Kottayam, (Kerala) | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday inaugurated the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, established in honour of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E V Ramasamy, in Vaikom, here.

Stalin inaugurated the memorial and library after paying floral tributes at the site.

The event drew a large crowd to Vaikom, a town known for the historic Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-1925), which fought for the rights of lower castes to access temple roads.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan joined Stalin for the inauguration ceremony.

The programme marks the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations of the Vaikom Satyagraha, a movement that saw the active participation of Periyar E V Ramasamy.

Stalin is scheduled to address a public gathering at Vaikom Beach, where Vijayan will preside over the event and deliver the keynote address.

EV Ramasamy, the Dravidian stalwart fondly addressed as Periyar in Tamil Nadu, spearheaded the popular self respect movement in the state with a focus on rational thinking.

Most political parties in TN, including the Dravidian majors DMK and the AIADMK, swear by his principles.

Born on September 17, 1879, Periyar, fought for social equality and is a respected leader across political parties. He breathed his last on December 24, 1973.