The Times of India, Bombay, “but with all the weighty almost inevitable decision of the steam roller in motion, Dr.Ambedkar expanded its real purpose and meaning, and crushed much of the criticism, which when he rose to speak, seemed to have decimated Prime Minister Nehru’s original statement when he initiated the discussion.”

Turning to the Supreme Court judgment, which had invalidated the Communal Order of the Madras State Government on the ground that it involved discrimination between castes, Ambedkar remarked that “it was utterly unsatisfactory and was not in consonance with the Articles of the Constitution”. This remark created a storm in the House. When it died down, Ambedkar explained that the Supreme Court had overlooked the operative word “only” in Article 29(2) – “No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution on grounds only of religion, race and caste.” He further stated that Article 46 directed the State to protect the interests of weaker classes. If then Article 46 was to be fulfilled, he added, the Articles 16(4) and 29(2) must be amended. The Amendment to Article 19(2) involved the addition of three more heads of restrictions to the freedom of speech and expression, public order and incitement to an offence and friendly relations with foreign states. This part of the Amendment also he supported.
The result was that the motion was approved and the Bill was referred to a Select Committee. The overwhelming decision in favour of the motion was largely the result of a very eloquent and impressive speech delivered by Dr.Ambedkar. “His peroration for its incisiveness and lucidity of exposition concerning difficult and delicate constitutional and legal issues must rank as one of the most outstanding debating performances ever witnessed in this Parliament,” concluded the correspondent of The Times of India.

Periyar Speaks : FAREWELL COMRADES!

 

by Modern Rationalist

 

 May 31, 2024

 

in 2024, April, 2024, Periyar Speaks

 0

On 19th December, 1973 Periyar delivered his final speech at a venue in (Pitti) Theagaraya Nagar, Chennai, (Tamil Nadu). It can be called his Swansong — final oration on a stage – because he passed away within five days, on 24th December, 1973. This last speech of his is remembered even today as an outlet of his “last wish” and a verbal legacy for the people. The excerpts from his speech are as follows:

My dear cadres, followers, well-wishers and friends, today I decided to convey my regret that I have not succeeded in my task of uplifting you all. According to the graded inequality imposed by fanatics we are all described as the fourth caste Sudhras and fifth caste Panchamas. What we need now is sense of honour. We should no longer live in the slush of indignity. We can come to the level ground only if we climb up. We have been belittled by brahminocracy. This has to change before we move further. I am sure my dream will come true atleast after my life time.

Strength in rights:
Dear comrades, our strength lies only in our fundamental rights. Our average life span today is 52 years – not 500! Somehow I am 95 today as an exception, but an exception cannot be a rule. May be atleast ten more men may be like me around 95. What I mean to say is that we must make it fast and safeguard all our basic rights. Because of the British rule we have got a lot of comforts, new inventions and facilities. They have made our life easy to a great extent. What we need now is dignity and unfathomable knowledge to come up in life.
We should fight for our rights and resist autocrats who have been suppressing us denying our basic rights, such as education and literacy. When we started self-respect movement very few of our people were educated. Ten out of a hundred might have been literate. We made people realise their right to education. By our fights and efforts today a large number of people in our society have become literate. Only such rights can keep us strong for ever.

People’s Movement:
I believe that our Rationalist movement is a People’s movement in all respects. Nature has provided only humans with the power of reasoning. No other species on the earth has an ability to reason except us. We had to start Rationalist movement to create an awareness in people about the dire need of rationalist outlook. It has grown rapidly as a movement of the people.
The rationalists of western countries have come out with amazing inventions using their power of reasoning and scientific spirit. Scientists there have found out ways for child birth without conjugal relationship. Drugs have been invented for many diseases that were once considered incurable. We enjoy longevity today owing to their inventions. By the end of 20th century you people would find a great fall in the rate of mortality but I may not exist to witness it. I urge upon all of you to nourish rationalism and develop in society on a par with the foreigners. Emulate them and compete with them in paving the way for faster advancement in life. My purpose today is to motivate you all to achieve it.

Three per cent ‘minorities’:
A group of fanatics who are just three per cent of the population have been dominating us. Is it not a matter of shame for us all? Am I the only person ashamed of the denigration? Since 1925 I have been struggling to make you all think about this humiliation. No other political leader joined me in this fight because they are selfish people who always think about the next election – not about the next generation.
We have succeeded only partially. We could invade employment and education and reap benefits to some extent. This was possible because our revolution was always silent; never violent. There was no vendetta spree in our agitations. We assaulted none. We avoided force. Our State Government today has not even one brahmin in the ministry. Is it not a sign of our victory? We fought to eradicate blind belief and people have proved by their mandate that they are with us. It is said “well begun is half done”. We have achieved a half. We still have to go a long way. Even if I cease to exist, you should all complete the journey that I began.

Inverted commas:
In our Constitution the word “untouchability” is found within inverted commas since it is a significant problem in our society. The Constitution is in favour of abolishing “untouchability” but not in favour of eradicating religions. How can castes be abolished without abolishing religions? As long as birth based discriminations exist, caste system, religious extremism and inequality would also exist. We need your collective efforts to annihilate all these evils and establish social justice. Come forward to achieve this objective for the sake of your family; your wife and children – not merely to satisfy me or to pacify me. Think freely and decide on your own.

Pseudo philosophies:
All the outdated codes of conduct and pseudo philosophies should be thrown overboard in order to achieve true liberation. Ancient scriptures and mythologies have made our people irrational. This must change in the ‘World to Come’. You should reject everything that does not make any sense. Shed all the inhibitions and cultivate a rationalist outlook. Stay away from mind-boggling superstitions fabricated by fanatics long ago. Heaven and hell, destiny and salvation are all pseudo philosophies framed to mislead people. Stay away from all such illusions.
Social reformation is a noble task. Fight for it with an unflinching resolve and unswerving patience. Forming an egalitarian society is now your responsibility because I have lived my life and I am a little bit exhausted. You should make my dreams come true.

True contentment:
Never forget that self-respective life alone can cause a contented life. Never give up your self-respect and lead a life of servility. Honour and intellect are invaluable for each of you. Do not stoop before anyone losing your self-respect. Transformation of a regressive society needs rebels – not geniuses. Use your will power to swim against the cross-currents of life. Remember at all times that you were all born to win. Thank you comrades.
Source: ‘Viduthalai
Translated by: M.R.Manohar

52 ஆம் ஆண்டில் “The Modern Rationalist”

வரலாற்றுச் சுவடு

2022 செப்டம்பர் 1-15-2022 வரலாற்றுச் சுவடு

உண்மை இதழ்

52 ஆம் ஆண்டில் “The Modern Rationalist”
‘தன்மான இயக்கத்தின்
பகுத்தறிவுப் போர்க் கருவி’
வை.கலையரசன்

“அனைவருக்கும் அனைத்தும்”, “அறிவுக்கு விடுதலை” என்னும் உலகிற்கே பொதுவான சுயமரியாதைத் தத்துவத்தைத் தந்த தந்தை பெரியார், தமது பகுத்தறிவுக் கொள்கைகளை தமிழ் மண்ணைத் தாண்டியும் விதைக்க வேண்டும் என்னும் முயற்சியை தொடர்ந்து முன்னெடுத்தார்.
1928ஆம் ஆண்டு “revolt” என்னும் ஆங்கில வார இதழைத் தொடங்கினார். மூட நம்பிக்கைக்கும் சமத்துவமின்மைக்கும் எதிராகக் கொடும் போர் புரிந்தது ‘ரிவோல்ட்.’
இதன் புரட்சிக் கருத்துகள் லாகூரில் இருந்து வெளிவந்த “The light” பம்பாயில் இருந்து வெளிவந்த “The young leberator” நியூயார்க்கில் இருந்து வெளிவந்த The Truth Seeker என்னும் பகுத்தறிவு ஏடு, மலையாள நாட்டில் இருந்து வெளிவந்த “The Guardian” போன்றவற்றின் பாராட்டுகளைப் பெற்றன. அது தொடர்ந்து நடத்தப்பட முடியாமல் நிறுத்தப்பட்டது.
பின்னர் நீதிக்கட்சியையும் சுயமரியாதை இயக்கத்தையும் ஒரே நேரத்தில் வழி நடத்த வேண்டிய நிலையில் இருந்த தந்தை பெரியாரால், 1944இல் “The Justicite” என்னும் ஆங்கில வார இதழ் தொடங்கப்பட்டு, சில காலம் அது தன் பகுத்தறிவுப் பணியைத் தொடர்ந்தது. அதுவும் குறுகிய காலத்தில் நிறுத்த வேண்டியதாயிற்று.

அதன் பிறகு 1971ஆம் ஆண்டு செப்டம்பர் முதல் தமிழர் தலைவர் கி.வீரமணி அவர்களை ஆசிரியராகக் கொண்டு The Modern Rationalist  இதழைத் தொடங்கினார்.
அதன் முதல் இதழில் பெரியார் விடுத்த வேண்டுகோள்:
‘த மாடர்ன் ரேஷனலிஸ்ட்’ எனும் பெயரிய (மாததி) இதழ் பகுத்தறிவுக் கொள்கைகளை அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்டு, மக்களிடையே பகுத்தறிவு உணர்வுகளைத் தூண்டி விடுவதற்கென்று நடத்தப்படுகிறது. நம் நாட்டில் இதைத் தவிர இந்தக் கொள்கைகளுடன் வெளிவரும் வேறிதழ்கள் கிடையாது. எனவேதான் நாம் மூடநம்பிக்கைப் பீடிப்புக்கு இலக்காகியுள்ளோம்.
நம்முடைய சமுதாயத்தின் சமனற்ற தன்மைகளுக்கும் நம்மிடையே நிலவும் உயர்வு – தாழ்வுகட்கும் மூடநம்பிக்கைகளும் மூடநம்பிக்கைப் பரப்பல்களுமே காரணங்களாகும்.
‘த மாடர்ன் ரேஷனலிஸ்ட்’ எனும் நமது இதழானது உருவத்தில் சிறியதாக இருந்தாலும் நம் சமுதாயத்தில் நிலவி வரும் மடமையையும் ஏற்றத் தாழ்வுகளையும் ஒழித்தே தீரும். எவ்வாறு ஒரு சின்ன உளி பென்னம் பெரும் கற்பாளங்களை உடைத்துத் தள்ளுகிறதோ, அதைப் போலவே இங்கு நிலவும் சமுதாய முரண்பாடுகளையும் இச்சிற்றேடு தன்னந் தனியாகப் போராடி. வினைமுடிக்கும். எனவே, புத்துலகில் ஒவ்வொருவரின் கைகளையும் இவ்விதழ் எய்தி எழிலூட்ட வேண்டுமென்பதே எனது விழைவு!” என்ற வேண்டுகோளை விடுத்தார்.
பெரியாரின் முயற்சியினைப் பகுத்தறிவாளர் வரவேற்றுப் பாராட்டினர். அமெரிக்காவின் சுலிஃபோர்னியாவில் இருந்து வெளியாகும் ‘Truth Seeker’என்னும் பகுத்தறிவு ஏட்டின் ஆசிரியர் ஜேம்ஸ் ஹெர்வி ஜான்சன் குறிக்கத்தக்கது.

“இந்தியாவில் உரிமையுடன் கருத்து வெளிப்படுத்தும் ஒரு பகுத்தறிவுப் பருவ இதழ் மலருவதைக் கண்டு இன்புறுகிறோம்.
கடவுள் என்பது கிடையாது; இயற்கை இகந்தது என எதுவும் இல்லை. மன்பதையின் மதங்கள் அத்தனையும் மாபெரும் ஏய்ப்பு என்பது தோலுரித்துக் காட்டப்பட்டு, மூடநம்பிக்கைக்கு மாற்றாகப் பகுத்தறிவு ஆட்சி புரியுமாறு செய்யப்பட்டுவிட்டால் இவ்வுலகு அய்யாயிரம் ஆண்டுகளின் முன்னேற்றத்தை எய்தி விடும்.
இந்தியாவின் மக்கள் மூடநம்பிக்கை யென்னும் கொடுஞ்சுமையில் இருந்து விடுவிக்கப் பெற்று, முற்றிலும் கற்பனையான மறுவுலக வாழ்க்கை பற்றிய சிந்தனையின் இடத்தில் இவ்வுலக இன்பம் குறித்த குறிக்கோள் அமர்ந்து விட்டால் இந்தியா வியக்கத்தகுந்த நன்மை எய்துவது உறுதி!”

தந்தை பெரியாரின் சுயமரியாதை, மனிதநேய, சமத்துவ, பகுத்தறிவுக் கொள்கைகளைப் பரப்பி 52ஆம் ஆண்டில் தொடர்கிறது.
ஆசிரியரின் அளப்பரிய சாதனைகளில் இதுவும் ஒன்றாகும். பகுத்தறிவுக் கோட்பாடுகளைப் பரப்பும் ஒரு கொள்கை ஏட்டை ஆங்கிலத்தில் நடத்துவது அவ்வளவு எளிதான ஒன்று அல்ல…
சுயமரியாதை உலகைப் படைப்பதில் பெரும் பங்காற்றும் “தி மார்டன் ரேஷனலிஸ்ட்” இதழைப் பரப்பிடுவோம்!
பெரியார் காண விரும்பிய சமதர்ம புத்துலகைப் படைத்திடுவோம்!!
தமிழர் தலைவர் ஆசிரியர் கி.வீரமணி அவர்களின் பெரும் பணியைப் போற்றிப் பாராட்டுவோம்!!!

MANU AND THE SHUDRAS

by Modern Rationalist

 

 March 9, 2024

 

in Thus Spoke Ambedkar

 0

…. Continues from
the previous issue

[This is a 31 page handwritten Manuscript of Dr. Ambedkar. The chapter has no title. It is also left incomplete. The title is suggested – editor.] 

It is the dharma laid down by Manu. It is called Manav Dharma i.e. Dharma which by its inherent goodness can be applied to all men in all times and in all places. Whether the fact that it has not had any force outside India is a blessing or a curse I do not stop to inquire. It is important to note that this Manav Dharma is based upon the theory that the Brahman is to have all the privileges and the Shudra is not to have even the rights of a human being, that the Brahman is to be above everybody in all things merely by reason of his high birth and the Shudra is to be below everybody and is to have none of the things no matter how great may be his worth.

Nothing can show the shamelessness and absurdity of this Manava Dharma better than turning it upside down. I know of no better attempt in this behalf than that of Dr. R.P. Prajape a great Educationist, Politician and Social reformer and I make no apology for reproducing it in full —

A Peep Into the Future1
This piece was written against the Non-Brahmin Parties which were then in power in the Bombay and Madras Presidency and in the Central Provinces. The Non-Brahmin parties were founded with the express object of not allowing a single community to have a monopoly in State Service. The Brahmins have a more or less complete monopoly in the State services in all provinces in India and in all departments of State. The Non-Brahmin parties had therefore laid down the principle, known as the principle of communal ratio, that given minimum qualifications candidates belonging to non-Brahmin communities should be given preference over Brahmin candidates when making appointments in the public services. In my
view there was nothing wrong in this principle. It was undoubtedly wrong that the administration of the country should be in the hands of a single community however clever such a community might be.

The Non-Brahmin Party held the view that good Government was better than efficient Government was not a principle to be confined only to the composition of the Legislature & the Executive. But that it must also be made applicable to the field of administration. It was through administration that the State came directly in contact with the masses. No administration could do any good unless it was sympathetic. No administration could be sympathetic if it was manned by the Brahmins alone. How can the Brahmin who holds himself superior to the masses, despise the rest as low caste and Shudras, is opposed to their aspiration, is instinctively led to be partial to his community and being uninterested in the masses is open to corruption be a good administrator? He is as much an alien to the Indian masses as any foreigner can be. As against this the Brahmins have been taking their stand on efficiency pure & simple.

They know that this is the only card they can play successfully by reason of their advanced position in education. But they forget that if efficiency was the only criterion then in all probability there would be very little chance for them to monopolize State service in the way and to the extent they have done. For if efficiency was made the only criterion there would be nothing wrong in employing Englishmen, Frenchmen, German & Turks instead of the Brahmins of India. Be that as it may, the Non-Brahmin Parties refused to make a fetish to efficiency and insisted that there must be introduced the principle of communal ratio in the public services in order to introduce into the administration an admixture of all castes & creeds and thereby make it a good administration. In carrying out this principle the Non-Brahmin Parties in their eagerness to cleanse the administration of Brahmindom while they were in power, did often forget the principle that in redressing the balance between the Brahmins and non-Brahmins in the public services they were limited by the rule of minimum efficiency. But that does not mean that the principle they adopted for their guidance was not commendable in the interests of the masses.

This policy no doubt set the teeth of many Brahmins on edge. They were vehement in their anger. This piece by Dr. Paranjpe is the finest satire on the policy of the non-Brahmin Party. It caricatures the principle of the non-Brahman party in a manner which is inimitable and at the time when it came out, I know many non-Brahmin leaders were not only furious but also speechless. My complaint against Dr.Paranjpe is that he did not see the humour of it. The non-Brahmin Party was doing nothing new. It was merely turning Manu Smriti upside down. It was turning the tables. It was putting the Brahmin in the position in which Manu had placed the Shudra. Did not Manu give privileges to Brahmin merely because he was a Brahmin? Did not Manu deny any right to the Shudra even though he deserved it? Can there be much complaint if now the Shudra is given some privileges because he is a Shudra? It may sound absurd but the rule is not without precedent and that precendent is the Manu Smriti itself. And who can throw stones at the non-Brahmin Party? The Brahmins may if they are without sin. But can the authors and worshippers, upholders of Manu Smriti claim that they are without sin? Dr. Paranjpe’s piece is the finest condemnation of the inquity that underlies this Manav Dharma. It shows as nothing else does what a Brahmin feels when he is placed in the position of a Shudra.
IV
Inequality is not confined to Hindus. It prevailed elsewhere also and was responsible for dividing society into higher and lower free and servile classes. (Left incomplete in Ms-ed.)

THE SPEECH IN HONOUR OF Dr.JAYAGOPAPL by V.ANBURAJ ,GS,DK

 

by Modern Rationalist

 

 March 9, 2024

 

in 2024

 

We have assembled here to pay respect to the eminent atheist – humanist Dr.Jayagopal Garu who laid the foundation in this part of the country for many youths to treat the progressive path – peaceful path – rationalist path of atheism. It was not a mere change in the mental wake up of individuals; it is carrying on the propaganda activities at the field level so that the critical thinking acumen in every individual gets awakened. Dr. Jayagopal has motivated and developed many youths in this line which itself is an arduous task in public life. Dr.Jayagopal was never tired of sincere efforts for his Mission, of course, many of such groomed cadres have moved to various other posts and founded atheist organisations.

Dr.Jayagopal was a very close associate of Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani, President of Dravidar Kazhagam. Dr.Jayagopal got attracted infact inspired by the rationalist – humanist movement viz. Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) founded by the great social revolutionary Thanthai Periyar. The black shirt worn by D.K. cadres had also inspired Atheist Society of India. It resulted in the black shirt becoming the identity for the cadres of Atheist Society of India. Besides, Dr.Jayagopal made the ASI functioning in the line of DK and as per the ideals of Periyar. He had visited Periyar Thidal, Headquaters of Dravidar Kazhagam many times and participated in many conferences and meetings organised by Dravidar Kazhagam.

Our leader Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani has lot of love and affection for Dr.Jayagopal. He had invited our leader and made him preside over the Periyar Statue unveiling function at Visakhapatnam. The installation of Periyar Statue, was initiated and co-ordinated by Dr.Jayagopal, the first installation in the then integrated Andhra Pradesh. Dr.Jayagopal is a massive mobiliser not only within his organisation but also beyond it. He had always been a stalwart among like-minded political parties and social organisations.

We, Dravidar Kazhagam, wanted to honour Dr.Jayagopal by inviting him to our place. Due to his ailment and poor health condition it was not possible. As pointed out by our leader, the honour conferring event will be held at the earliest. Basically all of us are rationalists. Passing away is indeed sorrowful. One day or the other all of us have to face it. But the passing away of Dr.Jayagopal is not like that of others. Dr.Jayagopal had lived with an ideology and has left it for the posterity to follow. By his followers adhering to his ideals, Dr.Jayagopal will continue to exist. Ideologically Dr.Jayagopal would live for ever with us. That is the salute and tribute we could pay for the noble leader of the Atheist movement of the country, Dr.Jayagopal.
Long Live Dr.Jayagopal! Long Live Humanism!

EXEMPLARY HUMANIST – VIZAG JAYAGOPAL

 

by Modern Rationalist

 

 March 9, 2024

 

in 2024, Tribute

 0

Dr. K. Veeramani
President, Dravidar Kazhagam

(The Speech delivered by Dr.K. Veeramani, President, Dravidar Kazhagam, Tamil Nadu in Video format was played at the Condolence & Portrait Unveiling Meet held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on 25th February 2024)

My beloved friends, atheist friends, comrades and all those who are in deep sorrow over the sudden passing away of the late, lamented Jayagopal, I convey my heartfelt condolence and share your grief. My sincere condolence to the bereaved members of his family too.

Thiru. Jayagopal, eminent leader of the Atheist Movement and a pivotal comrade, was a humanist ‘par excellence’. He was always a person with conviction and courage. He was ready to sacrifice his life for any great cause. He swam against the currents of life. Inspite of the fact that he had vast and extensive knowledge in the principles of rationalism, atheism and humanism, he had never aspired for any post, position or personal gains. He lived for society. He wanted to build a society which is without castes; without any discriminations. Humanism is the basis for rationalism and atheism.
If everything is ordained by God, then where is the question of accusing human beings for their criminal actions? An individual’s actions has nothing to do with his theism. That is why, as a rationalist and as a humanist, Jayagopal questioned the old, worn out, outdated and dilapidated concepts and wanted to demolish them. He sacrificed his entire life for that noble cause.

Jayagopal knew four languages Telugu, Tamil, English & Hindi very well. Inspite of his deep knowledge, he used language skills to spread theism and rationalism. He was always a very close associate, a fellow traveller and a co-fighter in our movement. He was always with our movement. He was very kind in encouraging the youth. He brought many youth into his Association. He convinced many of them and converted them. The comradeship that he developed will last long. By his conviction and resolve, he still lives among us inspite of his passing away.
It is very great honour for him that he had been the recipient of many coveted awards, such as the Babasaheb Ambedkar Award and many International awards. He deserved them very much because he neither aspired for them nor had been longing for them. He was service oriented. He never back-tracked under any circumstance. He had always been an exemplary person.

It is really amazing how a person could have been committed with the principles which many may not subscribe. Very few people would generally be the supporters. He knew it very well. Inspite of this fact, he was not merely one among the crowd. He wanted to create a new society. He wanted to swim against the current of rivalry and opposition. That is why, in my belief, he lives in our hearts for ever and ever.
It was a great misery and shock for us when we heard he was suffering from certain ailments. For quite a long time, he was bed ridden, undergoing treatment. Otherwise, he generally used to be very active in the early days. He used to visit Chennai often and meet us to discuss many policy issues. He also used to work out plans for a few common programmes. He was instrumental in erecting the statue of Thanthai Periyar at Visakhapatnam. He invited us for the unveiling event.

Since he knew Tamil, he used to read our official organ ‘Viduthalai’ – which means ‘Liberation’ – and translate many articles and statements into Telugu. He also used to bring many youngsters to Periyar Thidal in Chennai. He created many new young cadres and inculcated in them commitment and conviction. So, his passing away is not only a loss for the Atheist Society of India which he founded but a great loss to the entire Andhra. It is equally a great loss for the Dravidian Movement also; particularly for the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), which is nothing but a humanist organisation.
So we request all our friends, comrades and well-wishers in Andhra – create a great memorial for him. What is the fittest memorial? Memorials may be of many kinds. But the fittest memorial is to continue his mission, and to strengthen his organisation. Many more branches of the Atheist Society of India could be opened and his policies could be spread by holding meetings, if and when there is a necessity. You can all organise peaceful agitations also so that they could convert and convince people of Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere too.

We are rationalists, humanists and atheists. We don’t believe in ‘Athma’; we don’t believe in ‘Soul’; we don’t believe in God; we don’t believe in superstitions – but we believe in mutual love and affection. We are very particular about how humanity benefits out of compassion.
Compassion and companionship are the two vital virtues that Atheism always insists upon. Jayagopal was doing it. He was working for that. That is why, we all feel, the grief over his passing away is not confined to Andhra alone.

It is widespread in all places; wherever Atheists are there; wherever the spread of rationalism is there. We would certainly feel hurt over his physical absence, but mentally he will be remembered for ever as a warrior.
We still have to win many more battles and wars. We will have to hold our flag very highly. That is the way to show our respect to the departed leader. At the same time, our organisation, which is a people oriented organisation in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere, would like to honour him with an Award on behalf of our Movement. We selected him for it long ago but he could not even move then because of his confinement to bed and later hospitalisation.
We would be doing now what we were unable to do then. We have decided to confer on him a posthumous Award – PERIYAR AWARD. This would shortly be awarded in a grand manner. We shall hold a function, inviting all his friends and comrades from Andhra, and his family members too. This would be a good consolation, not only for his family but also for us. That is why we want to hold him in high respect and carve a niche. He has already carved a niche, in his own way, in the history of the Atheist Movement of India.
That is why, Jayagopal is a name that will always be remembered. It will always be a great motivating force. We wish not only to condole his passing away but through holding a meeting we wish to infuse courage in all his friends and comrades to inspire them and make them realise that they must lead the movement. We must carry the torch further and travel on the road less travelled. Our movement would always be with his organisation and exhibit compassion and companionship.