Today marks the 161st birth anniversary of Mahatma Ayyankali, a social reformer, who fought against caste-based oppression and social inequality in Kerala.
Ayyankali (1863-1941), who pioneered the movement to assert rights of suppressed classes in the caste-ridden society of erstwhile princely state of Travancore, is considered one of the most important figures in Kerala's history.
In a Facebook post, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Ayyankali gave strength to the oppressed people of Travancore, who were denied travel freedom, education, and decent wages, to fight against the caste-landlord system.
Vijayan said Ayyankali's leadership in questioning caste-based superiority and organising the Villuvandi (cart) journey and 'Kallumala' struggle, dealt a severe blow to upper caste dominance.
Ayyankali's Villuvandi journey against travel restrictions had a significant impact on Kerala's later social life, the CM said.
He also recalled Ayyankali's fight for school admission of Dalit children and the struggle for increasing wages of agricultural labourers.
"Modern Kerala was formed as a result of the organised struggles led by Ayyankali and others. May the memory of Ayyankali give us strength to transform Kerala into an equal society, overcoming social inequalities. Wishing everyone a happy Ayyankali Jayanthi," the Chief Minister said.
In his Facebook post, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, VD Satheesan said Mahatma Ayyankali was "an irreplaceable name" in Kerala's history.
He said he was a revolutionary who fought against caste fanaticism.
Mahatma Ayyankali's historical interventions will be a driving force in contemporary resistance against fascism, the LoP said.
Minister For Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, OR Kelu, said Ayyankali drove the cart of social revolution onto the royal roads where the poor and marginalised were denied even the right to walk.
"He fearlessly fought against the upper caste landlords who burned down the classroom where a girl belonging to Pulaya community (a prominent Scheduled Caste denomination of Kerala) had entered," the minister said in a Facebook post.
Ayyankali was born on August 28, 1863, into a Pulayar family. They were looked down by people of other castes and not allowed in schools, temples or on roads used by them.
Outraged, Ayyankali took up arms against those who considered themselves superior to others, buying an ox cart and driving it on roads. Even though people of other castes attacked him he managed to fight back.
The Chaliyar Riots that ensued between the oppressed and oppressors were the catalyst for the Dalit movement seeking equal rights.
Working for the oppressed people in the princely state of Travancore, Ayyankali also fought for Dalit women's rights.
They were not allowed to cover their breasts as a sign of servility. After an attack on his wife and sister-in-law by upper caste men because they dared to step out covered up, he called for a revolt which thousands of women joined.
It took years but the Maharaja of Travancore finally issued a proclamation in 1916 that allowed all women to wear clothes that covered their bodies.
Ayyankali also set up schools for Dalit girls, ensured the poor and oppressed had access to education and worked hard for temple entry right for the lower castes.
Today, when we take so much of our rights for granted, remembering Ayyankali, the man who brought reforms in society, is of utmost importance.
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