By Dr R B Chaudhary
The Tamil Nadu govt's decision to use the Tamil letter ‘roo' instead of ‘`' as the rupee symbol has not only sparked controversy within the state and at the Centre, but it has also thrust E V R Periyar back into the spotlight.
Following Stalin's March 13 announcement, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, addressing Parliament, accused the DMK of hypocrisy for venerating Periyar who called the Tamil language barbaric, while DMK leaders, including MP Kanimozhi, fought back with an explanation of the context behind the social reformer's remark.
The recent controversy surrounding the Tamil Nadu government's decision to use the Tamil letter 'roo' instead of '' as the rupee symbol has brought E.V.R. Periyar back into the spotlight. Critics have accused Periyar of calling the Tamil language barbaric, but this statement is often taken out of context. To understand Periyar's complex relationship with the Tamil language, it's essential to delve into his critique and rationalization of Tamil.
A Complex Relationship
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, a pioneering social reformer, had a multifaceted relationship with the Tamil language. While he was critical of certain aspects of Tamil, he also worked to rationalize and improve it. Periyar's critique of Tamil stemmed from his belief that the language had been manipulated to perpetuate caste and social hierarchies.
On one hand, Periyar criticized Tamil for its complex script and vocabulary, which he believed made it inaccessible to the masses. He advocated for simplifying the language and making it more inclusive. On the other hand, Periyar also recognized the importance of Tamil as a symbol of Dravidian identity and culture.
Rationalization and Reforms
Periyar's rationalization of Tamil involved promoting the language as a tool for social reform and empowerment. He encouraged the use of Tamil in education, literature, and public life, believing that it could help to challenge dominant caste and social norms. Through his efforts, Periyar played a significant role in shaping the modern Tamil language and promoting its use as a powerful symbol of Dravidian identity.
Periyar's reforms focused on simplifying the Tamil script, reducing the number of letters, and altering signs. He introduced 13 restructured Tamil letters in his magazine 'Kudi Arasu,' which was later adopted by the Tamil Nadu government in 1978. Periyar's changes also included adding symbols for mathematical operations and punctuation marks to the Tamil typewriter keyboard.
Legacy and Impact
Periyar's contributions to the Tamil language and literature are undeniable. His magazine 'Kudi Arasu' was a pioneering publication that popularized the concept of social justice. Periyar's writings were compiled into books, many of which became bestsellers. While some academicians were initially reluctant to accept his reforms, they have since been widely adopted.
The impact of Periyar's reforms can be seen in the way Tamil is written and spoken today. His introduction of simplified letters and symbols has made the language more accessible to people from all walks of life. As teacher Tamil Aasaan notes, Periyar's suggestions will make it easier to teach children the language.
Contextualizing Periyar's Critique
It is essential to understand Periyar's critique of Tamil within the context of his broader vision for social reform. Rather than dismissing his comments as hypocritical, it is crucial to acknowledge the nuances of his perspective. Periyar's goal was not to disparage the Tamil language but to make it more inclusive and accessible to all.
By recognizing Periyar's contributions and legacy, we can work towards a more inclusive and progressive understanding of the Tamil language and culture. As we move forward, it's essential to continue the conversation about language reform and social justice, building on the foundations laid by Periyar.
In conclusion, Periyar's complex relationship with the Tamil language is a testament to his commitment to social reform and empowerment. His critique and rationalization of Tamil have had a lasting impact on the language and its role in Tamil culture.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of language and identity, Periyar's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. (Author is a Senior Journalist Associated with Hindusthan Samachar as Tamilnadu State Representative)
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
