DEAR YOUTHS

Thanthai Periyar

(Translated by A S VENU)
@Nimirvom

E Book by DVK on Aug 2021

Periyar writings and Speeches translated by A S VENU and Speech delivered by Thanthai

Periyar E.V.Ramasami (Founder - Leader of the Rationalist Movement, Tamil Nadu) at

Trichy on 21-2-1943

Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam

திராவிட வி தைல கழக

Learned President and my dear Comrades !

It is more than five or six months since I addressed ameeting. This is the first meeting after

my illness. During this period many events have taken place. You may like to know my views

on them.

I like to express my opinion on certain controversial issues. Moreover I am held responsible

for some of the latest developments.

Man cannot live as a jungle animal. He is a social being. He has to live with others in the

society. He has to serve the society. His foremost duty is to make the society happy and

prosperous. So my opinion is that a man who does not serve the society is only an ordinary

animal. Though self interest is the trait of all living beings, welfare of the society is primarily

the indispensable trait of human beings.

It is only the human society which is aware of the interests of the society, that is able to

progress. In our country, it is only the Brahmins and the Muslims who are vigilent to

safeguard the interest of their own communities. They are always worried about their own

communities. They deem it as their foremost duty. What do we find in our Dravidian society?

We should only say that we Dravidians do not think it our duty to look into the interests of our

society. Even the Adidravidas are disinterested in the welfare of their society. Why is it so? It

is because the Dravidians and even amongst the Adidravidians one set of people do not

dine with others. They are now separated into innumerable castes unnecessarily. Even

amongst the Dravidians here we have countless castes. People of one caste do not dine

with those of other castes. They do not have one common policy or religion. Those who

have religious or caste feelings cannot be expected to have social outlook and unity. You
cannot expect them to have affinity towards their own community. They live like animals

without any sense of their racial affinity. They are like barbarians. That is the reason why we

still like to be called non Bramins or Tamils. We are not prepared to call ourselves

Dravidians.

But the Anglo-Indians who are decendents of two nationalities, have unity and separate

identity. Brahmins call them selves as twice born (Dwijas). Yet they are not willing to find out

the real facts about their origin. Yet they have unity amongst themselves. That is why they

are considered great. Similarly if we take the case of Muslims, who ever may join their

religion, they are united under the banner of religion. They have affinity as members of one

religion. They are very great in this respect. They will become greater. The cause for it is

their religious unity.

Dravidians

But the case of Dravidians is different. They have numerous castes different beliefs- and

several disparities.

They are not the least worried about their racism. They are slaves to other races. That is the

reason why the Dravidians and the Adi Dravidians are at the mercy of Brahmins and the

government. They cannot survive otherwise. It is because of this evil the Dravidians and Adi

Dravidians are unable to progress.

Let me cite an example to illustrate it further. I like to refer to the things now happening. The

Brahmins are creating as much trouble as they could during this world war period. It is

known to the government also. The Muslims refused to extend any help to the British during

this war-period. What had befallen on them? The Viceroy’s executive committee voluntarily

offers all posts to them only. At the sametime the Dravidians and the Adi Dravidas deem it
their duty to help the British in this war against fascists. For this they betray their own kith

and kin and help the government in all ways. Yet they are classified as the Sudra (Sons of

prostitutes) community by the government. Even the laws term them as Sudras. What is the

reason for this? It is on account of Brahmins and the British government. Are we to say that

we deserve only that much?

The government says that we, the Dravidians, are not fit to hold high posts in the

government. If it be so, we could not have extended unconditional support to the British

rulers during the War. Yet the rulers ignore us and give their support to the Brahmins and the

Muslims. What do we understand? We must accept that we do not deserve high posts. Even

though the Brahmins are a neglible minority, the government is terribly afraid of them. We

are of a brute majority. Yet the government is least concerned about us. They arrogantly

think that we, Dravidians, cannot harm them the least. That is why they cringe on the retired

Brahmin officials and pensioners to hold high posts as judges even after the expiry of their

period of service. Would they make us slaves to the highest caste Brahmins? Otherwise is

there any justification to make us as their slaves? We cannot blame the government for

these. It is not the fault of the government. Why do I say so? We are cowards. We have no

guts to threaten the government or compel it to yield to our legitimate demand. It is our

selfishness that is the root cause for our betraying our society.

The way Out

We, the Dravidians, are not functioning as a sound body. Our organisation is considered to

be very weak. How could a party composed of such people achieve success? How can we

build a strong oraganistion with such people? We must relieve the aged people. We must bid

good bye to the rich people in our organisation. The youths in our party should come forward
to agitate. Then only it is possible for the Dravidians and Adi Dravidians to attain

independence. It is the youths who could make the government yield to their demands. For

that lofty ideal, the present organisation dominated by the rich and aged people will not suit.

We need dictatorship. It is a useless farce to talk of our being first rate democrats,

intertwined as a party. A party with dictatorial fervour could alone be fruitful. Today Russia

and Germany are wedded to dictatorship. That is why they are today very powerful forces.

Because England and America are democratic countries, they are today struggling. What

would have happened, if the dictatorial countries opposed them?

Similarly the Congress and the Muslim League are parties wedded to dictatorship. Other

parties are democratic. The government is today crushing the dictatorial organisation. They

throw some crumbs to the top men of the democratic organisation. Thus they make the

democratic bodies powerless and voiceless.

That is why I emphasize the need for the Tamils to rise up to the occasion. The Tamils

should be awake. They should assert themselves as one nation. Under such a circumstance

a dictator would come out of his own accord. It is for this that we are today aiming at.

FASTING

The next important thing that attracts the attention of the general public is the second world

war. We are getting day by day good news. We are happy and contented. So far as we are

concerned we are prepared to make all sacrifices. In fact we have already sacrificed a lot. As

such we need not be worried much about the war.

The other matter that is drawing the attention of the public is the fast by Mr.M.K.Gandhi. His

fasting is not a new experience. He has fasted many times for a few days and after breaking

the fast he has recouped good health. He once underwent fast unto death and succeeded in
his aim. This time his fast is drawing more attention. The doctors are of the opinion that his

condition is bad. The British government is negligent. But I feel that this fast is against our

interests. That is the reason why the government is lethargic. We are demanding the

separation of Dravidanaadu. Mr.M.K.Gandhi is against it. The government does not want to

interfere. They want the matter to be settled within ourselves. Mr.M.K.Gandhi says that the

British should ‘Quit India’. His idea is to let us down afterwards. That is Mr.M.K.Gandhi’s

motive. It is for this that he is now fasting.

What are we to do? If others are concerned about us, we will be concerned about them. It is

reciprocal and quite natural.

We are today Sudras. We are degraded. We have no right to enter thetemples or eating at

houses of Brahmins. We are considered as low Untouchables. In the government we are

given menial jobs. Those who betray us are caressed by the government and the congress

party. We remain as downtrodden people today. We are being exploited by the Brahmins

and by the people of other states.

Is Mr.M.K.Gandhi feel for a moment about our pitiable lot? Did he express a word of

sympathy? Now many people are worried about the fast by Mr.M.K.Gandhi. Did any one of

the them care to express sympathy towards our cause? One will have to think over the after

effects of his fasting. Could it be said that our low status would be changed to a better status

or equal status with others? How to sympathise with Mr.M.K.Gandhi without considering all

these factors? His fasting is a mere farce. How to sympathise with Mr.M.K.Gandhi?

Now an all party conference is convened. The convenors of the conference have practically

ignored us. They do not even think of us. Under these conditions what help could we render

to them? My friend Rajaji is the man behind the screen for all these. Yet he is not at all
worried about his own state. Moreover the participating leaders of various parties were

strictly instructed not to talk about party politics. They were asked to speak only about the

release of Mr.M.K.Gandhi. How could any self-respecting person agree to partake in the

conference?

Those who exploit the name of Mr.M.K.Gahdhi for their own selfish ends participated in the

conference. They passed a resolution in favour of Congress party. Only 200 delegates

attended the conference. About 309 people attended as visitors.

Rajaji himself accepted that the conference was not largely attended. It seems there were

loud speaker arrangements also! They call it an All India All party conference. There is no

limit for their deceit and fraud. They say that 100 telegrams were received from the south.

Atleast 99 would be from Brahmins. Newspapers in the hands of vested interests, being

dominated by Brahmins made a big fuss about the conference. None seemed to worry about

the people of South India. How is it right to decide the social, economic and political

problems of the people from the fasting of a single individual? Is it a wise thing? Moreover it

is mere barbarity to depend on fast to solve problems. It is utterly barbarous to be afraid of

one man fasting. If we are to submit to this sort of threat, I do not know where it will lead us

to.

HOOLIGANISM

The next item that drew the attention of the public is the enormous country wide sabotage in

consequent of 1942 ‘Quit India’ Movement. It is somewhat losing vigour now. The Congress

party is responsible for the heavy damage caused to the public property. Yet they deny the

fact. They say that they have no hand in the countrywide sabotage. The Congress was

speaking very high of its policies. They said that they are just, peaceful, truthful and non-
violent. Today it is like devils quoting scriptures. Their actions belie their words. The

congress is today exposed in its true colours.

In order to escape punishments some of the Congress leaders declared that they have no

responsibility in the outbreak of riots, arson, loot and sabotage. If they had not done like that

the volunteers of the Congress would have openly declared in the court that they alone are

responsible for all these acts of sabotage. But, at a few places the volunteers have boldly

said that they are responsible. They accepted that they only set fire. They felt sorry because

the fire did not spread widely. No national newspapers condemned. Mr.M.K.Gandhi was

aware of the sabotage all over the country. He did not issue a single statement condemning

the same. In fact he refused to do so. No one else came forward to condemn.

The police raided a number of Congress offices and seized records, which clearly revealed

that it was the Congress that actually conspired. Some of the Congress volunteers were

arrested with such literature. The government states that it is in possession of more

evidence to prove that Congress alone organised the sabotage. The government refuses to

release them with the fear that it may aggravate the situation, so it is distinctly clear that

Congress policy is towards violence, confusion and sabotage.

Who Suffers?

Is there any benifit to the people on account of all these irresponsible violent activities? Such

acts are condemnable as foolish. There was no loss to the Britishers or to their property.

There was no danger to their lives. Their government is not affected. Then who are the

losers? It is our people who lost their precious lives. The people of India are the real losers.

What will be the fate of our society if power is transferred to the Congress?
The government arrested the leaders. It is a good thing. They took immediate action to quell

the Congress party activities. They deserve to be congratulated.

So far as our state is concerned we must appreciate our people. They were very wise. Even

though the echelons in the government are Brahmins, the Governor has cleverly acted with

restraint and controlled the affairs. That is why the sabotage was not fruitful. In other states

the situation is quite different. There you find people adoring Gandhi. The rich capitalists feel

that their profits would decrease in case the Congress is humbled. They give funds liberally

and encourage the Congress volunteers. I think such things would soon end there also.

Students

The students are also creating troubles. I would only blame the teachers for that. The

teachers themselves encourage the students. North Indian money is pouring in for creating

indiscipline amongst the students. It is these two factors which are responsible for the ruin of

students. The teachers do not take disciplinary action against the boisterous elements. They

knowingly allow the students to go to dogs. They know that the students’ education and

bright prospects are being jeopardised. Even in this the Brahmin students are clever. They

do not get involved in the agitations by students. What is the net result? You find that the

Non-Brahmin students alone are ruined.

Already our education system is in doldrums. The education imparted today is not at all

useful to the individual in his future life. The burden of the parents to seek adequate

resources to educate their children is increasing day by day. It is becoming very costly to

educate children. The parents who couldreally afford to spend so much for education are

scarce.
The Brahmin community is not worried about this, because they do not care about self-

respect. The religion gives them ample scope to exploit other caste people. The government

is also encouraging them. As a result of all these advantages the Brahmin boys and girls are

able to read well and get through in the examination. Our Non-Brahmin students are easily

hoodwinked. They are easily tempted to create hooliganism in schools and colleges.

Just imagine the difficulties undergone by parents in the non-Brahmin communities.

Tolerating their poverty and hunger, many parents save money to educate their children.

Some parents risk all their belongings. Some parents part with their ancestoral property.

Some parents borrow a lot of money at high rate of interest to educate their children.

The children of such poor non-Brahmin parents have to realise their duties and

responsibilities in the schools and colleges. If they neglect their studies and indulge in

goondaism it is nothing but betraying their own poor parents. Creating lawlessness and

hooliganism is not at all a patriotic work. Most of our non-Brahmin students are today

negligent of their duties. Foolishly they act and get ruined. The duty of the student is to learn.

Education should not be neglected at all. They may behave as they like after their education

is completed.

If the student thinks that education is not more important than nationalism, he should

express his will to his parents and get out of the school or college to do things as he likes.

That is what a decent and honest fellow will do. Behaving in any other irresponsible way as a

goonda is condemnable. It is a mistake to talk of nationalism remaining in the classes as a

student. It is nothing but disgraceful. I like to stress all these particularly to the Non-Brahmin

students.

Books
Another item that has attracted the attention of the people is the burning of unwanted

literature. I am held responsible for this. Why do the self respectors do so? It is only to

induce the Tamilians to boycott such books as Manu Code which is responsible for the

creation of belief in religion and god. Ramayana is created as the story of a god.

Periapuranam is also created like that. They are propagated as the literatures of the Tamils.

That is the reason why we ask the Tamils to boycott such literatures. Burning campaign is

only a formal token of our protest. Many people have written letters to me suggesting the

burning of Hindu law also as it is based on the Manu’s code. We are telling this for many

years. Today we are ruled according to the Manu’s Code only. We will do one by one. Let us

first burn the three books Manu’s Code, Ramayanam and Periapuranam. But the Tamil

pundits and Saivites amongst us are raising a cry against us

Let us first of all try to know how these books are related to us. Then we should know as to

what is contained in them. Then we should find out whether they are in any way helpful to

us. We should know whether there is any benefit to us by following the unwise ideas

elaborated in these books. It is only after closely scrutinising all these that we can talk about

them.

These three books are not at all concerned about the Dravidian Tamils. They are not helpful

to us in any manner. If any Tamilian is of the opinion that Manu’s Code should not be burnt,

we will have to doubt about his very birth. Ramayana is also like Manu’s code. Some pundits

praise Kamba Ramayana as a valuable literature. They are against burning. But the very

author of Ramayana does not call it a literature. Kambar himself says:

“At risk of the world speaking ill of me and my reputation getting spoiled, what my work

seeks to state is”

ேக வி. லைமயிேனா , க ெத வமா கவி மா சி ெதாிவி கேவ."

He has emphatically stated that Ramayana is not a piece of literature.

He considers Ramayana merely as his masterpiece to establish his talents.

There are others who state that Periya Puranam is history throwing a lot of information about

astronomy and geography. They are of the opinion that it should not be burnt.

Ramayana and Kandapuranam were written with a competitive spirit. Periapuranam was

written to countaract the Bakthavijayam and Baktha Leelamirtham. This is evident from a

general reading of all these books.

The ideology of Ramayana and Kandapurana is the same. Rama was born to destroy

‘Arakkars’ (Rakshasas). It is believed that Mahavishnu incarnated as Rama. Similarly the

Devas (gods) prayed to Paramasivan to destroy the ‘Asuras’ (Non-Brahmin Dravidians).

Kandan was born to Paramasivan for that purpose. Nothing is known about the birth and

parentage of Sita, the wife of Rama. Similarly nothing is known about the birth and

parentage of Valli, the wife of Kandan.

The birth of Rama is an absurdity. He was born to the Brahmins who performed ‘Yaga’. The

birth of Kandan is still worse. When the semon of Paramasivan fell down, the earth was not

able to bear it. So it was directed towards sea. Kandan was born there. I am not telling this

of my own accord. It is Viswamitra who said all these. In the Ramayana as the Rakshasas

were being killed more and more Rakshasas are said to have been born newly. Similarly it is

stated in the Kandapurana that Asuras were beheaded. The dead Asuras are said to have

appeared with new lives. Like these you find many similarities between Ramayana and
Kandapurana. Looking into the behaviour of the devotees of Saivism as well as

Vaishnavism, we find them to be of the same type, one copying the other.

In Saivism, we find a devotee called Tiruneelakandar, who was a potter. Similarly in

Vaishnavism we find a devotee called Gorakummbar. He was also a potter. The stories of

both the devotees are alike. Both of them were not in terms with their wives. They did not

oven speak to their wives. It is Vishnu the god who brought in good terms between

Gorakumbar and his wife. It is Paramasivan who brought in good terms between

Tiruneelakandar and his wife.

Even as Ramayana is considered to be an epic by Hindu Vaishnavites, the Hindu Saivites

consider Periyapuranam as their epic. One cannot easily state that there is anything to be

learnt by the people. Indiscipline, prostitution and things devoid of self respect abound, in

these epics.

If we are to accept them as divine literatures and talk in praise of these epics and gods and

religion, we will only be exhibiting our uncivilised barbarous status in our life.

One devotee willingly offers his wife to a Brahmin. One devotee uses his elbow to grind the

Sandal wood. One devotee offers the hairs of his daughter to a temple. What is the use of

reading such things? It may justify the offering of anything and everything to the highest

caste Brahmins. These stories serve the purpose of creating disharmony. You find the story

of an untouchable called Nandanar in Saivism. Similarly you find the story of an untouchable

called Sokkamela in Vaishnavism. Their stories are also similar. They were admitted into the

temple and given salvation by their respective gods.

Vaishnavism permits even stealing and cheating in the name of god. Tirumangai Alwar’s

story vouchsafes it. Similarly the story of Manickavasagar in Saivism approves stealing and
cheating in the name of god. Both of them were given salvation by their respective gods, for

their religious service by stealing and cheating. The Vaishnavite gods and Saivite gods

compete with one another in absurdities, foolishness, and barbarity. They prescribed tests to

their devotees thinking themselves to be very intelligent. A false impression was created to

make offerings ungrudgingly to the so called holy Brahmins. One must be a fool to believe

that these books are helpful to the Hindu society. Similarly if the Tamil scholars and

enthusiasts champion the cause of these books and aspire to spread them, I would only say

that they are doing great disservice to the society of Tamils. From the beginning to the end

we do not find anything decent or justifiable in the Ramayana. Every action of Rama is

atrocious. How to worship him as god? Could anyone boldly say as to how Ramayana is

useful to the majority of the people?

If it is to be considered as an epic or literature, should there be no rules to govern it for giving

such a status? Is there no limit for imagination? Would any one agree to part away with his

wife, just because a poet has excelled in his imagination? How could anyone emulate the

example set by the devotees. Should not such men be beaten black and blue? The Tamil

scholars and pundits do not understand this simple matter. How could they command the

respect of the people? The saivite Tamil Pundits insist on safeguarding Periyapuranam.

They say that it contains historical and geographical truths and also many astronomical

facts.

We can easily get books on these vital subjects written by experts. There are many cheap

editions also written by research scholars. Ignoring this fact what is the use of searching for

rice in the Sahara desert, when you have varieties of rice in abundance in the grocer’s shop?
There are plenty of story books in the market. Our people do not read them. Why? It is

because those stories are not religious. They are not stories of divinity. They are not

preaching religious sanctity. They do not disgrace the Tamil community. Those books do not

subjugate us as slaves. They are not barbarous. That is the reason why we do not worry

about anything else except the religious books. The religion and god and the books

concerned about them should be destroyed completely. We must efface them out of

existence. We should not allow them to exist in any form. Only then we can live with self

respect. It is with this noble objective that we are for destroying all the books, which are

religious.

We are of the firm conviction that Tamils have no salvation with these books. That is why we

are for destroying them. We have not decided to do so blindly. We are aware of the price we

have to pay for it. Yet we are resolute to sacrifice our utmost to destroy these books.

We are determined to face any serious consequence. We are ready to lose our precious life.

We are ready to undergo any difficulty for this. We are not like others, who are foolish

enough to be content with the blind support for carrying on religious propaganda. We know

that we can lead a carefree life and attain fame easily. We have not succumbed to such an

evil. We are self-respectors. During the last 18 years, our speeches and actions are almost

the same. Those who have keenly observed us and followed our activities would not find

anything new. We are always wedded to one policy. Perhaps a few may misconstrue our

ideals. They may feel perturbed and get angry.

Any person who involves himself in public activities is bound to do something which he

sincerely feels as right and good. Atleast he must show the right way for our ladies.

Otherwise he must lose his life in either of the ways. So far as we are concerned, we are
aware of the fate of true reformists. We know of the difficulties faced by the wisemen. We do

know of what the people then valued about their genuine services.

I do not want to mingle politics in our social matters. I am speaking here as a reformist and

not as a politician. I am not very much enamoured of Swaraj (Freedom)? I do not attach

much importance to it. My objective is whether we want Swaraj or self-respect raj. Those

who are really worried about the present status of affairs of the Tamilians, would definitely

feel that these books are retrogative to our interest. True Tamils would deem these books as

poisonous. Now you people see what Mr. Maraimalai Adigal has said. He is peerless

amongst Tamil scholars. His views on Kamaba Ramayana cannot be ignored. We have of

course many differences of opinion with him. Adigalar is praised today and held in high

esteem by the Tamil Scholars and pundits. See what he has written:

“Some of the Tamil poets were very much enamoured of the false propaganda by the

Aryans. So they have created Bharatham and Ramayanam with all sorts of unbelievable

things. They made their writings familiar amongst the people who were adoring the Aryans”.

“Perum Devanar recreated Bharatham into Tamil and it has become obsolete”.

“Bharatham is a bundle of unbelievable things. The ancient authors in Tamil could not

translate Ramayana written in the Aryan language as it was fully dumped with absurdities”.

The Ramayanam written by the poet Kambar is an adoption of the Ramayana written in the

Aryan language Sanskrit. As there were many unbelievable things in the writinga of

Kamabar, the Tamil scholars of the later ages were not able to reconcile with Kambar.

Because Kambar wrote a false story and as Kambar was accustomed to the alien language

and its culture, he has dared to adopt and strictly follow the aliens and utter lies in his work.
Naturally the poets of the later ages, also stooped to deceive people. For that sake they

have translated and remade the works in Tamil. Thus they have destroyed the ancient glory

of the Tamils.

It is true that there are traces of literary brilliance in the translations. Because they are built

up on false premises from the beginning to the end, people are confused. They are not able

to distinguish between fact and fiction.

There are splendid fictions in foreign languages, particularly in the English language

considered to be one of the civilised languages. There are plenty of stories with falsehoods

also. Those cock and bull stories are written in the poetic form also. Such a literature is

increasing enormously. But what is the opinion of those learned scholars in the language?

They specifically point out that such stories are purely imaginary. The authors of these

various fictions declare that they are not true stories. They openly accept that such stories

are meant simply for reading and enjoying. So there is no harm in reading them. Modern

Tamil scholars, who have undrtaken the research have arrived at definite conclusions. They

say that the ancient literatue contains cock and bull stores. They have listed out what is

untrue and imaginary. They say that they were written without any sense of rationalism.

It is a great blunder to project such stories as true. If people are made to believe them blindly

as true stories, it will result in under development of the brain. Truth is always a truth.

Falsehood could never last for long as truth. That is why I say that it is a great blunder to

believe these stories.

The Tamil pundits who uphold the imaginary literature as true have forfeited their wisdom

and sense of justice and fair play.

Scholar Mr.R.P.Sethupillai is reported to have stated that Ravana the King of Ceylon was an

Aryan. I read about it in the newspapers. It is a known fact to the world that Ravana was all

along referred to as the Thennailangai Vendan (King of Ceylon).

Historians and research scholars have long ago found out the period in which the Aryans

came to India. They are of the opinion that the Dravidians or Tamilians were the original

inhabitants of India, particularly in the south. There is no historical evidence to prove that an

Aryan had ever ruled the Tamils or Ceylon.

Just because Ravana is said to have mastered the Vedas and prayed Siva,

Mr.R.P.Sethupillai concludes that Ravana was an Aryan. He quotes Valmilki for evidence.

He knows pretty well that these facts were probed further by research scholars or historians.

Both Valmiki and Kambar have attributed many qualities to Ravana.

It is said Ravana lived for three and a half crores of years. He is said to hail from the

‘pulasthian’ class. He is said to have powers to carry the earth. There are many such things

said about him.

Even as all these were said about Ravana by Valmiki and Kambar, it was also stated that he

read the Vedas and spoke in the Northern Sanskrit language. It is indeed a pity Mr.

Sethupillai wants to establish things based merely on what is written in the Puranas. He

does not want to view things with a research mind or rational out look. How is it possible for

the Vedas to spread in the South, even before the coming of

Rama? How is it possible for the northern language to come here? Moreover if Ravana was

an Aryan, where is the need for him to knock away Sita. What made Rama to declare that he

had come only to kill Ravana?

The speeches and behaviour of some of our Tamil scholars are detrimental to our interests.

They behave as though they are the enemies of Tamils.

It is no pleasure for me to criticise our Tamil scholars. What else could I do without criticising

them for their unwise acts? It is for the people to judge whether they are worthy of praise.

Aryans have written that Rama was an Aryan. They accept that it is the story of Aryans.

They say that it was written to make Rama a god. Later our Tamil writers adopted all these

and attributed more and more wonderful qualities to Rama. They exerted much to uphold

Ramayana. They champion the absurdities in them and propagate them as unadulterated

truths.

How are we to consider such people as great or honest or honourable? How could they be

considered as patriotic people?

Have you ever seen the Aryans translating any of our Tamil books? Do they atleast praise

any Tamil book? Please think over why they are like that? How should we be? Should we

not have self-respect? Why should our Ravana be depicted for ever as low and bad?

Hate Them (Aryan Literatures)

It is because of these Puranas (Mythologies) and lthihasas (Epics) that we are made slaves

to the Aryans. The Muslims and Christians today are not slaves to the Aryans. Why is it? Is it

not because they hate these books? This is the historic fact. We see people talk ill of Aryans

and Aryanism. But how many people are really against Aryans in their life? We are not

practical and we do not put into practice what all we say. Our attitude towards Ramayana,

Periyapurana itself is an indication of our slavish character. I would only say that we are not

really sincere to our own Dravidian culture and Tamil language.

civilisation and their migration to India as nomads. Similarly the historians have recorded

facts about Dravidians and their civilisation. But

it is not so with Periapuranam and the stories contained in it.

Periya Puranam

"Some one sang a ballad!

It is god who commenced it!

There was a glow of light!

The reflection in the mirror

Came out as a real man!

A child aged only three years began to sing!

A rock floated in the water!

Fever was cured with mere ashes!

The door opened wide of its own accord!

Foxes became horses!

Out of mere bones, a girl was created!

A boy swallowed by a crocodile became alive and came out!"

All sorts of absurdities like these are found in the Periyapuranam. What is there great in

Kandapuranam?

In the very opening stanza itself reference is made only to the Brahmin priest in the temple

of Thillai (Chidambaram). The Saivite Pundits condemn other puranas. They decry them as
absurd. What about their own Periyapuranam? Even as drunkards decry others as

intoxicated and order for drinks. These Saivite Pundits behave as though absurdities are not

seen in their literature. Don’t we see in them the qualities of Aryans.

In Christianity you do not find more and more absurdities. There are two or three things

which cannot be believed. A virgin girl begets a child! A small piece of bread multiplies

miraculously to feed the hungry thousands! The dead are brought back to life. Even these

few unbelievable things are not tolerated in the western countries.

There is opposition to the Bible. Many controversies are going on. The number of people

who disown religion goes on increasing. Here, such absurdities are found in abundance. If

we take any thing we find it unbelievable. Many things are irrational, illogical and not

acceptable to reason. Such being the case how long could our god, religion and puranas

exist intact? We can understand if the ordinary ignorant people alone believe them, but we

see even learned scholars revere the puranas and show respect to them. How are we to

tolerate this tragedy?

So I appeal to the Tamilian youths. Do not rest on your oars till the false prestige attached to

these books are nullified. What ever ordeals you may have to face, be bold to disown them.

These books are white ants to your brain. If you youngsters resolve to do away with such a

senseless, pernicious and unwanted literature, you will be doing a great service to

Tamilnadu and the Tamilians.

Cinema

Even as we have got to set fire to some of the Shastras, Puranas and lthihasas there is

another important work to do. It is to fight against the atrocities in the Cinema field. The
reasons we attribute to burn some of the books are also applicable to the Cinemas. What

ever is preached in the books are propagated in the Cinema.

We see the old order changing and yielding place to the new in many fields. This is what we

see in the world. But here we find new things and changes are cleverly suppressed. The old

are considered as precious gold in the film industry. Our Cinema is mostly based on blind

beliefs, foolishness and barbarities. Neither the actors nor the producers think about the

interests of the cine goers.

A prostitute or a thief does not think about the interests of the general public. The actors and

producers are also like that. Their actions are generally against the interests of the society.

By hook or by crook they want to safeguard their personal interests. By hook or crook they

want to live happily.

Such anti-social elements are now becoming very scarce in western countries. But here their

number is increasing.

During the anti-Hindi agitation more than 1500 volunteers including ladies courted

imprisonment to save the Tamil Language. One of the good effects of this agitation is the

increasing urge in our people to hear Tamil music. To encourage the Tamil Music

Movement, many rich people volunteered to donate money. It will not take much time to root

out the shameless actors and disgraceful producers. All that we have to do is to agitate. It is

enough if 5000 people are prepared to go to jail. There are many things we have to do. Of

the many this is one.

In the West you find dramas and films depicting the rise of renaissance. In our country many

unbelievable things are going on in the name of religion, puranas and gods. Even the
government is a party to this. Things which have to be eschewed, hated and rejected are in

full sway.

You don’t find others worried about all these!

Is it enough to indulge in mere sophisticated talks to reform a society and do good to the

country? Is it enough if people are asked to spin daily for the country’s welfare? Is it enough

if people are advised to wear Khadhi cloth for the country’s progress?

Should we not wisely plan and act? We must do things in a constructive manner. The evil of

attaching importance to speeches without doing anything laudable has resulted in dishonest

people rising up as leaders and prominent men. They parade themselves as full blooded

politicians and leaders of the nations.

So I appeal to the youths to think over the existing state of affairs and realise their

responsibility. Even our womanfolk should come forward,

unmindful of any other thing. In order to redeem the lost honour of a nation, atleast a few

people should be ready to face any disgrace. Don’t you find many people behave even

immorally for the sake of their belly? So come to a decision to redeem our honour and self-

respect at any cost. If there is anything good you can do to others, don’t hesitate.

Recollect what Valluvar - the Great Preacher of Moral Virtues has said about self-respect.

He warns that one would be harming a great cause, if he contemplates about his own dignity

and status. For the sake of honour and dignity one must be prepared to risk even his life.

Why do l say so? Self respectors can never afford to lose their dignity and honour.

All the talks on communism in our country is bogus. Our youths must keep away from such

talks. What is the work they do? Their eyes are always on the leaders of the Justice Party.

Their work is to criticise the Muslims and rich people. They are not worried about the evil
casteism or reactionary propaganda of Gandhi. They are not worried about Rajaji who wants

only the Brahmins to live happily. They are not worried about the Congress party that

upholds the Varnasrama Dharma. They are not worried about khadhi being symbolic of

barbarous age.

The communists are dominated by the evil forces cited above. So I appeal to the youth to be

aware of these communists. Communism here, as it is, is a sugar coated poisonous pill.

Beware!