Periyar Jayanti: When the Movement to Erase the Word 'Brahmin' from Hotel Signboards Shook the Roots of Caste System in Tamil Nadu!

Chennai- On the occasion of the birth anniversary of E.V. Ramasamy, fondly known as 'Periyar,' the great rationalist leader who fought for social justice and equality, we take you back to the 1950s, a transformative era when he initiated a series of symbolic actions that laid the foundation for significant social change. From breaking Ganesha idols to burning pictures of Rama and copies of the Ramayana, Periyar fiercely opposed practices that promoted caste-based superiority.

To denounce idol worship and demonstrate that idols possess no divine power, Periyar launched a campaign in 1953. He and his followers began breaking Pillaiyar (Ganesha) idols in public spaces, sending a powerful message against superstition and blind faith.

The Historic 1958 Movement

The year 1958 marked a historic moment for Periyar’s supporters, a day still celebrated as a milestone in the fight against casteism. Periyar launched a massive movement to remove the word 'Brahmin' from hotel signboards across Tamil Nadu. During that era, Brahmin communities often displayed 'Brahmin Hotel' on their signboards to imply that their establishments were superior and their food was 'pure' and 'high-quality.' This practice reinforced caste-based discrimination and hierarchy.

Periyar viewed this as a subtle yet powerful tool of casteism. He called upon his followers and Dravidian movement activists to peacefully erase the word 'Brahmin' from hotel signboards across Tamil Nadu. This movement was a direct challenge to the commercialization of caste identity. The campaign garnered massive public support, with activists going street by street, city by city, removing the word 'Brahmin' from hundreds of hotel signboards. The movement was so effective that within days, the word began disappearing from signboards across the state.

Alarmed by the movement’s success, the then-government took strict action against Periyar. He was accused of inciting violence through his speeches in Karur, Kulithalai, and Tiruchirappalli. Consequently, Periyar was arrested.

The Tiruchirappalli district court sentenced Periyar to six months in prison. This punishment became a 'badge of honor' in his fight against the caste system. The imprisonment sparked a debate on whether promoting caste superiority aligned with constitutional values. The movement was not just about erasing a word but about dismantling a mindset that considered one community superior to another.

Removing images of Hindu deities from govt offices

In 1967, C.N. Annadurai, a true disciple of Periyar’s rationalist ideals, became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after his party, the DMK, won the majority of seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Annadurai visited Tiruchirappalli to seek Periyar’s blessings and advice. In 1968, Annadurai issued a circular directing all government offices to remove images of Hindu deities, a step in line with the principles of a secular state.

In 1969, Periyar announced a program to end caste-based discrimination in temples by ensuring that qualified individuals from all castes could enter the sanctum sanctorum. Until then, only Brahmins were allowed to perform rituals, and that too in Sanskrit rather than Tamil.

On December 8, 1973, Periyar organized a social conference in Thidal, Vepery, Madras, to discuss the eradication of social degradation and the caste system imposed by Brahminical structures. Held on December 8 and 9, the conference drew massive crowds. Periyar delivered a powerful speech, calling on all Dravidians to unite and work toward abolishing caste and social degradation. Several historic resolutions were passed during this event.

Periyar’s relentless fight against casteism, superstition, and social inequality continues to inspire generations, making his birth anniversary a moment to reflect on his revolutionary contributions to social justice.