New book explores Periyar’s legacy through rare conversations on caste, nation and socialism

By A Representative

A new book titled Periyar: Caste, Nation and Socialism, published by People’s Literature Publications, Mumbai, offers a compelling and richly detailed exploration of E.V. Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ and the ideological underpinnings of the Dravidian movement. The book features an in-depth conversation between renowned Tamil intellectual S.V. Rajadurai and social activist-writer Vidya Bhushan Rawat.

Rajadurai, a respected chronicler of Tamil Nadu's social history and co-author of the widely-read Towards a Non-Brahmin Millennium (with V. Geetha), delves into Periyar’s political journey, his radical vision of caste annihilation, and his lesser-known engagements with the Hindi heartland. The book brings to light new historical dimensions of Periyar’s activism, especially his travels and interactions in northern India, which have received scant attention in existing biographies and mainstream narratives.

Speaking on the significance of the work, Vidya Bhushan Rawat said,

“This book is unique because it presents a dialogue with a deeply respected Tamil intellectual and activist who brings decades of experience and commitment to the Dravidian movement. What makes it even more powerful is the uncovering of Periyar’s connections and engagements in North India, particularly his visits to cities like Lucknow, which were largely overlooked by mainstream historians.”

Rawat, known for his global engagement with Ambedkarite and anti-caste intellectuals, added,

“In this age of gossip and noise, this conversation brings serious archival insights. It’s a tribute to Comrade Rajadurai’s unwavering dedication to the cause of Periyarism, especially given his serious health challenges while working on this book.”

The conversation is part of Rawat’s long-standing effort to document voices of resistance and social justice through interviews. He has already published two volumes of such dialogues with over 45 individuals from countries including South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Palestine, Bangladesh, and others, including the Indian diaspora descended from indentured laborers. A Hindi edition, Ambedkarwaad: Vichardhara aur Sangharsh, features conversations with legendary Ambedkarites who had worked closely with Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

The book is now available for purchase on Amazon and Flipkart. Rawat urged Hindi readers and Ambedkarite activists to consider translating the book:

“There are many misconceptions about Periyar in the Hindi belt. A Hindi translation will help bridge that gap and introduce people to what Periyar truly stood for.”

The publication is a significant addition to contemporary literature on anti-caste thought and South Indian political history, and it aims to spark more nuanced understanding of Periyar’s ideological contributions beyond linguistic and regional boundaries.

Comments

The soundtrack of resistance: How 'Sada Sada Ya Nabi' is fueling the Iran war

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* The Persian track “ Sada Sada Ya Nabi ye ” by Hossein Sotoodeh has taken the world by storm. This viral media has cut across linguistic barriers to achieve cult status, reaching over 10 million views. The electrifying music and passionate rendition by the Iranian singer have resonated across the globe, particularly as the high-intensity military conflict involving Iran entered its second month in March 2026.

Kolkata dialogue flags policy and finance deficit in wetland sustainability

By A Representative Wetlands were the focus of India–Germany climate talks in Kolkata, where experts from government, business, and civil society stressed both their ecological importance and the urgent need for stronger conservation frameworks.

'Fraudulent': Ex-civil servants urge President to halt Odisha tribal land dispossession

By A Representative A collective of 81 retired civil servants from the Constitutional Conduct Group has written to the President of India expressing alarm over what they describe as the wrongful dispossession of tribal lands in Odisha’s Rayagada district. The letter, dated April 19, 2026, highlights violent clashes in Kantamal village where police personnel reportedly injured over 70 tribal residents attempting to protect their community rights.

Dhandhuka violence: Gujarat minority group seeks judicial action, cites targeted arson

By A Representative The Minority Coordination Committee (MCC) Gujarat has written to the Director General of Police seeking judicial action in connection with recent violence in Dhandhuka town of Ahmedabad district, alleging targeted attacks on properties belonging to members of the Muslim community following a fatal altercation between two bike riders on April 18.

Maoist activity in India: Weakening structures, 'shifts' in leadership, strategy and ideology

By Harsh Thakor* Recent statements by government representatives have suggested that Maoism in India has been effectively eliminated, citing the weakening of central leadership and intensified security operations. These claims follow sustained counterinsurgency efforts across key regions, including central and eastern India. However, available information from security agencies and independent observers indicates that while the organizational structure of the CPI (Maoist) has been significantly disrupted, elements of the movement remain active. Reports acknowledge the continued presence of cadres in certain forested regions such as Bastar and parts of Dandakaranya, alongside smaller, decentralized units adapting their operational strategies.

Why link women’s reservation to delimitation? The unspoken political calculus

By Vikas Meshram* April 16, 2026, is likely to be recorded as a special day in the history of Indian democracy. In a three-day special session of Parliament, the central government is set to introduce a comprehensive package of three historic bills: the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Delimitation Bill, 2026; and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The stated purpose of all three is the same: to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (106th Constitutional Amendment) passed in 2023. However, the political intent concealed behind these measures — and their impact on the federal balance — is far more profound. It is absolutely essential to understand this.

From Manesar to Noida: Workers take to streets for bread, media looks away

By Sunil Kumar* Across several states in India, a workers’ movement is gathering momentum. This is not a movement born of luxury or ambition, nor a demand for power-sharing within the state. At its core lies a stark and basic plea: the right to survive with dignity—adequate food, and wages sufficient to afford it.

Catholic union opposes FCRA amendments, warns of threat to Church institutions

By A Representative The All India Catholic Union (AICU) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as growing threats to religious freedom, minority rights, and constitutional safeguards in India, warning that recent policy and legislative trends could undermine the country’s secular and federal framework.

Cracks in Gujarat model? Surat’s exodus reveals precarity behind prosperity claims

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* The return of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, particularly from Gujarat, was inevitable. Gujarat has long been showcased as the epitome of “infrastructure” and the business-friendly Modi model. Yet, when governments become business-friendly, they require the poor to serve them—while keeping them precarious, unable to stabilize, demand fair wages, or assert their rights. The agenda is clear: workers must remain grateful for whatever crumbs the Seth ji offers.

Counterview

Search This Blog