CM Stalin Inaugurates Memorial Hall for Iyothee Thass Pandithar at Chidambaram, Built at a Cost of ₹5.7 Crore

Tribute to a Visionary Leader Who Uplifted Marginalized Communities

Chidambaram : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin today inaugurated a grand memorial hall and statue dedicated to Iyothee Thass Pandithar at Lolapuram in Chidambaram, Cuddalore district. The project, completed at a cost of ₹5.70 crore, honours the legacy of the great reformer, scholar, and social justice pioneer.

The memorial includes a life-size statue, a memorial gallery, and pillars and symbols that reflect the values, struggles, and contributions of Iyothee Thass, a leading voice in the fight against caste oppression and a fierce advocate for the rights of Adi Dravidar and tribal communities.

Honouring a Lifelong Advocate for Equality

Iyothee Thass Pandithar was a towering intellectual, political leader, and spiritual thinker who worked relentlessly for Dalit empowerment and the annihilation of caste. He encouraged Dalits to reclaim their roots in Buddhism, opposed caste discrimination in education, and helped awaken a sense of pride among marginalized communities.

The new memorial showcases the key moments of his life and includes:

• A replica of his writing desk
• Portraits and bronze statues of fellow freedom fighters and reformers such as Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar, Maruthu Pandiyar, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, M.C. Rajah, and others
• Dedicated halls representing social movements and equality initiatives he led

A Revolutionary Trailblazer

Iyothee Thass, born in the 19th century, fought against social exclusion faced by Dalits in temples and schools. He stood up for education and dignity for the oppressed. He worked in the colonial administration, and later devoted himself to public service. From 1940 to 1970, his activism inspired many social justice movements in the Cuddalore and Thanjavur regions.

In 1952, he contested and won the parliamentary election from Cuddalore as an Indian National Congress candidate. A staunch follower of Periyar and his ideology, Iyothee Thass was associated with the Tamil Nadu Congress, All India Anti-Untouchability League, and held multiple elected positions including as a Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (MLA).

Legacy of a Statesman

Iyothee Thass’s contributions laid the foundation for the All India Dalit Movement and his work inspired future generations of leaders. He travelled widely across India, studied social and political inequality, and laid the groundwork for institutional frameworks like reservation policies and anti-discrimination laws.

In 1998, under the DMK government led by then CM Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, a commemorative honor was conferred on Iyothee Thass, marking him as a revered icon of Tamil Nadu’s social justice heritage.

Memorial Inauguration Fulfilled CM’s Assembly Promise

The memorial was announced by Chief Minister Stalin on April 18, 2023, in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly under Rule 110. The project was undertaken with the vision to document, celebrate, and pass on to future generations the inspiring life of Iyothee Thass, who championed equality, education, and community dignity.

At today’s event, CM Stalin also garlanded the statue of Iyothee Thass and paid his respects.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of several prominent leaders and elected officials:

• Minister for Municipal Administration Thiru K.N. Nehru
• Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Thiru E.V. Velu
• Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Thiru I. Periyasamy
• Minister for Tamil Development and Information Thiru M.P. Saminathan
• Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development Thiru C.V. Ganesan
• Special Representative of Tamil Nadu in Delhi Thiru A.K.S. Vijayan
• Members of Parliament including Thiru S. Thirumavalavan, Thiru T.R. Venkatesh, and Dr. M.K. Vishnu Prasad
• MLAs including Thiru K. Selvapandian, Thiru M. Chidambaranathan, Thiru T. Selvamurugan, and Thiru Ko. Ayyappan
• Representatives from various political parties including the CPI, IUML, CPM, and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee

Senior bureaucrats, including Cuddalore District Collector C.B. Aditya Senthilkumar, IAS, and members of Iyothee Thass’s family, also attended the event.