The Dravidar Kazhagam has issued a strong statement defending the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to name the newly constructed Avinashi bridge, the state’s longest, after the renowned Coimbatore scientist GD Naidu. This comes amid objections from certain quarters over the inclusion of the caste identifier “Naidu” in the memorial’s name amid the DMK government passing a GO about removing caste names from streets/places etc.
In a detailed communique, Dravidar Kazhagam President Ki. Veeramani praised the move as a fitting tribute to an “extraordinary individual” and “unique scientist,” while dismissing the opposition as “either mischief or ignorance.” He argued that historical and personal names, when they have gained public recognition over time, should be treated as exceptions to the norm of avoiding caste-based nomenclature.
Citing examples such as T.M. Nair and Madhavan Nair, Veeramani contended that removing the community-associated suffix would erase the very identity of these figures. “When we say GD Naidu, no one sees him as a Naidu; they see him as a scientist,” he stated, adding that a proposal to call it the “GD Bridge” would fail to resonate with the public, as the full name is integral to his legacy.
The statement also highlighted that GD Naidu’s own descendants, including his son GD Gopal, do not use the caste suffix—a fact presented as evidence of the Self-Respect Movement’s success. Veeramani questioned the motives of the critics, asking what they had done to abolish caste, and asserted that such “petty tactics” would not undermine the public’s support for the state government.
On his X handle, Veeramani wrote, “If the ‘Naidu’ part is removed from the name of the person popularly known as ‘G.D. Naidu,’ would the purpose of naming the bridge in his memory be fulfilled?
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The unparalleled Chief Minister of the ‘Dravidian Model’ government, recognizing the most important leaders and scholars who lived and are living in Tamil Nadu, honors them by naming new projects, buildings, roads, and flyovers after them. This is a remarkable achievement that brings joy to the people and ensures that future generations remember these figures.
This news deserves praise!
Recently, naming the Avinashi bridge, constructed as the longest bridge in Tamil Nadu, after the Coimbatore scientist G.D. Naidu, who remains immortal in our hearts despite his passing, is an act appreciated not only by the people of Coimbatore but by people from all walks of life. In Tamil Nadu, our scientist G.D. Naidu stands out as a unique figure, an extraordinary individual who captured the attention of others like no one else. Naming Tamil Nadu’s longest bridge after him has been widely welcomed. However, some political opportunists and those who fail to understand are unnecessarily opposing it, questioning whether it is appropriate to include the caste name in ‘G.D. Naidu’ for political reasons.
Some things require exceptions!
This is either mischief or ignorance. There is no need to discuss mischief. Those who don’t understand need to be enlightened. When names like G.D. Naidu or Rajagopalachari are mentioned, they sign their names in that manner. They are identified as such. If you remove that and call it the Duraisamy Bridge, no one would know which Duraisamy it refers to. Even in Coimbatore, the name Duraisamy wouldn’t ring a bell. Worse still, even G.D. Naidu’s grandchildren might not know who Duraisamy is if asked. In such a context, some exceptions are necessary. When we say G.D. Naidu, no one sees him as a Naidu; they see him as a scientist. That scientist is identified as G.D. Naidu. Therefore, naming it the G.D. Bridge wouldn’t suffice.
Those who fought for the abolition of caste!
Once, in Ezhumbur, instead of T.M. Nair Road, during the time when M.G.R. was Chief Minister, the ‘Nair’ part was removed, and it was renamed ‘T.M. Road.’ ‘T.M. Road’ meant nothing to anyone. Similarly, if you remove Nair from Madhavan Nair and call it just Madhavan, how many Madhavans are there? No one would know which Madhavan it refers to among the many. Therefore, it is correct to say T.M. Nair or Madhavan Nair. It doesn’t signify caste; these individuals fought for the abolition of caste! Their names have become historical and established as such. Thus, raising objections and creating unnecessary controversies only reveal their narrow-mindedness and a petty desire to find fault with the ‘Dravidian Model’ government, rather than conveying any meaningful critique. What have these self-proclaimed warriors done for caste abolition? What is their contribution? Have they eradicated caste? Let them place their hands on their hearts and answer! People will only laugh mockingly at them, and their efforts will not succeed. Such petty tactics cannot bring down the ‘Dravidian Model’ government! It’s about communicating in a way that people understand.
Thanks to the Chief Minister! Thanks!! Thanks!!!
It’s already a well-known name! Would the purpose of naming the bridge after G.D. Naidu be fulfilled if the ‘Naidu’ part is removed? Thus, every rule has an exception, and this is one of them. The fact that even G.D. Naidu’s son, G.D. Gopal, and other family members across generations do not use the caste suffix is a testament to the success of the Self-Respect Movement, isn’t it? Thanks to the Chief Minister for naming the Coimbatore bridge after G.D. Naidu!
Thanks!! Thanks!!!
Ki. Veeramani President, Dravidar Kazhagam 10.10.2025″
‘ஜி.டி.நாயுடு’ என்றே அறியப்பட்டவரின் பெயரில், ‘நாயுடு’ என்பதை நீக்கினால், அவரை நினைவுகூரும் வகையில் பாலத்திற்குப் பெயர் சூட்டப்பட்டதின் நோக்கம் நிறைவேறுமா?
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‘திராவிட மாடல்’ அரசின் ஒப்பற்ற முதலமைச்சர், தமிழ்நாட்டிலே வாழ்ந்த, வாழும் மிக முக்கியமான…— Asiriyar K.Veeramani (@AsiriyarKV) October 11, 2025
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