Foundation of the Memorial
Periyar Memorial at Arookutty: The Tamil Nadu government has announced the construction of a Periyar memorial at Arookutty in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The foundation stone will be laid on September 26, 2025. A fund allocation of ₹4 crore has been made for this project.
Static GK fact: Alappuzha is often called the Venice of the East due to its backwaters and houseboats.
Historical Significance of Arookutty
Periyar was arrested at Arookutty on May 21, 1924, during the famous Vaikom Satyagraha. He spent about a month in the Arookutty jail, which was then part of Travancore princely state. The remains of the old jail still stand at the chosen site for the memorial.
Static GK fact: Travancore merged with Cochin in 1949 to form Travancore-Cochin, which later became part of Kerala in 1956.
The Vaikom Satyagraha Movement
The Vaikom Satyagraha (March 1924 – November 1925) was a mass movement against caste-based restrictions near the Vaikom Sree Mahadeva temple. The agitation was initially led by T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and George Joseph.
Mahatma Gandhi extended his support to the agitation, which gave it national visibility. Periyar joined on April 13, 1924, after several frontline leaders were jailed. His leadership gave new strength to the struggle.
Periyar’s Role and Imprisonment
Periyar took over the leadership at a crucial phase and ensured the satyagraha continued despite repression. He was jailed multiple times, including a four-month rigorous imprisonment at Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail in July 1924.
His determination earned him the title “Vaikom Veerar” (Hero of Vaikom). The struggle was a milestone in the fight against caste discrimination in South India.
Static GK Tip: The Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936 by the Travancore ruler was a direct outcome of the Vaikom Satyagraha.
Long-term Legacy
The Vaikom Satyagraha set the stage for broader temple entry movements across India. It strengthened the call for social justice and equality before worship. The planned memorial at Arookutty will honor Periyar’s sacrifices and highlight the shared history of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the fight against caste barriers.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Periyar Memorial at Arookutty:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location of memorial | Arookutty, Alappuzha, Kerala |
| Foundation stone date | September 26, 2025 |
| Project allocation | ₹4 crore |
| Leader commemorated | Periyar E.V. Ramasamy |
| Arrested during | Vaikom Satyagraha, May 21, 1924 |
| Initial leaders of movement | T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, George Joseph |
| Gandhi’s involvement | Supported the agitation during 1924–25 |
| Title given to Periyar | Vaikom Veerar |
| Later impact | Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936 |
| Prison location after re-arrest | Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail |
