Periyar and Tamil Nadu's Political Landscape: An Unseen Portrait?

In the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, the absence of a portrait of E.V. Ramasamy, commonly known as Periyar, in the office of the Chief Minister M.K. Stalin might seem unusual. This prompts questions about Periyar's relevance in the current political scenario and the portrayal of Periyarism. However, the explanation lies in understanding the complex history and controversies surrounding Periyar himself.

Periyar's Absence in Official Spaces

Periyar, who was never a President, Prime Minister, or Chief Minister of India but a prominent figure in the political and social history of Tamil Nadu, might not have a prominent place in the offices of leaders like M.K. Stalin. This can be attributed to the multifaceted nature of Periyar and the intricacies of Tamil politics. It is worth noting that in the office of another political figure within the Tamilnadu Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Periyar's portrait might be found.

Observations in M.K. Stalin's Office

It has been observed that in the vicinity of the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, there are portraits of three notable figures hanging on the walls: Periyar, C.N. Annadurai, and the character 'Evil Force.' This suggests that Periyar and his ideology are acknowledged, albeit with a contextual approach. This may indicate that while Periyar's legacy is recognized, it may not be univocally embraced without controversy.

Another interesting point is that during his time as an opposition leader, Chief Minister Stalin did not discuss Periyar or Periyarism, presumably because he was not well-versed in the subject. This could imply that the past and present political leaders might not fully comprehend or support all components of Periyar's teachings and actions.

Periyarism: A Complex Ideology

The term 'Periyarism' is often used to describe the ideas and principles espoused by Periyar. However, the reality is more nuanced. There is no clear, widely accepted definition of 'Periyarism' that can be easily summarized. This lack of a concise understanding of Periyar's ideology makes it difficult for leaders to fully endorse or reject it.

Periyar, during his leadership, advocated for several causes, including the promotion of atheism, the upliftment of the lower castes, and women's rights. However, his actions and beliefs were often contradictory. For example, he was critical of religion yet was deeply influenced by certain Hindu practices himself. This duality complicates the historical narrative surrounding Periyar and Periyarism.

Periyar's Personal Contradictions

Periyar's personal life and beliefs were marked by several contradictions. For instance, as part of the Indian National Congress, he worked alongside other leaders while publicly denouncing the concept of God. This paradox is a testament to the complex character of Periyar and the challenges in defining his ideology.

His later life was equally complex. After the death of his wife, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Kasi, where he encountered the Choultry where only Brahmins were served food. He was denied entry, pushing him into a deep hatred of Brahmins. This event marked a critical shift in his ideology, leading to his vehement anti-Brahmin stance.

Furthermore, Periyar made a controversial decision to marry Maniammai, a 24-year-old woman he had been raising as his daughter, when he was 72 years old. , a significant figure in the DMK, opposed this union and left Periyar, highlighting the personal struggles and contradictions that shaped Periyar's life.

Concluding Thoughts

The absence or presence of Periyar's portrait in political offices reflects the broader challenges of reconciling historical figures with contemporary political realities. While his contributions to social and political movements in Tamil Nadu are undeniable, the complexity of Periyar's personal life and beliefs makes it challenging for the current generation to fully endorse or reject his legacy.

Ultimately, the persistence of Periyar in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu suggests that his ideas continue to influence and provoke thought, even in the absence of direct endorsement.