Govt to celebrate Vaikom centenary year: CM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced his decision to celebrate the centenary function of Vaikom movement for a year as a government function. Somanthar temple has been located at Vaikom near Thiruvangoor in Kerala. For years together, people from backward communities were prohibited from walking in the streets around the temple. People started to oppose the practice on March 30, 1924. Leaders including Periyar took part in the non-violent protest and several people were arrested. The centenary celebrations of the movement commenced on Thursday.

Under 110 rule, the Chief Minister made an announcement regarding the Vaikom movement. He said, “The centenary function of Vaikom movement commences on Thursday. It is an important day in history as it was one of the first movements that raised opposition against prohibition of entry to certain people into the temples. It was a first step towards providing equal rights to everyone irrespective of their class and race. 

The movement that took place for more than a year, had come to an end on November 23, 1925 and on November 29, the same year, a victory function was presided over by Periyar.” “To honour Periyar who was the reason for the victory of the Vaikom movement, I am making an announcement. The Tamil Nadu government has decided to celebrate the centenary function of the Vaikom movement. 

The function would be celebrated for a year to educate the public about the importance, purpose and victory of the movement. Steps would be taken to establish a memorial at Aruvikuttu village where Periyar was prisoned. On the social justice day, Vaikom awards would be distributed,” he said. Stalin was likely to share the stage with his Kerala counterpart Pinaryi Vijayan during the inauguration of the centenary celebrations of the movement.