Sathyaraj’s Double Act: Advocates Caste Abolition At Thiruma’s B’day Function, Allegedly Followed Caste-Based Rituals For Son’s Wedding

Tamil actor Satyaraj recently spoke at a Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi event commemorating the 61st birthday of party chief, Thol. Thirumavalavan. Speaking at the event, Satyaraj spoke about Okinawa, a Japanese village where people often live past the age of 100, to wish a long life for Thirumavalavan.

He said, “Okinawa in Japan has the world’s oldest population, everyone lives at least to the age of 100 over there, mostly they are 110 and above. they understand what they like and thus do what they like and what they like they do as a charity, social work, etc, and something that celebrates equality. When compared to our country, if it means to uproot sanatana dharma, that joyous journey allows one to reach the age of 100 very easily. If you read the book Ikigai you will understand. Thiruma has made it a life mission and passion to serve the people and I wish that he outlives the people of the village in Okinawa and lives for more than 100 years. “

He continued, “They are constantly repeating “Digital India” nowadays. More than a Digital India, we need a Reformed India. An India that is equal to all. We need an India that admires the principles of Periyar, Ambedkar, Marx, and an India that admires and follows the bravery of Prabhakaran. It should not be Digital India, but Thiruma India. I am not saying this to flatter Thirumavalavan. I have never asked him for any favours nor will I ask in the future. I don’t even have to ask him to work for the people because he is already doing that. Such a wonderful leader he is. The freedom of the oppressed is the most important, it is not possible to speak of Tamil nationalism if there is no abolition of caste. People are killing each other over caste but the one who kills and the one that dies are both Tamilians. How can we bring about Tamil nationalism in such a scenario? Only if caste is abolished can we progress with Tamil nationalism and only if women are truly empowered can this happen. Only when we eradicate all the superstitions in the name of Shastra, sadangu (rituals), and sampradaya (tradition), can we truly grow into a better Tamil nationalist society.”

Critics raised questions following a viral video that emerged subsequent to Sahtyaraj’s speech. In an interview to a YouTube channel, social activist ‘Airport’ Moorthy reveals how Sathyaraj got his son married as per his caste’s traditional rituals contrary to his “Periyarist” principles.

In response, Satyaraj apparently revealed that while he personally adheres to certain principles, his family members were insistent on following rituals for the wedding. Critics noted the discrepancy between Satyaraj’s public statements and his actions in a private context, asserting that his inconsistency was evident and could be perceived as hypocritical.

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