During the centenary celebrations of Vaikom Satyagraha, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin addressed the audience, stating that the Vaikom Satyagraha was the most significant struggle not only for Kerala but also for India. The Chief Minister started his speech by addressing the Malayalam-speaking people of Kerala in Malayalam, a Dravidian language family, of which Tamil is also a part. He expressed his gratitude to the organizers on behalf of Tamil children. Stalin noted that although Vaikom is located in Kerala, it is widely popular in Tamil Nadu. He fondly remembered the leaders of the movement, Perior from Tamil Nadu and TK Madhavan from Kerala. Before the inauguration, both Pinarayi Vijayan and MK Stalin paid floral tributes at important memorials, and the event was led by the Department of Culture.
Kottayam: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that the Vaikom Satyagraha is the biggest struggle not only for Kerala but also in India. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the centenary celebrations of Vaikom Satyagraha. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, who started his speech in Malayalam, began by addressing the Malayalam-speaking people of Kerala, a Dravidian language family. He also expressed his gratitude on behalf of Tamil children for organizing the event.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier invited. Pinarayi Vijayan and himself are one in thought, though they are two in body. Although Vaikom is in Kerala, it is also very popular in Tamil Nadu. Remembering all those who led the Vaikom Satyagraha. The fight was fought by Perior from Tamil Nadu and TK Madhavan from Kerala. People thought that at some point the strike would have to end. He recalled that Periyor was arriving then and that Periyor spoke for the Vaikom strike all over Kerala.
From Stalin’s speech-
“Greetings. Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala and my dear friend Pinarayi Vijayan, Honorable Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, Honorable Members of Legislative Assembly, Members of Parliament… All my dear brothers and sisters of Kerala who speak Malayalam, belonging to the Dravidian language family, welcome all of you who have arranged to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Vaikom Satyagraha in a grand manner. Thank you on behalf of Tamil children for organizing this event,” said Stalin.
The opening ceremony was held at the Vaikom beach grounds. Before the inauguration ceremony, both of them paid floral tributes at Valiyakavala’s Vaikom Thantai Periyar Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi, TK Madhavan and Mannath Padmanabhan memorials, Kunjappi, Bahuleyan, Govindapanikkar, Amachadi Thevan and Raman Ilayat. The inauguration ceremony was held under the leadership of the Department of Culture.
In conclusion, the centenary celebrations of Vaikom Satyagraha witnessed the coming together of two great leaders, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The event showcased the significance of Vaikom Satyagraha, not only in Kerala but also in India, and highlighted the unity of the Dravidian language family. The floral tributes paid by the leaders at various memorials added to the solemnity of the occasion. The centenary celebrations of Vaikom Satyagraha will be remembered for years to come, as a symbol of unity and the fight for social justice.