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Context

• The Tamil Nadu government has installed a statue of Dalit rights and anti-caste activist Iyothee Thass Pandithar at Gandhi Mandapam in Chennai.
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the statue on December 1.

Details

• Iyothee Thass Pandithar, also known as Pandit C. Iyothee Thass, was a prominent social reformer, activist, and scholar who significantly contributed to the emancipation of the Dalit community in South India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Described as “Dravida Peroli”, he toiled against the differences found in the society.
• Iyothee Thass Pandithar is also known as the ‘Father of Social Reforms in South India’.

Early Life and Background

• Birth and Family: Iyothee Thass was born in 1845 in the Madras Presidency, now Tamil Nadu, India, into a Tamil-speaking Dalit family.
• Education: Despite facing societal discrimination, Thass pursued education and developed a deep interest in philosophy, religion, and social issues.
• Iyothee Thass learned Tamil, English, Pali and Sanskrit.

Social and Reform Activities

• Dalit Emancipation: Thass dedicated his life to the upliftment of Dalits (formerly termed as "untouchables") and their quest for social justice and equality.
• Theosophical Society: He was associated with the Theosophical Society and interacted with its leaders like Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott, discussing religious beliefs and social reforms.
• Buddhist Mission: Thass advocated for the conversion of Dalits to Buddhism, believing it to be a path towards equality and social justice. He played a pivotal role in the Tamil Nadu Buddhist Association, promoting Buddhist teachings as an alternative to the oppressive caste system.

Contributions and Ideologies

• Publication: Thass published various pamphlets and writings, including "Oru Paarvai" ("A Look"), a journal advocating for Dalit rights, highlighting their plight and advocating for social reforms.
• Religious Reinterpretation: He engaged in scholarly studies, reinterpreting religious texts to argue that Dalits had a rightful place in Hinduism's sacred texts and challenging the imposed social hierarchy.
• Advocacy for Dalit Rights: Thass actively campaigned against caste-based discrimination and fought for the rights of Dalits, demanding equal treatment and social recognition.

Conclusion

Iyothee Thass Pandithar's relentless efforts in advocating for the rights and dignity of the Dalit community, along with his intellectual contributions and social activism, have left an indelible mark on India's history of social reform. His tireless endeavors towards the empowerment and emancipation of the oppressed continue to resonate in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

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