“Why not Ravana Leela?” That question echoed through India. It challenged traditions. It highlighted a social movement. Here before us stands the Annai Maniammai Statue. It commemorates a leader who dared to ask that question. Annai Maniammai was more than just a leader. She was a force.
Annai Maniammai was born Gandhimathi in 1920. Her father’s friend called her ‘Arasiyal Mani’ meaning ‘Political Jewel’. She joined the Dravidar Kazhagam. This party was founded by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. She became Periyar’s caretaker and a trusted follower.
In 1946, Periyar made Annai Maniammai the publisher of ‘Viduthalai’ newspaper. She wrote about many issues. These ranged from samasthanam to Siddhar songs. Even when anti-Hindi protests were banned in 1948 she protested. She was arrested in Kumbakonam.
Annai Maniammai fearlessly declared she had no religion. She belonged to the “Dravidian Caste.” She was imprisoned for her radical answer. She also protested against a ‘Bramanaal Cafe’. This showed her commitment to social justice.
Periyar’s decision to make Annai Maniammai his legal heir was controversial. In 1949, they had a registered marriage. Many party members were repulsed due to the age difference. Periyar clarified the marriage’s purpose. It was to give her legal validity. It did not mean she was his slave.
C.N. Annadurai left Dravidar Kazhagam after the marriage. He started DMK on September 17, 1949. He announced it at Robinson Park in Chennai.
When Tamils were attacked in Bombay in 1967, Annai Maniammai joined the Shiv Sena Resistance Committee. After Periyar’s death, she led the Dravidar Kazhagam for five years. Many consider her Tamil Nadu’s first woman political leader. She consolidated the party when members considered joining Congress or DMK.
In 1974, she presided over Ravana Leela. This evoked a strong response. Even Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took notice. In 1977, Annai Maniammai showed a black flag to Indira Gandhi. She was arrested and imprisoned for six months.
Annai Maniammai played a big role in Periyar’s welfare measures. She looked after homes for poor women and orphanages for girls. The trust he started runs over 40 institutions today.
Before her death, she created a Trust for Education activities. She transferred all her personal wealth into it. This trust runs nearly 40 educational institutions. Most are for women.
Bharathidasan called her Annai meaning “mother” in Tamil. This was despite being over 20 years her senior. Annai Maniammai handed over Periyar’s home in Erode. She created a memorial house. It was named “Thanthai Periyar- Anna memorial”.
In 1975, she unveiled a statue for Karunanidhi. She headed the world’s largest atheist movement. Annai Maniammai passed away in 1978. K. Veeramani succeeded her.
In 1981-1982, Tamil Nadu announced a marriage assistance scheme in her name. The Greater Chennai Corporation named a road after her. It adjoins this very statue. It is named ‘Annai E.V.R. Maniammaiyar Salai’. This honors her legacy.
Standing before the Annai Maniammai Statue remember her strength. Recall her dedication. Reflect on her question. Annai Maniammai’s fight for social justice continues to inspire us today.