At the centenary celebration of the movement against caste discrimination, Pinarayi Vijayan &b MK Stalin also called for states to unite in face of growing infringement on their autonomy.
When MK Gandhi and Narayana Guru met in 1925, they clashed on the non-violent approach to the Vaikom Satyagraha and conversion as a path to freedom for avarnas.
The lyrics begin with lines: ‘He was the one who told us to think/Our Elder Periyar’. The song then urges listeners to question caste discriminations, injustice and untouchability.
Fight for egalitarianism has to shift the goal posts from temple entry movement. The lowered castes must focus now on entering the temples of power and prosperity.
The movement left indelible marks on Kerala society, made leaders and heroes, and gave hope to a dispirited Congress just after Malabar rebellion was suppressed.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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