There will be Blood

Every time when the Tamilians were oppressed, they have gotten back strong. For over hundreds of years, in the name of tradition, the socially backward communities were prevented from accessing the temples. It wasn’t the mistake of the Brahmins, but the society was tuned to believe that way. Probably because of the lack of knowledge or fear from its consequences, cerain sections of the people made the Tamilians suffer from getting their rights acknowledged. Few leaders like Periyar, tried to bring equal rights for all. The Dravidian parties carried his legacy forward and till today they thrive on it. The Brahmins have realized and understood the importance of bringing the socially backward people, up the stages. Today, irrespective of caste and religion, the Tamilians live in harmony.

There was always a force available within us which showed up during the most difficult situations. Whenever we were a subject of torture, a strong force came from within, which magnified our strengths, united us together and drove us towards liberation. The strong love for the language ‘Tamil’ was always there in the hearts of the people. The language itself created a strong bond of love within us and took us towards a better future. The majesty of the language is immense in evoking the feelings and triggering our actions in search of the good. The Tamilians were well-known for standing by their ideologies and rebelling against certain policies of the centre, which had a negative impact on the people and nature.

In Tamil Nadu, there were many agitations against several impositions. Often the Centre, in the name of globalization, ignored the interests of the farmers, road-side shops and small-scale industries. Although there was significant improvement in employment and economic growth, there were a lot affected by these policies. TN was home to protest for empowering Farmers and make farming a profitable one. A few protests were carried out to prevent the suicide of the farmers. Several political parties wanted the farmers to get their basic needs such as Water, Electricity, and raw materials. Recently, TN farmers protested in Delhi to let the oldest industry stay alive. Several protests have happened in the years for the Cauvery water share.

TN hosted the biggest agitation when the centre banned Jallikattu. This having been the TN tradition for centuries, triggered widespread anger. Thousands gathered at the Marina Beach to protest and lift the ban on this tradition. Several parts of South TN indulged in fast and rallies to let the centre realize the importance of this, in our culture. After a long battle, supported by various political parties, victory came descending. TN’s pride was restored.

A section of the people rebelled against the operation of the Kudankulam Nuclear plant. Although it was decided to be necessary to meet the power needs in the state and the country, few feared that it wasn’t safe and had the potential to cause life threatening diseases to the people who live nearby. TN became a battlefield to prevent the plant from functioning. After many checks and tests conducted by the centre to assure its safety, the agitation was withdrawn.

Recently the state was against the imposition of NEET. The state felt that the socially backward people would be ignored from their aspirations and wanted to abolish this in the state. A special privilege was sought to by-pass this scheme for the state. Soon agitation started and a lot was done to attract the attention of the Centre. However, this failed, as the Centre wanted to have an equal policy for all.

The latest agitation was against the Sterlite factory, which polluted the water resources and the environment. There were fears of life threatening diseases which had perhaps few chances of spreading. The agitation went worse with over 10 men killed. After weeks of protest with few loss of lives, the State Govt. finally bowed down and ordered for the closure of the factory.

TN has always been a battlefield. Perhaps an unlucky state at the bottom of the nation, often ignored by the Centre. However, as and when, we were under pressure, some force has always united us and let us fight for our needs. We can never forget few leaders who were courageous enough to battle and men who lost blood during the course of the agitation.