Castes and Conferences
Communal Conference
Pseudo patriots and pseudo nationalists very often condemn communal conferences as being anti-national. The answer has been effectively given by the Nadars’ Conference recently held at Porayar. Those who have read the proceedings and the resolutions of the Conference will know how far the community has advanced in recent years. We suppose the resolutions of the Nadars will come as a surprise to the orthodox section of our people. The community which has been more particular about wearing the ‘holy’ thread, than the Brahmins themselves, has today passed a resolution for discarding it. The community which was set against the Self-respect movement by some mischief-mongers, has passed a resolution extending its support to the same. It is a matter of delight that the Nadars have also passed resolutions in favour of social reform marriages and abolition of caste marks and titles. The Porayar Conference is indeed a turning point in the history of the Nadar Community. Let those who condemn such conferences think for a while whether such good results can be achieved by any other means. We congratulate the Nadars especially the conveners of the Conference, for setting a successful example of other communities to follow.
Revolt, 8 May 1929
The Nadars’ Conference, Porayar
The unfurling of the flag of the Nadar Mahajana Sangam was performed by E. V. Ramasami, who in a brief speech warned the public against the mistake of regarding a conference as this as a selfish body seeking to solve its own communal problems. But he was of opinion that this conference afforded an opportunity to bring together all members of the community and enlighten their minds on their duties towards the furtherance of the interests of the country is a whole.
Hon. Mr. M. Krishna Nair, Law Member (1) in opening the conference observed that “conferences like this are very essential for the prosperity and welfare of our country. There are people who hold the view that sectional conferences, like this are calculated to do more harm than good. I do not share that opinion at all. On the other hand, I emphatically differ from that school of thought. The body politic may be compared to the human body. Human body is composed of different parts such as legs hands and so on. So also the body politic is composed of different communities. If any part of our body, say, if any limb, or any other organ in the body aches or suffer from pain, the whole body aches or suffers from pain. Similarly if any part of the body politic suffers from pain or labours under any disability, the whole body politic must certainly be suffering. Therefore it is why I say that unless all the communities in the country, all communities that form different parts of the body politic are prosperous, the country as a whole, the body politic as a whole, cannot be said to be enjoying prosperity and happiness. Therefore conferences like yours which are calculated to improve the material conditions and prosperity of communities must really be regarded as institutions which work for the good of the country as a whole.
“Conferences like this are also calculated to do good in other directions. It gives opportunities to the leaders in your community who live in different parts of the country to come together and compare notes with reference to the work that they have been doing in different localities of the country for the good of the community as a whole. It gives also opportunities to the leaders of your community who live in different districts to come together and make new friends. It gives you an opportunity to focus your ideas. What is more, it gives you an opportunity to make other communities acquainted with your wants and requirements.
“I am very glad to hear, that you have two newspapers now for the purpose of propagating your ideas. I understand that they are only weeklies. So far so good. But it will do you greater good if you can convert them into dailies. I know also that you are unjustly labouring under some social disabilities. The Government will naturally give you all reasonable help in your attempts, but mind you, ultimately our success depends upon your own efforts. In trying to remove your social disabilities and other disabilities take care to take with you as far as possible other communities also.”
Resolutions Passed
The conference met at 9 a.m. under the presidency of Mr. W. P. A. Soundrapandya Nadar, M.L.C. when the following resolutions, among others were passed:
1) Resolves that the government in all appointments and recruitments to offices do give preference to the educated young men of the community;
2) Resolves that to minimize marriage expenses, all meaningless rites be abandoned and marriages celebrated within the space of a day;
3) Resolves that the sangam sets it face against all meaningless rites such as sacrifice of animals in temples and the conducting of elaborate festivals;
4) Resolves that the sangam approves of the underlying principles of the Self-Respect movement and promises its moral and if possible active support to the Devasthanam Committee, Erode, which upholds the cause of Self- Respect Movement.
Nadar Youth Conference
We extract the following from the speech delivered by Mr. M. Krishnasami, B.A., President, District Board Chingleput, on the occasion of opening the Nadar Youth Conference, at Porayar on the 30th April:
I shall only be doing my duty when I say, Beware of the professional Politician. He is a new variation in modern society and possesses potentialities for a great mischief. He has been feverishly busy all through his life and applying himself assiduously to various honest trades. Baffled by systematic failures he has taken to politics as the last refuge and is trying to make a profession of it. He is a clumsy artisan who dabbles with his materials without knowing their proper values. The gift of the gab is his stock in trade which he tries to turn to his own greatest advantage. He plays upon human emotions and pawns human lives in his political gamble. He touches the tender chords of human nature with the subtlety of an enchanter, but is reckless of consequences like the very devil. He plays up his game and when at the end he soliloquies “Ruin thou art afoot; take what course thou wilt.” I need not recall here the recent incident in the Legislative Assembly in which mistaken youths took part, whose generous impulses and noble instincts had been perverted by too unhealthy a contact with this class of professional politicians.
Is politics then a forbidden ground for the youth? It may be asked. I say, No: and it is a sincere and emphatic “No”, without any mental reservation. But then I must point out politics is of two kinds, constructive and destructive. Even as there is political genius well applied, there is also political genius misapplied. There is only a thin wall that divides the two, but that makes all the difference. The healthy kind passes into the morbid through perversion and cynicism. Politics of the morbid type must be altogether alien to the spirit of youth. Youth must be healthy and profound with the joy of constructive work. It must discriminatingly place itself open to healthy influences. It must be passive, tolerant and receptive. The spirit of enquiry must be alive. Hasty judgment must be avoided. The impulse for abandon must be kept under stern control. I therefore advise you, Dear comrades, take all the interest in politics that your generous nature is capable of but reserve judgment and impulsive action. The time will surely come for you to have your turn, when the fund of knowledge of men and things you have gained, the spirit of self control and sense of responsibility you have developed will stand you in good stead, and your elders grown too old for active participation will then abdicate in your favor. I have no faith in the bonafides of any man on this side of forty who lays claim to political leadership.
Are we to idle away our life in the meanwhile, you may ask? To this again say No. There is a line of activity which welcomes you, nay, which you alone can worthily take up; and that is social service. You will be discharging your duty by your country, if you gird up your loins and put forth your best energies in the cause of social regeneration. This is identically the same with village uplift or Rural Reconstruction. It may not be worth while for many amongst you to take up this work as a profession. But every one of you can interest himself in it as an avocation. The work involves a certain amount of self sacrifice, and you must prove yourselves equal to its demands.
The work ahead of you is one of organizing human power. Local dissensions must be knitted up and village communities made to sink all petty differences. The rural population must be made to realize its responsibilities to administer its own matters. Every effort must be made to help the villagers keep abreast of the times. By gentle persuasion alone you are bound to succeed. Even the steel clad conservative will appreciate your earnestness and climb down to meet you on your level. This work needs a large reserve of moral strength and bodily endurance. Give your body and spirit the necessary exercise and keep them in proper condition. The time will come soon when they will be put to the test. You must then be able to stand the trial and acquit your selves honourably. Character is a precious asset of a man, and men of character are the pride of a country. Plain living and high thinking must be your motto in life. Bring down your requirements to an irreducible minimum and fix them there. This will help to smoothen all the rough corners in your nature and fit you up for a heroic life. A consciousness of strength develops in you the spirit of self reliance, and self reliance is the touchstone of self-respect. Your community has taken long strides in recent years and outdistanced many others lost in self-complacency; and it is your duty therefore to see that you keep to the vanguard of progress; With this exhortation. I have much pleasure in declaring this conference open.
Revolt, 8 May 1929
First Ramnad District Adi-Dravida Conference
The First Ramnad District Adi-Dravida Conference was held yesterday at Kalanivasal near Karaikudi, under the presidency of Mr. J. S. Kannappar, Editor ‘Dravidan’ (the official Tamil daily of the Justice party – editors). After the reception of the leaders, the procession started to Kalanivasal to the accompaniment of Indian music. A Bajana party singing hymns on Self respect and rationalism consisting of visitors from different places and of the town, accompanied the procession. The unfurling of the flag was performed by Mr. Ponnuswamy Pillai. The flag bore the mottos ‘Equality, Fraternity, Liberty and Progress’. In a short and inspiring speech, he explained the significance and sacredness of the flag.
Mr. Ramachandran, B.A., B.L., opened the Conference in an inspiring speech. He exhorted the Adi-Dravidas to discard their slave mentality and work for their social and political advancement. The Chairman of the R.C., Mr. K. Guruswamy then read his address. He appealed to the audience to fight for their emancipation from the clutches of the caste Hindus. He next welcomed the delegates and visitors from the various parts and thanked them on behalf of the R.C.
The president, Mr. J. S. Kannappar, in the course of his address dwelt upon the necessity of educating the Adi-Dravidas. He strongly exhorted the audience to fight for better treatment at the hands of the caste Hindus and wipe the caste system out of existence. Important resolutions relating to the social welfare, civic rights, education and general upliftment of the Adi-Dravidas were unanimously passed. Among the resolutions, one requested the Government to appoint an Adi-Dravida gentleman as Labour Commissioner and another thanked Rao Bahadur M. R. Subbiah Chettiar and the Rajah of Sivaganga for their princely donations of Rs.10,000 and 15 acres of land respectively towards the maintenance of an Adi-Dravida Home and also requesting the Government to make the scheme a success. A number of speakers addressed the gathering in support of the resolutions. Prominent among them were Mr. Alagiriswamy of Pattukottai, Messrs. S. Murugappa, Editor ‘Kumaran’, Pachappa Subramaniam, A. R. Somasundaram Chettiar, V. P. Alagan, A. S. John, Susai and Arunachalam of Madura. The students of the Adi-Dravida School at Maruthangudi, then enacted an interesting drama exposing the evils of untouchability and drink. It was much appreciated by the audience. The president in the course of his concluding remarks, made a strenuous plea for the eradication of untouchability and all social abuses and religious malpractices.
Mr. Kannappar’s Address
The presidential speech which was delivered by Mr. J. S. Kannappar at the Adi-Dravida Conference held at Kalanivasal, reveals the deep sympathy which he has for the depressed millions of the country. The president, in his untiring work for the upliftment of the downtrodden has understood the real needs of the toiling millions and has laid great emphasis upon the necessity of the immediate tackling of the problem.
He says, “It is often argued that you are treated as untouchables simply because you are illiterate and unclean. It is simply absurd. Justice Krishnan, the Judge of the Madras High Court who belonged to the Thiyya community (a ‘low-caste’ community from Kerala – editors) was not allowed to walk along the streets of Brahmins. Was he wanting in education? Did he lack in cleanliness? Then why was he not allowed? It is due to the inferiority which is attached to his caste. That is why we have set to destroy caste, and we regard nothing else more important than this. It is shameful to record that not only the Brahmins but even the caste Hindus are very cruel towards you. Hence we have determined to turn more of our attention to the innumerable hardships that you are meted out by our own people”.
Revolt, 18th August 1929
Devendrakula Vellalars’ Conference, Trichy : E.V. Ramasami’s Speech
The Second Devendrakula Vellalars’ Conference was held on the 29th September in the Municipal Public Hall, Trichinopoly.
Mr. J. S. Kannappar, Editor, Dravidan, in unfurling the flag said that the real object of unfurling the flag before the beginning of a Conference should ever be remembered by the flying of the flag. It is not as a ceremony that the flag is unfurled, but only as an indication of the spirit and objects underlying the conference. He wished the conference success and unfurled the flag.
Dr. Subbaroyan, Chief Minister to the Government of Madras, in opening the conference, advised the people not to quarrel over the caste tittles, as they were reported to be doing. For it is a futile and foolish affair to quarrel over names. They should give their children education and strength. If they were married at an early age, they would not be strong. They would not be in a position to do field work. Youths must be strong to do all kinds of work. When he visited schools, he saw youths looking old. That was due to early marriage. If a nation wanted to prosper, it should depend only on youths. They must have strength, courage and ability. The caste distinction should be abolished. If there was no caste, then all were equal and Swaraj would be attained unmasked. They should work for the advancement of the nation. Education was most important. There would be no use in building temples and choultries and making the people idle. It would be of no use for the nation as well as the community. Idols would swamp the country. They must resolve that education was the main thing for their improvement.
Mr. E. V. Ramasami, President of the Conference, in his extempore speech said that the Devendrakula Vellalars, although they belonged to the depressed classes, should not fight for mere titles. They must realize that they were depressed and try to elevate themselves. There were many who styled themselves as Brahmins, such as Sourashtra Brahmins, Viswa Brahmins, Devanga Brahmins, Salia Brahmins and so on. Had they got any equal status with the Brahmin community? In his native place, backward classes and beggars refused to receive presents from that community. When such people were kept in such a state, how could the Devendrakula Vellalars be considered higher in public life by merely styling themselves either as Vellalars or Pallars? Caste should be abolished. If they think that they were superior to the Adi Dravidas who were behind them, the higher castes would consider them inferior to them. They should all feel that they are human beings and equal. In order to avoid the caste system, the belief in religion should be eradicated. Religion is an impediment to the progress of the nation. The Brahmins with the aid of religion harassed others. They should not be a party to the meaningless ceremonies done in the name of religion.
They are considered as untouchables because they eat dead animals. Do not the high class people also eat animals? The depressed class people eat the cow and the bull. Do the high class people call the Muhammedans untouchables? The high class people kill the cock and other birds, which eat rubbish and insanitary things while the bull and cow eat only herbs and hay. Further, they say that the untouchables do not bathe. Are there not men in the higher spheres who do not bathe for days together? If a middle class man is shut up in a room for some days and given meals only through a window, would he not look unclean? The depressed class people should be given every facility to keep themselves clean and tidy. In the villages there is no water for the depressed classes. The higher caste people decline to supply them with sufficient water. In his native place, water is scarce. Even the middle class people would find it difficult to get sufficient quantity of water. In that case the whole public of the place should be called as untouchables. They must try to give education to their children. The Government had opened schools for their exclusive benefit. Education only would improve their status.
The Brahmins say that they have admitted Nandanar and Panan (‘untouchable’ saints – editors) to their temples. That was to cheat them. If they had really done so and if the puranas were to be believed, why do they now refuse entry to the depressed classes? In the Hindu religion and Christian religion only, such differences exist, but not in Muhammadanism. If those who follow Hinduism decline to allow entry to them, why do they not join Muhammadanism? There they could be free. If they had embraced Islam, the Brahmin would come and move freely with them. Where is untouchability then? … When there was an agitation by the untouchables in Upper India, the Hindus readily gave way. They must all unanimously protest against the inhuman treatment meted out to them. The Nattukottai Nagarathars had now realized that they were wasting their money in renovating temples, etc., but had begun to build hospitals, schools, etc. The Rajah of Chettinad had donated 30 lakhs of rupees for starting a University at Chidambaram. That was a great boon and the money is spent on good lines.
A resolution was also passed that at the coming Nellore Confederation, the Brahmins should not be enlisted as members in South Indian Liberal Federation.
Revolt, 6 October 1929
Notes
Hon. Krishnan was a law member in the Executive Council directly under the Governor of the province. This was in accordance with the diarchical scheme of government which came to existence in 1919, following the implementation of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
