75TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE OF THE DRAVIDIAN STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

HISTORIC RESOLUTIONS COVERINING VARIOUS FACETS OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL LIFE OF THE COUNTRY PASSED IN THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE OF THE DRAVIDIAN STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

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1. Education and the Responsibility of the Government

The first generation learners of the backward and the depressed classes and the rural people who have been deprived of education for generations should be treated liberally in sanction of loans by banks. Since education will help them lay a strong foundation for their life, they must be encouraged in every respect to get education.

2. Sports as Essential as Education

(a)  It is rank Brahminism to take it that education ends with bookish learning. Sports and games also form part of education. Schools without playgrounds must be denied recognition. Marks must be allotted for proficiency in sports and must be added to the total.

(b)  Because it is sponsored by the Brahmins, the gambling game of cricket has pushed all other games behind. The Indian game of hockey is lagging behind for want of governmental support. It is shameful that India with its 1300 crores of people could not qualify itself to participate in the world soccer competitions. The education system of India should be suitably amended, giving due importance to sports and games.

3. Change in the Syllabus

Section 51A(h) of the Constitution of India enjoins the development of scientific temper and reformist attitude. Hence all those parts like mythology and itihasas which foster superstition must be removed from the syllabus and a curriculum that develops scientific temper must be drafted. Besides the system that encourages learning by rote must be brought to an end.

4. The entry ‘Education’ must be Restored to the State List. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test must be Abolished

This conference strongly feels that in a country like India with different curriculum, and teaching learning methods, selecting candidates for professional course through a single entrance examination is unfair and partial. The Central Government must restore ‘education’ to the State List. State governments also must take steps in this regard.

It is pointed out with agony that for the two years students of the poor and the downtrodden and the rural folk have been denied admission to the medical courses as a result of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). It is suspected whether the government and the judiciary have jointly perpetuated this injustice on the oppressed lot of people. Not only for medical courses, but all entrance examinations which give room to robbery by coaching centres must be abolished.

(a)  The step to replace U.G.C. with HECI by the Central Government condemned. Steps to privatise and globalise education must be given up. The attention of the students, parents and teachers is drawn to the agreement with WTO to commercialise education and the conspiracy to close the doors of social justice which call for concerted opposition to the sinister moves.

(b)  It is resolved to oppose tooth and nail the steps to bring the universities under the control of the Central Government in the name of standardisation and pave the way for international commercialisation of education.

(c)  All the social forums must combine to thwart the attempts of the RSS to introduce its ideology into education. Appreciation to all the outfits which are opposing the anti-educational activities of the Central and the State Governments.

5. The Responsibility of the Students

(a)  Students must take it as their full time responsibility to enlighten people through websites on the liberation of the Tamil race and its development, cessation of Aryan domination, safeguarding social justice and upholding human rights.

(b)  Must distribute booklets published by the Dravidar Kazhagam among fellow students.

(c)  Should keep themselves away from addictions and other immoral acts, keep their attention focussed on social purpose, welfare of the family and future progress.

(d)  Must disseminate Periyar Thought through ‘Notice Boards’ fixed at strategic points.

(e)  Must form branches of Dravidar Kazhagam in every educational institution to strive for formation of a socialist democratic society.

(f)   It is only through the efforts of our great leaders that our society which had been deprived of education has started getting education and is on the way to progress. Students are, therefore, beseeched not to be misled, but to concentrate on education and work for overall prosperity. Parents, teachers, leaders and the media are requested to offer their co-operation in this respect.

(g)  While getting married, caste, religion and rituals must be eschewed and priority for life pair must be given to widows, widowers or divorcees.

(h)  Wherever untouchability is followed or communal clashes arise, the Association must go there to find a solution.

6. Delayed distribution of Scholarships and Incentives Amounts to Malpractice

Various research scholarships and incentives offered by the Central Government are inordinately delayed causing enormous mental strain to the recipients, for most of whom it is a matter of life and death. The Central and the State Governments are requested to ensure timely payment of these amouts.

(a) Reduction by the State Government of the scholarship paid to the Adi Dravida students pursuing engineering education increases their burden and causes difficulties. The relevant G.O. must be withdrawn and the entire amount must be paid by the Government.

7. Various Entrance Examinations Cause Misery to the State Board and Rural Students

Examinations like CBSE – NET, CSIR-NET, ASRB-TECT, which had hitherto been conducted by UGC have been transferred to CBSE. Conduct of these examinations cause havoc to those who studied in the State Board, and all the rural candidates. They are much helpful to the candidates from the North. It is felt that after having completed two years in a teacher training institution, TET is unnecessary and hence may be discontinued forthwith. This recommendation is made in the interest of social justice and state rights.

8. Greater Priority to Social Justice, 
   Extend to Private Sector

Though reservation policy is professed to be followed in respect of the depressed and the hill tribes it is not distributed in the proper proportion in education and employment, which is against the constitutional requirement. This must be set right and those responsible for it must be punished. The exemption from reservation given to certain departments must be withdrawn and must necessarily be extended upto the Supreme Court level. No factor like ‘creamy layer’ which dilute the principle of social justice must be introduced. Since private sector and international sector are growing fast, reservation must be introduced in the private sector also to ensure social justice. While reservation in promotion to the depressed classes is welcome it may be extended to the backward classes also.

9. Denial of Women’s Rights

50 per cent reservation must be given to women in education and employment. The Bill providing 33 per cent reservation for women in elected bodies which has been pending since 1996 may be passed immediately, failing which women may consider boycotting elections altogether.

10. Self Imposition of Discipline

Student Members of the Association must follow self discipline and respect laws of the country. Traffic rules to be followed and helmets to be used. Must keep away from all addictions and consumerist culture. Must maintain punctuality, simplicity, frugality and follow all tenets of Periyarism.

11. Eradication of Untouchability to Start from Temple Sanctum Santorum

Appointment of temple priests on the basis of caste and not permitting other caste people to touch the temple idols are yet another form of untouchability. The law may be amended to accommodate a properly trained person of any community becoming a temple priest. It is basically wrong to keep in abeyance the already passed Act in Tamil Nadu Assembly to appoint persons of all communities as temple priest.

12. Place for Tamil in Act Apprentice Training and Examination at BHEL

The Act Apprentice examination conducted in BHEL, Trichy and Ranipet, after the training used to be held in Tamil upto 2016 and afterwards only in Hindi and English causing enormous hardship to the Tamils who are mostly from the depressed and indigent families.

Even the small percentage of candidates who passed got only poor marks, making it impossible for them even to apply for any all India Examinations. The Central Government may kindly restore the practice obtained till 2016 and conduct the examination in Tamil.

13. Spreading Movement’s Propaganda Literature and Periodicals

Members of Dravidian Students’ Association and the Youth Wing must take up collection of subscriptions for ‘Viduthalai’ as it means dissemination of Periyarism.

The Government of Tamil Nadu which had been distributing ‘Viduthalai’, ‘Unmai’, ‘The Modern Rationalist’ and ‘Periyar Pinju’ to Government libraries has discontinued the practice on account of political misunderstanding. The practice may be renewed since those magazines are dedicated to spreading ideals like secularism, social justice, eradication of untouchability, eradication of casteism and eradication of womens’ servility.

14. Remove Pavement Temples

(a)  In spite of the firm decree by the Supreme Court on 14th October 2010, that all the numerous (77, 450) pavement temples must be removed, the Government of Tamil Nadu has not done anything to implement it for more than eight years and rendered itself open to contempt of court proceedings. The Government is warned that failure to comply with the court order will have to face a contempt of court case.

(b)  The practice of putting up places of worship within Tamil Nadu Government office complexes continues contrary to the High Court Madurai Bench order dated 17th March 2010, and also conducting pujas and the like in the offices. The government may implement the said order of the court, failing which it will have to face contempt of court proceedings.

(c)  It is pointed out that it is the duty of the Government of Tamil Nadu to prevent any religious practice which is harmful to people’s life and health.

15. State Level Propaganda

A propaganda programme to enlighten people on Section 51A(h) of the Constitution will be undertaken throughout Tamil Nadu in two phases under the leadership of the President, Dravidar Kazhagam. The first phase of 22nd August to 28th August 2018 will cover from Nagercoil to Villupuram and the second phase of 1st September to 9thSeptember 2018 will start at Ariyalur and conclude in Chennai.

16. Bring Down BJP Rule

The NDA government headed by Modi at the Centre has to be brought down for the following reasons:

(a)  Activities against Secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The term ‘Secular’ has been purposely removed in Government Advertisements. With a religious minded attitude, fostering mythology and superstition, Hindu religious policy of cow worship is given prominence in the name of cow protection. Beef eating banned. Violence instigated against minorities.

(b)  Examinations like NEET, NET, TET, will nullify the dispensation of social justice. Retrograde Varnasrama type of education, saffronisation of education, imposition of Hindi, imposition of Sanskrit and steps to foster Hindutva are encouraged under BJP rule.

(c)  Violence instigated against the depressed and the tribals. Sexual violence against women.

(d)  The election promise of 2 crores of employment per year remains unfulfilled.

(e)  Great fall in economic front. Inflation caused by GST and other taxes. Small and tiny industries are destroyed. Increase in unemployment. Government supportive of corporate and god men.

(f)   Neglect of agriculture leading to suicide of farmers. Denial of labour rights.

(g)  Appointing RSS men as Governors in the non BJP ruled states, and encouraging them to indulge in anti-democratic activities.

(h)  Interference in the working of Election Commission and Judiciary.

(i)   Imposing projects like methane, hydro-carbon, sterlite and neutrino which are harmful to the people against the will of the people, trampling on the states’ rights just in order to favour the corporates.

(j)   Taking a partial stand in river water disputes with ulterior political motives. Peoples’ agitations for rights being crushed with the help of State governments and police. Branding rights activists as terrorists. Invoking national security for incarcerating them.

(k)  A Prime Minister with fascist attitude who refuses to meet even State Chief Ministers, elected by the mandate of the people.

This Conference calls upon all the voters to get together with a determination to defeat the BJP in a decisive manner in the 2019 parliamentary elections. All the non party people, students and women must actively participate in this endeavour.

It is also recommended that the State Government which functions at the behest of the Central BJP Government must also be brought down.

17. Censure to the Centre that conspires against Tamil Nadu in Archaeological Research

Archaeological research was undertaken at Adichanallur as early as 1876 by the British government, but the report is not yet released.

The research undertaken at Keeladi, Sivagangai District, has been abruptly stopped.

We are convinced that the Centre acts with an Aryan-Brahministic attitude to stall all this research, since it might be proved that the Dravidian civilization is greater and older than Aryan civilization.

We urge continuance of research at Keeladi and publication of official reports in this regard.

Even after the civilization of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa has been conclusively proved as Dravidian, attempts are made to dub it as Aryan by planting spurious evidences. Calling it ‘Hindu’ Civilization by Mohan Bhagavat of RSS is a conspiracy, and is to be condemned.

18. Censure to the Murder of Rationalists

Assassination of rationalist thinkers like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Bansare, Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh by bigoted reactionaries is condemned. Equally reprehensible is the delay in apprehending the perpetrators and getting them punished. The Central and the State Governments should act fast avoiding further delay.

19. Vow on Future Programme

Factors like caste, untouchability, subjugation of women, bigotry, terrorism, attitude to encourage corporate oriented economy, moral degeneration, gender inequality, dire poverty, appalling inequality and unbridled exploitation, have wrecked the Indian society. The remedy lies in introducing values like socialism, equality and fraternity which will unite the entire humanity as a single family. It can be brought about only though rationalism sans religion and the concept of universal brotherhood formulated by Thanthai Periyar. We vow to take this philosophy of human rights all over the world to ensure peace and prosperity.

 By | on August 1, 2018

LUNAR ECLIPS 2018

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 OPEN FEAST TO BREAK THE MYTH OF ‘NON-DINING’

The Rationalists’ Forum, a functional wing of Periyar Movement organized an Open Space Family Feast of Rationalists and Progressive persons, on 27th July 2018 at Periyar Thidal, Chennai on the occasion of Lunar Eclipse.

The rare event of Lunar Eclipse 2018, the longest one duration wise – full eclipse of 1 hour 43 minutes, which occurred 152 years back will occur in future only after 10 years. The rare occasion was utilized as scientific facts propaganda cum informative and meaningful entertainment event.

The inaugural session started with a brief narration of how lunar eclipse and solar eclipse occur and the astronomical facts behind them. How did astronomical scientists face stiff resistance and fatal end during the past for their advocacy of ‘heliocentric’ universe instead of ‘geocentric’ as narrated in religious texts? The myth behind the religious belief was shackled to make it as the popular belief that is factual too. As a part of the event, the portraits of scientists – Eratosthenes (276 – 194 BCE), Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), Giordano Bruno (1548-1600), Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and Isaac Newton (1643-1727) were unveiled as a mark of respect. A brief note of their contributions was also explained by speakers.

Afterwards, games with scientific explanation were introduced for the children to play. Video clippings of man landing on the Moon for the first time in 1969 and of the folk cultural event of breaking the myth and superstitions as prevailed at the time of landing were displayed as replay of the then popular Tamil feature film. Personalities who have been contributing to the cause of teaching science and development of scientific temper were felicitated. Many from the audience were invited to sing songs on the eradication of superstitions and other rationalist themes.

When the lunar eclipse commenced at 11.44 p.m. (midnight) of 27th July 2018, all the members participated in the joint open space feast to break the myth of ‘dining not to be undertaken while the eclipse endures’. Simultaneously the members were viewing, through the installed telescopes, the stages of lunar eclipse occurrence. Till the early morning of 28th July upto 2.30 a.m. the event of entertaining the people with explanation of scientific facts went on. The audience also listened to the special lecture given by Dr. K.Veeramani, Patron, The Rationalists’ Forum on Meaningless Mythology on Natural Astronomical Occurrence’ in a jovial as well as enlightening manner. Over all the attended audience enjoyed the event. The Rationalists’ Forum co-ordinated the event along with the Forum of Revolving Earth.

By | on August 1, 2018

GUIDING DRAVIDIAN STUDENTS IN PROPER PATH!

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Dr.K.Veeramani

Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu) has been a bastion of the Dravidian Movement since the days of Self Respect Movement. The momentous Dravidian Students’ Conference to mark the completion of 75 years of the Students Movement proved to be unique in more ways than one. The following is a synopsis of the Valedictory Address delivered by Asiriyar K.Veeramani,  President, Dravidar Kazhagam on 8th July 2018.

Even the birth in the year 1943 of Dravidian Students’ Association was turbulent, being born out of an agitation. Every event in the conference was in keeping with the tradition of the Dravidian Movement. The rally in the evening established that our youth are marching in the right direction. In all the events of the day, the poets’ forum, symposium and seminar, their reach was unparalleled, proving that they had been breathing Periyar all along and no one, however big and powerful they might be, could do anything to undermine the Movement, which would stay forever in the land of Periyar as an unshakeable presence. Let it be the Dravidian political wing or the social wing like our Dravidar Kazhagam, no opponent however powerful or influential they might be, can succeed in shaking it.

There was a time when elders used to teach the youth. But in this age of electronics we have to seek their help in operating the modern gadgets. They have become capable of imparting lessons to us. All that we have to do to them is to guide them to the proper path.

Just as these youngsters, I was hoisted on a table in my eleventh or twelfth year by my teacher Dravidamani and made to speak. It was in 1943, in a meeting at Cuddalore meant to collect funds for Arignar Anna’s Dravida Nadu weekly. I was made to stand on a table on that day as I was not tall enough. Even today I am standing on something, only instead of table I am standing on your shoulders. But, all of us are standing on Periyar’s shoulders which he has generously lent to all of us.

The students of today are facing a formidable problem, as never before in the past. There is a concerted attempt to wean today’s students back to Manudharma days. There is a paradox. Computer on one side, website on the other. Facebook, What’s app, twitter, e-mail, e-publishing and what not. All these products of human intelligence are used against science with twisted ideas.

The Dravidian Students’ Association was born out of a water pot containing drinking water. When the Dravidian students went to drink water from a water pot placed in the Government College, they were accosted by the Brahmins. “This pot is meant for us, Brahmins, and you should not touch this water, you born of a low caste,” they said.

When the students came out of the high school to join colleges, they all came together, without any awareness of their caste. But once they entered the portals of Kumbakonam Government College, they were made to feel the ferocity of Manu Dharma. “No matter whether you are an undergraduate or post graduate, you belong to a low caste. We have kept a separate water pot for you and your like.” So, this water kept separately made them think.

Many of you will be surprised to learn that not only the Dravidian Students’ Association, even Self Respect Movement was born out of water. Which was the library that Periyar got his knowledge from? Which Bodhi tree did he go in search of like Buddha, to acquire wisdom from? He got everything from his own experience.

There was a rebel boy, who could not be controlled at home. He was E.V.Ramasamy. His parents thought the school might bring him under some control. But he could never cross fourth standard. In the school pupils used to go out for drinking water. Since there was no water pot in the school, he went to a house in the street and asked for water.

It was a teacher’s house. The teacher belonged to a caste that was equivalent to that of boy Ramasamy. A girl brought water in a vessel and gave it to Ramasamy. When he was about to sip it, the woman said, “Don’t sip. Lift the vessel and pour water into your mouth.” When the boy Ramasamy tried to do so, water got into his nose and he was choked.

When he put the vessel down, the woman brought water in another vessel and sprinkled it on the first one before taking it in. Next day, during recess, Ramasamy went to different house. The occupants belonged to a community which came lower to Ramasamy’s in caste hierarchy. “We should not give water to you. If we do so, your parents will take us into task.” The boy assured them he would not tell his parents, got water, and was about to pour it into his mouth, when the woman said, “No need. You can sip it.” When he gave the vessel back, she took it in without washing, which he noticed.

This difference in their behaviour and treatment set him thinking. He remembered the women spoke of ‘caste’ and wondered why that was important when concern was all that was needed.

A similar thinking was stirred at the Government College at Kumbakonam when the Brahmins prevented the low caste students from taking water from their pot. Finally, the low caste students broke the pot to assert their self respect. This reaction was the result of their having breathed Periyar. So, don’t ever forget that the tears of the Dravidian race was wiped off, starting with the water vessel incident in Periyar’s school days.

That unparalleled free thinker of Periyar permitted the formation of a students’ forum, which, ultimately brought about such a revolution, and shaped many of the members to become rulers in future. It is precisely those who got trained in the students’ association brought about a great awakening in the Movement. Anna and Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi started thinking when they were in the student movement and finally ended up in Self Respect Movement.

The students of today are facing a formidable problem, as never before in the past. There is a concerted attempt to wean today’s students back to Manudharma days. There is a paradox. Computer on one side, website on the other. Facebook, What’s app, twitter, e-mail, e-publishing and what not. All these products of human intelligence are used against science with twisted ideas. Hence it is not enough if you need Periyar. You must breathe him. Many students have joined Dravidian Students’ Association. It is estimated that more than 2000 of them are going to take part in today’s rally.

I offer a tip to the old people who want to grow young. Exercises and tonic will not do. Move with people who are younger to you. Hold them tight and converse with them cheerfully. Periyar was a social scientist with no likes or dislikes of his own. He was against male domination. Though born in affluence he worried about those steeped in poverty. Though he was not born in a depressed family he was worried about the depressed, the oppressed, the marginalised and the exploited. Such a different person he was!

Listen to his exhortation to students. He reminds them that their education is not merely for their comfortable living. He wants them to look at his fellow Dravidians, who are relegated as sudras and their country is considered a nation of melechas and human rights are deprived to its people, what did the divine people, the lords, the scholars, those in position and authorities do? Did they do anything to those people who caused so much of misery to their countrymen? Did they at least put an end to their activities or their tools? How can we people, who are their descendents, not be filled with a sense of shame?

“But we are determined to execute the impossible, going against nature. The present is propitious enough for us. If we fail, no one can succeed. We have to strive no matter we win or lose. Wake up! Arise! Leave your private life behind! Instill our country with courage and pride. Raise the voice of self respect everywhere, in villages, hamlets, cities and suburbs. Belittle cowards and selfish wastrels! Let womenfolk become manly! Convert the lowly, the untouchables into first rate human! Don’t become family men before completing this task. Come to the battlefront” said Periyar on 15th April 1944.

After Ayya and Amma, (E.V.R. Maniammiar) when I assumed their responsibility I used to say, “I don’t want any thinking of my own, what I received from Periyar is enough.” People made fun of me on that. My own thinking could be selfish, avaricious, defective or unrestrained. But Periyar’s thinking was always for the society and used to weigh everything with reason. People like me are proving useful to the Movement today because we painstakingly shaped ourselves in accordance with Periyar thought.

Periyar uttered this guidelines in 1944. Only those people who came to this Movement after that, after Periyar and Anna, have succeeded in safeguarding the Movement after facing a number of tests and trials, changed the course of history and have brought about social revolution in the fields of education, employment and many other fields.

But sanatana would not give up. It is five thousand year old venom. They ask whether the increase in the number of people going to the temples and new temples being built does not indicate that your policy and propaganda have failed? No they have not failed. Were there thefts of so many idols in those days? Was there a special squad for preventing idol theft? How did the need for them arise today? Why are all the deities going away? The High Court asks the Government and the police to protect the gods. If they require protection how can they be called gods?

That is why Periyar said, ‘Forget God, Think of Human.’

Usually people flatter students. Periyar was different. He scanned the youngsters through his scanner and said: Students are good soldiers, but not trained generals. They must therefore subject themselves to discipline as in the army. The soldiers must have understood this even before joining the army. Freedom and liberty are entirely different things. When stopped by a red traffic signal, no one must exercise his freedom. Please remember, freedom is not license, licence is not freedom. There is difference between restriction and freedom.

“Just as parents are anxiously safeguarding their grown up daughter, students must protect their intellect and energy without expending them on wrong occasions,” said Periyar. This advice is as good in our computer age as it was in the age of mythology. Mobile phone is as intense an intoxicant as liquor, religion and power. Hence be resolute, be disciplined and be frugal, Periyar said.

What do students gain when they join Dravidar Kazhagam, people may ask. There is no gain, only loss if you join us. What will you lose?

You will lose your title of sudra and panchama which are marks of servility. Women’s servility will be lost. Superstition will run away, that is yet another loss. The conceit that makes you feel superior, caste distinctions and untouchability will be destroyed. That is one more loss. You will lose your chains that bind your hand and legs and even your intellect, and your mental aberrations will be cured, if you become rationalists. There is one more point you must enlighten yourselves on. The Dravidian Movement representing non Brahmins was born in 1944. But Dravidian Students’ Association was born in 1943, a year earlier. From then on people keep asking, “Why this name Dravidian? Why can’t we call ourselves Tamils?”

A Tamil gets his name though his language. Dravidian is the name of the race. Everyone who speaks Tamil language can be a Tamil, but not a Dravidian. One who is Dravidian by race can be called a Dravidian in spite of his religion and language.

Even a Brahmin can call himself a Tamil, mingle with us and scheme against us. But no Brahmin will ever call himself a Dravidian. Even if he comes forward to do so, he will have to give up all his customs, rituals, conceit and accept the Dravidian way of life.

What is the difference between Dravidianism and Aryanism?

Dravidianism says, All are equal by birth. Aryanism believes in Varnasrama and caste division.

Dravidianism gives prominence to reason and nationality.

Aryanism says, Believe, do not question. If you refuse to believe you will end up in hall.

Dravidian has unyielding confidence. “I can do anything”.

Aryanism shrinks in cowardice. “Nothing is in my hands”.

Dravidianism says, if you err you are sure to be punished.

Aryanism assures expiation, and encourages people to commit wrong deeds.

Dravidianism glorifies farmers as fundamental to the society.

Aryanism considers farming a sinful occupation.

Dravidianism insists on education to everyone.

Aryanism denies it to the sudras and low caste people.

Dravidianism is after heroic victories.

Aryanism tries to succeed through short cuts.

Dravidianism says, All for each.

Aryanism says, To everyone what is fixed for him / her.

Hence, work for the welfare of the Dravidians, Be steadfast, be fearless!

We will breathe Periyar and attain Prosperity.

By | on August 1, 2018 

75 YEAR DRAVIDIAN STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

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The Conference on the 75th anniversary of Dravidian Students’ Association was organized by the Students’ wing of Dravidar Kazhagam on 8th July 2018 at Kumbakonam. The Conference in grandeur commenced with the Music (Vocal) Programme. The business session in the forenoon started with a seminar on “Educational Rights and Duties of Dravidian Students” Lectures on the titles ‘Gurukul Education and Heredictory Education System, ‘NEET and Legislature’, ‘NEET and Judiciary’, ‘NEET and the Peoples’ Forum were delivered. Another seminar on exclusive topic of Cause and Impact of Dravidian Journals’was held. A Poets’ Forum on “Let us breathe Periyar” followed. The special address by Dr.K.Veeramani, President, Dravidar Kazhagam was delivered.

Mammoth Procession

The procession of students was a remarkable event which caught the attention of everyone for its military discipline. An army indeed it was, Periyar’s army, imbued with his spirit of sacrifice.

In the evening, the procession was led by children and women carrying party flags. Then came the students, district wise, carrying banners and flags. The public were standing on either side of the road, admiring the disciplined march.

Asiriyar K.Veeramani, the President of Dravidar Kazhagam was ceremonially brought in a chariot drawn by two horses to the delight of the onlookers as well as participants. On the way many people decorated him with shawls.

The students marched through the streets, with their files intact, from the beginning to the end. There was no instance of smoking and no disruption when the procession was passing by a liquor shop. People have usually observed a break of some volunteers there in the other party processions, but, not in this procession. All police officials were amazed at the discipline.

Unveiling the Portraits of the Pioneers – DSA

At the Conference venue, the portraits of the founding fathers of Dravidian Students Association, Thavamanirasan, Kavignar Karunanandam, Poondi Gopalsami (alias) Senguttuvan and G.Lakshmanan were unveiled by Poet Kali.Poonkundran, Vice President, Dravidar Kazhagam, in the presence of Asiriyar Dr. K.Veeramani – President, Dr. Pirainuthal Selvi – Treasurer and other functionaries.

Symposium : A symposium was chaired by Prince Ennares Periyar and covered such far reaching topics like , ‘Listen, O Tamil’, ‘Don’t Pluck Away the Eyes of Education’, ‘Don’t Call Yourself a Hindu’, ‘Don’t get Intoxicated by Religion’, and ‘Evils of Casteism’.

The historic resolutions exhibiting both the plan and action of the Students’ Wing of Dravidar Kazhagam were passed.

The grand conference concluded with the valedictory address delivered by Dravidar Kazhagam President, Dr.K.Veeramani.

By | on August 1, 2018