Shalin Maria Lawrence, the vocal Dalit Christian writer and anti-caste activist, in her recent speech called out the so-called progressive leaders of Tamil Nadu for demeaning music legend Ilaiyaraaja for his stand.
Beginning her address with an invocation of an Ilaiyaraaja song, she said, “This land has many progressive leaders who humiliate the living legend of our generation, Ilaiyaraaja,“ she remarked.
Recalling a speech by Congress leader EVKS Elangovan at an event organized by Dravida Kazhagam in Erode, Shalin Maria Lawrence highlighted a poignant moment when Elangovan, in an indirect reference to Ilaiyaraaja, stated, “There are certain elements in Tamil Nadu today claiming themselves to be ‘king of music’. Everybody knows who the king of music is. Not everyone who plays the tabla can become a music composer.”
With a pointed question, Shalin Maria Lawrence challenged, “Will you be able to give such beats?”
She did not shy away from calling out the leftist progressive parties of Tamil Nadu for their complicity in perpetuating caste-based discrimination. “These parties, who claim to champion the cause of progressivism, often stand at the forefront in humiliating Dalits,“ she declared.
She took a direct swipe at DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Finance Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan, questioning the double standards prevalent in society regarding caste and intelligence.
Addressing the gathering, Shalin Maria targeted PTR, stating, “When the Paraiyar caste declares itself as a ‘knowledge society‘, why can’t you accept that? If someone from the Brahmin, Mudaliyar, or Pillaival community, or even someone who wears double watches, declares themselves as intelligent, you accept it. Then why can’t you accept it when I say I’m intelligent?”
The double watch reference is a dig at PTR. His brilliance and his commitment to social causes need no validation, least of all from the likes of this person. The lack of decorum lowers the discourse instantly and is far from commanding any sort of respect, from anyone. pic.twitter.com/hXEGCEnIZn
— Hades (@Russetlane) April 28, 2024
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.