Ayyankali: Kerala Honors the Legacy of the Social Reformer on His Birth Anniversary

Kerala on Wednesday observed the 161st birth anniversary of Mahatma Ayyankali, a social reformer who fought against caste-based oppression and social inequality in the state.

In a Facebook post, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayana honored Ayyankali for empowering the oppressed people of Travancore, who were denied freedom of movement, education, and fair wages. Ayyankali challenged the caste-landlord system and spearheaded the Villuvandi (cart) journey and the 'Kallumala' struggle, which significantly undermined upper-caste dominance.

The Chief Minister highlighted how Ayyankali’s Villuvandi journey against travel restrictions had a profound impact on Kerala's social landscape. He also recalled Ayyankali’s efforts to secure school admissions for Dalit children and to improve wages for agricultural laborers.

"Modern Kerala was shaped by the organized struggles led by Ayyankali and others. May Ayyankali’s memory inspire us to create a more equal society and overcome social inequalities. Wishing everyone a happy Ayyankali Jayanthi," the Chief Minister said.

Who Was Ayyankali?

Born on August 28, 1863, in Travancore, Ayyankali was a revolutionary leader and one of the most important figures in Kerala's history, dedicated to advancing the rights of oppressed communities in the princely state.

His activism brought significant changes to the socio-political structure of Kerala, improving the lives of the suppressed classes. Known as the king of the Pulaya community, Ayyankali fought against the oppressive practices against the Pulayas who were bonded to labor and denied any land ownership and temple entry.

Ayyankali’s resistance included symbolic acts such as buying a bullock cart and riding it on roads traditionally reserved for upper-castes in 1893. He also challeneged social stigmas by entering the marketplace at Nedumangad.

Additionally, Ayyankali worked to champion educational opportunities for oppressed classes and advocated women's rights. 

(Inputs from PTI)