It was on this day in 1957, Periyar followers and people of Tamilnadu burnt the provisions of Indian Constitution that protects caste.
On 3rd November 1957, at a Special Conference of Dravidar Kazhagam conducted at Thanjavur (Tamilnadu), Periyar asked whether caste can exist in an Independent Country? Next he asked, whether such a country where caste system exists, can be called an Independent country?
Till date, no stalwarts or intellectual pundits could give answer.
That apart, Periyar passed resolution demanding that the provisions in Indian Constitution that protect castes should be removed; gave a deadline of 15 days, failing which, the portions of the Constitution will be burnt on 26th November (1957). He chose the same day of 26th November when Indian Constitution was adopted in 1949.
On 26th November, 1957, nearly 10000 people burnt the Indian Constitution. Three thousand people were arrested. 6 months to 3 years rigorous imprisionment, they underwent. All sorts of people, poor, daily wage earners, landlords, women, children participated in the struggle.
None of them, despite certain casualties and happenings in their home, applied for bail. They did not engage any lawyer. They gave a simple statement, as dictated by Periyar. All of them told the Court that the provisions in Indian Constitution protects caste; Majority of them, sudras, were totally ignored. Hence, they burnt the portions of those provisions; They had the right to do so. Whatever punishment, the Judges wish to impose, they will accept happily.
In the history of India, this was the only struggle against the government where nearly 3000 people went on rigorous imprisionment and none of them came on bail. Nearly 5 people died in prision; 13 people died after their release due to the inhuman treatment inside the Prision.
While saluting those warriors against casteism, let us on this day of November 26 pledge ourselves to strive and fight in destroying caste.
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