பல்வேறு போராட்டங்களை கடந்து, மதுரையில் உள்ள கோவிலில் பிற்படுத்தப்பட்ட சமுதாயத்தைச் சார்ந்தவர் அர்ச்சகராக நியமிக்கப்பட்டிருப்பது, பெரியாரின் கனவை...

DMK leader M.K. Stalin hailed the appointment of a trained priest from a backward class community at a temple in Madurai as a monumental victory for social equality and an enduring historic achievement of the Dravidian movement. Overcoming decades of entrenched conservative opposition and prolonged legal battles, this groundbreaking appointment translated into reality the cherished egalitarian dream of rationalist reformer Thanthai Periyar, which former Chief Minister Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi had codified into landmark legislation.

Stalin recalled how Karunanidhi had enacted pioneering laws ensuring that trained individuals from all castes could become sanctum sanctorum priests, striking down age-old hereditary monopolies and social discrimination within religious institutions. Despite persistent reactionary hurdles and protracted court cases challenging inclusive temple appointments, the steadfast perseverance of Dravidian ideologues finally bore fruit. Stalin emphasized that caste discrimination inside sacred spaces violates basic human dignity and democratic values.

Stalin reiterated that the Dravidian movement has always fought to demolish caste barriers and secure equal respect across religious, social, and cultural domains. He affirmed that the DMK will continue to defend institutional social justice, ensuring that progress, representation, and equality prevail across all spheres of public life.