Revisiting Periyar: Dialogues on caste, socialism and Dravidian identity
S. V. Rajadurai and Vidya Bhushan Rawat’s joint effort in bringing out a book on the most original iconoclast of South Asia, Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, titled Periyar: Caste, Nation and Socialism, published by People’s Literature Publication, Mumbai, is now available on Amazon and Flipkart. This volume presents an innovative method of documenting the pioneering contributions of a leader like Periyar, and it reflects the scholarship of Rajadurai, who has played a pivotal role in popularizing Periyar in English. What makes the book distinct is its dialogic structure, inspired by Paulo Freire’s conversational method, in which Rajadurai responds to Rawat’s carefully crafted questions across 14 chapters, covering a wide range of themes from Periyar’s conception of Dravidanadu to his engagements with Ambedkar, Buddhism, caste annihilation, Pakistan, the Constituent Assembly debates, and several lesser-known episodes of his North Indian tours and Bombay conferences organized largely by RPI and Ambedkarite groups. The book records Periyar’s nuanced positions, including his candid defense against accusations from certain Dalit activists, his contentious relations with leaders like Rajagopalachari and Kamaraj, and his interactions with communists and Dalit dissenters. A significant addition lies in three appended chapters that reveal aspects of Rajadurai’s own life and mission, unavailable elsewhere. Particularly notable is the exploration of Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste, a text Periyar translated into Tamil and serialized in Kudi Arasu. Rajadurai details Periyar’s solidarity with Ambedkar’s anti-Brahminical struggles, his acknowledgment of the Round Table Conferences, and his critiques of Gandhi. Beyond his reputation as an atheist and iconoclast, the book underscores Periyar’s deep engagement with Buddhism—his participation in conferences in Ceylon, his organization of meetings in Erode, and his collaborations with Ambedkar and RPI workers. Such narratives enrich our understanding of Periyar as a comprehensive humanist and reformer, later recognized by UNESCO. The chapters also revisit Periyar’s fraught relations with the Justice Party, the Congress, and the subsequent formation of the Self-Respect Movement, with Rajadurai illustrating how leaders like Anna, Karunanidhi, and Veeramani shaped and sustained the Dravidian movement under his influence. Rawat’s probing questions bring depth to these narratives, particularly in relation to controversies such as Kilvenmani and Meenakshipuram, Dalit massacres during and after Periyar’s time, and the persistence of caste violence in Tamil Nadu today. Interestingly, the chapter on land reforms is a mere page and a half, exposing the movement’s inadequacies in addressing Dalit economic deprivation. Rajadurai highlights that Tamil Nadu still has the highest proportion of landless Dalits in the South—around 73 percent—making caste clashes largely agrarian conflicts between landowners and landless Dalits. The persistence of feudal mindsets even within sections of the Dravidian leadership underscores this unresolved tension. Rajadurai’s reflections also reveal his disillusionment with the left parties, whose entrenchment in Brahminical frameworks undermined radical reform agendas. The Naxalite strategy of violent elimination of class enemies, which briefly influenced Rajadurai, also failed to transform the socio-economic realities of Tamil Nadu. Nevertheless, the Periyar project’s enduring impact lay in its challenge to the Arya-Brahmin conspiracy and its mobilization of Dravidian identity against structural oppression. While Dalit critics have faulted Periyar for not addressing their specific grievances more robustly, Rajadurai argues that Periyar consistently stood with the oppressed, though the sheer scale and internal contradictions of the movement inevitably gave rise to disputes. The socialist dimension of Periyar’s thought is another strength of this book. His writings in Kudi Arasu (Republic), Puratchi (Revolution), and Viduthalai (Freedom) reflect his belief in socialism, which he defined as samadharma, a direct refutation of Manudharma. For Periyar, socialism meant equality through proportional representation and the self-respect of all individuals. He translated the Communist Manifesto into Tamil and emphasized that caste inequality was rooted in agrarian structures. His clashes with Gandhi, his leadership in the Vaikom Satyagraha, his repeated imprisonments for temple-entry struggles, and his advocacy of women’s liberation and family planning in the 1930s demonstrate his radicalism in both social and economic spheres. Periyar’s fight for caste-based reservations, especially his leadership in pressuring Nehru’s government to amend the Constitution in 1951 to restore backward class rights after the Supreme Court struck them down, is also recounted in detail. Ambedkar, as Law Minister, supported this amendment. Rajadurai also recalls events like the Meenakshipuram conversions, countered by Hindutva forces with political money power, and shows how Periyar’s tactical support for conversions provided Dalits temporary relief from caste oppression. Ultimately, Periyar’s samadharma envisioned a Dravidian country rooted in equality and dignity for all. The book’s wider contribution is to spark fresh debate on the relevance of Periyar in contemporary India. It interrogates the limitations of the Dravidian movement, both in addressing class inequities and in broadening its scope beyond Tamil Nadu. The narrowing of the Dravidian identity, despite its historical linkages to the Indus and Harappan civilizations, has weakened its ideological reach. Rajadurai and Rawat argue that intellectual collectives must re-examine non-Brahmin movements, critically evaluate source material often mediated by Brahmin translators, and expand the study of caste and class annihilation in light of Periyar and Ambedkar’s visions. Periyar: Caste, Nation and Socialism thus provides a compelling foundation to continue the agenda of liberating India’s oppressed classes from Brahminical and capitalist exploitation. It offers an honest appraisal of Periyar’s achievements and limitations while urging new approaches to strengthen the unfinished tasks of social and economic justice. By Prof. K. S. Chalam* Courtesy : Counterview Note: This news is originally published on https:/counterview.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Dalit youth murdered in Hardoi: Beaten with kicks and sticks during irrigation, dispute over playing music in the temple 4 months ago
A Dalit youth was murdered in Zaidipur village of Madhoganj police station area of Hardoi. The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Rohit. He was a Rozgar Sevak and the only brother of four sisters. On Sunday evening, Rohit was irrigating the paddy crop in his field. During this time some people attacked him. The accused beat him with kicks and sticks. Then strangled him to death. According to the villagers, Rohit had a dispute with some people three-four months ago over playing music in the temple. He was attacked even then. He went into coma in this attack. He had to be admitted in Lucknow for 15 days. A case of attempt to murder was registered in this matter. On receiving information about the incident, police station in-charge and CO Bilgram Ravi Prakash reached the spot. The deceased’s father Balakram has accused five youths of the village. The police have detained two suspects and started questioning them. The body has been sent for post-mortem. The villagers allege that the police did not take any action after the last attack. This boosted the morale of the accused and they attacked again. There is an atmosphere of tension in the village. Faizi Khan Courtesy: Hindi News
Rajgarh: Case of rape of Dalit woman comes to light
Rajgarh: A 26-year-old Dalit woman living in village Mana of Kurawar police station area has accused a youth from Barodia Talab of raping her several times in a period of one and a half months on the pretext of marriage and threatening to kill her by beating her when she protested. On Monday, the police registered a case against the accused who fled from the spot under various sections including SCST Act and started the search. According to the police, the 26-year-old Dalit woman resident of village Mana told that Arjun son of Govind Khati, resident of village Barodia Talab, raped her several times between 11 June and 27 July on the pretext of marriage. Now he is refusing to marry, he beat her when she protested and threatened to kill her. The police registered a case against the accused who fled from the spot under sections 69, 115(2), 351(3) BNS, SCST Act and started the search. Courtesy : Hindi News
BIM yet to reinstate Dalit assistant professor, likely to appeal Madras HC order
The director of the institution said they are exploring options to appeal against the order in Supreme Court within the stipulated period of 90 days. TIRUCHY: An assistant professor, who is from a Scheduled Caste community, has sought the intervention of state higher education department stating the Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM) has not reinstated him despite an order issued by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on August 4. The director of the institution said they are exploring options to appeal against the order in Supreme Court within the stipulated period of 90 days. Dr CNS Ramnath Babu, an alumnus, joined the BIM in April 2021 as assistant professor in marketing department. On completion of probation period, he was terminated by the director Asit K Barma in July 2023 without issuing notice. Dr Babu challenged it in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, which stayed the termination and later quashed it in November 2023. BIM obtained a stay that prolonged the dispute until August 2025, when a division bench dismissed the appeal and upheld his reinstatement. The judges held that while probationers could be discharged for poor performance, punitive or stigmatic termination required an inquiry. On August 24, Boiler Plant police booked Asit K Barma under the SC/ST Act. “Since July 2023, I am in this legal battle, just to prove I am an able teacher and scholar. Every day is a struggle to uphold my self-respect without earning,” he told TNIE. Dr Babu, who earlier headed the SC/ST Committee at BIM, alleged that reservation norm is not followed in the institution in faculty recruitment. “I am not looking for another job because this fight is for justice and dignity. I want what I rightfully deserve,” he said. When contacted, Barma said the institution respects the high court but had the right to move SC within 90 days. “Reservation norms are not applicable in faculty recruitment or promotions in our institution. We follow merit-based selection as per our rules. At the same time, we are exploring legal remedies,” Barma said. Legal experts say unless BIM obtains a stay from the apex court, the HC order is binding, and non-compliance could invite contempt action. Higher Education MinisterGovi Chezhian assured that the department would examine the matter and take action. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Case of Dalit students being beaten: 5 students were made to stand like a rooster for chanting Jai Bhim, complaint lodged with SP
A case of beating of Scheduled Caste students has come to light in the Intermediate College located in Dhanaura Silvernagar of Binauli in Baghpat district. The students have complained to the SP office. The incident is of 26th August. Some students raised slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in the prayer meeting. During this, the Scheduled Caste students raised the slogan of ‘Jai Bhim’. After this, the PTI and two teachers took five students to a room. Two teachers held the hands of the students. The third teacher beat them with a stick. The students were also made to stand like a rooster. Threatened to be expelled from school The students allege that the principal used casteist words. They were threatened to be expelled from the school. The aggrieved students complained to the Binauli police station. The police did not take any action. After this, the students reached the SP office on Friday. Additional SP Narendra Pratap Singh said that the Binauli police station in-charge has been instructed to investigate. DIOS Raghavendra Singh said that he has not received any complaint yet. On receipt of complaint, a thorough investigation will be conducted and action will be taken as per rules. Ashish Courtesy : Hindi News
8-year-old Dalit boy beaten, hung upside down in Rajasthan for touching water pot; mother, grandmother attacked
A man was arrested and two others were detained after an eight-year-old Dalit boy was brutally assaulted and hung upside down from a tree in Rajasthan’s Barmer district for allegedly touching a water pot. His mother and grandmother were also attacked when they tried to stop the assault. According to the boy’s mother, Puri Devi, the incident took place in Bhakharpura village on Friday. She told Hindustan Times that her son was playing nearby when two men, identified as Narnaram Prajapat and Demaram Prajapat, asked him to clean a bathroom and collect garbage. After completing the work, the minor requested water and touched their pot, which allegedly triggered the violence. The accused reportedly dragged the child to Narnaram’s house, where they hung him upside down from a tree and continued beating him. The assault reportedly ended only when a relative of the boy began recording the incident on his phone. Soon after, the accused allegedly barged into Puri Devi’s home and attacked her and her mother-in-law. “Prima facie investigation and medical examination confirm the boy was brutally beaten and hung upside down. However, the allegation that touching a water pot led to the assault is still under investigation,” Circle Officer Sukhram Bishnoi told the newspaper. He added that an FIR was registered on August 30 against the three men — Narnaram, Demaram, and Ruparam Prajapat, all residents of Bhakharpura. Police have charged the accused under Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 127(2) (wrongful confinement), and Section 137(2) (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Brutality with Dalit child in Alwar, Rajasthan: 11-year-old innocent beaten, made to lick spit and humiliated
Brutality with 11-year-old Dalit child in Alwar district, accused absconded as soon as villagers reached. A case of beating and humiliation of an 11-year-old Dalit child by village youths has come to light from Khedli police station area of Alwar district of Rajasthan. According to media reports, the incident took place on the evening of 29 August. According to the information, an 11-year-old child from Peepalkheda village had gone to the fields on his bicycle. On the way, two youths came on a bike and stopped him. Both the youths were drunk and started beating the child. Then the youths spit on the ground and forcibly made the child lick it. Not only this, they also abused him and forced him to apologize by falling at their feet. The child’s mother told the police that the accused took her son to a millet field by showing him a knife. There they removed his clothes and tried to do wrong things with him. Meanwhile, some villagers reached the spot. Seeing the villagers, the accused immediately fled from there. The frightened and crying child reached home and told the whole incident to the family. After this, the family lodged a report at Khedli police station. According to police officials, the accused have been identified as Vijendra son of Atar Singh Gurjar and Vikas son of Devi Meena, resident of Pipalkheda. A case has been registered on the complaint of the victim’s family. Now the search for the accused is on and strict action will be taken soon. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Odisha: Dalit woman paraded wearing garland of shoes for not repaying ₹2,000 loan, video goes viral
Dalit woman inhumanly treated for not repaying ₹2,000 loan, video goes viral on social media. A shocking incident has come to light from Odisha’s Angul district, where a Dalit woman had to face inhuman humiliation for not repaying a small loan of ₹2,000. In the video that went viral on social media, it can be seen that the woman’s face was smeared with soot and she was paraded around the village with a garland of slippers around her neck. According to local sources, the woman had borrowed this money from a village committee. But when she could not return it, some women of the village decided to punish her by allegedly setting up a “kangaroo court”. The victim had lodged a written complaint at the Handapa police station on August 14. However, the villagers allege that the police, local administration and some influential people of the community kept trying to suppress the matter. A villager said, “Despite such a serious crime, no immediate action was taken.” The woman has left the village and gone somewhere else due to the constant fear of danger. Some people say that she may have been pressured to keep quiet. This matter came to light when the video of the incident spread rapidly on social media. After this, civil society organizations and human rights activists have demanded strict action against the culprits. Also, questions are being raised on the role of the police. At present, the official response of the Angul district administration and police is awaited. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Accused arrested for gangraping a Dalit girl in Deoria: They took the girl on a bike while she was going to her aunt’s house
A case of gangrape of a Dalit girl has come to light in Salempur Kotwali area of Deoria. Police have arrested both the accused and sent them to jail. The incident took place on the night of 25 August. The victim had left for her aunt’s house at 8 pm. On the way, Tinku Yadav of Garhwa Mishra and Satish Yadav of Dhanauti Rai made her sit on the bike by luring her to drop her to her aunt’s house. Both the accused took the girl to a deserted house near Dhanauti Rai village. There they forcibly took her inside by gagging her mouth. Both of them raped her one by one. The victim later gathered courage and informed her family about the incident. The police immediately sent the girl to the hospital for medical examination. After the report came, both the accused were arrested. After getting their medical examination done at CHC Salempur, they were produced in the court. The court ordered to send both of them to jail. Police have registered a case under various sections including rape and SC-ST Act. CO Salempur Deepak Shukla said that action is being taken to provide security and justice to the victim. Anugrah Narayan Shahi Courtesy: Hindi News
Lack of basic facilities in Dalit colony: 50 families in Semra village of Basti troubled by waterlogging and dirt
More than 50 Dalit families living in Harijan colony of Semra alias Galwa Panchayat of Basti district are facing many problems. Broken drains and waterlogging situation persists in the colony. Local resident Ramdev said that the drains are completely blocked. Dirty water enters the houses due to the passing of vehicles on the road. According to resident Ramchet, he has to pass through dirty water daily. People often slip and fall. Village resident Savitri said that no sanitation worker has come here for years. The water from the drains fills the roads. The village head is not paying attention to the problems of this colony. The condition of drinking water is bad in Pidawal village of Bahadurpur development block. Dirty water accumulates in pits near the tap. Villagers say that neither the head nor any officer comes here. The number of mosquitoes is high in the colony. Residents are at risk of malaria and dengue. Even after 75 years of independence, the people of this colony are not able to get basic facilities. Karunesh Courtesy: Hindi News