The State Government is giving shape to the cherished ideals and dreams of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker. Establishing samathuvapurams manifest the importance of DMK and the State Government accord to the ``just social order’’ yearned by Periyar and late Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai, Deputy Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has said.
Declaring open a Periyar Memorial Samathuvapuram at Veeranampatti near Kadavur in Karur district on Saturday, Mr. Stalin said that Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was working towards ensuring that all sections of society have access to development parameters be it in the economic or social sphere.
An egalitarian society would ensure that the fruits of development reached every section transcending social stratifications. Every man and woman should strive to shed their social identity and transcend man-made barriers to display humane qualities and tendencies, he added.
Periyar dreamt of a casteless society, Anna nurtured his ideals and his protégé Mr. Karunanidhi was only furthering what the elder leaders had always yearned for, Mr. Stalin said. The Samathuvapuram was constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore, he said.
Mr. Stalin also underlined the importance the State Government was according to women’s development issues. From legally getting the women members of a family the right of share to their family property to implementing a slew of welfare and development schemes especially aimed at uplifting women, the State Government was intent on improving their lot.
Whenever the DMK came to power, the party has ensured that women were helped to gain self confidence, economic independence, social empowerment, Mr. Stalin claimed. Enacting laws to set apart 33 per cent of local body seats to women, and several other programmes vouch the fact, he added. The crowning glory was the enthusiastic implementation of the schemes through the women self help group movement, the Deputy Chief Minister said.
On the occasion, Mr. Stalin disbursed revolving fund and credit for economic activities to 700 SHGs involving over 10,500 members. A sum of Rs. 4.20 crore was disbursed as revolving fund to selected groups.
Mr. Stalin also declared open new buildings and launched schemes totally worth Rs. 37.11 crore while laying foundation stone for projects and programmes worth Rs. 30.83 crore on the occasion.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment D. Napoleon, Forests Minister N. Selvaraj, District Collector J. Uma Maheswari, MLAs R. Manikkam P. Kamaraj and V.M. Khaleelur Rahman, DMK district secretary Vasuki Murugesan, former MP K.C. Palanisamy, and a host of DMK party cadres participated in the function.
A total of 57 students from the Government Music Schools played nagaswaram and thavil to welcome the dignitaries. Cultural programmes were arranged to mark the occasion.
Later in the evening Mr. Stalin declared open the statue of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker at Thirumanilayur and that of Annadurai near Bus Stand. He addressed a public function to wrap up his day-long visit to Karur district.
