Temple Agitation Launched In TN

Madras: Dravida Kazhagam launched its State-wide “boycott temple” agitation on Aug. 24 to press its demand to stop caste discriminations in the appointment of priests. The Maharajan Commission appointed by the TN Govt. had upheld the demand of the shudras and Untouchables to become temple priests a job so far reserved for Brahmins only. DK general Secretary, who was earlier seriously injured in a high caste assault (DV no. 20), led the peaceful agitation at Madras. In different parts of TN, rationalists & other low caste people picketed temples asking devotees not to enter as caste discriminations are practised inside. Reports reaching here said the agitation received wide support from the low castes who for the first time came to know of this mischief. Hindu “sacred scriptures”, temples, archakas, the whole lot of rituals and festivals are designed to enforce discrimination against low castes in general and women in particular. They thanked the DK for highlighting this mischief and educating them. DK has also published in its mass-circulated Tamil daily, Viduthalal, with facts and figures the ‘domination of Brahmin priests” in different temples owned by the govt. District-wise figures of Brahmin & non-Brahmin priests are given.