Kakkan: The Emancipator

The one who didn't simply dream of freedom for some but for freedom of all, P. Kakkan was born today. He opened the gates that were hitherto closed, using the power he had to strengthen the powerless!

Remember for his fight for Independence; Source: Public Domain

For thousands of years, Hinduism has worked in a fashion unmatched over the world. Though religion is one, it is divided into many castes and sub-castes that are arranged in a hierarchical order. The lowest on the ladder are often subdued and suppressed socially, economically and politically. Even Gods don't want to see them and will be polluted if they enter the house of the lord.

Some eighty years ago, even before India won independence, a man rose to call for the freedom of all on the subcontinent. The most convenient way that he found was to make Gods accessible to all. So one day, he along with his fellows who were fighting for freedom and some Dalits stood at the gates of Meenakshi-Sundareshwar temple of Madurai

On that day in July of 1939, something happened that had not happened for thousands of years. The scheduled castes opened the gates of the temple and went inside. The upper castes stood strong in opposition but nothing deterred the faith and courage of Dalits.

This because they were being led by P. Kakkan, a straightforward, non-controversial and honest man. He never chased fame and believed in real work. Maybe that is why history chose to forget him. All that is left in his honour is a green-coloured stamp of his oval face.

Kakkan was born in a Dalit family in 1908 on 18th June in Madurai. His father was the priest in the village shrine. Kakkan was not very good in academics and left school very early for he failed his secondary school examinations. Interestingly, he became a teacher and later involved himself in social work.

Most of Kakkan's lives work was focused on making Dalits empowered by methods like opening public and sacred spaces for the people of his caste.

Impressed by the ideas of Gandhi, he jolted himself to the freedom of his nation. He even joined Congress and participated in national movements for independence. It was no big highlight that his hard work and determination and his will to fight for the right made him the face of Congress in Madurai.

Among many who were fighting for the Dalits at the time, one voice belonged to Kakkan. While others wanted reservation in education and opportunities, he opened the proposals of reservation in the army and police, envisioning his caste as the protector.

After the country finally won independence, he served in several important ministerial positions and worked for people, agriculture and managing other important affairs of his state. He always remained attached to his roots and understood the problems of people in the lower rungs. When he had power, he built dams and improvised agriculture.

After serving his country and people for seventy-three years, Kakkan went on rest forever. Though his name has been forgotten, the battle he started is still being fought. India has been independent for several years now, freedom of all is still a distant dream which will come true sooner or later as the efforts of many Kakkans pile one on the other.