Mu. Veerapandian, the newly-elected Tamil Nadu State secretary of the CPI, on Sunday (September 14, 2035), said laws alone cannot eradicate deeply-rooted caste pride from the minds of people. He argued only the continuous inculcation of social science, aimed at challenging the sense of superiority based on birth, can bring about meaningful change in society.
“I do not say that law is not necessary. Law offers protection for those who face suppression and violence. The vital point is to subject caste to questioning. Social science, questioning the superiority based on caste, should be taught in classrooms,” the 63-year-old communist leader, a native of Vyasarpadi in Chennai, told The Hindu. His comments were in response to the demand of the Left parties and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) for enacting a law to prevent ‘honour’ killings in Tamil Nadu.
Mr. Veerapandian was the deputy secretary of the CPI before his elevation. He was active in AISF, the student wing of the CPI, and the AIYA, its youth wing, before becoming a full-time worker of the party.
Mr. Veerapandian, who has replaced R. Mutharasan as the state secretary, said Tamil society, endowed with ancient culture, literature and tradition, would reach great heights if the caste system was eliminated.
