‘We live like slaves’: Why Periyar believed caste degradation cannot be ended through law

Speech delivered at the caste abolition conference in Srirangam–Tiruvanaikovil on 2 November 1958. (Published in Viduthalai on 20 November 1958.)

A caste abolition conference, the “Free Tamil Nadu” conference, has been successfully conducted in this Srirangam town. These conferences have been better than all the other conferences. A large number of Dravidar Kazhagam comrades who have been to jail are attending this conference today. In terms of the number of comrades imprisoned, Thanjavur comes first, followed by Trichy. I appreciate the presence of comrades who have gathered here.

Generally speaking, our country is in a barbaric situation. Before others point out our problems, I will do that. People of all the countries in the world have woken up and become wise. All these countries are becoming independent. Their societies are evidently casteless. That means, 250 crore people in the world are leading casteless lives. People all over the world, except Indians, have woken up. It is we who are steeped in ignorance and live like slaves.

This is because we continue to be barbarians. Our people do not have an iota of intelligence and a sense of honour. That being the case, what is the use of blaming others? Whether it is the 30...

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