Mahatma Ayyankali Social Reformer
Source : PIB
GS I : Social Justice; Prelims : About Ayaankali and various efforts
What is discussed under Mahatma Ayyankali Social Reformer?
- About Mahatma Ayyankali
- Effect of the efforts
Why in News ?
PM Modi Pays Tribute To Social Reformer Mahatma Ayyankali.
Mahatma Ayyankali
- Ayyankali was born on August 28, 1863 in present day Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala erstwhile princely state
of Travancore. He died in 1941. - Member of the Pulaya community of untouchable people who were illiterate and rural slaves, Ayyankali resolved to get rid of boundaries of the caste system.
- Ayyankali in 1893 rode an ox-cart challenging the ‘ban’ on untouchables from accessing public roads by caste-Hindus on of the major achievements.
- One of the first strike of working class against discrimination of untouchables in schools, they strike against the landlords.
- Ayyankali started Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham which later raised funds to start their own schools.
- He was very much inspired by Sree Narayana Guru.
- The organised a walk came to be known as ‘walk for freedom’ leads to riots as Chaliyar riots.
- Mahatma Gandhi called Ayyankali as Pulaya king and Indira Gandhi described him as India’s greatest son.
Effect of the efforts
- Travancore government ordered that Pulaya children be admitted to all schools which Ezhava children have access 1910.
- Ayyankali later became a member of the assembly of Travancore, known as the Sree Moolam Popular Assembly.
- Brahma Nishta Matam organisation was established against converting to Christianity by preaching Hinduism.
Later Constitutional Support
- Article 15(4) : State to create special arrangements for promoting the interests and welfare of socially and educationally backward classes of the society such as SC and STs.
- Article 17 : Abolishes the practice of untouchability
- Article 330 : Reservations for seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
Laws and Commissions
- SC and the ST (Prevention of Atrocities) amendment Act, 2018.
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes under Article 338.
Daily Current Affairs : Click Here
Also Read :