Where I Stand On Thanthai Periyar and Dravidam.

I have always been very clear about my position on Dravidam and Thanthai Periyar as a Tamil Nationalist. But since this a question that keeps coming up again and again, i thought ill put it in writing.

My problem with Dravidam is not related to its ideology. I don’t see Dravidam and Tamil Nationalism as conflicting ideologies; I see them as ideologies that complement each other.

My criticism of Dravidam is purely restricted to its claim as an alternative to the 'Tamil' identity or the political identity of the Tamil Nation. The idea that we should identify ourselves primarily as Dravidians is something that I don’t agree with, and the whole notion that the Dravidian identity is necessary to highlight the casteless nature of the Tamils is utter bullshit.

Secondly, my criticism of Dravidam is related to the Dravidian political brand in electoral politics, which paved the way for the institutionalization of caste (as Prof. Tho. Paramasivan himself established in his critique of Dravidian politics).

Both these primary issues I have with Dravidam pertain to the political developments in Tamil Nadu in the post-Periyar/States Reorganization era. My criticism of Dravidian electoral politics is also related to the post-Arignar Anna era, starting from Karunanidhi onwards.

That said, I acknowledge and respect the contribution of the Dravidian movement to social justice despite its shortcomings. I read Periyar with context; my understanding and reading of him are based on the geographical and governance realities of his time. He is someone who extensively wrote and critiqued political developments in a social imaginary that evolved from the British-ruled Madras Presidency to the Arignar Anna-ruled Tamil Nadu. The borders of these periods kept changing, and so did his thought process.

That said, I also understand and take stock of Periyar's failings—his errors of judgment, inconsistent political positions, etc. However, I tend to look at the larger picture and judge him based on his political legacy. I don’t seek to glorify or worship him, for that would go against his politics of self-respect.

I don’t falsely believe that I need to attack Dravidam to strengthen the cause of Tamil Nationalism. That is a requirement for electoral politics that seeks to challenge the Dravidian parties, which are now corrupt and compromised entities.

This is my clear stand on Dravidam, Periyar, etc.

As a Tamil Nationalist, my main enemies are casteism, Arya Brahminical Hindu/Sinhala Buddhist ideologies, and Indian/Sri Lankan Nationalism. My political rants are focused on that assignment alone.

I am not an idiot to devote my energy and resources towards a negative campaign against Dravidam or Periyar. Instead, I believe that my time is well spent on putting forth the productive elements, ambitions, and aspirations of the Tamil Nation.

This is my agenda.

-mrpaluvets, 30/12/2024