Mahatma Ayyankali (1863-1941)
- Why in the news? : PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to social reformer Mahatma Ayyankali on his 162nd birth anniversary.
- Introduction : Mahatma Ayyankali was a great social reformer and Dalit leader from Travancore, Kerala. He made tireless efforts for the upliftment of Dalits and oppressed classes in the state.
- Born : August 28, 1863, Venganoor, Thiruvananthapuram (then Travancore, now Kerala).
- Major contributions and achievements : He worked to give people of lower castes the right to use public roads. He led the ‘Sadhana-Adhikaram’ movement
to ensure the right of Dalit children to enter schools. He launched the Kali Movement (1904), also known as the Velikkulhi Movement, demanding fair wages and better working conditions for agricultural labourers. He organized India’s first agricultural strike (1904). He fought throughout his life for the self-respect and social justice of Dalits.
- Importance : He is also known as the Father of Dalit movement in Kerala.