Periyar's birth anniversary shall be celebrated as 'Social Justice Day': Chief Minister MK Stalin

Chennai

“All men are equal and both men and women are equal were the twin principles of Periyar. His objectives were abolition of castes and abolition of slavery of women and he questioned those which are against his objectives. His questions were scientific and he kindled people to think like him,” said Stalin, while making the announcement under Rule 110 of Tamil Nadu Assembly Rules.

Calling it a historical announcement, Stalin said that Periyar, who had never been to the Legislative Assembly, was the reason behind the first amendment Act and though he did not enter the Assembly, his thoughts were enacted as Laws.

Periyar had the power of implementing his thoughts through others. He also said that while celebrating the ‘Social Justice Day,’ the following pledge on social justice will also be administered in all the government offices across the states.

“I will follow the principles that all men are equal by birth, all men are my kin and all places are my native place. My work will be based on self-respect and ideals of rationalism. I will dedicate myself to equality, brotherhood and justice for all. I will strive hard to ensure that love for mankind and humanity are the same. My journey will be based on establishing a society based on social justice,” the Chief Minister said.

BJP, AIADMK welcome announcement

Surprisingly, the BJP, which has been critical of Periyar in the past, welcomed the announcement of Chief Minister. “Social justice, abolition of castes and women empowerment are the principles of the BJP too. As a theist political party, the BJP also welcomes the announcement,” said BJP Legislature Party leader Nainar Nagendran.

AIADMK MLA R Vaithilingam while welcoming the announcement said that it was only due to Periyar that even a common man could become MLAs and MPs and enter the Assembly.