Vaikom Veerar-Hero of Vaikom and a Crusader for Social Justice- Periyar

This poem is on E.V.Ramswamy Periyar a crusader for social justice in southern part of India. He relentlessly fought against caste system, women empowerment and social justice.

Known as Vaikom Veerar - Periyar challenged caste system in southern part of the country

He was the one who spoke against this hegemony of upper castes very bluntly

He was the hero who upheld Dravidian pride and linguistic identity

He demonstrated before the world our own rich culture and unique entity.

 

Periyar was the one who propagated to live life rationally

Leaving behind caste or religious differences meaningfully

He stressed for equality of women in work and in everyday life

Discrimination of any kind would result in injustice and social strife.

 

Periyar was more ahead than his contemporaries in term of his thoughts

Critiques and enemies blamed him for his acts and always with him they fought

A social revolution started by him made drastic changes in the annals of Dravidian history

For many his persona and existence was deep and profound mystery.

 

The hate mongers in many places desecrate his statue and abuse him  

But they can’t destroy his thinking, principles and ideals that will make them grim

The legacy of Periyar will live as long as the sun shines

Never ever his belief and philosophy sees a decline.

 

Lets our young generation carry the message of this great soul

Humanism, social equality and justice be their unique goal

Periyar will always be an ideal for the rationalists

He is an answer for questions put forth by the traditionalists.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

If only there were more like him. Beautifully conveyed and educational with it. I applaud him and imagine his views must have been hated by many. His values, his legacy and the upholding of them would surely lead to a more peaceful world. Thank you for sharing Abdul.

Chris

[ABDUL WAHAB]

Thank you Chris for reading my poem and commenting on it.