Periyar’s walking stick is the answer to critics of Dravidian model, says Stalin

Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani presenting a miniature replica of a walking stick of social reformer ‘Periyar’ to Chief Minister M K Stalin in Chennai on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: M. VEDHAN
 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday said ’Peryiar’s walking stick’ is the answer to those who ridicule the Dravidian model government. He made the remarks after Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani presented him with a walking stick as a memento at a function to inaugurate Periyar Rationalist Digital Library and Research Centre. 

“Though I have received a lot of prizes in my life, nothing can match the walking stick. I forgot myself when Aasiriyar (Veeramani) presented it to me,” he said. 

Mr. Stalin expressed the hope that the digital library would be an invaluable source and teach the younger generation about the struggles of Periyar to earn self-respect for Tamils. 

“We are still talking about him even 50 years after his death. He broke all the social shackles,” he said. Mr. Stalin also congratulated Mr. Veeramani for spreading the ideas of Periyar even though he turned 90.