In a re-enactment of the historic 1939 temple entry, led by Gandhian A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, Dalit students from Harijan Sevalayam were taken to Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple here on Tuesday. The day marked the 75th anniversary of the ‘temple entry.’
On July 8, 1939 A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, as president of Harijan Seva Sangh, led a group of Dalits and Nadars into the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. This paved way for the entry of Dalits into temples in Alagarkoil, Tirupparankundram, Palani, Srirangam and Srivilliputtur by December. Later, the Temple Entry Authorisation and Indemnity Act was passed by C. Rajagopalachari in 1939 by which restrictions prohibiting Nadars and Dalits from entering temples were removed.
On Tuesday, Madurai Amman Sanniddhi Gandhi Statue Committee organised a meeting at Amman Sannidhi. President of the committee M. Chidambara Bharathi presided over the meeting. Freedom fighters I. Mayandi Bharathi, A.M. Lakshmanan and Oyyammal took part.
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K. M. Natarajan of Tamil Nadu Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, in his address, said, “The 1939 temple entry movement paved way for Dalits’ entry into famous temples for offering prayers without any hindrance. However, even today, in several villages, Dalits are not permitted to enter temples.”
“A new movement is required to ensure that Dalits entered temples in villages as well,” he added. Mr. Natarajan also garlanded the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Vaidyanatha Iyer.
Officials of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple welcomed the students of Harijan Sevalayam, who offered prayers at the temple.
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