The Spark

The Spark:

The launching of the South Indian Welfare Association popularly known as Justice Party in November 1916 by Sir P. Thiagarayar and others to promote social, economic and political interests of the Non-Brahmins, was the nucleus of the Dravidian movement. 

The historic achievements of the Justice Party Government namely:
Arresting the domination of Brahmins in administration and social strata.

Enacting the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act.

Implementation of communal reservation policy.

Midday Meals for poor children in Corporation Schools (later revived by Kamaraj and M.G.R. Governments) and 

Abolition of Deva Dasi system in Hindu temples awakened the spirit of self-respect, rationalism and unity among non-Brahmins.


Fed up with the domination of Brahmins and their religious fundamentalism, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy left the Congress in 1925 and formed the Self Respect Movement which was later transformed into a liberation movement named Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) in 1944. Dr. Anna and the other front line leaders took active role in spreading the ideals of D.K. Due to differences with Periyar over certain policies and programs, they left DK and formed DMK on 17th September, 1949. 

Dr. Anna became the General Secretary Dr. M. Karunanidhi-popularly called Dr. Kalaignar (Connoisseur of letters) – destined to carry and hold aloft the torch lit by Dr. Anna, was made member of the propaganda wing.