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CONFERENCE லேபிளுடன் இடுகைகளைக் காண்பிக்கிறது. அனைத்து இடுகைகளையும் காண்பி
CONFERENCE லேபிளுடன் இடுகைகளைக் காண்பிக்கிறது. அனைத்து இடுகைகளையும் காண்பி

வெள்ளி, 5 மே, 2023

Protesting Against Hindi Imposition

 




On 4th June, 2022 an anti-Hindi conference was organised in Chennai by the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). It was presided over by the president of the DK, Dr. K. Veeramani. Many political leaders, cadres and the public attended. At the conference 12 significant resolutions were unanimously moved, adopted and passed as listed and furnished briefly here below: Invariably all the resolutions urge the Union government to act on.

Give up the attempt for undue usage of Hindi
1. On 27th May, 2014, just four days after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers had sworn in, an order was promulgated that all the public sector organisations, banks, external affairs department, various ministers, departments and other government offices should communicate only in Hindi, even while dealing with the social media. In the circular that followed the order, it was stated by the Home ministry that the staff who strictly obey and follow the instruction would be suitably rewarded.
As adumbrated in the eighth schedule of our Constitution, all the 22 languages are to be treated equally as the administrative languages of the Union government. By granting priority to Hindi and causing discrimination among the non-Hindi speaking people would only transform them as second rate citizens. The new cabinet had commenced it as its initial act soon after forming the Government.

Talking at length about national integration and trying at the same time to divide the country in the name of a language is unfair. It was RESOLVED to firmly urge the Union government to give up this attempt.

Treat Equally all the regional languages
2. Presiding over the 37th meeting of the Official Languages Committee in the Parliament at Delhi in April 2022, the Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a speech which is noteworthy. He had stated thus:

“The Prime Minister has determined that the administrative language of the country itself should be the official language too. This would certainly augment the importance of Hindi language. 70 per cent of the Union Government cabinet agenda is being prepared only in Hindi. The time is now ripe for making the official language Hindi a vital part of national integration. Hindi should be accepted as an alternative for English, not as an alternative for a regional language.”

Amit Shah had also added in his speech that students upto IX std must be offered basic knowledge in Hindi. Hindi exams are to be held much more attentively. People of various states speaking different languages must use only Hindi while communicating among one another.

In his Twitter message Amit Shah had stated that Hindi language is the nation’s identity and hence people should welcome it and use frequently in their day to day life.
It was RESOLVED in the conference to condemn the views of the Home Minister who empowers Hindi, ignoring all the other Regional languages. The conference firmly urges upon a disinterested treatment of all the languages and grant of an impartial, equal treatment and merit to every language.

Avoid Neglecting classical languages and undue patronage to Sanskrit
3. Since the inception of its rule, the Union Government has been earmarking huge sum of money for the development of the dead language Sanskrit. Other State languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada are being allotted comparatively a very low amount every financial year. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil, functioning in Chennai under the Human Resource Development Ministry is also being neglected without any development measure.

Indubitably, this reveals brahminist culture and the Hindutva policy of one nation, one language, one religion and one culture. It is ironical indeed, talking much about national integration and acting against it. This conference condemns this unfair move of the Union government. It is RESOVED to firmly urge it to treat all languages alike without any bias.

Keep up the promise of Jawaharlal Nehru
4. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru had guaranteed in the Parliament that Hindi would never be imposed against the will of any State. On the contrary the Home Minister Amit Shah has stressed now the compulsory use of Hindi in all the State government offices. It is RESOLVED to remind the Union Government about the violation and urge it to give up forced imposition of Hindi in State government offices.

Conducting the exams in all the Regional languages
5. Several examinations are being conducted only in Hindi and English by the Union Government. This adversely affects the States of non-Hindi speaking people. It is RESOLVED to strongly urge the Union government to conduct its exams in all the State languages including Tamil, as has been adumbrated in our Constitution. This conference urges the members of the Parliament to unite irrespective of their parties and stress it in the House, by coordinating with the members of non-Hindi Speaking States. It is believed that our objective could be achieved by the collective efforts of all the members of the Parliament.

Provide maximum jobs of PSUs & PSBs to candidates of respective States
6. Under the guise of an All India Level Selection, North Indian Candidates are found in large numbers serving as officers in the Nationalised banks, under the control of the Union Government. This condition prevails in several public sector organizations of the Union government. People find it very difficult to approach such North Indian officers and executives working at public sector establishments in Tamil Nadu. Communication problem becomes a hindrance when they meet North Indian officials to get their grievance redressed.

Hence, it is RESOVED to urge the Union Government to reserve 90 per cent of jobs in every State to the eligible candidates of those particular States. The employment rules followed by the Union Government must be suitably amended to enable the ‘Sons of the Soil’ get preference in placement.

Make the Knowledge of Respective State languages mandatory in clerical posts by Union government
7. While the number of North Indian officers in Nationalised bank is already on the rise for many years in the recent past, the placement of North Indians in ‘Clerical posts has also been increasing. The rule that clerks appointed should be well versed in the language of the particular State has been relaxed. Instead, it is modified as ‘Knowledge in the State’s language is ‘PREFERABLE’. Taking advantage of this word which implies that it is not essential, clerical posts are also getting filled up with North Indian candidates. By the efforts of Dravidar Kazhagam there is now a widespread awareness among people. It is hence RESOLVED to urge the Union government to bring back into force the same old rule that knowledge in a State’s language is compulsory to work as clerks in banks located in that particular State.

Appoint the respective State language officers
8. To encourage the use of Hindi, in all the departments of the Union Government and the public sector establishments under its control, OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OFFICERS have been appointed to teach Hindi to the employees of other States. People from other States are employed in Tamil Nadu. In order to ensure smooth functioning, they need knowledge in Tamil. Hence it is RESOLVED to urge the Union Government to appoint official language officers in Tamil Nadu to teach them Tamil. In every State such official language officers should be appointed to teach the language of that particular State, to the employees who hail from other States.

Introduce State Education Policy in lieu of NEP 2020
9. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been saying that the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages teaching in a student’s mother tongue. But the policy advises such teaching “as far as possible”. It says students upto V std – could be taught in vernacular language.

This is against our Constitution. The entire NEP gives prominence only to Sanskrit and Hindi. The Government of Tamil Nadu has rejected NEP outright. It is RESOLVED to thank it for the proposal to introduce a State Education Policy.

Curtail undue infiltration of immigrants
10. The dominance of North Indians in Tamil Nadu is undeniably alarming. More than seven million youngsters are unemployed here but North Indians are monopolising placements here. Moreover law and order problems are also on the rise by the involvement of North Indian migrants. They are found time again in our crime reports. It is RESOLVED to urge the Union Government to chalk out measures to solve this particular problem. This serious issue should not be ignored by it. The infiltration of North Indians is posing a real threat to our State. It must be curbed somehow by the Union Government. Hence it is resolved to get this achieved.

Name the Welfare Schemes easy to understand
11. Various welfare schemes introduced time and again by the Union Government are all in Hindi. People of non-Hindi speaking States can never decipher what those names mean. For example – “INDRA DHANUSH YOJNA”. It is RESOLVED to urge the Union Government to translate the names of its schemes in all the languages so that everyone can understand what the scheme is meant for. The names of schemes in Hindi are really baffling. Hence, it must cease.

Name in Tamil the newborn children of Tamil Nadu
12. RESOLVED to urge all the people of Tamil Nadu to name in Tamil all the newborn children, and to use Tamil in all the family events and temple worship. The conference urges the Government of Tamil Nadu to contribute its mite towards promoting Tamil language in all spheres to the maximum possible extent.
The anti-Hindi conference concluded with the adoption of the twelfth resolution.


By | on July 13, 2022 | 

வெள்ளி, 16 டிசம்பர், 2022

International Humanism Conference on Social Justice at Toronto ,Canada 24-25 September 2022

 


  By | on October 14, 2022 | 0 Comment

Confluence of humanist – delegates from various countries

Proceedings
The 3rd International Humanism Conference on Social Justice was conducted at the Centennial College Event Centre, Scarborough, Toronto, for 2 days – 24-25 September 2022. The conference was organised under the auspices of Periyar International USA, Center for Inquiry – Canada, Humanist Canada and Humanist Association of Toronto. The proceedings of the conference are as follows.

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First Day: 24-09-2022
The programme started by 9.00 am. The Welcome Address was by Martin Frith of Humanist Canada and Dr. Soma Ilangovan of Periyar International USA. The introduction of plenary speaker was made by Dr. Kannabiran Ravi Shankar. Plenary speech on Humanism & Social Justice was by Gus Lyn – Pilusco of Center for Inquiry, Canada.

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Keynote Address by Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani
Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani, President Dravidar Kazhagam, Tamil Nadu, India, delivered the Keynote Address. (full text of the address is published in separate pages). The Keynote Address was under the title: ‘Practical ways to Eliminate Caste & Instill Equality’.

After the tea-break, the morning session lectures, commenced.

The first lecture on ‘Dispelling the Myth of Astrology’ was by Hemant Mehta, Editor, Friendly Atheist. Richard Dowsett of Humanist Association of Toronto offered his presentation on ‘Humanist Answers to Immigrants’. Prof. V.Arasu, University of Madras, delivered his lecture on ‘Social Justice’ in Tamil Nadu -Past, Present & Future’. The presentation on ‘Winning back Women’s Right via Humanism’ was by Shristi Hukku of Humanist Canada. Dr. S. Sivasegaram of University of Peredeniya, Sri Lanka, presented inputs on ‘Socio-politics of Caste & Social Justice in Sri Lanka’.

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The event got a break for lunch. When the afternoon session started, an interesting and thought-provoking video presentation was there as Social Justice Skit on ‘Renouncing Caste in the Diaspora’. The presentation was by the popular YouTube team ‘Nakkalites’ of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The presentation depicted in a realistic way the cunning and dominant caste that subjugates even an American family. It was not an exaggeration but relevant to the current situation there.

There was a video presentation on ‘Periyar World’, the great monument of Globalizing Periyar Mission – with the statue of Periyar, 95 feet tall, standing on a 60 feet pedestal to be installed with the ‘theme park’ comprising science exhibition, library, children’s park, etc. coupled with the laying of foundation by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Self-Respectful M.K.Stalin on the 144th birthday of Thanthai Periyar. The presentation was by V. Anburaj, General Secretary, Dravidar Kazhagam.

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Evening lectures started with the presentation by Martin Frith of Humanist Canada on ‘Social Justice in Life Ceremonies’.

V.Kumaresan, Treasurer of Dravidar Kazhagam delivered a lecture on ‘Approaches in Social Justice – Periyar and other Reformers’ The unique features of Periyar, his philosophy, its propaganda and practices that are distinguished from other reformers were highlighted.

A rapid-fire group discussion on ‘Myths Vs Truths’ was by Periyar Ambedkar Study Circle, Canada. The team members Puyal, Ezhilan, Vijayakumar answered questions in a convincing way and clarified certain points. The session had a tea-break.
Presentation as College Talk: Thiruvalluvar and Social Justice was given by Amaran Kandiar, University of North Carolina.

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Message of Greetings and Special Address by Hon’ble Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin
A video presentation, with the Message of Greetings and Special Address by Hon’ble Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was given. The message was exclusively for the International Humanism Conference on Social Justice. (Full text of the message is covered separately in this issue).

Books as mementos were presented to the dignitaries of Periyar International USA and Center for Inquiry, Canada. They were all commended and felicitated formally.
A programme for Hungry Children Throughout the World was conducted. All the delegates of the conference participated in ‘Kids Against Hunger’ as a team in preparation of food packets to be sent to different countries. The programme was a humanist gesture to the underfed kids who starve and suffer in various countries.
The first day events concluded with Art & Cultural entertainment programme and social hour followed by dinner.

Second Day: 25-09-2022
The dignitaries and speakers of the second day programme were welcomed by Arulselvi Balaguru, Treasurer, Periyar International USA. The first day events were summarised by Dr. Soma Ilangovan, President, Periyar International USA. Dr.Kannabiran Ravishankar introduced the plenary speaker.

Plenary Speech by Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani
The plenary speech on ‘Humanism and Social Justice’ was by Asiriyar
Dr.K. Veeramani, President, DK.

During the plenary speech, Asiriyar explains the social malady and the remedy for it. He pointed out that the challenging part of waging war for social justice is ahead:
“Our major problem is inequality in all respects for all our people. After succeeding in establishing absolute equality, our task would be to empower people who are victimised either by economic slavery or social injustice. People are divided as fifth caste, sixth caste, etc. They are untouchable, unseeable and unapproachable – categories unheard of in any other part of the world.

They are all unacceptable concepts. Long ago, washermen and women used to wash dirty clothes in rivers not in the daytime, but at night and bring them to the houses of people because they were dubbed as the lowest of the low in the caste system and hence were unseeable. They had to stay out of the sight of upper caste people. It was believed that seeing them itself would cause pollution and pollute people of upper castes. You may now wonder how mad those people were to impose such evil codes. The concept of pollution nowadays is scientifically very different. But that was then the condition. It was the worst kind of social injustice then. It is still prevalent in many parts of our country as the condition has not completely changed. We must wage a great war to destroy this social injustice and bring about complete change. Though we have won many battles in the past, we are yet to win some more. Our movement is restlessly working to achieve this objective.

On this occasion I extend my invitation to Mr. Martin, Mr. Richard and everyone in this conference room to visit India, especially the southern part of Tamil Nadu and see how our great social movement works for several notable causes.”

Conferring Humanist Achievement Award to Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani
Humanist Canada conferred ‘Humanist Achievement Award 2022’ to Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani, President, Dravidar Kazhagam. It was awarded in recognition of his lifelong contributions to Humanism and Human Rights. The Award was presented by Martin Frith, President of Humanist Canada. On behalf of Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani, along with the functionaries and cadres of Dravidar Kazhagam and in the presence of Dr.Soma Ilangovan and Arulselvi Blaguru of Periyar International USA, V.Kumaresan, Treasurer od Dravidar Kazhagam received the Award,

Acceptance Address
After the conferment of the Award Asiriyar delivered his Acceptance Address (the text of the speech is published separately in this issue).

After the tea-break, morning session lectures, started.

The research scholar, who translated Thirukkural from Tamil to English, Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma delivered a lecture on ‘Openness to All People: Thirukkural and Social Justice.’

Prof. Dr. Kannabiran Ravishankar offered a presentation on ‘Social Justice & Tamil History’. The lectures with indepth analysis on ancient Tamil literature highlighted the respectable and esteemed position prevailed for women in the Sangam Period.
Leslie Rosenblood of Center for Inquiry delivered his lecture on ‘Humanism in Children and Women’s Rights’. The presentation of Fr. Chandrakanthan of University of Toronto on ‘Humanist Answers to Immigrants, Especially Canadian Tamils’ highlighted problems faced by the Canadian Tamils and the way to solve them.

Prof. Arasu Chelliah from Maryland, United States of America gave a presentation on ‘Countering Climate Crisis via Humanism’ The presentation on ‘Humanism & Social Justice in Sri Lanka’ was by Sri Kathirgamanathan of Annamalai University Centre in Canada.

Puhazh Gandhi of Dravidian Professionals Forum narrated ‘Practical Methods to Inspire Secularism in Youth’. He differentiated the secularism that is practised in the West and in India. Both the practices aim at making religion as insignificant in state governance.
After lunch, the afternoon session started. A special programme was held in a jovial way with informative content, ‘Dravidian Youth Kit’. It was conducted by Elankathir Elamaran and Nikhil Muniappan.

Prince Ennares Periyar, State Secretary of Dravidian Students’ Forum, gave his presentation on ‘Today’s Youth and Social Justice – Inspiration from Periyar’.
Hon’ble Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament, Canada and Special Guest delivered a lecture on ‘Social Justice: Dravidian Model & Canadian Model’.
Special Guests were formally commended and felicitated.

Parallel Session also started.
In one session, ‘Students’ Discussion’ was conducted with the functionaries of Center for Inquiry, Canada, Humanist Canada and Humanist Association of Toronto.
Another session in Tamil was coordinated and conducted by Dr.Soma Ilangovan with the participation and addressing by the delegates of Dravidar Kazhagam from Tamil Nadu and Tamils from Canada and other countries. The theme of the session was ‘Social Justice in Tamil Nadu – Next Steps’.

The concluding session was by Dr. Soma Ilangovan and the team of Periyar International USA with summing up of the entire proceedings of the conference.
Vote of thanks was proposed by the team that organised the conference.
The 3rd International Humanism Conference on Social Justice, conducted at Toronto, Canada paved the way for globalising Periyar Mission in furtherance.
Compiled by: nietsche



International Humanism Conference on Social Justice

 


  By | on October 17, 2022 | 0 Comment

Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani
President of Dravidar Kazhagam,
Tamil Nadu,India

Periyar International USA (PI) a Chicago based humanist organization partnered with Center for Inquiry (CFI – Canada chapter) and organized its 3rd International Humanism Conference on Social Justice on September 24 and 25, 2022 in Toronto (Canada) at the Centennial College Event Center. Humanist Canada and the Humanist Association of Toronto coordinated.

On the first day of the conference, Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani delivered his inaugural address, as follows hereunder:

“A very good morning to all the organizers, coordinators, dignitaries and the participants of this conference. It is indeed one of the great events – a confluence of the humanists of the world. This International Humanism Conference convened by Periyar International USA, Center for Inquiry – Canada, Humanist Canada and Humanist Association of Toronto is certainly a historic event in the history of humanism. I am glad to see all our friends and fraternity who have been fighting for the rights for humanism.

It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you all to this glorious event. I deeply regret, I am not able to be present in person, owing to certain unavoidable circumstances. My hearty congratulations to everyone associated with this conference. It is a timely arranged event to remind everyone all the problems pertaining to the solid establishment of humanism.


Debasement based on birth is the worst aspect of caste system, which is called Varnashrama Dharma in India. There is no place for humanism in the caste system. It dehumanizes the people of lower castes. Only the upper caste people are respected, recognized and revered as human beings – sometimes also as “superhuman beings”. The people of other castes have no rights at all, though they are also sons and daughters of this soil.


I have been asked to speak on the topic “Practical Ways to Eliminate Caste.” Before analysing the practical ways to eliminate caste, let me explain to this august audience what caste really means. What is caste?

Except in India, this menace is not known to the other parts of the world. We have been the only sufferers for thousands of years. When we visit a foreign land, we find it difficult to explain the discrimination by birth that has been torturing our people. Comparatively, economic discrimination and deprivation are not by birth. A rich man today may become poor tomorrow. Today’s capitalists may become paupers tomorrow. But today’s higher caste people will always remain on the top as upper caste people, always enjoying privileges. The lower caste man can never think of redemption, till he reaches the graveyard. This is the abhorrence of the caste system. This kind of suffering is nowhere practised other than in India. We are the worst sufferers here. The topic given to me is therefore quite apt.

I belong to the movement started by Thanthai Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, who was a great crusader of caste-annihilation, throughout his life, for more than half a century. The caste system is not only inhuman but also anti-human. Let me explain how it is anti-human.

It is anti-human because it never recognizes equality; never allows fraternity; never grants true liberty. Debasement based on birth is the worst aspect of caste system, which is called Varnashrama Dharma in India. There is no place for humanism in the caste system. It dehumanizes the people of lower castes. Only the upper caste people are respected, recognized and revered as human beings – sometimes also as “superhuman beings”. The people of other castes have no rights at all, though they are also sons and daughters of this soil.

They are not allowed free-thinking. They are denied education and decent jobs. They are condemned to illiteracy and deprived of their own rights.

In the caste system there are two kinds of discrimination. One is ‘superhuman’ and the other is ‘sub-human’ or dehumanized human beings. Have you heard of this kind of atrocity in any part of the world, at any stage?

The root cause of the evil is Varnashrama Dharma, which has imposed graded inequality layers. The revolutionaries Periyar and Ambedkar strongly condemned colour-bias and inequality by five grades. This stratification belittles women. even if they hail from upper castes. In other parts of the world, there may be various rubrics practising inequality, but the evil of graded inequality is peculiar to India. Five social rungs are there on that invisible ladder. No one can climb upwards or descend.

I wish to quote from the verdict of a nine-judge bench in the Supreme Court of India in the famous Mandal Commission issue. It is known as the Indra Sawhney case. The esteemed audience should note how the evil caste system was explained in a segment of their verdict They said,

“The Hindu religion of the overwhelming majority, as it was being practised, was not known for its egalitarian ethos. It has divided its adherence into four water-tight compartments. Those outside this 4 tier Chaturvarna system were the outcastes or the Panchamas; the lowest of the low. They did not even belong to the caste system, since their stature was so ugly. The fourth in the graded inequality layers were the Shudras, who were only slightly better than the Panchamas, the fifth in the layers, but certainly belittled by the stigma – “Shudras”, by virtue of their birth.”

There was no deliverance for them from the social stigma until perhaps their death. All the menial, filthy occupations were assigned to them. In rural life they had no alternative to following their occupations, generation after generation and for centuries after centuries. They were told that it was their ‘karma’ and a penalty for their sins they had allegedly committed in their previous birth. They were conditioned to believe it. Their minds were thus conditioned. This mind-fold had to be removed first.

This phenomenon is peculiar to our country. It is the observation of the Supreme Court of India. This horrible situation has been haunting our people. Millions of people have been suffering under its yoke for thousands of years. My dear friends, kindly do not be under the assumption that this social stigma, this bane of the society is confined only to India. Most of you have come from various parts of the world. Wherever you have come from, you know very well that like a deadly germ it can spread all over the world.

We recall the recent COVID-19 epidemic which still haunts us. We were the worst sufferers in various forms. Like Swine Flu, such social evils may emanate from one soil and spread all around. Hence, all the countries should be alert. We ourselves do not know how long our people are still to suffer. Since it is not an exclusively Indian problem, let us not remain complacent.

The caste system has exposed its ugly head in America too. Non-resident employees in the I.T field there have been victimized by this evil. When our people seek employment and migrate to South East Asian countries like Malaysia and Sri Lanka, whether they take all the things that are necessary or not, very carefully they take the caste system along with them, without revealing it openly.

In fact caste system is not a commodity which can be sold and get ridden of. Nor is it like a building that we can demolish. As Dr. Ambedkar had once rightly pointed out, it is a “notion in the mind. It is a mental sickness. So the battle against it must be fought not on the streets but in the minds of the people.”

With this objective, since 1924, Periyar had been vigorously fighting in Tamil Nadu and all the southern parts of the country. As a great rationalist and a social revolutionary, he stood always for the eradication and annihilation of caste. Throughout his life in the 20th century, he had waged a relentless war to eliminate caste.

Once in Kerala, in a town called Vaikom, the low caste people had no right even to walk freely on all the streets. For their power and rights Periyar launched a non-co-operation movement called ‘Satyagraha’ against the then Princely State of Travancore in British India.

He was able to galvanize public opinion. He courted arrest and suffered much in incarceration without bothering about it. He proved that when we want to achieve a particular aim as per our mission, we must translate our ideological plans into action.

Whatever may be the kind of discrimination, we must not only just condemn it, but also strive to eradicate and annihilate it. This is my humble suggestion to all of you at the conference.
Annihilating caste system is today a great problem haunting us. It is faced by all humans, of course. I believe, it can be solved only through social justice. The very word ‘social justice’ demands self-respect as their basis. The strength of self-respect is essential for social justice. With this vision, our founding father Periyar started the social movement; a rationalist movement, which is in other words self-respect movement.

How are we, humans superior to animals? Only because of our sixth sense called the “ability to reason”. If we have rational thinking, we just cannot tolerate the indignity caused by caste system. We cannot allow other forces humiliating us. We must identify the forces haunting us. Who are they? This is the question before us all.

We started long ago practising what we preach. We started a mass movement and educated the public. Hundred years ago our low caste people were denied opportunities and privileges of education. This automatically made them suffer without any employment. It is hence our bounden duty to see that the downtrodden people get education and employment. Here comes the role of social justice and its demand in society. Economic injustice can be eradicated easily. Social injustice needs deep probing and fight, since it is caused by discrimination by birth.

To annihilate discriminations and deprivation based on birth, social justice is the only panacea – the only medicine for cure; the only way if we wish to fight this kind of menace. Touching the fringe of the problem is of no use. We must go deeply up to the bottom of the mess and find out the origin of its roots. The roots are to be clipped away.

If the roots are supported by religion, cast away religion. If it is justified by god, let us not bother about god. If it is sanctioned by Shastras or rituals, let us throw them away.

This kind of approach alone will make us real human beings. Humanism is not for a talk on platform. Nor is it for research. It is meant for peace. It is very difficult to humanize human beings, because caste system has already dehumanized them. So, our fight, our main ideology and aim is to humanize the dehumanized. We have already grappled this problem but as per recent news reports it has cropped up in the U.S. Those who are in top positions working in the I.T companies in Silicon Valley, California, are being discriminated, even after getting sufficiently educated and swimming against the current. They moved the court of law and sought justice. The fight is still going on.

The message implied is that caste system is like a germ, a deadly virus. It does not know international borders. It spreads irrespective of the borders of countries in the world. This germ does not care for humanism, equality and dignity.

One of our learned judges in India, Mr. P.Venugopal expressed his views on this burning problem. He is a great rationalist who has fought the five-pronged battle started by Periyar to build an egalitarian society of social justice. Mr. Venugopal is a man of acumen and sagacity. He commented on the war against caste going on in our country and said “This virus of caste takes new form in a new country. To prevent and counter it we have to chalk out a new methodology. The modus operandi of this germ keeps changing its colour like a chameleon.” Hence we have to be very careful because what appears in India may not be the same in the U.S. or Canada.

What are we to do to kill this germ and annihilate the obnoxious caste system is the moot point. Communal organizations are masquerading as transmitters and revivers of old traditional and religious values. In your country also it may take this kind of a shape. To be alert is more relevant on this occasion. In their practice these masqueraders are attempting to inject a large dose of religious intolerance into the minds of the people. Religious revivalism is the cry of the reactionary and status quo of vested interests. It is negative, looking backward at the dead past for inspiration. The dead end of the past is guiding them.

Religious revivalism is the product of an unhealthy state of mind. Only a rationalist force, a humanist force and a group of self-respective can prevent it. Only they can fight and counter fight fundamentalism. We are from the land of Periyar and our experience has led us to a clear understanding.

Look at Periyar International U.S.A. The name itself reveals why they have adopted Periyar. We are continuing a fight following his footprints. One of Periyar’s lieutenants, and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the late lamented Anna, had rightly pointed out that our strife is like “putting centuries into a capsule.” Hence, it may take a varied form in the process of metamorphosis.

My dear friends of Canada and other countries, my humble appeal to you is this: Whatever may be the form of the virus germ of caste, identify it at first. If you have already identified it, then the right diagnosis would be an added force. The remedy is always available. We can accomplish it. I am one of your friends who works treating it as a life-mission to eradicate and eliminate caste. As the disciple of Periyar I urge you all to keep eternal vigilance. This is very important. Let us collectively fight and create a new society where there would be no discrimination, deprivation of opportunity, inequality, social injustice and dehumanization. A renowned Sangam Period Tamil poet said, “All are kith and kin. All are our places.” Everything for everyone is the basic principle of social justice. It is the guiding star to dispel the darkness which has enveloped us. Social justice is the dire need of the hour for the entire world.

I thank all the sponsors, organizers, coordinators, delegates and participants of this historic Humanism Conference on Social Justice.
Thank you.



சனி, 30 மார்ச், 2019

RESOLUTIONS PASSED IN THE STATE LEVEL CONFERENCE OF DRAVIDAR KAZHAGAM

RESOLUTIONS PASSED IN THE STATE LEVEL CONFERENCE OF DRAVIDAR KAZHAGAM held Thanjavur on the 23rd February, 2019



Entrance ambience of the Conference Venue


LOK SABHA POLLS AND
DUTIES OF VOTERS


This Conference would like to call on that the NDA Government under the leadership of Narendra Modi should be defeated for the following reasons:

(a) For the activities against the principles of Social Justice and Secularism enshrined in the Constitution of India,

*   Particularly removal of the word ‘secularism’ in the advertisement released by the Government on the eve of the Republic Day celebrations,

*    Provision of 10 per cent reservation to the people belonging to economically weaker sections among forward castes which do not find a place in the Directive Principles of the Constitution,

*   Acting, propagating and prescribing of syllabus of educational institutions with a religious fanatic mentality and against the scientific spirit,

*    In the name of cow protection, an ideology of Hindutva, prevention of eating beef by people, making call to form a Hindu Rashtra and a Ram Rajya,

*   Even Central Ministers openly making propaganda of these activities, and,

*    Instigation of violence and creating riots against the people belonging to the minority communities which are against the secular principles of the Constitution.

(b)  Conduct of ‘NEET’ examination, ‘NET’ examination and Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) which sound a death knell to the principle of Social Justice,

*    Saffronisation of education following the principle of professional education system of Varnasrama Dharma in the name of National Education Policy, Gurukul System of Education, and imposition of Sanskrit and Hindi,

*    Imposing the ideology of Hindutva of one-nation, one language and one culture theory of the R.S.S.,

(c) Perpetuation of violence against the people belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, refusing to protect  victimised people under  the Act to Prevent Atrocities to the SCs and the STs and  perpetuation of sexual violence against women,

(d) Failure to fulfil the electoral promise made to create employment opportunities for 2 crores of people every year,

(e) Great erosion in the economic development of the country, decline  in the value of rupee, demonetisation of  higher value currencies,  introduction of GST system, and the steep increase in the cost of living and the closure of  small scale and tiny sectors due to the introduction of  these measures, increase in the number of unemployed people and  adoption of policies which favour Multi National Corporations (MNCs) and Hindu religious institutions and writing off of bad debts to the tune of 2.4 lakh crores granted to corporates. Is it not an irony to call ‘demonetisation’ measure as bringing out black money which helped only in money laundering?

10 years after the earlier economic depression, India is facing a severe economic crisis. In 2008, India had to face economic slowdown due to the international economic depression. But India could overcome this crisis with the self-sufficiency created in agriculture and manufacturing sector.

But now when the economic condition of the other countries of the world has improved a lot, the economy of our country is toddling and our financial problems and burdens seem to be unredeemable.

The growth of GDP for the year 2014-15 was 8.01 per cent when Narendra Modi took charge of the Prime Ministership from Dr. Manmohan Singh and the growth has slowed down in the subsequent years of Modi rule and stands at 7.2 per cent in the year 2018. This slow down is expected to continue in this 2019 year also.

(f) Due to the neglect of the problems of the farmers, suicides of farmers have increased and similarly the rights of the workers were also stripped.

(g) Undertaking anti-democratic activities against the democratically elected State governments by appointing people from R.S.S. as Governors of the States where the BJP is not in power.

(h) Autocratic, fascist and excessive interventions of the Central Government in the independent functioning  of the Constitutional  institutions like Election Commission, Reserve Bank of India, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Central Information Commission, Central Auditor General’s office, Economic Enforcement Wing etc.

(i) Totally disregarding the wishes of the public and without respecting their sentiments, forcing industrial projects like Methane, Hydrocarbon, Sterlite and Neutrino to aid multi-national companies in amassing wealth,  which will harm the environment and the livelihood of the people; taking a one sided stand in the problem of the distribution of river water among the states with an eye on the electoral benefits; people forced to agitate to secure their due legal rights repressed thro’ State government law enforcing agencies; branding them as terrorists and anti-nationals and imprisoning them under the National Security Act.

A Prime Minister who is not prepared to meet even Chief Ministers of the non-BJP ruled States is approaching each and every issue or problem with partisan view. It is obvious that the BJP Government at the Centre is out and out a fascist government. This Conference would like to request the voters to be cautious and defeat such fascist BJP Government and its allies by casting their votes against them in the coming 2019 Election to Lok Sabha.

This Conference would like to request all voters including the youth, students, and women to work vigorously in the election field to defeat this fascist regime of the BJP

The AIADMK Government of Tamil Nadu, which has not shown even a little concern and taken any action to get assent of the President of India for the two Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly requesting to abolish the system of conducting NEET examinations, acting as a slave to the BJP Central Government abiding by their decisions has also to be removed from power.

This conference unanimously requests the voters to support the United Progressive Alliance by casting their votes for it and defeat BJP and its alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

ERADICATION OF CASTE AND UNTOUCHABILITY


Abolition of untouchability has been enshrined in Article 17 of the Constitution of India. As the root cause for untouchability is the caste system, fighting against untouchability, without fighting against caste system, is like fighting with the shadow. ‘Untouchability is abolished’ as envisaged in Article 17 of the Constitution of India should be replaced with the words ‘Caste is abolished’. This Conference emphatically insists the Government of India to bring a Constitutional Amendment to this effect.

This Conference again reiterates the resolution passed for removing the social degradation of Tamils, in the Conference held under the Presidentship of Thanthai Periyar in Periyar Thidal, Chennai on 8 and 9 December, 1973.

RESERVATION TO THE CHILDREN BORN OF INTER CASTE MARRIAGE IS A MUST




Arriving leader Asiriyar Dr. K.Veeramani, greeted by the cadres.


*   This Conference points out to the State and Central Governments that just like using a small amount of poison with the medicines to save the lives of patients, the criterion of caste should be used to secure reservations in education, employment and promotion and it should not be used for any other purpose or identification.

*  This Conference enjoins that while issuing Community Certificates, mention has to be made only whether the individual belongs to Backward Class or the Scheduled Caste or the Scheduled Tribe and no specific mention of their caste in the Certificate is needed.

*   This Conference entreats that the children born of inter caste marriages should be declared as casteless and reservation in education and employment should be provided to them. When the quantum of reservation under this mode goes on increasing, the quantum of reservation now being given on the basis of their caste will gradually decrease. This Conference emphatically requests the Central Government to bring suitable Constitutional Amendment in this respect.

*   Separate habitations or colonies exclusively for the people of the Scheduled Castes should not be constructed, as such habitations will segregate them from other people of the society. This Conference requests the Central and State Governments to create an environment in which people of all castes are living together without any caste difference.

*   A Government Order passed in the year 1978 stipulates that no roads, streets or towns or villages should be named after a particular caste. This Conference insists the Tamil Nadu Government to implement this order in full.

*   When the G.O. No. 28 of Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu specifically stipulates that no religious worship symbols must find place in Periyar Memorial Samathuvapurams, in places like Senbagaraman Pudur in Kanyakumari District, temples has been constructed. Even after this matter has been taken to the notice of the Collector of the District and the Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, no action has been taken so far. This is highly objectionable. It is resolved in the Conference to seek judicial remedy for this problem.

*   This Conference insists that just like creation of special police cells to detect the cases relating to the theft of idols from temples, special police cells have to be created to prevent religious or caste conflicts and riots arising among people.

*    This Conference welcomes the system of a male and a female who have attained proper age getting married. This Conference insists both genders of youth to treat the word ‘Arrogant Killing’ as brutal and barbarian.

*    This Conference requests the youth to give priority to the inter caste marriages, widow marriages and marriage of divorcees.

*   This Conference resolves to request the progressive minded people to come forward to create an infrastructure to provide organisational level protection to people getting married through inter caste marriages.

*   Two tumblers system in tea stalls, separate burial or cremation grounds and obstacles in using the roads leading to them by people of all castes and manual removal of night soil continuing even after 72 years of Independence is a matter of shame.

*    Having in mind the tenet of Thanthai Periyar that freedom is intended only for men and women and not for the soil, the system of giving inferior status to the people, denying them equality, human rights and freedom must be eradicated totally.  This Conference emphatically insists that speedy steps should be taken to pass suitable legislations required and requests the Central and State Governments to give priority to this matter.

*    This Conference insists the Central and State Governments to create and prescribe text books and syllabus to inculcate the thinking about the abolition of caste system and untouchability, creating a sense of equality and inculcating the spirit of humanism in the minds of children even from their younger age.

*   The practice of wearing wrist threads of different colour to identify the caste of the people is a demeaning act and should be stopped forthwith. This Conference requests the State Government, particularly the education department, to take suitable action against the persons responsible for this practice.

TRAINED PERSONS OF ALL CASTES MUST BE APPOINTED AS ‘ARCHAKAS’ IN TEMPLES


Consequent to the last agitation Thanthai Periyar announced in his lifetime insisting the rights of people of all castes to serve as priests in Hindu temples, legislation was brought in the rule of the DMK under the leadership of Manamigu Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi and the Supreme Court of India also has upheld the constitutional validity of this Act. The left front Communist government of Kerala has appointed ‘Archakas’ belonging to all castes in more than 60 temples. Thiru. Marisamy, belonging to the Backward Class was appointed as ‘Archaka’ in the temple of Ayyappa in Thallakulam of Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

This Conference strongly insists the Government of Tamil Nadu to immediately appoint the 200 ‘Archakas’, already trained and belonging to various castes, awaiting appointment. This Conference also insists the Tamil Nadu Government to ensure continuous functioning of the training centers.

THE NEED FOR ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT TO BE GIVEN FOR THE GROWTH AND ACTIVITIES OF THE TAMIL CLASSICAL LANGUAGE


To proclaim to world over the antiquity of Tamil language and the trove of literature available in our language and to create awareness regarding the greatness of the Tamil language to the people whose mother tongue is Tamil, to enable the Tamil language develop itself according to the need and change of times, the status of the ‘classical language’ was awarded to Tamil, by the UPA government at the Centre, due to the incessant efforts of Manamigu Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, Classical Tamil Language Research Centre was established in Tharamani of Chennai. A scheme of preliminary planning was chalked out with a farsighted purpose to publish ancient literatures, to translate them in other languages and to draw a research scheme to undertake research about the history of Tamil Grammar, ancientness of the language and the customs and practices Tamil people were following.

It gives great pain and concern that not even a single project has been undertaken in this direction for the past 11 years. No one was appointed as Permanent Director for this Institute from the day of its inception. Even persons appointed on temporary basis are Professors of Engineering Faculty, which is in no way connected with the Classical Tamil Language. This shows the indifferent attitude of the Central Government towards Classical Tamil Language.

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is the head of this Classical Tamil Research Institute. Whether the Chief Minister knows the existence of such an Institute itself is under question mark.

On the other side, the Central Government is giving all sorts of encouragement and support for the imposition and development of Sanskrit and Hindi and huge amounts of grants were allotted for them.

This Conference enjoins the  Government of Tamil Nadu to  wake up at least at this stage and insist the Government of India to undertake activities to fulfil the purpose for which this institution was  created and for its development.

Instead of acting with a step-motherly attitude, not understanding the historical fact that India is a multi-linguistic and multi racial sub-continent, this Conference would like to emphatically insist the Government of India to show due respect and importance to the ancient Tamil language and act accordingly.

ENSURING THE RIGHTFUL LIFE OF EELAM TAMILS




Women cadres marching in the procession holding burning urns.


As a result of the horrendous war against them in 2009, the lives of the Eelam Tamils have been totally devastated. Even 10 years after the war, there has been no sign of development in the lives of the Eelam Tamils. Nor have their rights been restored. In spite of the UN order for an enquiry on the war criminals responsible for the genocide, no action has been taken on it. It is not only shocking, but has led to the loss of faith in the UN. At this stage, the coming together of Mahinda Rajabaksa and   Maithripala Sirisena has created a scare among the Eelam Tamils and the human right activists.

The Government of India conducts itself in a manner as if the problem is no concern of theirs. Tamils all over the world are shocked whether nothing better will happen to them. This Conference calls upon all the Tamils to raise their voice aloud, transcending boundaries of parties and territories, and to bring pressure on the government concerned to protect their rights.

TAMIL NADU FISHERMEN FACING REGULAR TORTURE NEED A PERMANENT SOLUTION


Though the BJP loudly proclaimed that a permanent solution to the Tamil Nadu fishermen’s problem would be found, once they assumed power, they remain unconcerned about the problem. Brutalities like fishermen are being taken to custody and their boats and nets being destroyed continue. This Conference holds that the only solution is change of government. It requests the fishermen brothers of Tamil Nadu to think about it and take a sound decision in this direction.

RELEASE OF LIFE TIME CONVICTS




Black Shirt cadres march, lifting the party flags.


Though the Supreme Court of India has twice delivered judgments that the seven members Messers Perarivalan, Murugan, Santhan, Ravichandran, Robert Pyus, Jeyakumar and Nalini, who were convicted in a murder case,  languishing for more than 27 years in prison should be released,  and though the Tamil Nadu Government have accepted the verdict and recommended the early release of these convicts, the matter is being delayed by the Governor of Tamil Nadu and the Central Government without taking any decision. This Conference strongly condemns the Governor of Tamil Nadu and the Central Government for this. If this issue is delayed any further, it would amount to the non-compliance of the directions of the Supreme Court, neglecting the rights of the State Government and total negligence of humanity. This Conference prevails upon the concerned authorities to give up such inhuman approach.

9 (A). MARRIAGE AGE FOR WOMEN

This Conference would like to emphasise the need for conceding the right to women themselves to fix the age, in any case after 18, for their marriage on the basis of their education and employment.

9 (B). WOMEN AND WORSHIP

This Conference would like to emphasise that equal rights should be given to women to worship in temples and  right to become ‘Archakas’ (priests) in all religious places of worship like that of the rights enjoyed by men.

9 (C) . SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN – SELF PROTECTION

This Conference insists the Central and State Governments to give proper physical training and mental training in the educational institutions to women to safeguard and to protect themselves from sexual assaults of men and if necessary even to initiate attack, and they should also be taught to use guns and gun permits should be given to them on priority basis.

This Conference insists that steps should be taken to provide sex education to both boys and girls at the proper age.

ARCHEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT


The findings of the archeological excavations undertaken in Adichanallur during the British regime in 1876 have not been published so far. Similarly the excavations undertaken in Keezhadi near Sivaganga have been stopped in the middle without proceeding further. This Conference would like to declare emphatically that the mischief of the Brahminical point of view is the sole reason for the hurdles, as they want to hide the findings of this survey and as they are likely to reveal the ancient culture, high standard of living and other similar superior aspects of the Dravidian people who lived in ancient times. This Conference emphatically insists that the report of the excavation of Adichanallur should be published immediately without any further delay and the excavation works at Keezhadi should be continued. The State Government of Tamil Nadu should give pressure to the Central Government to take immediate action in this regard.  The description of the national leaders of the RSS that the civilisation which prevailed in Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa is Hindu civilisation, is a gross misrepresentation of facts.

OPPOSITION FOR IMPOSING
HINDI – SANSKRIT


BJP Government is imposing Hindi – Sanskrit in all Departments in a preplanned manner. In respect of Tamil Nadu, it is a burning issue of language imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit. This conference warns that this is a dangerous step and calls for its total discontinuance.

ALL THE REGIONAL LANGUAGES TO BE MADE CENTRAL OFFICIAL LANGUAGES


This conference beseeches the Central Government that all the languages in the VIII Schedule of the Constitution of India may be made the official languages of India.

This conference enjoins that Tamil should be made the language of the High Court of Madras.

CHANGE OF NAMES FROM SANSKRIT TO TAMIL


The existing names of villages, towns, streets and roads in Uttar Pradesh are being replaced by the BJP State Government with Hindutva and Saffronised names. This Conference requests the Government of Tamil Nadu to replace the names of places in Sanskrit with the Tamil names, which were once changed from Tamil to Sanskrit.

This Conference requests the people of Tamil Nadu that only Tamil names should be given to the children born to people whose mother tongue is Tamil.

CAUVERY WATER – FORSAKEN TAMIL NADU AND SOLUTIONS THREIN




Cadres of Periyar Social Protection Wing in disciplined march.


Speaking about the unity and Indian Nationalism on one hand, the tendency of undermining the rights of a State by another State is increasing day by day.

The water from the river Cauvery is the life line for the agricultural sector of Tamil Nadu and to meet the drinking water supply of people of the State. With very great concern and anguish this Conference would like to point out that whichever party comes to power in Karnataka State, the tendency of depriving of water to Tamil Nadu has become a continuous story. Even the decisions of the Cauvery Tribunal and the Supreme Court were not complied with by the Government of Karnataka on so many occasions. This shows that the Government of Karnataka is not prepared to abide by any legal decisions.

Even after the judgment of the Supreme Court that Karnataka or Tamil Nadu should not construct any new dams on the river Cauvery without the permission of the Court; all the decisions in the matter of distribution of Cauvery water among the States will be taken only by the Tribunal; and even the Central Government is not empowered to interfere in this matter; the Government of Karnataka has prepared a plan to construct a dam in Mekedatu and the Government of India has given the technical and cost approval for this project. The Supreme Court’s judgment in favour of activities of the Government of Karnataka is shocking.

This Conference expresses the great agony prevailing in the minds of the people of Tamil Nadu for being deprived of a reasonable and justifiable support from all corners including the Government of India and the Supreme Court.

This Conference unanimously requests all the political parties, other organisations and people cutting across their party leanings to unite and stand as a single force to defeat the design of the Karnataka Government to deprive the share of water of Cauvery River for which it is legally entitled.

15 (A). THE INCREASE OF THE NORTH INDIAN POPULATION IN TAMIL NADU AND OTHER SOUTHERN STATES AND ITS RESULTS

A countrywide survey undertaken in 2011 reveals shocking facts. The number of North Indians in Southern States in 2001 was 58.2 lakhs. In 2011 it has increased to 77.5 lakhs. In the last 10 years the number of Northerners in Southern states has increased by 20 lakhs. The number of Tamils in the northern states, which was 8.2 lakhs has come down to 7.2 lakhs in 2011.

Though the reason has been said to be the readiness of the north Indian to do any type of job at a low wages, their migration in large numbers affects the employment opportunities of the local people.

This conference requests the Government of Tamil Nadu to pass an Act reserving 80 percent of employment opportunities to the local people as in the States of Maharashtra and Haryana.

It becomes necessary to take into account the fact that a large number of north Indians have a part in the acts of murder and robbery which are on the increase in Tamil Nadu. When the north Indians registers themselves as voters in large number in Tamil Nadu, it has a tendency to affect the basic culture, way of life, political and social conditions of the State. This Conference enjoins the Government of Tamil Nadu to take all these facts into consideration and pass an Act to control the entry of north Indians in Tamil Nadu.

15(B). ENCROACHMENT IN BUSINESS – GRABBING OF EMPLOYMENT BY NORTH INDIANS

Business establishments and industries are ever increasing all over Tamil Nadu, starting from the capital of Tamil Nadu to all villages, North Indians totally controlling it. Previously in Chennai – Sowcarpet alone was under their control, now it spreads all over Tamil Nadu in toto.

Going beyond settling down and trade, there is the inherent danger of this causing the cultural invasion and political interference. Under the cloak of Indian Nationalism, the identity and culture of the States are trampled upon. The conference stresses the urgency in finding a solution for this factor.

GIVE UP ANTI-PEOPLE ACTIVITIES




Caravan, carrying the portraits of the leaders holding the flexi banners, narrating the social changes brought by DK.


This Conference insists the Central Government to give up all the anti-people activities such as the starting of the Sterlite factory in Tuticorin, Neutrino Project, and Methane Gas Extraction Project which earned the wrath of the public. The State Government is also requested to respect the sentiments of people and act accordingly.

BAN CONTRACT LABOUR


Contract labour is a mode of exploitation of labourers. The norm of regularising a person who has put in 240 days of work is overlooked and workers remain contract labourers even after putting in 20 years of work particularly in BHEL, Thiruverumbur.

Workers including graduates having worked for more than 20 years are made to continue as contract workers. When courts decree that they must be made permanent, the management appeals against the decree at the expense of the government revealing the anti-labour mentality of the organisation. This Conference calls upon the Central Government to bring about a constitutional amendment for complete abolition of the mode of contract labour.

REMOVE PAVEMENT TEMPLES


The Supreme Court and High Courts have passed judgments in unambiguous terms that pavement temples must be removed. When it is not complied with the Supreme Court has summoned the Chief Secretary to appear in person. It is a matter to be condemned that the governments concerned show no concern on this matter.

Under the circumstances this conference requests that the Courts concerned to suo motu introduce contempt of court proceedings. In a secular state, there should not be the symbols of any religious worship in any government institution or office. This Conference requests the State Governments to strictly enforce the rules concerned.

IMPLEMENTATION OF TOTAL PROHIBITION


Liquor drinking will degenerate the individual, family and the society. This Conference therefore insists the Central and State Governments to implement total prohibition in the country.

EDUCATION TO BE RESTORED TO STATE LIST


There was a purpose why the Constitution had left subjects such as education and health – the pillars of human development – with the State government. And that is precisely why every Indian State has its own “State Board” for school education and devises appropriate syllabi. Education cannot be taken out of the linguistic, socio-cultural and autonomous context of Indian states. In fact, the Kothari Commission that was commissioned in the 1960s to advise on education in the country, wanted education to remain with the State despite its recommendation for a nationwide standardisation.

But during Emergency, ‘Education’ was shifted to the Concurrent List. A subject in the Concurrent List makes both the Centre and the State equal partners, but given the Centre’s Constitutional upper hand, it never works that way. NEET is a classic example.

The only way to escape this absolutist injustice is to bring education back to the State List and this Conference requests the Central Government to bring in legislation to bring back the ‘Education’ to the State List in the Constitution.

LET US CELEBRATE ANNAI MANIAMMAIAR BIRTH CENTENARY IN A GRAND MANNER




Leaders witnessing the cultural programmes


Annai Maniammaiar who was a pillar of support to Thanthai Periyar and his ideology was the only woman in the history of the world to lead an atheist movement and safeguard the movement, the ideology and its institutions.

It is resolved that her birth centenary celebrations will start at Vellore on 10 March 2019 and will continue in all districts in a grand manner for a year, and conclude on 10 March 2020.

HRCE – HINDU RELIGIOUS CHARITY ENDOWMENT` BOARD PROTECTION


HRCE was formed during 1926 by the Justice Party to give protection for the Temple properties. It should not become a den of looters. This endowment law was expanded under the chairmanship of Retired Judge B.Venkataramana Naidu along with other six members. It was also justified by Sir C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer when the report was also ratified (1960-1962).

This conference appeals to the Tamil Nadu Government not to wind up the HRCE on the basis of false information by media etc.

RELEASE OF DALIT SCHOLAR
ANAND TELTUMBDE REQUESTED


Civil rights activist and Dalit scholar Anand Teltumbde was arrested on February 2, 2019 linking him to January 2018’s Bhima Koregaon violence

Ever since the present Central Government took over the reigns of power, it is taking increasingly harsh measures to suppress dissenting voices.

More than 600 international scholars, including professors from universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Yale and Oxford, have called on the Indian government to “withdraw all charges against him and to uphold democracy.”

This Conference requests the Government to release Prof. Anand Teltumbde in line with the call.

GAJA CYCLONE DISASTER CONDEMNING THE INDIFFERENT ATTITUDE OF THE CENTRE


This Conference expresses its condolence for those who lost their lives affected by the massive Gaja cyclone. Also, it admonishes the Central Government which has not extended any financial assistance to the disaster affected people.

This Conference condemns the Government of

Tamil Nadu which has failed to get the necessary assistance from the Central Government.

This Conference insists upon the BJP Government at the Centre to grant, without further delay, the financial assistance demanded by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

RESOLUTION OF FINAL CHALLENGE


We, the members of the Dravidar Kazhagam assembled in this conference, hereby swear ourselves to create a society as desired by Thanthai Periyar

*   A society where there is no discrimination among people as per Varna Dharma, Caste System or Class division

*   A society having no blind beliefs

*   A society giving equal status to both male and female

*    A society having rational outlook, sense of equality and Socialism

*   A society having self-respect and dignity

* Without any rest, without making any type of compromise, without any oscillation mind working tirelessly through propaganda and agitations under the Honourable leadership of  Tamilar Thalaivar, Manamigu Asiriyar, K.Veeramani, drawing a plan to work towards success and take it to the men and women at the tail end, especially to the youth of both the genders – taking philosophy of Thanthai Periyar to the nook and corner of the world to bloom as a flower and  to undertake to prove that the future belongs to the ideology of Thanthai Periyar.

Long Live the name and fame of
Thanthai Periyar!


Let the sense of Rationalism grow!!

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29.3.2019

செவ்வாய், 4 செப்டம்பர், 2018

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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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, 2018Logo