An assessment of the historic Dravidian movement and its leadership, which was responsible for empowering victims of caste discrimination and putting into practice the ideal of equality, requires sensitivity and understanding. The article by Pulapre Balakrishnan titled “The federal manoeuvre” (published on September 16) does not take into account the depth and dimensions of the movement and the progressive world views of those who spearheaded it.
Kalaignar Karunanidhi’s contributions in implementing this ideal, in the form of schemes and programmes of the government he headed, are very much in the public domain. Prof. Balakrishnan is so caught up with the filmy world that the illusory perception he develops actually blurs his vision to appreciate the real world of the Dravidian movement, and the tangible and substantive contributions that Kalaignar made in transforming the lives of poor and deprived people.
Kalaignar was an outstanding product of the movement, who took into account the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu. He nationalised buses as Transport Minister in 1967, and as Chief Minister in 1971. Among his remarkable accomplishments are the land reforms he initiated to benefit the landless poor. He was the chief architect of the Land Ceiling Act of 1972.
Social justice
He took measures that without any bloodshed ensured social justice and equal opportunity to millions who laboured under a hierarchical structure based on caste, priest craft, and superstition. As Chief Minister, he came up with an innovative scheme that gave priority in education and employment to the first graduate of each family. This benefitted thousands and expanded their capabilities to lead a life of dignity. He directed women teachers to be recruited for primary schools across Tamil Nadu. For improving nutritional standards of children and mitigating hidden hunger, he introduced a scheme mandating the provision of five eggs a week to schoolchildren in their midday meals. He started the Women’s Self-Help Group, economically empowering women. He ensured 30% reservation for women in all jobs, and ensured their inclusive representation in the administration of the State.
Dalits in three Panchayats — Pappapatti, Keeripatti and Nattarmangalam — were being denied the right to file nominations for elections to those grass roots representative bodies. The situation was so bad for them that even after they were elected to head those Panchayats, they were coerced to resign from office. As Chief Minister, Kalaignar took all the measures to empower them to file nominations and enjoy legitimate power in the event of the elections to those representative bodies. Such a vision combined with positive action flowed from the legacy of the Dravidian movement, of which he was an integral part.
Today we all lament the commercialisation of education. It was Kalaignar who stood against MGR when the latter opened up the education sector to private players on the ground. He said it would make education costly and inaccessible to those who are socially, educationally and economically weak.
Tiruchi Siva is a DMK Rajya Sabha MP
